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Multiple GOP candidates speak at Lincoln Day Dinner

FLEMINGTON -- A total of 16 candidates and their representatives petitioning to run for state office turned out to speak at the Clinton County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner held at the Red Eye Center.

Each candidate spent time mingling with those in attendance, encouraging voters to sign their petitions which are currently being circulated. Each candidate must get at least 2,000 signatures be included on the ballot during the May 17 Primary election.

Prospective candidates for governor of Pennsylvania, lieutenant governor and senate races were given four minutes to speak prior to a buffet-style dinner provided by The Cottage Restaurant.

GOVERNOR

Multiple potential candidates for governor turned out to speak during the dinner held on Saturday. They included:

Jake Corman

Senate Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte) has served as the 34th District Representative in the senate since 1998. Corman told those gathered he was compelled to run in 1998 because of his family. "In the next five to 10 years, they're going to choose where to live," Corman said. To ensure his children and thousands of others in the commonwealth have the opportunities and want to remain here, Corman said "we've just got to get government out of the way." He also spoke on Gov. Tom Wolf's current administration, denouncing his "extensive power overreach" during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. "It offended me as a legislator and as a citizen," he said. Corman concluded his speech, expressing the need to trust the people of Pennsylvania. "If we put our trust in people, we'll succeed," he said.

Dr. Nche Zama

Dr. Nche Zama, a retired heart and lung surgeon, said he achieved the American Dream after coming to the United States from Cameroon, Africa with only $20 in his pocket. Zama completed training at the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard University. He holds a PhD in chemistry, a Harvard master's degree in management and a medical degree. Zama was Director of the ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute in East Stroudsburg, Director of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Jefferson Aria Health in Philadelphia, Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, and has been a Staff Cardiothoracic Surgeon for Susquehanna Health Systems in Williamsport and York Hospital in York. Zama said, as a surgeon, he is pro-life and considers himself to be a humanitarian doctor. "Pennsylvania is sick and needs a heart surgeon," he said.

Bill McSwain

United States Marine and former U.S. prosecutor of eastern Pennsylvania appointed by former President Donald Trump, Bill McSwain said law and order is his issue. McSwain, a Chester County resident, is a graduate of West Chester Henderson High School, Yale University and the Harvard Law School. McSwain said he stepped into voids made by other public officials in 2020 during riots in Philadelphia and put a stop to heroin injection sites in the commonwealth. "President Trump appointed me to enforce the law," he said. McSwain stressed the importance of the 2022 election. "Losing is not an option," he said.

Lou Barletta

Lou Barletta has also thrown his hat into the ring for the governor's election. Barletta served as the U.S. House Representative for Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. He served from 2011 until 2019. Barletta was unable to attend the dinner due to an illness, but his daughter Kelly spoke on his behalf. Prior to his time in the House, Barletta served as mayor of Hazelton he became know for a high-profile immigration ordinance that spurred legal challenges. "He's pro-gun, pro-family, pro-business and pro-American," she said.

Charlie Gerow

Charlie Gerow, CEO of Quantum Communications and Vice Chairman of CPAC and the American Conservative Union, is running on the slogan "from the people, for the people." Born to poverty in Brazil and adopted by Christian missionaries, Gerow began his career on the campaign staff of Ronald Reagan. He has lived in Pennsylvania for 60 years. He is a member of the Republican State Committee from Cumberland County and has also been elected multiple times as a Delegate to the Republican National Convention. Gerow is a supporter of the Right to Life Movement, a member of the NRA and promotes Pennsylvania's natural gas industry.

Jason Richey

Allegheny County native Jason Richey coined himself as a "conservative outsider" whose journey in to politics is to help a 50-year decline he's seen in the state. Richey, who grew up in Aliquippa outside of Pittsburgh, said he watched families struggle in his early life following multiple steel mill closures. Richey graduated from college with a degree in law and joined K&L Gates LLP where he represented large and small manufacturing and energy companies. "I'm running because Pennsylvania has been in a 50-year decline," he said. "I said enough is enough, it's time to step up."

Melissa Hart

Western Pennsylvania resident and former state senator Melissa Hart is also joining the race for governor. Hart served three terms in the state senate after pushing out her Democratic incumbent at 28 years old. During her time in office, Hart said she helped pass legislation that cut the heritage tax for living spouses and redeveloped old mill sites. Following her time in the senate, she served in the House of Representatives through 9/11 until 2007. "Pennsylvania needs common sense," she said. "I plan to run, win and produce."

SENATE

With current United State Senator Pat Toomey's departure, five candidates are vying for his position in the 2022 election.

