Uh Oh. Gerlach Lied Again

Uh Oh. Gerlach Lied Again. Trivedi Calls on Gerlach to Pull Down Ad Full of Lies ELVERSON, Pa. – Manan Trivedis neighbors up in Berks County got some more

via Uh Oh. Gerlach Lied Again.

The Real Jim Gerlach

When confronted with the real issues that effect Americans, Gerlach cuts and runs.

From a recent email…

Manan challenged Congressman Gerlach to six debates. He turned down invitations from a number of groups and only accepted two.

At the first debate, Manan said it was fine for the media to record. Congressman Gerlach refused to allow the press to audio or video record. His campaign told the press that “[W]e didn’t see a benefit for us.”

Well the news media wasn’t going to tolerate it anymore and they showed up with their cameras rolling to last night’s debate. And there was something interesting they caught.

Manan asked Congressman Gerlach why he keeps supporting tax breaks for outsourcing our jobs overseas. Manan pressed Gerlach on taking $700,000 from special interest groups. He had no comment. This is what is known as the “Silent Confession of Guilt.”

So following the debate, we decided to launch our latest ad because we think the public has a right to know what Jim Gerlach has been doing to the rest of us since he went to Washington.

We have less than three weeks to go before Election Day and we need your help now more than ever to make sure everyone knows what Jim Gerlach is hiding.

When you make a contribution today, it will help keep the public pressure on him.

Jim Gerlach has to answer for his failed record. He has to answer to us. He has to answer to the press. And we can’t let him hide.

Thanks for all your support.

Ed

PS – Even a $25 contribution will go a long way. Please donate.

—
Ed Niles
Campaign Manager
Trivedi for Congress
info@trivediforcongress.com
office: 610-370-9489

Job Creation – Updated

The “Man with the Plan”, that man would be Manan.

From the Reading Eagle:

Trivedi said job growth would be his No. 1 mission as representative of the 6th Congressional District, which is made up of parts of Berks, Chester, Montgomery and Lehigh counties.

“Small businesses become big businesses,” Trivedi told a caller from Reading.

Those potential big businesses, he said, are in the growing field of clean energy, where the United States has fallen behind.

“Countries like India and China are doing it,” he said of the alternative energy industry. “America’s not doing it.”

Trivedi, a physician from Union Township who served in the Iraq War, also discussed the local transportation crisis and the need for more school funding.

He said a proposed commuter rail line between Wyomissing and the Philadelphia suburbs is essential for people in Berks to access jobs nearer to Philadelphia.

“I don’t know how many of you have driven Route 422, but it’s a parking lot,” Trivedi said. “I try to avoid it like the plague. But people need it to get to work.”

Jim Gerlach’s plan…    ***crickets***   We’re still waiting.

Here’s more from Manan.

While he’s a native Pennsylvanian where coal is king, Trivedi says without hesitation – and repeated several times during our discussion – that “we need to move away from carbon-based emissions and foreign energy.” While Gerlach’s congressional Web site talks about the importance of clean energy and energy independence, as I noted last week, his campaign Web site is decidedly less friendly to the environment. In fact, while there is no “Issues” section of Gerlach’s site (there is a head-to-head comparison that omits anything about energy or the environment and is written in lowbrow, heavy-handed prose), his “Achievements” section crows that he voted “NO on Obama/Pelosi Cap and Trade bill that will raise energy rates and kill Pennsylvania jobs.”

And yet, still ***crickets*** from Gerlach.

Jim Gerlach’s Job Program

Here is Jim Gerlach’s latest plan for creating jobs.

***crickets***

The Republican Score Card

Learn where the Republicans stand on issues that effect all of us here.  You’ll want to read that link.

Even though 85% of Americans want the Government to keep their hands off of Social Security, the Republicans are looking forward to getting their greedy hands on our money and handing it over to their friends on Wall Street.  Remember, Wall Street stole our 401K money and how former President Bush immediately called for the Government to bail out his rich friends on Wall Street.  The TARP money, Wall Street bailout was President George W. Bush’s plan to save our economy.

One more thing, if the Bush tax breaks for the rich was meant to create jobs as the Republicans claim, then why was there a net loss in jobs during the Bush years?  If these tax breaks really created jobs, there wouldn’t be a 9.5% unemployment rate.

