Election 2022: Your guide to the candidates for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania
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Democrat John Fetterman, Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor, and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz are locked in a close battle for U.S. Senate. Here's where the candidates stand on the issues.
John Fetterman
Age: 52
Party: Democratic
Occupation: Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
Town of residence: Braddock
Q: What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?
A: All across Pennsylvania, we’re seeing soaring prices, hollowed out communities, and families getting ripped off by corporate greed. To bring prices down, we have to crack down on corporate greed in the oil & gas industry; continue to use American oil and produce and invest in more American energy; suspend the federal gas tax to provide immediate relief for people at the pump; and expand American manufacturing and production across the board to bring down prices at home.
Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?
The right to an abortion is non-negotiable, period. Women should have control over their own bodies and their own lives. I support eliminating the filibuster to pass a bill like the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify the right to an abortion into law. My opponent does not support abortion rights — and he even said he thinks all abortions are “murder.” The stakes of this election are clear. I will fight for abortion rights, Dr. Oz will take them away. It’s that simple.
Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?
Yes, the 2020 election was decided long ago, even Newsmax and Fox News called the election for Joe Biden. But still, my opponent Dr. Oz said just last week that “there is lots more information we have to gather in order to determine” the 2020 election winner. The 2020 election is settled. It’s time to move forward. To strengthen our democracy, we need to do more to protect the right to vote, including passing voting rights legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
What is your plan to address inflation?
Working people of Pennsylvania need more real solutions that will fight inflation and bring down costs for working people, whether it’s at the grocery store, the pump, or the doctor. Bringing costs down starts with making more stuff right here in America and bringing jobs home instead of shipping these jobs overseas. We also need to do more to crack down on massive corporations that are ripping us off and cut taxes for working people, while ensuring the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share.
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced, or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?
I’m proud to say I have never taken a dime from the fossil fuel industry, and I never will. Republicans need to get real about climate change, Democrats need to get real about our energy needs. We can’t just abandon the people who keep our energy grid running and tell them to learn how to code. That’s why I don’t support a fracking moratorium in PA. This idea that we have to choose between jobs and the environment is wrong. I believe we can and must support working people across PA responsibly.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
One of my proudest achievements as Mayor was when Braddock went five and a half years without a death by gun violence. Unlike Dr. Oz, I’ve actually done the work. I’ve worked closely with the police, I understand the challenges our police face and how to support them to make communities more safe. I’ll make sure law enforcement has the resources necessary to do their job. We also need to pass common-sense gun reforms like an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws.
Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices, or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.
I do not support expanding the Supreme Court. Democrats can’t just change the rules when they don’t like what’s happening. We wouldn’t be talking about this if there was a 6-3 Democratic majority. I am open to studying other reforms to improve transparency and ethical standards of the Court, and I believe President Biden’s Supreme Court commission was a good first step towards reaching a path forward.
What can you bring to the table to promote unity?
Regardless of where I am in the state — whether I’m in rural counties or our cities — my message remains the same. And what I’ve realized is that people across the commonwealth share similar values. We may not agree on every issue, but we all want our loved ones to be safe, we want good jobs that we can support our families with, we want good schools. People know that I’ll always be honest with them and stick to my word, and I’ll always show up, no matter how red the county.
For subscribers:John Fetterman has reforged every political office he’s held. Now what?
For subscribers:Americans trusted Dr. Oz on health. But will PA voters trust him on politics?
More on Election 2022:Your guide to the candidates for Pennsylvania governor
Dr. Mehmet Oz
Age: 61
Party: Republican
Occupation: Cardiothoracic surgeon
Town of residence: Bryn Athyn
Q: What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?
A: When I travel across the state, I'm constantly hearing how inflation is taking a toll on Pennsylvania families. Congress is mortgaging our children's futures by spending money we do not have. Additionally, this administration has attacked our domestic energy industry while buying natural gas and oil from our adversaries. Congress must start spending responsibly and supporting our energy industry.
Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?
I'm pro-life with three exceptions: life of the mother, rape and incest. And as a senator, I'd want to make sure that the federal government is not involved in interfering with the state's decisions on the topic.
Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?
Joe Biden is the President of the United States. Election laws are up to states and local governments, and the federal government should not overhaul our election system.
What is your plan to address inflation?
High energy costs are the main driver of inflation. We need to unleash the power of American energy. American energy is cleaner, cheaper, and more secure than relying on fossil fuels from our adversaries.
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced, or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?
