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FORTY FORT — One thing was clear on Vice President Mike Pence’s agenda Wednesday — vote Republican and keep control of Congress away from Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic Party.
That’s why Pence was in town to rally voters for John Chrin, who is running against three-term Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright in the 8th Congressional District.
Pence also did a few shout-outs for Dan Meuser, running in the 9th Congressional District, Scott Wagner, GOP candidate for governor, and Lou Barletta, who is trying to unseat Democrat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who is seeking his third six-year term.
But the message was clear — Pence said Chrin, Meuser and Barletta are needed in Washington to help further the agenda of President Donald Trump.
“Pennsylvania and America need John Chrin in Congress,” Pence said to about 250 in attendance at the Wyoming Valley Airport in Forty Fort.
Pence was quick to acknowledge that it was Pennsylvania and especially Luzerne County that won the state’s 20 electoral votes for Trump.
“Pennsylvania is the state that made Donald Trump the 45th president of the United States,” Pence said. “And every day, President Trump fights for the American people.”
That sent Pence into an issues-based campaign speech, hitting on all the Republican talking points — 4.2 million new jobs created in the last two years, new trade deals with Canada and Mexico, putting America’s farmers first, conservative justices appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts, tax reform, affordable healthcare, border security, protecting the sanctity of life and more.
Pence made it clear that each person in attendance needs to vote on Nov. 6 and for the next 13 days, tell family members and friends to make sure they cast their ballots.
“We’ve had two years of action — two years of results,” Pence said. “Two years of promises made and promises kept.”
Pence made a strong case for Trump, making it clear that even though the president isn’t on the ballot, the mid-term election is an opportunity to show that America remains behind their president.
“The economy is expanding every day,” Pence said. “It’s remarkable. Confidence is back, jobs are back, America is back.”
And Pence said the pick-up truck that is Trump’s Administration “does not have a reverse gear.
“President Trump is always moving straight ahead,” Pence said.
Pence mentioned the caravan of illegal immigrants — some 7,000 — that are traveling through Central America to the U.S. Pence said there are reports that there are others from Middle East in the caravan and there are hardened criminals as well.
“They will not succeed in entering this country,” Pence said.
Pence said mid-term elections are always about “the person in the White House.” He said a lot has been accomplished in the first two years of Trump’s administration.
“And we can accomplish so much more,” Pence said. “We will make Pennsylvania stronger and America stronger. And yes, we will continue to make America great again.”
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Lehigh Valley, said the Trump-Pence administration has done more in two years than any other administration he has ever seen.
“With a Republican Congress, we have seen a booming economy, jobs are at an all-time high and wages are soaring,” Toomey said. “That’s why you need to send Lou Barletta to the Senate and John Chrin and Dan Meuser to the House of Representatives.”
Toomey brought Chrin onstage, urging voters to turn out on Nov. 6.
“We have seen this tremendous energy throughout the campaign,” Chrin said, drawing parallels to 2016 when Trump rolled to victory. “We can flip this seat.”
Chrin said he has the support of the National Rifle Association and he made it clear that he resides in Monroe County, not New Jersey as his opponent, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright claims in a TV commercial. Chrin said his family has lived in Pennsylvania for generations.
“President Trump and Vice President Pence need help to fulfill their agenda,” Chrin said. “I’m your guy for that job.”
Meuser echoed many of the comments delivered by Pence and Chrin.
“We must make sure we keep control of the House of Representatives out of the hands of Nancy Pelosi,” Meuser said. “It is up to us to advance America’s agenda.”
Meuser talked about protecting borders, strengthening the military, building “the wall,” “draining the swamp,” and advancing Trump’s agenda.
“It’s all up to us on Nov. 6,” he said.
Val DiGiorgio, chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, Scott Wagner, GOP candidate for governor and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, also offered remarks. Mayor Joe Dominick of Wyoming welcomed the crowd to the hangar at Valley Aviation.
“It’s critical for America to see Luzerne County,” Wagner said. “We all know how this county put Donald Trump, over the top in 2016. We need to win every race on the ballot. Let’s send a message that Pennsylvania is staying red. Now please, get out and vote.”
