President Obama is looking solid in Pennsylvania according to the latest survey by Public Policy Polling. He leads the former Massachusetts Governor 50 to 42, a 1 point boost from the firm’s March survey.
However, his approval ratings are still tepid; 49 percent approve of his job performance, 49 percent disapprove. Romney’s numbers are solidly negative; 37 percent hold a positive opinion of him compared 51 percent who view him negatively.
“Our polling for most of last year suggested Pennsylvania could be very competitive in 2012,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. “But Barack Obama’s now looking more like the clear favorite to win the state again by a healthy margin as he did in 2008.”
Obama leads 48 to 24 percent among independents, 56 to 36 percent with women, and 64 to 28 percent among young voters.
Romney leads 48 to 43 percent among men, 47 to 45 percent among white voters, and 50 to 41 percent among voters ages 30 to 45. Voters 65 and older are split, 45 to 45 percent.
VP Blues
The pollster also found that picking a PA Republican as his VP would be of little help to Romney. Former Governor Tom Ridge gave ROmney the biggest boost out of Governor Tom Corbett, Senator Pat Toomey (who is frequently mentioned as a dark horse VP possibility), former Senator Rick Santorum, Ridge, and 2006 gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann.
Finally, approval numbers for Corbett and Toomey are each net negative. Corbett’s approval is 37 percent positive, 50 percent negative – a 7 jump in negatives since PPP last polled the Guv in November. Toomey’s is 33 percent positive, 36 percent negative.
Only Tom Ridge enjoys net positive ratings: 50 percent of voters view him favorably to 32 percent who view him negatively.
PPP surveyed 671 Pennsylvania voters from May 17th to 20th via automated telephone interviews. The margin of error for the survey is +/-3.8 percent.
Following up on last Wednesday’s negative broken promises advertisement, Republican Super PAC Crossroads GPS is at again, announcing that they will begin a new ad in PA starting Wednesday. The spot accuses Barack Obama of failing to create jobs, cut taxes, and reduce government debt.
It opens with a beautiful and seemingly carefree mother watching her young children play basketball.
“I always loved watching the kids play basketball.”
However, she’s shown quickly transforming into a worn down looking senior.
“I still do, even though things have changed. It’s funny; they can’t find jobs to get their careers started and I can’t afford to retire. And now we’re all living together again.”
“I supported President Obama because he spoke so beautifully. He promised change, but things changed for the worse. Obama started spending like our credit cards have no limit”, she laments.
“Basketball” is the second advertisement in a $25 million ad campaing in Pennsylvania as well as in Colorado, Iowa, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia.
“This ad drives home the impact President Obama’s policies are having on American families and why those policies need to be changed. We want there to be a serious debate on the real issues people are facing in this country, and this ad expresses the human element of that debate,” said Steve Law, president of Crossroads GPS.
Crossroads GPS will remain on the air in PA for three weeks.
Super PACs have done the heavy lifting for Romney in PA. His campaign isn’t on TV here, but Obama’s is. So too a pro-Obama and pro-Romney PAC – plus Crossroads.
Update: The Democratic National Committee shot back at Crossroads GPS, which was started by George W. Bush political adviser Karl Rove.
“Karl Rove’s most recent deceptive ad can’t hide the reality that, under President Obama’s leadership, the economy has gone from losing 750,000 jobs a months to adding more than 4.2 million private sector jobs over the last 26 consecutive months, unemployment today is lower among college graduates than when the President took office, and more companies are hiring recent graduates while the outlook for hiring continues to improve,” the DNC said in a press release.
Claiming to be innocent on all nine criminal charges, Pa. Supreme Justice Joan Orie Melvin nonetheless voluntarily stepped away from official duties Friday. If she is convicted she will be only the second Justice ever to be removed from the Court, and the first in 2 decades.
Following Justice Orie Melvin’s voluntary recusal, the PA Judicial Conduct Board moved to officially suspend her.
The Justice faces several charges, including abuse of state funds – though she remains on the state payroll.
