Thompson says he and Peterson nearly identical

BELLEFONTE -- Republican candidate Glenn Thompson is sure he and U.S. Rep. John Peterson (R-Pleasantville) have differences.

The congressional candidate just couldn't name any in an interview with PolitickerPa.com.

"Obviously, I'm sure there are issues we're on the opposite side of," he said, "I just don't know what those are at this point."

But Peterson's GOP heir apparent had no such problem describing how he and the retiring congressman are alike, especially about their shared opposition to tolls on Interstate 80.

Peterson emerged last year as the most vocal critic of the state legislature's plan to toll I-80, which was designed to raise money to repair the state's aging roads and bridges and free up money for ailing mass transit systems. Peterson said the plan was constructed without considering the economic impact it would have on the state's already suffering northern tier.

The economic impact would be devastating to several local businesses, Thompson said, including dairy farmers and modular home builders.

"And that scenario is played out over and over again in terms of financial impact," he said. "They're going to pass this along as a four-letter word, 'toll,' when really it is a three-letter word, 'tax.'"

Peterson has also emerged as a national figure on energy, even withholding his endorsement from U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) because he deemed his plan unsatisfactory.

Thompson said he'd like to see Congress at least decide to permit expanded domestic off-shore drilling before Peterson leaves. If it doesn't, he promised to continue carrying the torch for the man he describes as his mentor.

"I've really benefited from his knowledge," Thompson said. "We've formed a very close relationship."

Several incumbent GOP congressmen, such as U.S. reps. Phil English (R-Erie) and Tim Murphy (R-Upper St. Clair), have run from the GOP brand this election.

Thompson, whose rural 17-county district remains solidly Republican, said he still embraces the GOP.

"I don't shy away from Republican values," he said. "I see them as values of smaller government and personal responsibility, and those are the things that build our nation and made it strong."

But does he still support President George W. Bush?

"I don't agree with everything he's done," Thompson said, "but he's had some tough times. It's not an easy thing."