Toomey backs Russell, thinks he'll win
By Alex Roarty, PolitickerPA.com ReporterNEW STANTON -- When you're close to toppling a 34-year incumbent Democratic congressman, Republican big-wigs begin to take notice.
On Sunday, it was former congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey who formally endorsed Republican Bill Russell and attended his mid-day campaign event here. His endorsement comes a week after former Arkansas Governor and GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee threw his support behind Russell.
Toomey didn't speak at the rally but talked privately with Russell afterward, urging him to do what many thought was impossible a month ago.
Russell is challenging U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) in the 12th Congressional District. His campaign became a ray of hope for Republicans in an otherwise bleak climate nationwide after poll number showed him within 5 points of Murtha.
Toomey told PolitickerPA.com he, like even most in Russell's own campaign, didn't think the first-time politician had a chance against Murtha, a western Pennsylvanian institution. He was still doubtful four months ago and still had reservations as recently as September.
"But today it looks like he's going to win," Toomey said.
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RUSSELL IS LOST AGAIN
Russell is LOST again...Holds ‘Final Campaign Rally' in WRONG Congressional District
JOHNSTOWN, PA - William Russell ONCE again shows he lives in Virginia, and announced a ‘final campaign rally' in New Stanton this afternoon. When you're staging an event, and bussing in people from outside our region, it makes perfect sense to hold it in a place like New Stanton. That is, if you're planning on running against Congressman Tim Murphy, because New Stanton is in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District.
Now some might say that William Russell doesn't own a map, and others might say that he's quite happy staying in hotels when away from his home in Virginia. But the truth is, William Russell doesn't understand Western Pennsylvania, and is unfit to represent us in Congress.
And one other thing - Russell will be gathering outside the district with people that will make false claims about Congressman Murtha's position on guns and veterans. More lies from a campaign of lies. Murtha is endorsed by the NRA, and if you've haven't heard our radio ad featuring Chris Cox from the NRA, it's very persuasive. Murtha is also endorsed by the VFW-PAC, VoteVets.org, and has an ‘A' rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Jack Murtha knows his district, and his final rally will be with President Bill Clinton at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, which is in fact in the 12th Congressional District. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. on Monday.
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