The cases upon which Orie Melvin and the Court have already ruled are unlikely to be affected by the outcome of the case. Orie is a Republican Justice in a Court that had been split 4 to 3 in Republicans’ favor. Now, the Court lacks the ability to overturn law (but can still confirm it).
Regardless of the outcome of the trial, the mere fact that such charges have been levied, and the way the trials are conducted, may be enough to change how Pennsylvania voters view the institutions they have been trusting to deal out justice.
Orie Melvin: “Not Guilty”
The accusations Justice Orie Melvin has to fight against are serious. They consist of no fewer than nine criminal charges related to abusing state funds and state funded resources to further her campaigns for office.
The grand jury presentment suggests that “Justice Orie Melvin [was] directly and knowingly involved in using state paid staffers from both the judicial and legislative branches of the Pennsylvania government,” using both her and her sister’s resources.
The Justice’s response to the charges has been to voluntarily suspend herself, while continuing to claim her innocence, and to accuse her opposition of seeking to serve political goals.
“I entered a plea of not guilty today and I will vigorously defend these politically motivated charges,” she said. “The voters overwhelmingly sent me to the Supreme Court and I will not resign because of these politically motivated charges.”
The major force behind the investigation is Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, Jr., a Democrat whose father and sister lead the Pennsylvania Casino Association. The Ories claim they are the victims of a political vendetta; Orie Melvin’s sister, Senator Jane Orie, has a history of opposing legalized gambling.
But the charges against Orie Melvin came, as they did against Senator Orie, after Zappala guided the case through a grand jury. Add that to the fact that Senator Orie was found guilty on 14 counts, and it appears that Zappala is on firm ground.
Precedent for Impeachment
Justice Orie Melvin’s potential predecessor-in-impeachment is Justice Rolf Larsen, who, in a struggle against depression and anxiety, illegally used prescriptions made out in the names of staff members to obtain tranquilizers and anti-depressants. That was in 1993.
In the case of Larsen, Judge Frank J. Montemuro Jr was already serving temporarily in the court, due to the death of another Justice. When Larsen was removed, Montemuro simply became his replacement. In Orie Melvin’s case, if she is convicted, it is likely that the Governor will nominate a new Justice for the State Senate’s approval. One possibility is that a senior judge on the Superior Court will be temporarily reassigned to the State Supreme Court.
Former Gov. Ed Rendell has joined Newark Mayor Cory Booker in criticizing President Obama’s campaign decision to go after Mitt Romney’s Wall Street past. In an interview forwarded by Romney’s campaign, Rendell called the ads “disappointing” – though he said Bain is fair game.
And Rendell joined the chorus of criticism of Obama’s attacks on finance, whose leaders have written checks to many members of both parties.
“I think they’re very disappointing,” Rendell said of the ads attacking Bain.
That’s the portion of the interview that the Romney camp emailed. Rendell continued,
“I think Bain is fair game, because Romney has made it fair game. But I think how you examine it, the tone, what you say, is important as well.”
As for Booker, “I admire him,” Rendell said. “People in politics should tell the truth. He could have qualified it better, he could have framed it better, but if you’re in this business, none of us like negative ads.”
Update: Rendell has repeatedly said that Bain is fair game, as he did inthis video posted by the DNC on Monday (0:34 mark):
“Governor Romney has in fact made his experience at Bain capital one of the central points of why he thinks he should be President, so it’s only fair that there is a full examination of what Bain Capital did and what they didn’t do for the American people.”
Obama’s campaign has launched a full court press on Bain, includinga TV ad, several web videos, and countless local media press conferences nationally. A pro-Obama Super PAC aired a similar TV ad.
The recent objections by prominent Democrats has turned something that started out as an effective hit against Romney into a political headache for the Obama team.
Booker, a rising star in the national Democratic party, got the ball rolling on Sunday when he called such attacks “nauseating” on Meet the Press.
But attacking private equity may not help candidates all the way down ballot who rely on financiers for campaign contributions. As former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Rendell is more than aware of how integral the financial sector is for the party’s fundraising.
