Toomey for Senate

By MIKE REUTHER - mreuther@sungazette.com
POSTED: July 17, 2010
Williamsport Sun-Gazette

U.S. Senatorial candidate Pat Toomey brought his message of smaller government, less spending and job growth to Williamsport during a campaign swing through the area.

Toomey, 48, made it clear during an interview with the Sun-Gazette that he stands opposed to many of the measures championed by the Obama Administration.

There's little question, Toomey said, that people are fed up with government bailouts and higher taxes, he claims the Democrat-controlled Congress is pushing.

While conceding that the economy my be showing some signs of improving, the recovery should be more robust.

Toomey, running against Joe Sestak, who defeated Arlen Specter in the Democratic primary, said a turn-around is possible.

"We haven't lost our important assets," he said. "I am convinced we can have a strong economy."

It will mean encouraging job growth in the private sector rather than by growing the government, and discouraging higher taxes and measures such as cap and trade and the Employee Free Choice Act, Toomey said.

"It's getting the economy moving again," he said. "Getting us out of the recession."

The Employee Free Choice Act, or so-called card check, calls for a bargaining unit to be formed in workplaces if more than 50 percent of workers sign cards, which many Republicans oppose. Currently, if more than 30 percent of workers sign cards, the National Labor Relations Board schedules a secret-ballot election. Provisions of the act also call for mediation and arbitration for first contract disputes and stronger penalties for violations of employee rights when workers seek to unionize and to negotiate contracts.

"I'd like to see us lower the capital gains tax," Toomey said, noting that such reductions provide incentives for spending and investment.

Toomey spoke out against the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 which passed 60-39 in the Senate this week.

Supporters of the bill, which was backed by just three Republicans, claim it promotes U.S. financial stability by improving accountability and transparency in the financial system, protects taxpayers by ending bailouts and consumers from abusive financial services practices.

As a former small business owner, Toomey said he understands about dealing with budgets, growing jobs and running complex organizations.

Such lessons, he said, are applicable for being a senator.

Toomey, who served in Congress from 1999 to 2005, said positive action can come out of Washington.

He noted the bipartisanship that worked during the Clinton administration when Republicans controlled Congress and there existed job growth and a strong economy.

"I want us to restore economic growth and rein in a government that is out of control," he said.

Regarding immigration, Toomey said the U.S. needs to strengthen its borders and increase its law enforcement presence to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the country.

Toomey noted that the Marcellus Shale affords the state an opportunity for greatly expanding its job base, but drilling must be done responsibly to ensure water quality is not destroyed.

He said the state Department of Environmental Protection has regulations in place and must be allowed to do its job without interference from the federal government.

Regarding his opponent, he said Sestak represents a liberal agenda he does not support.

He pointed to Sestak's votes for government bailouts, health care reform, and tax hikes.

"I think this is going to be a very competitive race," he said.