Republicans are like the street scammers with the walnut shells.  Always up to tricks to take your money and make themselves rich.

Social Security keeps 20 million Americans out of poverty.  If the Republicans get a hold of this money, 20 million more Americans will be living in the streets.  We cannot afford a Republican controlled Congress.  Vote Joe Sestak for Senate and Manan Trivedi for the PA 6th Congressional District.  Re-elect Patrick Murphy.  These Democrats got our back.  They are all veterans that served our nation with honor and put their lives on the line to protect Americans. They walk the walk and deserve to continue to fight for us in Washington DC.

Pay attention:  Pat Toomey supports oil drilling in Lake Erie.  Yes, Pennsylvania shores along Lake Erie can look like the oil covered beaches of Louisiana.

Veterans Have Something to Say to Gerlach

Gerlach, We Are Waiting To Hear From You

Press release from PA 6th Congressional District Candidate, Manan Trivedi…

Manan Trivedi to Rep. Gerlach: Do you have the courage?

MEDIA RELEASE

2.10.2010

Ed Niles, Campaign Manager

610-370-9489

READING, Pa – The following is a statement from 6th district Democratic candidate for congress, Manan Trivedi on the President Obama’s proposed health care summit and the refusal by House Republican Leadership to commit to attending.

“President Obama, in an unprecedented move, has offered to host a publicly televised health care summit to finally come with a solution for health care reform, and so far, Republican leaders in the House are unwilling to attend. I hear the Republicans in Washington clamoring about wanting an open and transparent process, and just when President Obama makes a bold and transformational gesture to meet their demands, they change their minds.”

“What I don’t hear is Congressman Gerlach standing up to his leaders in Washington and demanding they come to the table and solve our health care problem. What I don’t hear is Congressman Gerlach’s conviction to do what is right. And what I clearly don’t hear from Congressman Gerlach, is a public servant who is willing to listen to the public he is supposed to represent. Congressman Gerlach, do you have the courage to tell your leaders in Washington to meet with President Obama on television and fix our health care crisis?”

“As millions of people go without health care today, Gerlach and the Republicans in Washington who tell him what to do, play political games with American’s lives. As a physician, I have dealt first-hand with the harsh reality of those who are forced to go without health care. And when I am in Congress, I will never let an opportunity to improve our health care system slip by for the sake of political posturing.”

Manan Trivedi is a primary care physician, a former Lt. Commander in the Navy and an Iraq War veteran.

Website.

$482 Billion Deficit on Gerlach’s Watch

The below post was from the Bob Roggio campaign.  Other than that fact that Roggio is not running again, nothing else has changed regarding Gerlach’s history.  I added the updates.

Gerlach is a suit that lives off of taxpayer’s money and gives nothing back to his constituents.

$482 Billion Deficit on Gerlach’s Watch
Can Jim Gerlach disguise himself as a “Champion” for Change?

MALVERN, PA – On Monday(2008), President Bush predicted that the next President would inherit a record $482 billion deficit in 2009. According the New York Times, this staggering figure doesn’t even account for military costs in Iraq and Afghanistan, another economic stimulus package, or losses in tax revenues. [The New York Times, 7/30/08]. While Washington continues to spend billions of dollars a month in Iraq, give tax breaks to people making over $300 thousand a year, and subsidize the oil companies, Americans are contending with the rising price of gas, a stagnant economy, and soaring healthcare costs.

In a recent mail piece, the Gerlach campaign boldly states “Change Has a Champion…Congressman Jim Gerlach.” Jim Gerlach has had 6 (8) years to change the direction of our country, but rather than taking responsibility for championing the policies that have led us to this record deficit, he is now masquerading as a “Champion” for change.

“Jim Gerlach is misleading the voters of 6th District using convenient political jargon, but not having the record to support his claims,” said Roggio Campaign Manager Liz Conroy. “There is a real choice for change this year. There is a choice between giving tax cuts to people who make over 300 thousand dollars a year rather and solving our healthcare crisis. There is a choice between subsidizing the oil companies and keeping social security around for our Grandchildren. There is a choice between spending endlessly in Iraq and paying down the debt. Change is about new priorities, not empty rhetoric.”

