State Rep. Hahn & Senator Mario Scavello Both Endorse Ann Flood in Pa. 138th

Marcia Hahn, who has represented Pa.'s 138th Legislative District since 2010, is sailing off into the sunset at the end of her term. You might say this is good news for Democrat Tara Zrinski, who was hoping to replace her. But tyhe odds of that happening are slim to none. You see, this is a very Republican District comprised of the townships of Bethlehem (conservative portion), Bushkill, East Allen, Hanover, Lower Nazareth, Moore (portion) and Plainfield as well as, the Boroughs of Bath, Chapman, Pen Argyl and Wind Gap. Even for Democrats, Zrinski is the wrong answer. I'll get into that closer to the general election. For now, I want to tell you about the primary race between Republican candidates Ann Flood and Tony Tarsi. One of these two will be the next State Rep. for the 138th. Flood has been endorsed by Hahn and State Senator Mario Scavello, whose district included the 138th.

"Ann Flood is pro Second Amendment, pro-life and supports small businesses, " said Hahn. "Ann's sensible and hopeful insights into the community's problems and needs, here willingness to examine the issues and her ability to listen closely to the public's questions and concerns, sets her far apart from any other candidate."

In addition to the outgoing incumbent's imprimatur, she also has the seal of approval from State Senator Mario Scavello. Most of the politicos in this area are back benchers, but not Mario. He has been very actively involved in the campaign to persuade Governor Tom Wolf to restart the economy. He's been successful, too. The construction that has started along Route 611 is primarily due to his efforts. He knows what it's like to run a small business because that's what he did before entering politics.

Flood is President of the Board at the Greater Bath Area Chamber of Commerce and is also on the Board of Governors for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. She's had a chance to speak top many small business owners, and made clear to me that "Pennsylvania should be opening as soon as possible, so long as the appropriate mitigation is in order." When that does happen, she told me several local restaurants will not be among them. They are victims of Governor Tom Wolf's shutdown order. "The economic impact is going to be felt years, if not a lifetime."

Flood was born and raised in Wind Gap. She is a graduated of Pen Argyl Area High School, earned a Biology degree from Moravian College and an MBA from Villanova University. She has lived in the Bath area for 22 years, and she and her husband are the parents of two children attending college and middle school. The Flood family also has one angel child, Lauren, who passed away in 2007.

Ann is the the Founder and CEO of the Lauren’s Hope Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for brain injured children and their families. This foundation has helped children receive life-saving care at The Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The other Republican in the hunt is Wilson Area High School Principal Tony Tarsi. He calls himself a "conservative Christian candidate with a strong knowledge of the Constitution." He said he's running because he's 60 and "the opportunity presented itself" when Marcia Hahn decided to step down. He also says he has "a passion for this country."

Like Flood, he also supports opening the economy. He claims Governor Wolf "erred on the side of Big Government."