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Todd Platts Gets a Primary Challenger

By Natalka Karaman, Contributing Writer

Add Todd Platts to the list of PA Republicans facing a conservative primary challenge next year.

Ted Waga, who commutes to work every day as a Sergeant in the Baltimore County, MD police, has announced a bid for Platts’ 19th district seat.

“Although I have a great career and the American Dream, I am willing to make sacrifices because I feel that I owe it to my children and my country to do my part in working toward a better future,” Waga writes on his website. “I ask for your support and your vote so that I may go to Washington as your representative and work to restore this Great Nation back to one that we can be proud of!”

Waga lives in Red Lion with his wife and two daughters. He is president of his Homeowner’s Association.

Waga’s campaign, Reduce, Repeal, Restore, seems to be a new slogan for the standard platform issues of limited government, reduced regulation, and lowered taxes. He portrays himself as the average American man frustrated with events in Washington.

In a few web videos, Waga haltingly discusses his solutions for federal debt and deficit reduction, and energy independence vis-a-vis national security. He criticizes Platts’ district office spending among other issues, including the Congressman’s votes in favor of some green energy legislation.

It isn’t the first time Platts has faced heat from the right. Last month, the Congressman crossed paths with Tea Party-affiliated York 912 Parriots after its leaders suggested Platts was complicit in a communist agenda and ought to be ousted.

Last year Mike Smeltzer, Director of the Manufacturer’s Association of South Central Pennsylvania, challenged Platts in a primary. The congressman garnered 70 percent of the vote in that election, and typically enjoys favorable standing in the local press (York Daily Record, Patriot News).

Platts won his current seat in 2000. His secret to success in the overwhelmingly Republican district may lie with his membership in the “obscure caucus”, meaning he is rarely in the media spotlight, runs inexpensive campaigns, and keeps a low profile.

Waga joins fellow primary challenger Evan Feinberg, who is running against incumbent Tim Murphy (R-Allegheny) in the 18th district. Feinberg looks to fire up support to his very conservative record, arguing that Murphy’s voting record is too liberal.

Jennifer Stefano, Director of Policy for Labor and Industry for the Tea Party-affiliated Americans For Prosperity, has threatened a primary challenge to Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) in the 8th district.

Waga’s campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Here’s Waga’s (seven and a half minute long) intro video:

One Response

  1. Mr. Waga announced his bid before Rep. Platts officially announced his retirement, for that sir, I applaud you. Press on.

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