I’ll let the announcement video speak for itself!
http://www.DanLaVallee.com
I’ve known Dan now for several years. I can vouch for his commitment to people, confidence, and hard work. He’s one of the nicest persons I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with (and I work with a lot of very nice people!).
During the great recession, and the continuing weaker-than-needed recovery, we often discussed what could be done to make things better, for people of all ages.
Dan’s key focus is on economic and community development. His roots are very deep in Northwest Pennsylvania, and it hurts to see young people having to move away to find meaningful work or pay their student loans because the economy of many towns and districts continues to fall behind.
In these times, community development means attracting innovative, energetic people. People move to, or stay in, communities that are well kept, have good schools and nice amenities, and a nurturing, community feel. They start new businesses and bring new activity and life. Good government and caring communities are sort of the bedrock of progressivism.
Dan’s second mission is to replace the tea-party Republicans who are sabotaging the economy. We can only do that if we win elections, and he is very motivated, organized, and has a great campaign team.
CBS Pittsburgh: Newest Congressman is a Tea Party Favorite http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/...
I don’t live in the district, and I’m not savvy about all the details of Pennsylvania politics, but I know that Northwest Pennsylvania could switch to blue with the right candidates. It’s a conservative leaning area, but it’s not tea-party crazy. For years, when I worked as a Congressional staffer, the district was represented by Phil English, a fairly moderate Republican, at least on economic issues – the sort of conservative that we can barely remember now.
The incumbent Republican Congressman is far too tea-party and obstructionist for the district. The government shutdown was a disgrace, and the constant brinksmanship on basic budget and bill-paying measures is holding the economy back. I think many sensible Republican voters – especially senior voters – could be persuaded to vote for a Democratic candidate like Dan in 2014 (and President Hillary Clinton in 2016!). Pennsylvania has done a great job registering Democrats for presidential elections, but in a tough off-year election, we’ll need to continue to register, turn out to vote, and attract moderates and some sensible conservatives to our side with our honesty and hard work. We can win back the 3rd District, and the House of Representatives.
I’m not associated with Dan’s campaign, but I do have his personal email. In the meantime, if you have questions for Dan, or are interested in his campaign, you can put them in the comments and I can forward them. I know he already has a busy schedule, but I’ll pester him for answers and maybe put them in the comments or in a subsequent update diary.
And if you have the ability to donate or volunteer, please use the links below. I’ll try to help the campaign staff get connected with the various grassroots progressive discussions and small dollar contribution systems that Daily Kos has helped to energize.
Here's the donation page: https://act.myngp.com/...
Thanks in advance for your help – these are the sorts of districts that we need to put in play to gain back the House and hold it for the next generation.
Here's the Facebook share page: https://www.facebook.com/...