Salon takes a look at the evolving relationship between Democrats and the world of finance, and finds far more cooperation than discord since the 1990s.
Bain itself illustrates this point. Its employees have actually given more political contributions to Democrats than Republicans, by a lot: $1.2 million for Dems to $480,000 for the GOP. Even Obama himself has received $80,000 from Bain employees.
Party Building
On a separate subject, Rendell also offered some interesting contrasts between Obama and former President Bill Clinton. Namely: Obama isn’t nearly as much of a party builder.
Former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said it would be unfair to compare Obama’s aides to Clinton’s operation.
“You’re comparing them to the gold standard,” Rendell told BuzzFeed. “They’ve done a good job.”
He added, however, that he hasn’t heard of officials getting Clinton-style calls from Obama at 11:30 at night to ask about local issues. That, said a former Clinton aide, is simply a product of how Obama rose to power.
“He’s not as engaged in building Democratic institutions in different states,” the consultant said. “If you think about how he came to beat Hillary and become president, he did not go through typical Democratic institutions — he ceded that to Hillary. Eventually some started to come his way. I don’t know if there’s as much of a reliance on building these operations state by state.”
Might this be the only time we use this graphic in 2012?
Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz. Looks like we have the signs of an early budget agreement. Republican leadership in the PA House and Senate each said $27.6 bil was the target figure, and June 13 was the target date.
Orie Senate Seat: What’s Next: Convicted on 14 counts, Jane Orie resigned her state Senate seat today. Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley has 10 days to call a special election in the seat, but redistricting might complicate things.
New Romney Ad Won’t Air in PA (Watch Video): It’s a question that every voter will ask come November. What would a Romney Presidency be like? That is precisely what Romney for President’s new campaign ad explains in their new ad entitled “Day One.”
Kane Dings GOP Over VAWA: Kathleen Kane kept women’s issues front and center for her campaign today. In an email to supporters, she criticized Republicans for passing a watered down version of the Violence Against Women Act.
National Morning Call: Using Pittsburgh man, Obama campaign presses Bain attack AP: THE RACE: Obama and Romney fight over budget goals The New York Times: As uncapped super-PAC donations grow, the campaign landscape changes Indiana Gazette: NATO plans end to war in Afghanistan AP: Obama stands by hits on Romney’s Bain Capital Days Tribune Washington Bureau: Supreme Court considers taking up anti-terror laws AP: Romney, US Sen. Brown play down past connections AP: Is GOP trying to sabotage economy to hurt Obama? AP: Romney to raise about $10 million in NY, Conn. Inquirer: Obama presses Bain attacks Philadelphia Tribune: U.S. needs “3rd Way” to fight drugs Fox Philadelphia: Dick Cheney to raise money for Mitt Romney Fox Philadelphia: Twipolitico site analyzes political Tweets Fox Philadelphia: Obama campaign launches new attack on Romney’s Bain record
Statewide Tribune-Review: Remap of Pa. legislative districts is slow going Tribune-Review: GOP lawmakers say schools should spend reserves before raising taxes Post-Gazette: McCandless Republican Jane Orie resigns from Pa. Senate Post-Gazette: Gov. Corbett adds pension reform to budget agenda Early Returns: Shuster: Chairmanship, reelect on way Early Returns: State budget day = June 13? PhillyNow: Dr. Jill Stein wins PA Green Party Caucus AP: Pa. House panel backs Senate budget on party lines AP: Trial judge will decide if DeWeese remains on bail AP: Future pension benefits of Pa. public workers eyed AP: Trial judge will decide if DeWeese will remain on bail Philadelphia Tribune: Statewide gay drive for Obama to begin AP: Convicted Pa. Sen. Orie submits resignation
Philadelphia KYW Newsradio: Corbett to schools: spend more reserve cash PhillyNow: Daily Grinder: Taxpayer dollars going toward Tastykake parties WHYY Newsworks: Pa. lawmakers displeased over school district reserves
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Waivers could OK drilling near water Early Returns: Horse racing the 19th Ward
Southwest Harrisburg Patriot News: Marcellus Shale Coalition tout’s industry’s success in Pennsylvania at Capitol Rally
NEPA Citizens Voice: House to vote on unemployment claim benefit dipping
Lehigh Valley Morning Call: Using Pittsburgh man, Obama campaign presses Bain attack WFMZ: Farmers fear cuts in funding for farmland preservation in Pa.
