CHRISTINA WILLIAMS/THE EXPRESS Dr. Mehmet Oz waves to the crowd at the opening of the Clinton County Republican Party headquarters.

CHRISTINA WILLIAMS/THE EXPRESS
The opening of the Clinton County Republican Party headquarters brought in enough of a crowd that some attendees had to stand around the edge.

LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County Republican Party opened its headquarters this week and welcomed special guest, Senatorial candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Oz stopped by the headquarters, the former Walkers Hardware Store, at 7 First St., Lock Haven, during its grand opening on Tuesday night. Even with the rain, roughly 300 local supporters turned out to meet Oz, along with Stephanie Borowicz, Republican candidate and 76th District State House Representative incumbent; Congressman Fred Keller and Senator Cris Dush.

Oz spoke to the crowd for about 20 minutes, referencing his opponent — Democrat John Fetterman — as being “the most radical candidate ever who will not debate Oz.”

His focus on his opponent continued, claiming Fetterman had not worked a day in his life and said he “doesn’t seem qualified for anything.”

He noted Fetterman’s unwillingness to debate with him, citing his decreased presence on the campaign trail following a stroke in May. Meanwhile, according to Oz, he’s made roughly 180 appearances throughout the Commonwealth, including a stop in Williamsport in the same evening.

Oz further said Fetterman wants to “pack” the US Supreme Court, to do away with filibusters and supports open borders and “dismisses the value of good police.”

Raelene Decker, North Central Regional Director for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Doug Mastriano, was also in attendance.

Decker described the election as a “spiritual battle. Good versus evil.” She added that Mastriano intends to get rid of mail-in voting for those who do not have an excuse to come to a polling place.

U.S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson’s wife, Penny, spoke briefly about her husband — who is running to retain his seat in the 15th District.

“We will be happy to welcome Clinton County back into Thompson’s district in the new year,” she said.

The event featured an opportunity for residents to chat with some of the candidates or their representatives, enjoy refreshments and grab yard signs to show their support.