Vote Check: Champion for Change?
Does a “Champion” for Change vote with George Bush 100% of the time on Iraq?

Gerlach Opposed Setting Benchmarks for Success in Iraq

In July 2005, Gerlach voted against a measure requiring President Bush to set public benchmarks for measuring U.S. progress in Iraq in areas such as defeating the insurgency, establishing democratic institutions and bringing U.S. troops home. Representative Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey), who made the motion, urged benchmarks “so we know exactly what we need to do to achieve success in Iraq. Up to this point, Congress has abdicated its responsibility on Iraq. The Republican leadership has provided the administration with a blank check when it comes to Iraq.” [Aberdeen American News, 7/24/05]. The motion failed 203-227. [HR 2601, Menendez motion, Vote #398, 7/20/05]

Gerlach Opposed Investigation into Contractor Spending in Iraq

In 2005, Gerlach voted against an amendment to provide $5 million to establish a select committee to investigate reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, including contracting procedures, protection against money laundering, and the allocation of contracts to foreign companies and small businesses. In October 2004, the International Advisory and Monitoring Board released an audit of the Bush Administration’s management of Iraqi oil proceeds and other funds in the Development Fund for Iraq. Problems found involved hundreds of millions of dollars, numerous sole source contracts and missing and nonexistent contract files. [Committee on Government Reform Minority Staff, http://www.democrats.reform.house.gov%5D The $5 million would have been transferred from Pentagon funds to the congressional budget. [Washington Post, 3/20/05]. The amendment failed 191-236. [HR 1268, Vote #72, 3/15/05]

Gerlach Opposed Accountability in Iraq

In 2007, Gerlach voted against requiring the president, by July 13, to submit to reports to Congress on the progress the Iraqi government has made in meeting political and military benchmarks. Within seven legislative days of receiving the reports, Congress would then have two votes on releasing the remaining $52.8 billion “fenced” funds – one on an amendment that would require the Defense Department to use the fenced funds solely to redeploy troops from Iraq, and a vote on a joint resolution releasing the funds to the Pentagon for ongoing operations in Iraq. [CQ House Action Reports, No. 110-5, 5/09/07] The bill passed 221-205. [HR 2206, Vote #333, 5/10/07]

REAL CHANGE: Bob Roggio’s priority is to bring the troops home from Iraq. He will work with the new President to achieve a responsible withdrawal and work to encourage the Iraqi Government to take responsibility for reconstruction.

Does a “Champion” for Change vote to weaken ethical restrictions on Congress?

Voted To Weaken House Ethics Rules

In 2005, Gerlach voted in favor of curtailing the ways ethics investigations can be launched. Republicans passed a package of House rules that required at least one Republican to agree before the ethics committee begins an inquiry. Former Ethics committee Chairman Joel Hefley (R-Colo.) broke with GOP leaders on the House floor, saying he thought the changes were a mistake since they were done without bipartisan discussion. The rules passed, 220-195. [HRes 5, Vote #6, 1/04/05]

Opposed Closing the Lucrative “Revolving Door” Between Lobbying & Lawmakers

In 2005, Gerlach voted against a measure to prohibit Members of the House from negotiating lucrative job deals that capitalized on their committee membership. The measure was rejected, 196-219. [HRes 5, Vote #5, 1/04/05]

Voted To Allow Lobbyists to Wine & Dine Congress

In 2003, Gerlach voted to weaken House ethics rules, pushing through language that would allow lobbyists to cater meals to members’ offices and let charities pay for lawmakers to travel and stay at golf resorts and other locales. The rules passed, 221-203. [HRes 5, Vote #4, 1/07/03]

REAL CHANGE: Bob Roggio believes that we must fight for an accountable and transparent government. We need to go further than restricting the number of years that public officials have to “cool off” before lobbying Congress. We need to curtail the influence of special interests in governance by demanding a lifetime ban on ex-lawmakers becoming registered lobbyists.

Does a “Champion” for Change take over $90,000 in campaign contributions from Big Oil, and vote to subsidize the oil and gas industry?