It’s a question that every voter will ask come November. What would a Romney Presidency be like? That is precisely what Romney for President’s new campaign ad explains in their new ad entitled “Day One.”
The ad explains various measures that Romney would implement on his first day in office should he win the Presidency in November. Among those measures are the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, tax cuts and reforms that benefit job creators, and the replacement of Obamacare with “commonsense health care reform.”
But Pennsylvanians won’t see it.
The Romney Campaign declined to comment about the size and scope of the buy, but several media buying sources PoliticsPA spoke to said there was no time paid for in PA.
It follows recent discussion over whether Pennsylvania is indeed a swing state.
While the ad is a touch vague, it sends a positive and effective message with an idea of what Romney’s first day in office would look like. Even though there is a slight jab at President Obama for blocking the Keystone XL Pipeline, the ad steers away from the recent trend of negativity, such as the most recent Crossroads GPS ad.
The Obama campaign said Romney had broken similar promises during his tenure as Massachusetts Governor.
“We know why Mitt Romney didn’t keep his promises- his business experience wasn’t in strengthening companies and creating jobs for long-term economic growth. It was in reaping quick profits for himself and his investors at the expense of workers and communities,” said campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith.
Pennsylvania state Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) resigned Monday, May 21 facing 14 convictions for the use of government employees in her campaign.
Orie, who was convicted in March, will be sentenced on June 4. The sentencing was originally scheduled to take place on Monday but was postponed to allow time to collect letters from supporters asking for judicial leniency.
Following Orie’s resignation, Lt. Gov. Cawley will have ten days to choose a date for an election to fill her senate seat. The special election could take place as soon as late July and can occur no later than the November election date. Candidates, which will likely include former state Sen. Melissa Hart (R) and attorney Dan DeMarco, Orie’s 2010 Democratic opponent, would be chosen by party committees.
Stipulating that Orie’s senate seat will be moved to Monroe County, as most redistricting observers expect, there would most likely be a special election in Allegheny County to fill the remainder of her term, followed by a 2014 election in Monroe.
Based on past precedent, the special election is likely to coincide with the November general election.
Orie’s two-sentence resignation letter, submitted to Senate President Joe Scarnati read, “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to have served in the Senate of Pennsylvania.” Orie now faces the loss of her pension and possible jail time. Prosecutors are also seeking more than $1.3 million to reimburse taxpayers.
The senator’s resignation follows the charges against her sister Judge Joan Orie Melvin on Friday, May 18, who was similarly charged with the misappropriation of taxpayer dollars through the illegal use of government workers in her campaign. Corruption charges against the Orie sisters (Janine Orie also faces charges) have prompted non-profit organizations like Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts to call for an improved process of electing state judges.
The fight over the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is long from over, and as it continues to wage within the legislature, politicians across the state are choosing sides.
Last week, the House GOP enraged most Democrats with its approval of a weakened version of VAWA. Kathleen Kane, a former prosecutor who defeated Patrick Murphy in the Attorney General primary, is also a Democrat provoked.
“I am deeply saddened by the House’s rejection of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its proposal of a revised version that strips safeguards from many protected groups, including lesbian, gay, and transsexual individuals,” Kane said in an email to supporters Monday.
She further called the proposal “watered down,” and she applauded those Pennsylvania Representatives who challenged the House approval.
“As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the positive impact VAWA has had on the lives of women throughout Pennsylvania,” she said.
“Through VAWA, Pennsylvania’s healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and legal advocates are able to effectively coordinate with one another and ensure that those who commit domestic and sexual violence against women are brought to justice.”
