A pair of Republicans running for Congress in Northeast Pennsylvania are now “on the radar” for the National Republican Congressional Committee’s 2020 “Young Guns program.”
Jim Bognet, a former Trump administration appointee, and Earl Granville, a decorated combat veteran and veterans’ advocate, who are both seeking the Republican nomination in the 8th Congressional District were added in the NRCC’s latest round of selections for the program aimed at mentoring and supporting Republican candidates with resources to help run a successful campaign.
Bognet’s “Young Gun” bio page, touts his work in Trump’s administration, says that he has fought for “conservative causes and Republican principles his whole life,” while describing Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) as Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “lap dog.” Granville’s “Young Gun” bio page, details his military service, support for the “America First” agenda and term limits, while accusing Cartwright of “simply following orders from Nancy Pelosi.”
Bognet and Granville are included in the 55 candidates currently listed as “on the radar” for the program and the lone Pennsylvania candidates in this specific category. However, Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and conservative author who is seeking the GOP nomination for the 17th Congressional District, and Lisa Scheller, a former Lehigh County Commissioner and businesswoman who is seeking the GOP nomination for the 7th Congressional District, are both listed in the “contender” category, which is the second level of the program.
“These candidates are instrumental in helping Republicans reclaim the House majority,”said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. “With their continued hard work and dedication Republicans will be one step closer to sending the socialist Democrats packing in November.”
While Bognet and Granville are both included in the program, there are a total of six Republicans that are seeking their party’s nomination for this Trump friendly district, including Mike Cammisa, Teddy Daniels, Luzerne County Councilman Harry Haas, and former Hazleton Mayor Mike Marsicano.
President Donald Trump has not signaled support for a specific candidate in this primary yet, but House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) issued an endorsement for Granville.
The program includes both candidates during a time when the primary is heating up as they are jockeying support to appear as the “pro-Trump” candidate in the race.
Cartwright is currently serving his fourth term in Congress, most recently besting Republican John Chrin by just over 9 points. In 2016, Trump carried these boundaries by close to 10 points in 2016, while Cartwright fended off Republican Matt Connolly by a 7.6 point margin.
The Cook Political Report currently has the seat held by Cartwright listed as a “Toss-Up” for 2020.
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15 Responses
The Young Guns would be great if the .big .gun was not so intent in shooting everyone in the foot during thosenW.h briefings
Young, dumb and full of gun.
In exchange for being in my YOUNG GUNS program I demand their undying loyalty. Voters of the 8th be damned
Sean Parnell, of the 17th, is merely a “contender” He’s Orangeman’s hand-picked candidate. Connor will bury him on 11/03.
Love the fact, the article doesn’t mention that the 8th was redistricted in 2018 which was part of the 10th CD in 2016. Marino won the District with 70% of the vote.
In 2018, the Republicans put up the worst possible candidate they could find. So, Mr. Cartwright, with one of these two as your opponent, you might as well concede today.
I have met all six current Republican candidates, frankly, Chrin is a much better person than the current field, and despite him being a carpetbagger, like Bognet, he was a good candidate. Watch out for both Marsicano and Haas, they have both run and won tough elections for public office. There is no substitute for political experience. In this election, the likes of which we have never seen before, they will be most able to adapt.
MArsicano endorsed Cartwright a year ago when he was a D. And there’s the whole tie he has to kids for cash. Don’t forget the 911 call his old girlfriend made!
“Young Guns” was a movie about reckless irresponsible immature boy outlaws with too much testosterone and murderous inclinations. But that appeals to similar values of GOP in PA?
Bognet’s resume also includes that he loves Mitt Romney, is a lobbyist funded by DC swamp monsters, has Virginia plates on his car, hasn’t lived in NEPA for like 20 years,didn’t ever vote for Trump in PA, there is a record that he has bullied women who are Trump supporters–ask Trump Sr. Advisor Katrina Pierson who was a victim of it! Also, he never met Italian leather shoes, a cashmere sweater or a java with extra foam that he didn’t like. I’m MARSICANO ALL THE WAY!
You want to talk about bullying women Mikey, start by releasing that call your old girlfriend made to 911. Public record. We all know she went for a PFA. Your the last guy to lecture on how to treat women.
Anyone attaching themselves to Doctor Clorox is a looozzzzerrrr.
Can’t wait to vote for Earl!!
Can anyone let me know which candidate has the most money so someone can leech off of them to try and get a job? Asking for a friend.
Isn’t that what we did with Jersey John in 2018?
p.s I didn’t vote for Trump!
It’s a shame that people fall to childish behavior when they are upset. Some people think they can run for Congress but have the emotional maturity of a child. My support just changed! Also I did not vote for President Trump in 2016 but he has earned my vote for 2020. I am not sure what that has to do with anything to begin with. Good luck on June 2nd.