Gerlach Voted for Final Energy Bill that Gave Billions to Oil, Gas and Nuclear Industries

In 2005, Gerlach voted for the energy conference report that exempts oil and gas industries from some clean-water laws, streamlines permits for oil wells and power lines on public lands, and helps the hydropower industry appeal environmental restrictions. One obscure provision would repeal a Depression-era law that has prevented consolidation of public utilities, potentially transforming the nation’s electricity markets. It also includes an estimated $85 billion worth of subsidies and tax breaks for most forms of energy — including oil and gas, “clean coal,” ethanol, electricity, and solar and wind power. The bill included $2 billion for “risk insurance” in case new nuclear plants run into construction and licensing delays. And nuclear utilities will be eligible for taxpayer-backed loan guarantees of as much as 80 percent the cost of their plants. The bill passed, 275-156. [HR 6, Vote #445, 7/28/2005; Washington Post, 7/30/05; Passed 275-156; R 200-31; D 75-124; I 0-1]

Gerlach Voted Against Bill that Would Repeal Big Oil’s Tax Breaks

In 2007, Gerlach voted against H.R. 2776, a bill that would add energy derived from waves, tides, ocean currents, free flowing rivers, free flowing canals, and other marine sources to the list of qualified energy sources for the purpose of claiming renewable energy credits, unless diversionary structures such as dams or impoundments are used (Sec. 102). This bill also repeals the 9 percent tax deduction for income attributable to “the sale, exchange, or other disposition of oil, natural gas, or any primary product thereof” (Sec. 301). The House passed the bill 221-189. Republicans voted 9-178 (Vote # 835, 8/4/07). NOTE: This bill was appended to the end of an omnibus bill H.R. 3221, which passed the House 241-172 and Gerlach voted in favor of H.R. 3221. Republicans voted 26-163 (Vote # 832, 8/4/07).

For a Second Time, Gerlach Voted Against Bill that Would Repeal Big Oil’s Tax Breaks

In 2008, Gerlach voted against H.R. 5351, a bill that would extend tax credits for wind facilities, closed loop and open loop biomass facilities, geothermal and solar facilities, small irrigation power facilities, landfill gas facilities, trash combustion facilities, and hydropower facilities for three years (Sec. 101). The bill creates new “clean renewable energy” bonds and designates a $2 billion limit on those bonds, which would be allocated to qualified projects of public power providers and cooperative electric companies (Sec. 104). It also prevents tax deductions to major integrated oil companies for income resulting from the domestic production of oil and gas (Sec. 301). The bill passed the House 236-182. Republicans voted 17-174 (Vote # 84, 2/27/08).

REAL CHANGE: Bob Roggio has pledged to not accept ANY campaign contributions from the oil and gas industries.

Manan Trivedi – Candidate for PA 6th Congressional District

From Berks County to Iraq and now a PA 6th Congressional District Candidate

Let me introduce you to Manan Trivedi.  He is an Iraq War Veteran and a physician and a progressive candidate for the PA 6th Congressional District.

Learn more about Manan at his website:  http://trivediforcongress.com/home/

You can also contribute to his campaign at:  ActBlue for Trivedi

Excerpt from Manan Trivedi’s website:

Decorated War Vet, Primary Care Doctor, and Berks County Native Seeks Democratic Nomination

9.7.2009

Gregg Kravitz

610-370-9489

Reading, Pa – Today Manan Trivedi announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 6th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Recently retired as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, Trivedi made his campaign for the 2010 Democratic nomination official.

Trivedi’s roots in the district are deep. He grew up in Fleetwood, Berks County, and then went on to become a decorated Iraq War Veteran by serving as the Battalion Surgeon for a Marine Corps Infantry Battalion in the 5th Regiment. After his tour of service, Trivedi returned home to the district, and he now resides in Reading, where he works as a board-certified internal medicine doctor at Reading Hospital.

“I was raised in this district by working-class parents and experienced what many families are going through now with the loss of their jobs and their pensions. But I also learned the importance of serving others and working hard for things that matter. These principles have guided my career, from the battlefield to the emergency room,” said Trivedi.

