2022 PRIMARY: 16th Congressional District -- Pastore casts his line for votes

May 7—For Dan Pastore, fishing isn't just a hobby, it's a business.

"I'm a passionate angler." he said. "It's relaxing and challenging, and it's an opportunity to get out and see some of the most beautiful places around."

But he hasn't had much time to dip his line in Lake Erie near his home. He's been busy running for the Democratic nomination in the 16th U.S. House District of Pennsylvania.

"There's been very little trout fishing this year," said Pastore, co-founder of FishUSA, one of the first online fishing tackle businesses.

Pastore, of Fairview, Erie County, is running against Lawrence County farmer Rick Telesz for the Democratic nomination and the chance to face six-term U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16, Butler.

But by one measure, Pastore already represents Mercer County — on the state Fish and Boat Commission. Pastore is commissioner for the commission's District 1, which covers northwest Pennsylvania and includes all of the counties in the 16th District.

Pastore said he is seeking the seat because, as a businessman and sportsman, he can work across the aisle and push back against partisan divisions.

"I'm concerned about the partisanship in Washington and the impact it has on us," Pastore said when asked why he was running. "I thiknk we can do better than our current representative."

An attorney and businessman, Pastore earned a business degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He helped develop ErieNET internet services in 1994, and practiced commercial law, trying cases in the U.S. District courts throughout Pennsylvania.

That experience has helped form one of Pastore's central causes — infrastructure, and especially broadband infrastructure, which he sees as vital for business and education.

Infrastructure, in turn, will be necessary to encourage economic development, which he considers another important cause because it will attract companies that provide jobs and help keep northwestern Pennsylvania residents from moving away.

For Pastore, 62, that's a legislative priority that he feels personally. He has three adult children with his wife, Melissa, of 36 years. None of his children live near their parents.

"They have, like so many people in the region, have left to get jobs elsewhere," Pastore said.

Pastore said that, if elected, he can help develop those jobs through next-generation businesses, like the digital jobs ones he created in the internet's early days.

"I see opportunities in the clean energy segment," he said. "Those jobs are being created and we need to bring them to this region."

When asked what his top priority is, Pastore cited inflation, which hit 40-year high rates in 2021.

"That has the most immediate impact on the people in the district," he said.

If elected, Pastore said he will pursue fair trade deals with other countries, as part of a campaign to keep American jobs in the United States.