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‘GT’ handily defends Congressional seat

WENDY STIVER/THE EXPRESS U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, right, talks with Mill Hall Mayor and former county commissioner Thomas H. Bossert.

LOCK HAVEN — U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, successfully defended his seat in Congress, roundly defeating Democratic contender Kerith Taylor.

Thompson hosted what he called an election night victory party and invited the public to attend. He chose the Lock Haven EMS Center as the party site because, he said, it would help the emergency service and the building is also a “wonderful facility.”

He said he finished up campaigning with “my good friend Mike Pence in Erie” Monday night at a rally where Thompson spoke on stage.

He thanked and spoke with many supporters in the large crowd, young and old alike, while pizza, desserts, beverages and other party food was enjoyed and a big screen showed the Fox News coverage of the national election.

Don Malliband of Huntingdon sang his original “Let’s Make America Great Again” and a number of other patriotic songs, including some he wrote himself, throughout the evening.

Thompson first introduced Stephanie Borowicz, Republican candidate for state House who lost to incumbent Mike Hanna by a relatively narrow margin.

Thompson returned to the mic later and gave his victory speech:

“Tonight’s victory was possible because you have allowed me to take your homegrown solutions to Washington. Through listening and leading, we have been effective at moving significant policies and pieces of legislation. Whether in education, supporting the dignity of the disabled, or to ensure people can gain the skills needed to be competitive in the workforce, we have been making a difference.

“While there has been an increasingly negative tone throughout this election cycle, we have run a very positive campaign that should make each and every volunteer and supporter proud. We must work to get the negative out of politics and remain focused on doing what is best for our families and neighbors.

“Despite these challenges, not once have I got up in the morning and considered this a job. Being your Congressman is a privilege, and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue serving the people of Pennsylvania’s 5th District. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the 115th Congress.”

Taylor spoke with The Express from her home in Brookville, about an hour before the polls had closed.

“I’m sitting at my kitchen island with my family, and we’re going to a watch party around 8 p.m. for all of our supporters and volunteers,” she said.

Taylor also ran against Thompson for the 5th Congressional District seat in 2014, and she spent election day two years ago driving from point to point, she said. This year, she spent time locally, she said.

“It’s been a lovely day. We walked down to vote, and got to watch a bald eagle feeding in the river,” she said.

While she called this election day exciting, she also said, “I think most people are just relieved it’s over. As you know, it’s been a caustic campaign and I think most people are glad.”

The Express could not reach her by phone after Thompson was declared the winner.

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