Paisley ends neutrality, backs Petrella

MONACA -- Former Mike Veon foe and Beaver County political fixture Jay Paisley has thrown his support behind Democratic state Senate candidate Jason Petrella in his neck-and-neck race against Republican Elder Vogel Jr.

Paisley, who attended Tuesday night's debate between the two candidates, had originally committed to remaining neutral. But he said a series of attacks against Petrella linking him to the scandal-plagued Beaver County Democratic Party made him "feel obligated" lend his support.

Petrella isn't part of the party machine run by former Minority Whip Veon no matter what Vogel and the State Republican Party say, Paisley told PolitickerPA.com. Petrella was enemy No. 1 to Democrats in the county after running just six months ago against their anointed choice to take the reins in the 47th Senatorial District, state Rep. Sean Ramaley. Petrella lost to the now indicted lawmaker by an unexpectedly close margin.

Paisley's words might carry more weight with voters because of his well-known challenge to Veon in the 2006 Democratic primary. Veon later lost to state Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver County), who Paisley backed in the general election.

The attacks against Petrella reminded him of some of the ones he faced when he challenged Veon, although he emphasized the criticisms come from the state Republican Party, not Vogel himself.

"I think the campaign went over the line," Paisley said. "They crossed the line -- the Republican State Committee."

Sharp criticism, however, hasn't been limited to Republicans. Petrella and his Democratic backers have said Vogel "is in the pocket" of Mike Long, a well-known GOP strategist in Harrisburg. Paisley took issue with that attack, as well.

Kind of.

"I don't think he's in Mike Long's pocket," Paisley said. "I just think he's in the establishment's pocket."

Paisley tried to have his name placed on the ballot after Ramaley bowed out his campaign following his indictment as part of "Bonusgate" but failed to acquire the number of signatures necessary.

Despite his criticism of Vogel's criticisms, Paisley laughed at the notion this has been a rough campaign.

Petrella will grow into a becoming a quality state senator, he said, but both he and Vogel are naive about the sharp elbows that accompany politics. He had a warning for whoever emerges the victor.

"They ain't seen nothing yet," he said.