From the onset of her campaign, Kane has emphasized being the first female nominee for Pennsylvania Attorney General. She repeatedly made issue of the proposed ultrasound mandate during the primary.
She faces Republican Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed in the general election.
Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz. The Orie sisters’ fall from grace continues, and so does the back-and-forth between the Obama and Romney campaigns.
Obama Camp Keeps Up Bain Attack, Romney Camp Cites Booker (Watch Video): In President Obama’s latest video, his campaign once again attacked Mitt Romney’s record at Bain Capital by interviewing former employees of a company which was purchased by Bain and subsequently went out of business.
5/18 Ups & Downs: Some boneheaded mistakes earn two Republicans a spot, but three other GOPers get Ups. Plus, a win for good government. Here are this week’s Ups & Downs!
And Judge Joan Orie Melvin Charged Friday: Following a lengthy grand jury investigation, Friday Judge Joan Orie Melvin became the third Orie sister accused (one already having been convicted) of campaign-related felonies.
President Obama Coming To Phila. June 12th: President Obama is coming to Philadelphia June 12th to raise money and speak with graduating seniors from a city high school. The RNC responds by calling out the President on his economic policies for young Americans.
Santorum Asks Supporters for $10: Although he’s never been one for handouts, former Sen. Rick Santorum has been reaching out to his supporters for help in paying off his roughly $1 million debt from campaigning for the Republican Presidential Nomination by asking for $10 donations.
Legislative Election Updates
HD-129: In perhaps the most balance premise of all time, the Pa Progressive asks why Republican state Rep. Jim Cox (R-Berks) hates puppies. Also interviews his opponent Erik Saar.
National Tribune-Review: Biden’s speech falls on deaf ears Politico: Dems’ bid for House majority not simple math Politico: Gay activists to Obama: what’s next? Politico: Romney camp fundraising stalled in April Politico: DNC outraises RNC in April Roll Call: Senators urge Supreme Court to uphold law banning corporate donations National Journal: Republicans attack Obama on debt ceiling National Journal: Three men charged with terrorist conspiracy against Obama’s Chicago campaign office Washington Post: Obama, Karzai meet before NATO summit opens New York Times: How national belt-tightening goes awry New York Times: How the Mormon church shaped Romney New York Times: In largely symbolic move, NAACP to endorse same-sex marriage The Caucus: Mayor Cory Booker criticizes Obama campaign The Caucus: Gingrich campaign at least $4.8 million in debt AP: Obama sees ‘emerging consensus’ on economic fix The Caucus: A drop in fundraising for the Obama campaign The Hill: Senate Iran sanctions bill stalls as GOP calls for tougher measures The Hill: Sen. Lieberman: White House inching closer to military response in Syria The Hill: Boehner: New law to punish tax-dodgers for renouncing citizenship ‘unnecessary’ The Hill: House GOP, Romney take aim at Obama’s stance on coal industry The Hill: Sen. Graham: Jeb Bush is best possible pick for Romney’s running mate Philly Tribune: Anti-Romney ad challenges Bain success National Journal: Axelrod: Romney’s Mormonism off the table Five Thirty Eight: The most powerful special interest in Washington: the acronym Fox Philadelphia: Romney said Obama undermining NATO AP: Plan to quote Wright in campaign ads dropped AP: Obama’s home-turf summits will test his leverage AP: Obama sees “emerging consensus” on economic fix AP: Dems claim GOP trying to sabotage economy to hurt Obama AP: Geisinger Health Systems seeks facts on Marcellus Shale gas drilling AP: Party leaders refuse to budge on debt positions AP: Conservative donors slow to back Romney’s campaign AP: NATO shifts to help an elusive Afghanistan peace AP: Twenty-two states join campaign finance fight AP: Obama nominates Pa. attorney for federal bench AP: Romney, Sen. Brown play down past connections AP: Romney campaign releases first TV ad of general election, calls it ‘Day One’ AP: With cookies and conversations, Romney tries charm AP: Christie bashes Obama for ‘posing and preening’ AP: Romney releases first general election TV ad AP: Early political spats suggest nothing off-limits AP: April is strong for Romney and GOP with a $40M haul AP: Political vulnerabilities in Sen. Rubio’s past
