GOP candidates work to get voters excited
CRANBERRY TWP — Mike Kelly and Keith Rothfus have found themselves spending a lot of time together recently.
Kelly, R-16th, and Rothfus, R-17th, often ride together to and from Washington, D.C., and use the time to discuss what's happening both in their districts and on a national level. For both congressmen, there's a lot to be happy about.
“In every measurable sense, the country is in such better shape,” Kelly told a few dozen people gathered Thursday at the new Republican Women of Butler County Campaign Central Headquarters in Cranberry Township.
Kelly and Rothfus, along with Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-15th — if victorious in November — would all represent portions of Butler County under the recently changed congressional district maps. Rothfus noted that three Republicans could soon represent the area, which drew cheers and applause from those assembled.
Kelly said while there has been some confusion among voters due to redistricting, there is potential for much good to be done for the people of the county.
“With me being on (the Committee on) Ways and Means and Keith being on (the Committee on Monetary and) Financial Affairs, there's a lot of stuff that blends there that we can really represent the folks in this area,” he said.
Kelly and Rothfus outlined what the Republican majority has done for both the local and national communities. Both pointed to the strength of the economy and the drop in unemployment rates, with there being “more job postings than job seekers,” Rothfus said. He added the choice in November boils down to those two facets.
“When we get up to November, people have to make a decision: is the country, the economy, heading in a much better, healthier direction, or do we want to go back to having more government again?” he asked.
Rothfus, who will face Democrat Conor Lamb in the race for the newly created 17th District, noted this is the first time that many young people have seen economic success in their lifetime. He said a person who graduated college in the mid-2000s is seeing first-hand the “eye opening” opportunity.
“This is the first time that our millennial generation has seen the power of a healthy economy,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by Kelly, who will face Democratic challenger Ron DiNicola in November.
“The skies have never been bluer, and we've never had stronger winds at our back, and that helps people make that decision,” he said.
Kelly said the success of the economy outweighs the sometimes controversial actions of President Donald Trump. He said when meeting with constituents, he often hears that while they are pleased with Trump's performance thus far, they, “wish he wouldn't Tweet.”
Kelly said he is quick to ask a simple question: are they happy with the job he's done?
“The one thing that none of us can deny is his performance in the 20 months he's been in office has absolutely been incredible,” he said. “Throw the other stuff out.”
Additionally, Kelly pointed to Trump's focus on hosting rallies and campaign events in the lead up to November's election. He said there is a clear difference between this midterm and one in 2010, when then-President Barack Obama, “did nothing for the Democrats running for office.”
“You have this dynamo in Washington, D.C. ... this guy is everywhere,” Kelly said of Trump's campaigning.
Both Rothfus and Kelly reminded those in attendance that complacency could kill any momentum that has been built since 2016. Rothfus said the choice in November is clear: more government and higher taxes, or more jobs and higher wages. Kelly agreed, adding that the work being done by volunteers is crucial.
“Any time in your life when you had a challenge, have you ever thought, 'I'll just let it work itself out on its own?' Has it ever worked out to a positive end?” he asked. “Please ... do not think that this trajectory that we're on right now is an automatic. As soon as we back off, it will drop over again and I don't know how you can revive it.”
