PA 7th Congressional District Republican Candidates Debate

Above is a Youtube video of Monday night's debate among three Republicans seeking their party's nomination to take on incumbent Democrat Susan Wild in this year's race for Pa.'s 7th Congressional District. They are Kevin Dellicker, Ryan Mackenzie and Maria Montero. The debate was broadcasted by BRC13, located in Lehighton. Here's what was discussed:

How Are You Suited to Represent Carbon County, which was added to Pa.-7? - Dellicker said he spent a great deal of time in Carbon County, white-water rafting in Jim Thorpe and skiing at Blue Mountain. His wife teaches school in Palmerton and many of his relatives live there. Montero grew up in Summit Hill and stated nobody understands more than she does what is needed in Carbon. "We are looking for good jobs, great paying jobs." She would achieve that by cutting taxes and eliminating regulations. Mackenzie said the problems of Carbon County are similar to those in the rest of the district, "a wide open border" and out-of -control spending in D.C. 

How would You Encourage Tourism, Especially in the Poconos? - Montero said she has been in the hospitality and tourism industry over the past eight years. She said that she would try to make sure there is clean air and clean water for the Pocono parks. Mackenzie said tourism is something to embrace and promoted it as a member of the state house. Dellicker said there's no place he'd rather be than the Pa.7th, and people should know how wonderful and diverse it is. 

How would You Improve Public Transit, especially for Seniors? - Mackenzie said his top priority would be ensuring that social security and Medicare is protected.  "We should not be taking those benefits away from them," he noted. Dellicker observed that public transportation is a "real challenge" for seniors in rural areas like Carbin County. But he stressed that runaway inflation is impacting seniors even more. He will cut spending to get inflation under control. Montero believes in limited government, "but the one thing we should do well is infrastructure. That means transportation and good roads.

How Will You Help Veterans Avoid Homelessness and Ensure them a Good Quality of Life? - Dellicker started by pointing out that he spent 28 years in the military. He and his wife actually wrote as book (20% Soldiers) about the reserve component of the military. He vowed to "tackle those issues" for "people who served our country so nobly." Montero has spent three years with a nonprofit whose goal is reducing homelessness. She complained we have spent $100 million in Ukraine, but she wants to spend that money here. MacKenzie stressed that veterans served us when on active duty so the government should serve them with things like special office hours. He also authored the "Start Up For Soldiers" program to help vets start businesses. 

Are Women's Rights Under Attack? - Montero pointed out that she's the only candidate who was ever pregnant and who ever delivered a baby, she believes women's health rights are something Americans can ever ignore. "Women deserve to have real choice." She lamented that programs like Real Alternatives, which help women who want to choose life, are being cut. Mackenzie stated he has consistently voted pro life in the state house and to reduce the number of abortions performed in Pa. "It sounds like we're all in agreement," added Dellicker. He said it's a"crazy" to cut thiose programs and then divert the funds to abortion centers. "Thise are the sort of divisive issues we don't need right now ... ."

Top Priority if Elected? - "Building the wall and securing our border," responded Mackenzie. Dellicker wants to get on the Armed Services Committee and fix our military so we can have "true peace through strength." Montero's top prioority is to "secure our borders and protect Americans."

What Can You Do to Provide Quality Education? - Montero believes there should be more technical schools because "not everybody needs to go to college." She also wants to empower parents with a Parents' Bill of Rights, which was opposed by Susan Wild. Mackenzie believes the feral government should not be expected to solve "our education problems here at home."  He does support and has voted for a Parents Bill of Rights on a state and local level. "I'll take it a step further," added Dellicker. "I don't think the federal government should be funding education at all."

How Will You Support Local Business? - MacKenzie has a three-pronged approach: reduce taxes; reduce and streamline regulations; and more workforce training. "If you don't run a small business, I don't think you can possibly understand the burdens that small businesses are under," added Dellicker. Montero agrees with cutting taxes and regulations, but added that the production of natural gas should be encouraged. 

Will You Vote Independently or Along Party Lines? - Dellicker pledged independence "because I am not a career politician. ... I don't need to go to Congress to enhance my career or my livelihood." Montero would ask herself two questions before voting on an issue: is it constitutional; and is it in America's best interests? Mackenzie said government is controlled by a Uniparty and he has voted against his party on things like the gas tax. 