Statewide AP: Former Rep. DeWeese released on bail pending appeal AP: Is Pa. really a swing state? Tribune-Review: Shale gas ventures lead to piggyback investments Tribune-Review: Prosecutors seek long prison term for former Rep. Mike Veon Tribune-Review: Former state Dem leader Mellow pleads guilty in corruption case Valley News Dispatch: Oakmont attorney named to state labor relations board Post-Gazette: House approves defense budget that would retain 911th Post-Gazette: Pa. unemployment rate falls even with larger workforce Post-Gazette: How Romney will choose his running mate Post-Gazette: Biden continues blasting Romney’s business record The Washington Post: Conservative Interest groups spend freely to alter Congress Early Returns: Joan Orie Melvin faces charges Altoona Mirror: Privatizing liquor shops divides politicians Centre Daily Times: Democratic leader Debbie Wasserman Schultz targeted by Republican hopefuls Slate: Ben Stein: Obama “not that smart, Nixon a “genius”
Philadelphia Inquirer: Judge rejects calls to resign Inquirer: Thomas Fitzgerald: So much for third parties Philly Clout: State Senator says AVI should be revenue neutral Fox Philadelphia: Cory Booker slams Obama campaign for Bain attack KYW Newsradio: Corruption Charges Announced Against Pa. Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin KYW Newsradio: Analysis: Ad Dollars Suggest Pennsylvania Will Be An Election Battleground KYW Newsradio: Sen. Bob Casey Irate Over Ex-Pat Gazillionaires Not Paying US Taxes PhillyNOW: Rep. Bob Brady Co-Sponsors ‘Voter Empowerment Act’ as Obama Camp Releases Web-Based Voter Assistance PhillyNOW: Sen. Bob Casey to Tax Facebook Expatriate PhillyNOW: Pennsylvania Legislators Fight United Nations Effort to Strip Parental Rights
SEPA AP: TV Blitz begins, but is PA really a swing state? AP: Romney Denounces idea of Obama-Wright campaign ads
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Face of politics in South Hill gets a new look
NEPA The Times-Tribune: Convicted Lackawanna County Commissioners ask for more time with appeal Pocono Record: Marino (R-10) to hold a town hall meeting in Stroud County Monday evening. Pocono Record: Pollster says the Poconos could swing Pa. in Presidential race.
Lehigh Valley Morning Call: U.S. Senate votes on Pat Toomey budget proposal Reading Eagle: John Forester: Round 2 of State Budget Slugfest WFMZ: PA. jobless rate keeps dropping as more find work; Payroll size remains relatively flat WFMZ: Northampton Co. Council hears update on open spaces
Opinions Lewistown Sentinel: Editorial – Seeking the youth vote without much concrete to offer New York Times: Editorial – The GOP campaign against women New York Times Op-ed – “Metrosexual black Abe Lincoln” Washington Post: Op-ed – Mitt Romney fails to see America Wall Street Journal: Editorial – Bain capitalism 101 Tribune-Review: Obama’s new interactive web ad targets single women Observer-Reporter: Editorial – Stores Close Doors, Congress Ignores AP: Obama stance adds fuel in marriage battlegrounds Post-Gazette: Pain and suffering: Pa. stacks the deck for health insurance rate hikes Tribune-Review: Mitt & Remittitur Tribune-Review: Joe Biden, exposed Daily Local News: College loans an issue because of joblessness situation Inquirer Editorial: Obama needs FEC to straighten out super-PACs Inquirer Op-ed: U.S. must adapt to new energy landscape Inquirer Op-ed: Third-party movement fizzles Inquirer Op-ed: Dick Lugar’s departure a sign of Washington paralysis Inquirer Op-ed: Presidents’ pasts catch up with them Daily News Op-ed: Same-sex marriage: Who says it’s a right? Philadelphia Tribune Op-ed: No easy way for Obama on same-sex marriage USA Today: Why Romney should pursue black voters Harrisburg Patriot: Pennsylvania business climate still lacking despite Republican leaders The Sentinel: Supreme support lacking Citizens Voice: Online voter registration act a good first step Daily Item: Eliminating the ‘99%’ sends better message
Reaching for the heartstrings of the electorate, President Barack Obama’s campaign released a new video Monday morning attacking Mitt Romney’s credentials as a “job creator” during his time as CEO of Bain Capital.
