Progress Pittsburgh

PUMP & The University of Pittsburgh Graduate Student Association invite you to learn about the status of the Healthcare Reform in America!  JOIN us on Friday, October 23rd, 2009, as we host our own town hall meeting geared at helping YOU understand this complex and controversial issue.

University of Pittsburgh
October, 23, 2009 6:00 – 8:00pm (Doors open at 5:30) ”
This event is FREE.
CLICK HERE to register for this event

Featured Panelists: 

• Paul H. O’Neill 72nd Secretary of the US Treasury, Co founder of the Pittsburgh Regional Healthcare Initiative & Founder of Value Capture, LLC.  During his government service, Mr. O’Neill helped to shape many of the policies which define the American health care system today. 
• Congressman Jason Altmire D- Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional DistrictCo-chair of the New Democratic Coalition’s task force on health care reform and serves as a subcommittee chairman on the Small Business Committee.  Prior to his election to Congress in 2006, Jason spent 15 years in health care policy, working as a congressional staffer, a hospital association executive and for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
• Congressman Tim Murphy R- Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional DistrictCongressman Murphy relies on his three decades as a child psychologist to advocate for meaningful reforms in the U.S. healthcare system.  As one of only a handful of members of Congress with a background in healthcare, Tim quickly established himself as a leader on the issue.  He is Co-chair of the 21st Century Healthcare Caucus, Mental Health Caucus and Men’s Health Caucus, and currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where he sits on two subcommittees:  Health and Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Moderator: Dr. Beaufort B. Longest M. Allen Pond Professor and Director, Health Policy Institute

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Democracy for Pittsburgh Meet Up – Sept 3 – The DFA PGH group will have thier monthly meet up on Sept. 3 at the Amani Coffeehouse
• DemocracyForAmerica.com » Events » Anti-Tim Murphy Action in Mt. Lebanon – The PGH DFA group will be organizing against Tim Murphy on Sept. 5
• The Burgh Blog » Evil Demon? – Pitt Girl has a new name for Yarone Zober
• Amy Goodman and Two Democracy Now! Producers Unlawfully Arrested At the RNC –

The news is a few days old, but Tim Murphy, who represents Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District, is one of 14 Republican members of Congress refusing to endorse John McCain.  Maybe he’s hoping that we will forget his unwavering support for the George Bush agenda and for John McCain’s 100-year war.

Remember this oldie from Tim Murphy?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwh-OCFCOTc[/youtube]

Murphy’s opponent in the Fall is Democrat Steve O’Donnell.

While there is quite a bit of excitement here in Western, PA around the presidential primary – there are also some other races happening that are worth a look. Progress Pittsburgh was founded by a bunch of people who were involved in the 2004 presidential election in various ways. After election day many people who worked on campaigns, on voter registration, GOTV and other areas got together to talk about how we could use this enthusiasm to get people involved in local elections. If you are new to the political scene we hope you will continue to stay involved with the political process here in Western PA. We hope that this website and blog can act as a resource for information about Candidates and Issues in Pittsburgh and Western, PA.

One of the other races that is interesting is the Congressional Seat currently held by Republican Tim Murphy.

3 Democrats are in the race in the Primary

• Beth Hafer
• Steve O’Donnell
• Brien Wall

Who are you supporting in the primary and why?

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This, from Daily Kos:

The DCCC has released its list of targeted races for the 2008 cycle, and it is manna from heaven for horserace junkies, and really all Democrats who want to feel optimistic about this fall.

Both of Western Pennsylvania’s Republican Congressmen–Tim Murphy and Phil English–are on the DCCC’s targeted list.  In addition, Freshman Democrat Jason Altmire’s seat is targeted by the DCCC for protection.

Between the presidential race and these congressional races, expect a LOT of advertising money to be spent in Western Pennsylvania once Fall comes around.

Elsewhere in the state, the DCCC is looking to finally win Jim Gerlach’s seat and will spend money to protect Patrick Murphy and Chris Carney.

If this is truly another groundswell year for Democrats, where they just can’t lose, we could be looking at a state congressional delegation with 14 Democrats and 5 Republicans.  What’s not clear is what impact a protracted primary fight among our Democratic presidential candidates will have on the down-ballot races around the state.

Tim Murphy is the current representative for Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District. There are quite a few others getting into the race. Here are the candidates we found and their websites. Who do you think is a good candidate for this seat?

• Tim Murphy, Rep. – ElectTimMurphy.com
• Beth Hafer, Dem. – HaferforCongress.com
• Steve O’Donnell, Dem.
• Erin Vecchio, Dem.
• Brien Wall, Dem – BrienWallforCongress.com
• Dan Wholey, Dem. – wholeyforcongress.net