I support an all-the-above energy approach. We must invest in natural gas, a workable, clean solution for mass energy production while renewables continue to innovate.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Progressive prosecutors across the country refuse to implement the laws on the books. As a result, we have record high violent crime in our cities. When I speak to individuals affected most by crime, they tell me they want more police and support for our law enforcement officers. I will support our police officers and fund mental health resources for those needing help.
Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices, or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.
Congress should not pack the court, and I do not support term limits for Justices.
What can you bring to the table to promote unity?
My campaign has largely been a continuation of the mission that has guided my entire career – to empower people with the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves and to stand up to powerful interests so Pennsylvanians are heard. Since the recount ended, I've been criss-crossing the state, meeting with voters and listening to their concerns. I am confident that Pennsylvanians will resonate with my message.
Erik Gerhardt
Age: 37
Party: Libertarian
Occupation: Carpenter
Town of residence: Pennsburg
Q: What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?
A: helping small business to get reestablished. i have a 3-step plan to assist small business starting with triple deductions for employers with 4 employees or less. this will allow for the businesses to establish and reinvest their own equity back into their business. Step 2 when they move past the 4-person threshold they can receive another deduction for providing health care. also adding legislation to open sale for health care across state lines with bring a free market to bring costs down.
Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?
I don't see why the morning after pill is not readily available since its creation in the 60s. we would not be having this discussion if law makers did not lobby and allow for things to be dictated by the public and personal choice. no single man or small body should dictate the lives of the many.
Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?
voter id and only in person voting should be a base. I also believe a block chain system could be built to flag and weed out any and all irregularities for a true election.
What is your plan to address inflation?
limit the creation of money from the federal reserve and vote in fiscally responsible spending and downsizing of the federal government to a level of sustainability.
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced, or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?
fracking and natual gas production can be done with the natual order in mind handy capping our energy and going solely green. We will fall far short of our energy needs watch California for the example. they have energy needs they can't meet today and will only need exponentially more with a fast Chage over to green energy only. At our current volume for electric cars made per year it will take 41 years to fill ever order for every citizen of the United States. 8 million cars a year.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
No, I would not the right to bear arms as you see fit is in the foundation of freedom in our country. No country or group has ever not suffered the loss of freedom or life due to being disarmed in all of history. Today is no exception.
Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices, or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.
No to expansion and No to term limits to the supreme court. term limits everywhere else yes
What can you bring to the table to promote unity?
I bring to the table good plans that require team work to be passed. As I am a third-party candidate i do not have to tow the line two parties line and can expose the two to great harm of merit to force them to the sway of the needs of the populis.
Daniel Wassmer
Age: 62
Party: Keystone / Independent
Occupation: Attorney/professor/business owner/artist
Town of residence: Hawley
Q: What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?
A: In this climate of partisanship our fundamental form of government is in danger. Both of the major parties have engaged in conduct which is destabilizing our nation. Currently we need impartial individuals such as myself to call balls and strikes in an impartial manner. Both parties attempt to rule by fear of collapse and other catastrophic innuendo. I have actually dealt with people on both sides who are inclined to believe all of the nonsense and literally live in fear as a result.
Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?
I am a firm believer in the 9th and 13th amendments and hypercritical of the the logic employed by Judge Alito in the Dobbs decision. I am a firm believer in the rights of women to choose their own paths. Abortions are a medical decision to be made solely by a woman and her doctor. Forcing a woman who is unwilling to carry a child or fetus to term is her decision and her’s alone. Forcing another to be an involuntary servant of another is abhorrent to the 13th amendment.
Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?
Trump lost and I was actually contacted post election by a GOP operative to create the appearance of impartiality and intervene as such in my role as a candidate for PA Attorney General. I immediately saw through this nonsense. In fact I would note that my down ballot opponent in that election actually received more votes than Biden. If Biden rigged the election one would assume they would have done a better job! We need trustworthy third party incorruptible individuals to call foul!
What is your plan to address inflation?
Obviously the fed governors haven’t studied the economics of the late 1970’s as they are leading us right down the same rabbit hole. As a business professor I am appalled at the huge government hand outs to both corporations and any individual whose vote can be purchased. Sure it would be nice to have everyone become a millionaire but at what cost? Hyperinflation? Where you need a wheelbarrow to bring your cash to buy a loaf of bread. My plan is fiscal responsibility for a change.
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced, or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?
Interesting question. Candidly I am in favor of certain renewables and have questions about others. Nevertheless I also see benefits to natural gas production. May i also remind people that supposedly hyper environmentalist Jimmy Carter is largely responsible for freeing gas production in shale deposits here and point out that often we believe that certain issues are godsends only to see that they raise more issues. Ultimately the free market will make the proper decision here.
