From the desk of Renita...

Luzerne County Republican Party
41 S. Main St. Ste. 14
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701
570-208-GOP1 or lcgop@luzernegop.org
http://www.luzernegop.org/

For more information, contact:
Renita Fennick 570-208-4671 or 239-8851
Jim Schule 267-825-2889

WILKES-BARRE – Voters in Luzerne County and surrounding areas will have a chance to meet their Republican candidates and find out how they stand on the issues at a unique forum on April 9 at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center.

“Issues & Eggs” hosted by the Luzerne County Republican Party, will feature local candidates who are running for federal and state offices along with the endorsed candidates for statewide offices.

A panel of local journalists will ask candidates questions on federal and state issues. Those in attendance may submit questions to be posed to the candidates.

Congressional candidates who will attend include Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional seat; and three candidates who are vying for the nomination in the 10th District -- Dave Madeira of Luzerne County; Tom Marino of Lycoming County; and Malcolm Derk, Snyder County.

State candidates who will attend include Steve Urban, 14th Senatorial District; Frank Scavo, 22nd Senatorial District; State Rep. Karen Boback, 117th Legislative District; Tarah Toohil, 116th; Terrence O’Connor, 118th; Rick Arnold, 119th; Bill Goldsworthy, 120th; and James O’Meara, 121st. State Sen. Lisa Baker has a prior commitment in Harrisburg.

Jim Cawley, the Pennsylvania Republican Party-endorsed candidate for lieutenant governor, also will attend.

“This is unique because it’s more than your typical meet-the-candidates event that political parties hold,” County GOP Chairman Terry Casey said. “It’s not just a handshake and a meet-and-greet. People who attend will be able to ask tough questions and our candidates are ready for it.”

The only contested primary race among the local races for Congress and state office is in the 10th where three candidates are vying for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Democrat Chris Carney in the fall.

“This could be the only chance for voters in the 10th to see all three candidates in person, answering the same questions,” Casey said.

Even though most of the candidates are unopposed in the primary, Casey said it is important for most voters to get to know the men and women who are seeking to represent them in Harrisburg and Washington.

“Republicans are discerning voters who don’t just give candidates a pass because they are seeking the party’s nomination,” he said. “They often feel very strongly about certain issues and they want to at least know something about a person before they cast that ballot. They often want to look them in the eye or shake their hand. This is their chance.”

The forum begins with a breakfast buffet at 7:45 a.m. with the program starting at 8:15 and running to 10:30 a.m. The event is designed to attract retirees, one of the biggest voting blocs, and to give people a chance to attend before heading to their workplace.

Tickets cost $20 each and include a breakfast buffet. Tickets may be purchased at Luzerne County Republican Headquarters, 41 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, or online at http://www.luzernegop.org/