Should There Be Age Limits on Those in Office? - Mackenzie opposes an "artificial age limit" on elected officials. Dellicker joked that he is the oldest of the three candidates and would fight any attempt to remove him from the ballot. Montero would support term limits as opposed to an age barrier. 

Do You Support Gun Controls? - Dellicker dodged the question, saying only that he is a "law and order" candidate. He added he is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment. Montero and Mackenzie dodged as well. 

Susan Wild's Comment that Carbon County is Drinking the Trump Kool-Aid? "Susan Wild does not respect her constituents," observed Montero. MacKenzie would like to serve Wild kool-aid at her retirement party in November. "What she said is disrespectful to every person sitting in this room and every person watching at home." Dellicker cautioned it will take more than press stunts to defeat Wild. "Remember, she did this two years ago, too."

Montero Answers Carpetbagger Charge, Claims Wild More Interested in Silicon Valley Than Locals

(Blogger's Note: I was not physically present at the LehCo GOP meeting discussed below, and have had no opportunity to discuss what happened with those who were there. With that disclaimer, below you will see a news release from Maria Montero's Congressional campaign here in Pa.'s 7th Congressional District. She is running in the primary against Ryan Mackenzie and Kevin Dellicker. The winner of that race will face incumbent Susan Wild. Montero discusses her roots in this district and takes a few shots at Mackenzie and Sue Wild) 

From Maria Montero's Congressional Campaign: ALLENTOWN, PA (September 14, 2023) Maria Montero, a Republican candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, discussed her policy priorities, experience, and vision with attendees at the Lehigh County Republican Committee’s monthly meeting Tuesday night.  

A mother, attorney, and former Executive Director of both the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Pennsylvania Latino Commission, Montero will bring a wide range of experience to Congress. During the meeting, Montero discussed her roots in the 7th Congressional District, where she has lived nearly 30 years, including the first 26 years of her life in Summit Hill and Palmerton in Carbon County and Allentown in Lehigh County. 

 

Montero, who is of Peruvian, Italian, and Irish heritage, discussed her support for strengthening our national borders to curb the flow of deadly illegal drugs like fentanyl into our country. She also expressed her unwavering support for law enforcement and our veterans, as well as the need to achieve energy independence to reduce our reliance on Russia and the OPEC alliance. She also lambasted the state of the U.S. economy.

 

“It is unacceptable that so many of our families are struggling to put food on the table due to the current state of our economy,” said Montero. “We need to get our economy back on track, increase family sustaining jobs by support Pennsylvania based manufacturing, and curb the devastating effects of inflation on working families.”

 

She also expressed dissatisfaction with the current Democratic Congresswoman for the 7th Congressional District, stating that she has done a poor job representing local residents. “Wild seems more concerned with what the elites in her party think of her than doing what’s right for the people of our district.  She spends more time worrying about and raising money in Silicon Valley than she does representing residents of the Lehigh Valley.”   

 

Montero’s campaign also blasted her Republican opponent, State Representative Ryan Mackenzie, for issuing a misleading press release after the event about where Maria grew up. 

 

“Spreading lies and half-truths is exactly what people have come to expect from a career politician like Ryan Mackenzie,” said Brendon Del Toro, a senior advisor to Montero’s campaign. “Maria spent the first 26 years of her life growing up in this district, the majority of that time in her hometown of Summit Hill in Carbon County. Mackenzie is so desperate to avoid talking about his own record in the state legislature – like voting for the mail-in ballot program – that he has resorted to spreading lies about Maria being some sort of outsider. It’s pathetic.”

 

A testament to her deep roots in the 7^th Congressional District, Montero was a co-founder of the Lehigh Valley-based Power of Women Networking Initiative, previously served on the board of the Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley, was a member of the Allentown Puerto Rican Parade Committee, and served as a Trustee of DeSales University. She currently serves on the board of directors her alma mater, Marian Catholic High School and is an Easton City Republican Committeewoman.  

 

“I grew up in Summit Hill in the 7th Congressional District with Maria Montero and it’s mind-boggling that Mackenzie is trying to claim she grew up outside the district,” said Maria Ravert, a native of Summit Hill and current resident of Carbon County. “Fact-checking where Maria Montero is from would have been so easy. Mackenzie is playing dirty pool and it’s these types of deceptive tactics and falsehoods spread by career politicians like Ryan Mackenzie that turn so many people off to politics. Voters deserve better than bogus smear campaigns and they certainly deserve better than Ryan Mackenzie.”

