Fetterman rallies at Steamfitters center
JACKSON TWP — Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Steamfitters Local 449 center to hear Democratic Party Senate candidate John Fetterman at a campaign rally event Tuesday evening.
Speaking to a packed room of more than 440 people, Fetterman talked about his support for abortion rights, raising minimum wage, affordable health care and a host of other topics. He also criticized his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Fetterman said he would work to raise the minimum wage, address inflation and corporate greed, eliminate the filibuster, and codify the now-moot Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision if elected.
“I’ve always stood for abortion rights, and I always will,” Fetterman said. “We need a senator who gets what Pennsylvania is going through, not some dude who has 10 gigantic mansions.”
During his speech, Fetterman talked about his recent stroke, and said that he experiences some auditory processing difficulties. He asked audience members to raise their hands if they or someone in their family had experienced a major health problem.
“We need to fight to expand health care. Health care saved my life,” he said. “Every one of you should have that same kind of health care when it’s needed there for you, if you choose to.”
Fetterman highlighted his support for labor rights, referencing the union history of the region.
“Unions built our communities. They built Pennsylvania; they built America. They built the middle class. They invented the weekend,” Fetterman said. “We need to cut taxes for working people, not people like Dr. Oz. They don’t need extra money.”
Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel spoke before Fetterman took the stage, praising Fetterman as someone who would fight for working people.
“He’s led, as a mayor, the most thankless job. He fought the fight, and continues to fight for jobs,” Boozel said. “We have to maintain our value system and not let them tell us who we are. Let us tell you who we are — let us tell you what our next senator is going to do for us.”
Fetterman’s wife, Gisele Barreto Fetterman, encouraged attendees to vote, saying that “our democracy is on the line.”
“John is not a typical politician, in the best way possible. He is honest, he is kind, and he is true to his word. And no matter where we go, he’s still that hardworking small-town mayor who truly cares about families,” she said. “He is still that same leader who will always stand for what is right, even when he is standing alone.”
Phil Heasley, of Center Township, vice chair of Butler County Democrats, said he has volunteered with the campaign since the beginning.
“I’ve been doing everything in Butler County that I possibly can. I’ve been running signs, I have been going to Pittsburgh, all the way up to Erie and Warren County, just to make sure that everybody else gets everything that they need,” he said. “I think that (Fetterman) is the most authentic candidate in the race — he's one of us.”
Cranberry Township resident Kari Zimmer said she came to the event to hear Fetterman speak.
“I admire his entire family,” Zimmer said. “He would make a great senator for Pennsylvania.”
Carrie Turner of Mt. Lebanon brought her 4-year-old son Evan and his campaign sign, decorated with stickers, to the event. She said she previously attended a Fetterman event in Indiana, Pa.
“We saw the good energy, and how positive (it was),” she said. “He takes care of his community.”
Jack and Barbara Kimbell of Freedom, said they supported Fetterman for a variety of issues, including abortion rights.
“I can’t believe this. I'm 70 years old. I cannot believe we are fighting this fight again,” Barbara said.
“To me, John represents what’s right. He’s truthful, he’s straight up. There’s no pretense. I like his thoughts on criminal justice,” Jack said. “He is just a breath of fresh air.”