“I am now prepared to serve my community in a new capacity: in the halls of Congress. We have some big challenges facing our nation. Our healthcare system is broken, we’re engaged in two wars, and our economy continues to struggle. I know how to get things done under extremely difficult situations, and my direct experience with these challenges will give the working families in my district a strong and credible voice in Washington,” Trivedi concluded.

Manan and his wife Surekha have been married for five years, after meeting in college. Trivedi’s recent involvement in Democratic politics was as a Healthcare Advisor to the Obama for America Campaign.

###

Complete Bio:

From boots on the battleground to scrubs in the emergency room, Manan Trivedi’s life’s story and life’s work have prepared him to confront the pressing challenges Congress faces today.

A son of immigrants from India, Manan Trivedi was born and raised with his brother in Fleetwood, Berks County. His parents worked at the old Red Cheek apple juice factory. He attended public schools and graduated from Fleetwood High School. He went on to college and medical school before embarking on a Naval career that took him to the frontlines of the War in Iraq. Now, he’s a primary care physician in Reading, board certified in internal medicine.

Manan Trivedi’s passion for community service began at a very early age. As a young boy, he won a national contest for launching a healthy eating initiative. In college, he received a community service award for his work with HIV/AIDS patients. As a physician, he has treated the poor and uninsured in the inner city.

From 2001 to 2003, Trivedi served as the Battalion Surgeon for the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment Marine Corps Infantry Battalion. His battalion was among the first US ground forces to enter Iraq. Trivedi served on the frontlines of battle, commanding a medical team that cared for over 1,200 of our troops and hundreds of Iraqi civilians. For his service, Lt. Commander Trivedi earned the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Commendation Medal, and his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

After his service in Iraq, Trivedi received a Masters degree in Health Policy. He drew on his experience with combat medicine to become one of the early researchers to investigate the unique mental health issues affecting our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Trivedi went on to serve as health policy advisor to the Navy Surgeon General and was an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences.

After leaving the Navy, Trivedi is now a primary care physician at Reading Hospital and Medical Center. An expert on public health and Veteran’s health care, Trivedi served as health policy advisor to Barack Obama’s campaign for President. He met his wife Surekha while they were in college together. They live in Reading where they enjoy outdoor activities and are avid Philadelphia sports fans.

Announcement: Pike for PA 6th Congressional District

Gearing up for the primary season of 2010.  Democrat Doug Pike announces his intention to run for PA 6th Congressional District.

Democrat Doug Pike Announces for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 6^th District

Doug Pike, a former Editorial Board member for The Philadelphia Inquirer, announced today that he is running to represent Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. Congress.

“I am committed to listening to people and figuring out solutions that actually help,” said Pike. “I’m not a career politician. I won’t play political games.  I’m running for Congress to bring a renewed focus on the needs of everyday citizens; and to replace a partisan career politician who has failed the people time and again.”

“We need to shake up a political system that too often fails to hear our voices, let alone solve urgent problems,” Pike continued. “Even in this economic crisis, career politicians are still playing partisan games. They just don’t get it.  For more than 20 years, I’ve been writing about the most important issues facing this country and our community.  Now I want to use that experience to make change in Washington.”

“We are confronting the gravest economic challenge of our lifetime, in part because of the policies of George Bush and Jim Gerlach,” said Pike.  “Now, Republicans in Congress just say no to everything that President Obama suggests.  That won’t work.  We need leaders who can come together to get our economy moving again.  And we need to invest in clean energy technologies, infrastructure, health care, and other urgent needs.”

Pike, who lives in Lower Merion in Montgomery County, served on the Editorial Board of The Philadelphia Inquirer for 14 years.  He graduated with honors fromPrinceton University in 1971. Prior to his work at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Pike served as a Special Assistant to Senator Paul Tsongas; he wrote speeches and issue summaries for the Senator. Pike has been involved with Greater Philadelphia Cares, and has worked with high school journalists through the Temple Press Tournament. He is currently a member of the International Visitors Council, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the National Conference of Editorial Writers.

This District encompasses parts of Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties.

Pike has also launched a campaign website today: www.PikeforCongress.com <http://www.PikeforCongress.com/>

Let’s kick out Gerlach.  He voted AGAINST the people of PA 6th CD and against jobs for Pennsylvanians when he voted “no” to the President’s stimulus plan.  Pike is the change that we need.