CROSSING LINES: Pennsylvania Republicans form super PAC to elect Democratic Governor
At least nine prominent Pennsylvania Republicans are backing the state’s Democratic candidate for Governor and forming a super PAC to help Attorney General Josh Shapiro beat the ultra MAGA GOP candidate, Doug Mastriano. Why would a group of Republicans endorse a Democrat? Well, according to Bucks County Republican and former U.S. Rep. Jim Greenwood, not only is Mastriano “extreme” and “dangerous” but:
“Mastriano continues to fan the flames of division, doubling down on his threats to undermine our democracy and attacking anyone who dares to criticize him. Pennsylvanians deserve better in our next governor.”
It is a sentiment echoed by other Republicans who are throwing their support behind Shapiro, whom former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Lehigh) says is “a threat to the rule of law and the constitutional order.”
You don’t say? A known election denier and January 6th participant, State Sen. Mastriano has campaigned on a platform filled with divisive rhetoric and anti-semitic QAnon conspiracies.
There is mounting evidence that the PA presidential election was compromised. If this is the case, under Article II, Section 1.2 of the US Constitution, the state legislature has the sole authority to direct the manner of selecting delegates to the Electoral College. (1)
— Senator Doug Mastriano (@SenMastriano) November 28, 2020
It was this tweet that earned Mastriano a subpoena from House Select Committee for his role in the “fake elector” scheme. Mastriano also coordinated the “hearing” at a Pennsylvania hotel led by Rudy Giuliani that supposedly “proved” widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
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It didn’t.
Shapiro continues to call out his opponent, not just for Mastriano’s propagating of the “Big Lie,” but for his participation in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Mastriano tried to downplay his role until a video surfaced showing him on Capitol grounds.
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I want to make this clear: he knew what he was doing when he crossed those barricades and ignored law enforcement on January 6th.
He took part in an attempted coup and marched to the Capitol. He wants to be our Governor.
We will stop him. Doug Mastriano is an insurrectionist.
— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) June 10, 2022
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The Hill reported that former State House Speaker Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia) released this statement about endorsing Shapiro:
“In the Legislature, Josh championed some of the strongest ethics reforms in Pennsylvania’s history, and as Attorney General, he’s continued to work with Republicans and Democrats alike to get things done. That’s a stark contrast with his opponent, who continues to divide us and waste time and taxpayer money on his conspiracy theories and plans to upend Pennsylvania’s elections. We deserve a Governor who will bring people together, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse Josh Shapiro.”
In addition to Greenwood, O’Brien, and Dent, the list of Republicans endorsing Shapiro include former state representatives Dave Steil (R-Bucks County), Lita Cohen (R-Montgomery), former state Supreme Court Justice Sandra Schultz Newman (R-Montgomery County), and former Republican Chair Ken Davis.
Like the rest of America, it appears more level-headed Republicans have grown tired of the lunacy surrounding ultra-MAGA ideology, Trumpism, and the “Big Lie.”
As for his recent endorsements, Shapiro released a statement saying, “I am grateful to receive the endorsement of so many Republican leaders who recognize the stakes of the governor’s race.”
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