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Every death is horrible - Yet we lose on average approximately 360 people annually in random mass shootings (per actual crime stats). Politicians have brainwashed people into fear and paranoia over this issue. I would prefer to see Coca-Cola and Pepsi banned since we lose more people every morning to diabetes related comorbidity. I’ve yet to see a politician holding a can of soda over their head and proclaim “this is the enemy” but they will do it at every chance with a firearm - to fundraise.
Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices, or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.
No but I would hold Supreme Court Justices liable for perjury when they blatantly mislead congress during confirmation hearings. Coincidentally I am bound as a lawyer to not disparage the legal system. I stand by my comment since they are also bound to the same ethical rule.
What can you bring to the table to promote unity?
Impartiality - An adult in a playground of chaos who will speak the truth or make the greatest effort to do what is right. I’m amazed that to date the largest concern deals with residency issues, vegetable concerns and beverages? It’s truly sad how far we have allowed our political partisanship to influence our dealings with our neighbors, coworkers, etc.. I’ve taken to flying a smile flag as opposed to the nonsensical banners I see people flying which vilify the other guy. Again sad!
Richard L. Weiss
Age: 55
Party: Green
Occupation: Lawyer
Town of residence: Bethel Park
Q: What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?
A: I support the phasing out of fossil fuels and a just transition to renewable energy as quickly as possible. The Green New Deal, originally proposed by Green Party NY Governor candidate Howie Hawkins in 2010, can be found in its current form here: gp.org/green_new_deal. “Just” means any displaced workers will be compensated and retrained for new jobs. The renewable energy sector creates far more permanent jobs and produces cheaper energy that does not cause cancer. Cancer is a high tax to pay.
Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?
I support an unrestricted, no questions asked, right to a safe and prompt abortion up to the end of 20 weeks of pregnancy, calculated starting at 2 weeks after last menstruation. Saint Thomas Aquinas believed ensoulment occurs after animation or quickening. After 21 weeks I would not support abortion other than in the case of a nonviable fetus (e.g. brain death), threat to the life of the pregnant person, or severe defect. For reference, I would not consider down syndrome to be a severe defect.
Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?
Everyone should be registered to vote at birth or allowed to register on the spot at their poll, and if they don’t have photo ID, then vote with a fingerprint to eliminate any double voting. Paper ballots. Hand marked. Hand counted. On camera. Make Election Day a holiday. Scanners may be used for quality control however the physical hand count on camera should be the official count. Ballots should be on camera from the time they enter the poll as blanks to the time they’re completely counted.
What is your plan to address inflation?
Energy prices caused the current surge in inflation. The U.S. is currently energy independent and the cost of producing oil/gas in the U.S. did not go up. The world price went up due to sanctions and all the price increase in the U.S. went to corporate profits due to their obligation to sell at the world price to maximize profits. Set U.S. energy prices at pre-Russian sanctions prices and require oil companies to satisfy the U.S. market first. They would be as profitable as before the sanctions.
Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced, or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?
Ban new fracking and phase out existing fracking as new renewable energy sources come online. Fracking kills jobs. Transition to renewable energy creates twice as many jobs and produce cheaper energy that doesn’t cause cancer. "The biggest increases [in airborne radioactivity] were seen in…shale fields below Pennsylvania…as these rocks contain more uranium than in other fracking regions" www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/13/airborne-radioactivity-increases-downwind-of-fracking-study-finds
Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Define military and civilian grade weapons. Military grade weapons would not be available to the public. Gun ownership could require a training course, licence, insurance and regular testing to demonstrate proficiency. The regular testing requirement could be met by joining shooting competitions. All guns should bear a serial number and have their custody tracked from manufacture. The last one the gun is registered to is responsible for what happens with that gun. This will deter illegal sales.
Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices, or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.
I am concerned that expansion of the Supreme Court could just lead to continuous expansion of the Supreme Court. The Court could become packed with Coney Barrets. Therefore I do not support expanding the number of Supreme Court Justices. However I can support term limits. I understand there is a proposal for an 18 year term for Supreme Court Justices. I would support impeachment of a number of current Justices, for lying to Congress, hiding information, spouse’s participation in insurrection.
What can you bring to the table to promote unity?
If elected, I will not be just the Senator of Green Party members, but the Senator of all Pennsylvanians. And I will respectfully listen to all points of view. I agree with Democrats on codifying Roe v. Wade and sensible gun regulation. I also agree with Republicans opposed to unwise foreign interventions. I believe everyone will want less expensive renewable energy that creates more jobs and doesn’t pollute. Therefore I would work to bring all parties together wherever possible on Green issues.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Voters Guide 2022: U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania
