EXCLUSIVE: Entrenched Harrisburg RINO Rep. Tom Mehaffie Runs Unopposed Again In PA-106, Both Challengers BOOTED From The Ballot, Taxpayers' Voices Silenced, Special Interests Retain Full Control
How shady special interests exploited PA's flawed and outdated systems to pave the way for another term in office for Rep. Tom Mehaffie, denying voters another choice.
The Status Quo
My fellow Pennsylvanians and all Americans who value the timeless principles and ideals of our great Republic, I bring forth these reflections with a shared concern for the trajectory of our state and nation. In our collective pursuit of a brighter future, we often grapple with a persistent question: Why do the winds of change seem so resistant to our guiding hand?
My recent journey through Pennsylvania's 106th State House district, as I sought to secure nomination petition signatures for the upcoming 2024 GOP primary ballot, has shed light on this query.
Initially, I set out to challenge the eight-year incumbent, Rep. Tom Mehaffie, who is known across our state as the biggest RINO—a Republican In Name Only—in Harrisburg, or, to put it plainly, the "Democrats' favorite Republican" in the eyes of the vast majority of conservatives and republican voters.
Like many of you, I have grown increasingly dissatisfied with Mehaffie's record of failure and the path he and those he answers to have led our district. Mehaffie's devotion to left-wing special interests and his detachment from his constituents' concerns demanded change, or at the very least, an alternative option. Yet, my travels across the district revealed the complex machinery preserving the status quo.
Sadly, I learned that for those seeking to make a difference, the road to political candidacy in Pennsylvania is not merely a path of ambition and goodwill but a labyrinth of bureaucratic red tape. Aspiring candidates must navigate a maze of regulations, collecting a minimum number of petition signatures within a tight timeframe. Even after meeting this formidable challenge, as I did, legitimacy remains uncertain, subject to further immediate challenge.
Unfortunately, the nominating-petition process often becomes a tool of political manipulation, silencing the voices of diligent citizens and blocking challengers who dare question the established order. I experienced this firsthand when entrenched powers in my district launched a challenge against my hard-earned petition signatures, forcing me to withdraw from the race.
Nevertheless, Pennsylvanians deserve to know that our current nomination petition system, in its flawed and outdated state, is vulnerable to abuse and is easily exploited to protect career politicians like Rep. Tom Mehaffie while stifling the voices of hardworking taxpayers who are beyond fed up with the status quo.
As President Abraham Lincoln once wisely stated, "History is not history unless it is the truth."
The status quo in PA-106 and other areas across our state is far from the "public service" envisioned by our founding fathers. Instead, it's a form of "politics" where promises are made but seldom kept. It is a vicious cycle where anything goes, nothing gets done, and everyone gets re-elected endlessly. Most grievously, it's a mindset of elitism that remains indifferent toward the everyday hardships of ordinary people until the next election cycle rolls around.
The truth is that Rep Tom Mehaffie and his allies have constructed and embraced this status quo, using a corrupt and outdated system to maintain their grip on power, wealth, and influence. Hopefully, the truth of my experiences inspires us to confront the reality of corruption and the status quo in Pennsylvania so that we can work together to change it for the better.
Election Integrity: Pennsylvania’s Antiquated Petition Process
It has been widely known and acknowledged that Pennsylvania lags significantly behind other states like Florida, concerning the issue of election integrity. The absence of mandatory voter identification stands out as a significant contributing factor to the persistence of this challenge, with Rep. Tom Mehaffie and his Democrat allies bearing responsibility for blocking a constitutional amendment for voter ID last year. However, my recent experiences have revealed much deeper layers to this critical problem beyond the mere absence of voter ID.
Any staunch Republican advocate for mandatory voter ID, cannot ignore the inherent hypocrisy in supporting such policies without also demanding reform of our deeply flawed and antiquated primary ballot access process along with the outdated SURE system.
Lawrence M. Otter, a Democrat and longtime Pennsylvania elections lawyer who Rep. Mehaffie retained to challenge my signatures explained the process during an interview for a recent article regarding the process of scrutinization petitions when a candidate has their petition signatures challenged.
As reported by Armchair Lehigh Valley:
According to Mr. Otter: “If you're running for state rep, the minimum requirement is 300 signatures. You come in with 310, I can guarantee your petitions are going to be challenged and you're probably going to get knocked off the ballot. … It's been my experience that, unless you use a street list [of voters] and go door to door, there’s a 30% error rate on the signatures you collect at the Wawa or Sheetz or Acme or whatever. … Now going door to door takes a lot longer, but those signatures should be relatively bulletproof.”
During the allotted three weeks for signature collection, I diligently traversed neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and was able to surpass the minimum requirement to secure a spot on the primary ballot. However, the signatures I painstakingly amassed were far from ‘bullet-proof’, considering all of the frivolous objections which came pouring in.
This is where the process is flawed, as legitimately registered voters can have their signature tossed. From the use of nicknames and abbreviations to minor discrepancies in dates or residence changes, even the slightest imperfection in handwriting could render a signature null and void. These seemingly trivial issues became grounds for disqualifying the signatures of dedicated Republican primary voters in my district.