Dellicker, Montero and MacKenzie Agree on Term Limits

Yesterday, I told you the GOP congressional candidate Ryan MacKenzie supports term limits for members of Congress (3 terms for Congressmen and two terms for Senators). I decided to ask his GOP rivals, Kevin Dellicker and Maria Montero. for their positions. At the suggestion of readers, I also asked the Susan Wild campaign. 

Dellicker agrees with MacKenzie, adding that state officials should be term-limited as well. "I believe that we should have term limits for all Members of Congress and state elected officials too," he said. "I think our representatives should be citizen-legislators: people who live in the community, acquire real-world experience, serve for a few years, and then go back home to live and work under the laws they’ve enacted. That’s how our founders envisioned our government. And that’s what I’m running to do."

Montero agrees as well. "I have signed onto the U.S. Term Limits Pledge," she tells me. "Its backing is fairly bi-partisan, receiving nearly 80 percent support from across the political spectrum. This pledge highlights the importance of electing not career politicians, but a citizen legislature made up of individuals who understand the struggles of real people and who are committed to representing the values of the 7th Congressional District. If elected I will vote for a Constitutional Amendment to establish term limits in the U.S. Congress. I also support a ban on Members of Congress enriching themselves by trading stocks based on inside information and would vote for additional transparency in grant funding."

I have asked Congress member Sue Wild for her stance as well. 

In November, Northampton County voters will decide on term limits for County Council, Controller and Executive. I was initially opposed to term limits for local officials, but was persuaded by readers. 

Congressional Candidate Ryan MacKenzie Supports Term Limits, Ban on Stock Trading, Transparency in Grant Funding

State Rep. Ryan MacKenzie, one of three announced Republicans seeking Lehigh Valley's Congressional seat, has announced that he supports "term limits for elected officials as well as bureaucrats. I will also push to ban members of Congress from trading stocks based on their insider information and demand transparency in grant funding to expose their conflicts of interest."

To be specific, he's support term limits of three terms for Congressman and two terms for US Senators. 

MacKenzie also said he would support a ban on insider trading by members of Congress, but that is already illegal. A more important question is whether he supports the Ban Stock Trading Act, which would bar all members of Congress and executive branch from holding or trading in individual stocks, even if they are placed in a so-called blind trust. 

Finally, I'm unclear on his statement concerning transparency in grant funding and have asked for clarification. 

I have also forwarded MacKenzie's statement to his rivals, Maria Montero and Kevin Dellicker, for any insights they may wish to share. 

Montero to Host Women Leaders Series on August 15

Women Leaders Series by BernieOHare on Scribd

Republican Congressional candidate Maria Montero is co-hosting a women's leadership conference on August 15 at Lehigh Country Club. She and her four special guests are all Republicans. Though the Leadership Institute is technically a nonprofit, its basic purpose is to train conservative activists. But I think anyone could benefit from learning how to raise funds, develop a winning message and take advantage of social media.

Montero has told me she'd really like to "increase civic engagement, especially amongst our young ladies. If you know of any HS or college students who may be interested, they’d be comp’d for sure."

If you have a daughter or granddaughter who you think would enjoy this event, contact Montero at maria.montero@me.com .

Montero's Congressional Bid Now Official

FROM MONTERO's Campaign, ALLENTOWN, PA (July 31, 2023) Republican Maria Montero formally announced her candidacy for the U.S. of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. A mother, attorney, and former Executive Director of both the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Pennsylvania Latino Commission, Montero will bring a wide range of experience to Congress.

The daughter of an immigrant and grand-daughter of Carbon County Irish coal miners, Montero was born in Pennsylvania’s coal region. A resident of Easton, Maria was a co-founder of the Lehigh Valley’s Power of Women Networking Initiative and has lived or worked in every county in the 7th Congressional District. An avid outdoorswoman, Montero is on the board of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. Passionate about the transformative impact of a quality education, Maria also serves on the board of directors of her alma mater, Marian Catholic High School.

“Never in my lifetime have I been more concerned about the direction of our country,” said Montero. “We need to right the ship and take action now to restore the American Dream not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

In announcing her candidacy, Maria said her campaign would be built on four key cornerstones: Safety, Accountability, Family Finances, and Education (SAFE).

“We need to work to improve safety in our communities by cracking down on the brazen crime and flow of dangerous drugs like fentanyl across our porous borders,” said Montero. “Our elected officials need to be held accountable for amassing $33 trillion in national debt, a fiscal and budgetary nightmare that we are leaving for our children and grandchildren.”

