HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason was disgusted to learn that 3rd District Democrat Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper was criticizing Republican candidate Mike Kelly for choosing to attend a fundraiser for pediatric cancer over a political debate.

“I didn’t think Kathy Dahlkemper could go any lower after voting for government-run health care, but criticizing Mike Kelly for choosing to attend the ‘Hope on Wheels’ pediatric cancer fundraiser is despicable,” Gleason said. “This situation highlights the differences between Mike Kelly and Kathy Dahlkemper.  While Mike Kelly is working to raise money for pediatric care, Kathy Dahlkemper believes that the taxpayers should fund all of our health care needs.  Criticizing Mike Kelly for attending a pediatric cancer research benefit is repulsive, especially given Kathy Dahlkemper’s support for the complete dismantling of the American health care system in exchange for a few cheap political points from Dahlkemper’s mentor, Nancy Pelosi.

“Unlike Kathy Dahlkemper, Mike Kelly will always put the needs of ill children before his own political future. There is still plenty of time for debates and political forums, and we are positive that Kathy Dahlkemper will still have plenty of time to discuss her backing of the Nancy Pelosi extreme liberal agenda.  I have seen a lot in my day, but this truly unfortunate.”

The Erie-Times News is reporting that Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper’s campaign is criticizing Republican Mike Kelly’s decision to attend an event for “Hope on Wheels,” a charity focused on raising money for pediatric cancer research. (Kevin Flowers, “Candidates Forum Featuring Dahlkemper and Kelly Cancelled By AARP, The Erie Times-News, 9/1/10, http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100901/NEWS02/308319913/-1/rss23)