The campaign for the 48^th Senatorial district has been historic with records set for money spent, TV ads run and sadly mailers sent. (My mailbox is flooded with them too). Personally, I’ve found the whole process frustrating. We all recognize that politics and campaign rhetoric can become contentious but, in this campaign, far more rhetoric has been focused on negative messaging and not enough on civil discussions of where we hope to see the Commonwealth go in the future. At times it felt like we spent more time disproving the almost constant, false claims made about my record than sharing our plan for the future.

When I ran four years ago I made a promise . . a promise to be your conservative voice in Harrisburg. I think we lived up to that promise and I’m proud of our record and what our team has accomplished. From passing the financial literacy bill that will finally allow every student in Pennsylvania to take a financial literacy class in high school to fighting for tax cuts to our personal income taxes and pushing to eliminate the excise tax that is on every one of our electric bills. These efforts need to continue. It is paramount that we find ways to drive down everyday costs for the people of Pennsylvania.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our willingness to stand up to special interests. When people ask me what this campaign is all about I tell them “it’s all about gambling . . it’s about a skill game company from out of state that I refused to do their bidding.” A company that felt they should be able to write their own rules and regulations here in Pennsylvania. You see, it was an easy answer for me to say NO . . . to take a stand. I firmly believe that no special interest group in Pennsylvania should have preferential treatment over what is best for the people of Pennsylvania. However, that stand was met with a threat. A threat that if I didn’t do what I’m told they will replace me with someone that will.

And so, 18 months ago they set out to find a candidate . . and boy did they have to search. At last count I think they had asked 20 plus people with no takers. I take it as a great compliment and a reflection of our conservative record that they had to search so hard and in the end they couldn’t find a single Republican to be their horse.

However, when they finally found their guy the $2 million machine went to work painting a picture. Lying about me and honestly lying about him because he had to get whitewashed to look good. He had to change his party registration and try to wipe out a lifetime of liberal public statements.

But people here in the 48^th district . . they are sharp . . . and they can smell a pile of horse crap a mile away.

Cutting through all the mail, all the TV and all the digital ads this campaign is actually very simple. It’s about a contrast . . a contrast between my opponent and I and when you look closely the differences are clear.

Only one candidate in this race is a lifelong Republican . . . In fact – only one candidate in this race has ever voted in an election as a Republican.
Only one candidate in this race is a champion for small businesses and has been endorsed by the PA Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Realtors Association of Pennsylvania.
Only one candidate in this race is endorsed by the NRA and Gun Owners of America. These are the two most trusted organizations fighting for our second amendment constitutional rights. They know this issue and they know who the right choice is.
Only one candidate in this race is Pro-Life, has 100% pro-life rating and is endorsed by the Pro-Life Federation. My opponent tried to mislead the Pro Life Federation, got caught lying about his record and had his rating revoked because he is Pro-Abortion. I will always stand on the side for life no questions asked.
Only one candidate in this race has received a PATRIOT rating from Turning Point Action . . one of the leading Conservative voices in America.
Only one candidate in this race can claim true independence from money and special interests. You see our campaign is supported by hard working people from all over the commonwealth. My opponent has received 99% of his financial support from one industry . . you guessed it the Skill game industry.

Yes, this race is about contrast. Campaigns can say whatever they want. They can spend MILLIONS to mislead you and be reckless with truth. But these organizations I referenced . . they tell the truth. Their job is to vet candidates and tell the people of Pennsylvania the unbiased truth.

And the truth is I’m proud of my conservative record, I’m proud to have earned the support of all these organizations and I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg.

This campaign is about fighting for the future of Pennsylvania. On May 19^th, voters will face a clear choice: a candidate backed by special interests, or a representative with the resolve to withstand pressure and act in the best interests of the community.

It has been an honor to be your state Senator these last four years and I humbly ask for your Vote on May 19^th.

God bless you all, God bless this great Commonwealth and God Bless the United States of America.