“We need to provide relief to families and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet due to rising inflation and a tax burden saddled on them by their own elected officials who refuse to tighten their own belts,” said Montero. “And I am committed to improving our educational system so that our young people are best prepared to pursue their chosen paths after high school, whether it be entering the workforce, learning a trade, or attending college.”

Maria said her own journey and background will provide her with a unique perspective in advocating for local residents. Rising through poverty, Maria came to learn that a strong educational foundation is the great equalizer. After attending Our Lady of the Valley and Marian Catholic, Maria went on to graduate from Saint Joseph’s University and Widener School of Law. She also learned from personal experience the importance of tenacity and hard work. Maria had her only child, a son, while in college and through her own determination – and with the support of her family – she was able to earn her degree and eventually attend law school.

For more information on Maria Montero and her campaign for Congress, please visit her website at www.mariamontero.org.

(Blogger's Note: Two other Republicans - Kevin Dellicker and Ryan MacKenzie - have announced. Incumbent Susan Wild, a Democrat, has filed a Statement of Candidacy, but no official announcement.)

UPDATED: Dellicker Announces! Expect to See Three Republicans in Lehigh Valley's Congressional GOP Primary

Last week, I told you that Allentown Attorney Maria Montero has filed the paperwork to run for U.S. Congress (Pa.-7) as the GOP candidate. Over the weekend, I learned that State Rep. Ryan MacKenzie will be huddling with advisors this week as he ponders dipping his toes in the Potomac River. I also learned that Kevin Dellicker, who was defeated by Lisa Scheller in the last GOP Congressional race, has been booked as a guest by radio host Bobby Gunther Walsh on Wednesday to discuss his plans. He is reportedly backed by developer David Jaindl. 

If all three run, which seems increasingly likely, this should make it easier to elect Montero. She can be tagged as a carpetbagger, though she is from this area. She is the sole female. 

It should also make it easier for Susan Wild, who can keep her powder dry while Republicans are forced to spend.  

UPDATED 12:15 pm: Dellicker announces candidacy! - According to Lehigh Valley Archair, Kevin Dellicker has released a statement announcing his candidacy.

Dellicker's announcement:

"Today, I am announcing my candidacy for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th District.

"It's no secret that Washington is broken. While this level of dysfunction may boost TV ratings and fundraising, it hurts our families and communities. What Washington needs is less talking heads and more leaders who will roll up their sleeves and work to bring commonsense solutions that benefit our families and communities. My career as a small business owner, veteran, and military officer has given me the right experience, skillset, and leadership to represent our community and work toward real change and solutions.

"I’m not a professional politician. I’m not looking for a new career in Washington. I’m running to protect and expand the Republican majority, get the job done, and then return home to Germansville. I’m running because this is my home too. I was raised here and my wife Susan and I raised our boys here. We need a voice in Washington who is one of us and will represent all of us.

"I’m excited to connect with the remarkable individuals, families, and small businesses that make our region the great place that it is. I look forward to having real conversations on the issues that matter to us all: strong families, good jobs, and safe communities.”

Former Allentown Resident Files for Wild's Congressional Seat

Maria Montero, who grew up in both Northeastern Pa and Allentown, has filed a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission for the seat currently held by Susan Wild. 

A Republican, Montero graduated from St. Joseph's University and Widener School of Law. After graduating from law school, she moved back to the Allentown area to practice worker's compensation law. She has said that "a major family event pulled me into the family business, El Torero Spanish Newspaper." That major family event appears to be the arrest and subsequent conviction of Ricardo Montero for the sexual assault of a 15 year-old girl. Whatever happened, obviously, is no reflection on Maria.

She states that she took over the newspaper. She adds that she co-founded  Power of Women Networking Initiatives and volunteered with Catholic Charities. Under Governor Corbett, she was the Exec Director of the Governor's Advisory Committee for Latino Affairs. She is also a member of the board of Pa. Parks and Forests Foundation.

She appears to work in Philadelphia at the Pa Convention Center, but has recently relocated her residence to somewhere in the Lehigh Valley. 

In 2019, Moreno did seek the nomination of her party in a special election to fill Pennsylvania 12th Congressional district, but was unsuccessful. 

It is likely that State Rep. Ryan MacKenzie will also be seeking the Republican nomination for Congress.