Kathy Barnette

Appearing regularly on national TV and radio, Kathy Barnette is a veteran, former adjunct professor of corporate finance, sought-after conference speaker and conservative political commentator. Barnette attributes her work ethic and drive to her family, having grown up on a pig farm in rural Alabama. "No one ever looked at me and called me a victim … as a result I became the first of my family to go to college," she said. "Only in America do you hear that happening." Barnette believes that, if it were up to Democratic legislatures, she would still be on that pig farm, waiting for government assistance. She is running on a campaign that includes "canceling the cancel culture, protecting election integrity, defending the right to bear arms and fighting for American independence."

George Bochetto

Former New York resident George Bochetto said there is something unique about him that sets him apart from other candidates. "I'm the only orphan in the race," he said. Bochetto said he spent the first six years of his life in an orphanage, where he learned fast that "you don't spend money you don't have." Bochetto said Washington is spending money they don't have and causing increased inflation. A graduate of Temple University of Law, Bochetto is an advocate for conservative and cultural causes such as supports law and order, the Keystone Pipeline and natural gas resources and preserving history. Bochetto noted he has been endorsed by multiple FOP organizations as well.

Dr. Rick Saccone

Dr. Rick Saccone, former representative in the PA House, is running on a campaign that is pro-life and pro-second amendment among others. "The difference is, I've got a record … a record you can check," he said. Saccone was elected four times to the PA House of Representatives and ran for Congress in 2018. Before that he spent a career in the USAF as a Counterintelligence Officer and Special Agent, conducting felony criminal, fraud, and counterintelligence investigations and operations worldwide. While in the House, Saccone said he authored or helped push bills through the house that support the Second Amendment, including concealed carry. He also originally authored the Heartbeat Bill which has since been picked up by State Representative Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Centre). "We need to send the most qualified person to Harrisburg," he said. "I know how to defeat the swamp … I know the games they play."

Chris Frye

Chris Frye, current Mayor of New Castle, Pa., is a Gannon University graduate with a bachelor's degree in social work and a Master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organizing and Social Administration. "I brought that skill set to the table and we've seen many successes in New Castle," Frye said. As mayor of New Castle, Frye has managed the budget and day-to-day operations applying a fiscally conservative approach. Since his appointment, the city has not seen an increase in taxes, he said. Frye's platform includes pro-life, pro-second amendment and pro-school choice among others. Frye believes his skills in social work, and ability to work with others, will be an asset to the role of lieutenant governor.

Clarice Schillinger

Montgomery County resident Clarice Schillinger believes it takes a mother to clean up a mess. This is the attitude she said she will take with her to Harrisburg. A Franklin County native, Schillinger said becoming a single mother at 19 helped shape her path in life. This experience is a story she tells often when she discusses her pro-life stance. Education is another major point in Schillinger's life. In 2020, Schillinger left her job as a legal aide and founded bipartisan grassroots organization Keeping Kids in School PAC. The movement helped elect school board candidates across the state that would keep schools open and parents and tax payers included in decision making. "What you don't have now is leadership. I will be here, just like I am today," he said. Schillinger highlighted her major campaign points -- education and school choice; economic growth; and police and emergency responders support.

John Brown

John Brown has served as Northampton County Executive since 2014. Previously, he also served as the Mayor of Bangor and worked in the private sector revitalizing struggling businesses. Brown lives with his wife, Tina, and son, Zachary, in Northampton County. He holds a degree from Notre Dame. Brown said his previous experiences as a mayor and executive show he can get results -- this includes job management, economic growth and lower taxes. He also noted his willingness to work and support the candidate for governor. "This doesn't work unless we get the governor elected," he said. "I can lend a hand to the governor race so we are able to hit the ground running with you."

Carrie Lewis Delrosso

State Representative Carrie Lewis Delrosso currently serves parts of Allegheny County and Westmoreland County. She was elected to her position in 2020 pushing out her Democratic incumbent. Delrosso, a small business owner, describes herself as a pro-life, Second Amendment advocate and a staunch opponent of increased state taxes and a supporter of term limits. "Too many in Harrisburg see tax increases as a first resort. I don't," Carrie says. "Tax and spend schemes are futile. Arbitrary business closures that don't just pick winners and losers, but decide on who the survivors verge on madness. We need to restore dignity to the office of lieutenant governor and honor and honesty to the governor's office."

Jeff Coleman

Jeff Coleman, who was elected as the youngest member of the House of Representatives in 2000 at 25 years old, has been endorsed by Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson. "I am grateful to GT Thompson for his endorsement," Coleman said. Coleman said the job of lieutenant governor is not a one policy issue -- but to preside over the Senate and ensure debates are civil and effective. "I believe that the lieutenant governor's job is to bring civility and decorum to a role that's been lost," he said. Coleman also noted the importance of civility between elected officials. "When people are made in the image of God … that means we don't destroy them. We persuade them," he said. "We we have now is essentially two teenagers that are slamming doors and giving each other the middle finger." Coleman believes he can help ensure civility returns.