Senate hopeful makes Clarion stop

CLARION - Pennsylvania U.S. Senate hopeful Robert Casey Jr. stopped in Clarion on Wednesday for a "front porch rally" where he discussed his values and priorities with a group of more than 100 visitors.

The Democratic candidate outlined issues where he and Republican incumbent Rick Santorum differ.

This includes Social Security, the war in Iraq, prescription drug coverage and fiscal responsibility.

"This is a very important time in the history of this country," Clarion County Democratic Party chairman Bill Miller said at the start of the reception. "We need a new direction for America."

It was hosted by Miller and his wife, Judy, at their Clarion House Bed & Breakfast in Clarion.

"We need a U.S. senator with some political independence," said Casey. "We don't have that with Rick."

He said Santorum has supported trade deals "that send our jobs overseas."

The Republican ranks third in that party's leadership and second in contributions from big oil, said Casey.

The candidate also called attention to Santorum's record for voting in favor of 98 percent of the legislative bills President Bush has endorsed.

Casey calls his opponent a "rubber stamp."

Minimum wage increase

Santorum voted a pay raise for himself three times, Casey said, "but against increasing the minimum wage."

The Democratic hopeful said he wants no congressional pay raise until the minimum wage is increased.

The candidates also differ on the issue of Social Security.

Santorum is "all for the privatization of Social Security," said Casey. "I'll fight any attempt to privatize Social Security."

He also supports the development of a prescription drug plan that is more about helping older Americans "instead of Washington lobbyists."

'Fiscal train wreck'

The American public has been subjected to a "fiscal train wreck" with the country's debt having gone up several trillion dollars, said Casey.

Fiscal responsibility is a priority as well as public education and homeland security, he said.

He also criticized Santorum concerning the war in Iraq, saying the senator did not ask important questions about whether troops would have the proper body armor and ammunition as well as enough support from allies.

"He didn't ask those questions," said Casey.

Lives have been lost because of poor planning, said the candidate.

He said there should be investigations into such issues as war profiteering.

Investments in public education and homeland security along with lowering the deficit and the cost of health care will lead to a stronger state and a stronger nation, said Casey.

"They are key to our state and our future," said Casey.

He said Pennsylvania has a heritage of hard working individuals and sacrifice.

"We've overcome a lot" in our American history, said the candidate.

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