In the six minute web video, former employees of American Paper and Pad portray Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, as a ruthless venture capitalist who destroyed middle class manufacturing jobs.
Ampad, a subsidiary of Mead and producer of office products, was purchased by Bain Capital in 1992 for $40 million. Utilizing a “roll-up strategy,” Bain bought up other companies similar companies in the same industry, including SCM, a company based in Marion, Indiana.
After Bain purchased SCM in 1994, all 250 employees were laid off and forced to re-apply for work for lower wages and diminished benefits. A year later, the firm was closed for good.
Romney’s campaign noted that SCM had already begun laying off workers and closing plants before Bain arrived on the scene, and that the firm helped to boost the company’s productivity while it had operational control from 1992 to 1996.
Obama’s video, posted on RomneyEconomics.com, emphasizes the impact of SCM’s closing through the eyes of its former employees – part of his compaign’s portrayal of Romney as a proponent of government policies favoring the wealthiest Americans.
Randy Johnson, a Pittsburgh resident and former union leader at SCM, provides commentary through the clip, portraying Marion as a classic Midwestern town.
“The average person in the Marion area would say that they are middle income to lower income,” Johnson said. “But we had good jobs that you could raise a family on.”
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Johnson now serves as a union organizer for steel works in Pittsburgh, and has worked with the Democratic National Committee as an active critic toward Romney during the current campaign season.
Following in line with President Obama’s campaign strategy of portraying Romney as “out of touch” with the plight of middle class workers, the video shows a pull-out quote where Romney admits that he wasn’t “sufficiently aware” of the situation.
After Ampad went bankrupt in 2000, the video said Bain Capital made $100 million in profits after liquidating the company’s holdings. These assets included factories in New York, Texas, and Mississippi.
In a press release from the Obama campaign, spokeswoman Jennifer Austin said Romney’s actions at CEO with Bain Capital reflect his economic philosophy for the country as a whole.
“Mitt Romney has repeatedly cited his business experience as his chief qualification to be President, claiming he would use it to boost the economy, create jobs, and reduce the deficit,” Austin said.
“But Romney’s business values put short term profit for himself and his investors ahead of long term growth for the companies he bought and sold–destroying some of the communities where he and his partners invested.”
Romney left Bain in 1999, before the Ampad bankruptcy.
His campaign said the accusations made in the video are largely inaccurate. Spokeswoman Sarah Pompei said prior to the purchase of SMC by Bain Capital, the company was laying off workers and closing plants.
Pompei added that Bain sold their shares of SCM in 1996, and it was after this that the company accumulated $130 million in debt. She also said that under Bain’s ownership, net sales at Ampad increased from $9 million to $584 million.
“President Obama continues his assault on the free enterprise system with attacks that one of his supporters, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, called ‘nauseating’ and a former adviser, Steven Rattner, called ‘unfair,’” she said.
“Under President Obama, more Americans have lost their jobs than under any president since the Great Depression. President Obama’s policies have failed every American who expected their President to focus on the economy and make things better.”
Obama’s Bain attacks took friendly fire on Sunday when Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker, a rising star in the Democratic party. Booker said he was “very uncomfortable” with the president’s attacks on private equity during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.
“To me, it’s just we’re getting to a ridiculous point in America,” Booker said. “Especially that I know I live in a state where pension funds, unions and other people invest in companies like Bain Capital.”
President Obama is looking solid in Pennsylvania according to the latest survey by Public Policy Polling. He leads the former Massachusetts Governor 50 to 42, a 1 point boost from the firm’s March survey.
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