Value of candidate endorsements questioned

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.comTimes Leader Staff Writer

political science professor David Sosar points out “endorsements don’t vote. People do.” That’s a good thing for Chris Hackett.If endorsements did count at the ballot box, U.S. Rep. Chris Carney would defeat Hackett, his Republican challenger, on Nov. 4. The freshman Democrat from Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, has picked up nearly three times as many endorsements as Hackett’s eight. But Sosar, and other local political science professors, say endorsements don’t always equate to votes. The professors, however, agreed they’re nice to have and they’d rather have them than not.More than 100 people gathered Oct. 5 at the American Legion Post in Dallas for a Veterans for Chris Carney rally. While there, the first-term congressman also picked up the endorsement of the VFW Political Action Committee. “As someone who is proud to wear the uniform, I know how important our veterans are and I have been fighting for our veterans and military families in Congress,” said Carney, a U.S. Navy Reservist. “Veterans for Carney are sure to be a key component of our bipartisan campaign.”But the endorsement doesn’t mean all veterans of foreign wars living in the 10th Congressional District will step into the voting booth and cast a ballot for Carney.John Simons is proof of that.Simons, 64, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who lives in Shavertown, said he respects much of what Carney has done for veterans’ benefits, but he has “a major philosophical difference with him” when it comes to Carney’s actions regarding the war against terrorism and support of troops currently in combat.He said plenty of local veterans disagree with Carney’s votes related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and will not cast votes for him even though he’s gained the endorsement of the political action committee representing VFWs. Thomas Baldino, a Wilkes University political science professor, said “endorsements are of marginal significance.” He said they serve more as a form of “validation” for candidates who have supported or voted in support of initiatives favored by the individual or group making the endorsement. But, he said, it doesn’t mean all members of that group support the endorsement. Sosar said “in a good eight to nine out of 10 (endorsements), they’re not all that important.” Some endorsements mean more than others, however. “For single-issue voters, getting the support of the NRA (National Rifle Association) or NARAL (a pro-choice organization)” might sway a vote, Baldino said. Jeff Brauer, a political science professor at Keystone College, agreed that endorsements don’t equate to votes but could mean something nearly as important.“They can help you get fundraising,” he said. And that money can pay for commercials and mailings. Vincent Rongione, Carney’s campaign manager, said the congressman is proud of the endorsements he’s received.“Our endorsements show the broad bi-partisan coalition of support for Congressman Carney’s re-election . ... It is truly humbling to earn the support of a group like the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC and its 2.2 million members because it shows the kind of support that it is out there and let’s us know that our positive message and strong voting record are resonating with the people.” While Carney has broad support from organizations and individuals, Hackett’s campaign spokesman said his candidate is proud of the types of groups supporting him because they represent the type of platform he’s running on.“Chris Hackett is proud to be supported by so many groups that are working to reduce taxes, fight wasteful spending, and get the economy moving again,” spokesman Mark Harris said.

A look at some of the endorsements garnered by the 10th District candidates.

Chris Carney: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare; International Association of Fire Fighters; National Farmers Union PAC; Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Pennsylvania Narcotics Officers Association; Service Employees International Union Pennsylvania State Council; Sierra Club’s Pennsylvania Chapter; United Mine Workers of America; Action Committee for Rural Electrification; The Council of Prison Locals of the American Federation of Government Employees; sheriffs in Lackawanna, Northumberland, Columbia and Montour counties; and Montour County Commissioner Jack Gerst. Chris Hackett: Club for Growth; US Chamber of Commerce; Business and Industry PAC; Eagle Forum PA; Concerned Women for America; National Right to Life Committee PAC; Gun Owners of America; Council for Citizens Against Government Waste PAC.