While ostensibly well-intentioned, the stringent scrutiny applied to handwritten primary petition signatures disenfranchises various segments of our electorate, particularly our senior citizens. Despite their earnest efforts to support meaningful change, many find themselves unfairly sidelined due to factors beyond their control, such as vision impairment, tremors, dementia, and other debilitating health issues that affect their ability to provide what the current system deems a "valid" petition signature.
Upon the time a candidate turns in their signatures, the challenge process becomes a major problem due to the legal labyrinth candidates are forced to navigate.
In the interview referenced earlier, Attorney Otter also delved into that process:
As reported by Armchair Lehigh Valley:
According to Otter: "For state races, lawyers file challenges with the Commonwealth Court. Among the paperwork, they must include a spreadsheet listing each questionable signature and the reason why it should be disqualified.
The number of potentially invalid signatures can range from a dozen to hundreds. Sometimes a court hearing before a judge is not needed, Otter said. Lawyers for each side first examine the spreadsheet to determine which signatures can be rejected or retained. “You review the challenges line by line and see if you can stipulate to certain challenges,” he said. For example, if the opposing lawyer agrees that their client does not have a sufficient number of valid signatures, that case does not need to go before the judge for a hearing and the candidate will withdraw.
Two years ago, that’s what happened when Schlossberg decided that nomination petitions for an opponent, Republican Bethney Q. Finch of South Whitehall Township, didn't meet the threshold of 300 valid signatures. He enlisted two Republican voters to file the court challenge. When presented with the evidence, Finch withdrew from the race. But if there’s disagreement, the case then goes to the judge who will determine whether the questioned signatures should be included or removed.”
Once again, we witness a glaring oversight in the process, conveniently ignored: the critical lack of time afforded to candidates grappling with contested signatures. My own ordeal epitomizes this flaw. On February 27th, my signatures came under scrutiny, yet the necessary documents didn't reach me until the following day—a deliberate delay, seemingly designed to heap undue pressure.
The tireless efforts poured into canvassing door-to-door for petition signatures, emblematic of hard work and commitment, are severely undercut by the formidable challenge of navigating a legal system as financially taxing as it is unpredictable. In a landscape where judges often exhibit favoritism towards incumbents, contesting such hurdles entails financial jeopardy, with challengers bearing the burden of expenses for both parties should the ruling not tilt in their favor.
Adding to the intricate web of challenges is the archaic state of the voter rolls within the SURE system, tasked with validating contested signatures. This system, now two decades old and marred by a history of unreliability, remains a persistent obstacle to fair elections. Astonishingly, incumbent Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration chose to halt a planned $10.7 million upgrade to the SURE system in 2023, just before the 2024 election cycle, leaving election officials grappling with outdated and inefficient technology.
In any case, it's clear that the outdated and flawed process of nominating petition signatures, coupled with ensuing legal battles and the antiquated SURE system, present significant challenges to the integrity of Pennsylvania's electoral process.
Likewise, Otter's account in the interview echoes a disturbingly familiar scenario faced by myself and others across the political spectrum. The procedure of incumbents mobilizing allies to cast doubt on their opponents' signature validity and subsequently withdrawing due to the inability to finance and prevail in an exorbitantly expensive and questionably winnable legal skirmish is a troublingly familiar tactic in political maneuvering.
Considering all those complexities, I had no choice but to step back from my candidacy in PA-106 this time around.
At any rate, we must expose the entrenched corruption and glaring hypocrisy within the district and the individuals involved in this unfolding drama. This isn't just about one candidate or one election—it's about upholding the principles of our Constitutional Republic and holding those responsible for subverting them to account.
An Atmosphere of Entrenched Corruption in PA-106
If you're wondering why the Dauphin County GOP has been lagging in growing its ranks and losing in local elections lately, cast your gaze toward Rep. Mehaffie. Since his ascent to power in 2016, Mehaffie has consistently sided with the Democrats and left-leaning special interest groups, adopting their agenda as his own. At the same time, he has remained indifferent toward his Republican constituents' problems and concerns, creating an atmosphere of stagnation, impropriety, and a distinct lack of accountability within our district. It's confounding how he manages to evade any repercussions for his actions.
From the start of his campaign, it was evident that Mehaffie favored impersonal, cookie-cutter direct mail campaigns to procure most of his signatures. While this approach may showcase his prowess in splashing around generous amounts of cash from left-leaning donors, it also shields him from facing the tough questions from his constituents about his track record. Instead of owning up to his decisions and being accountable, he retreats behind the thin veneer of having an "R" next to his name, which essentially signifies nothing. It's a blatant disregard for our community's genuine concerns and principles.
What's truly disconcerting is the number of voters I've conversed with who unwittingly fell for Mehaffie's glossy propaganda. They were utterly oblivious to his track record during his tenure in office. Many registered Republican voters in the district have voiced regret, admitting they would have readily lent their signatures to my nomination petitions instead of his if they had been aware of other options in the GOP primary.
Adding to the situation's convolution, the individuals who contested my signatures are Republicans and incumbents in office. It's a bewildering twist, to say the least, raising doubts about their motivations and whether they are genuinely committed to upholding conservative values or simply safeguarding their interests.
David Roeting: Mayor of Hummelstown
In 2021, Mr. Roeting clinched the mayoral seat in Hummelstown, representing the Republican party. He also serves as the president of Roeting Mechanical Associates Inc, a respected local plumbing business.
Interestingly, large sums of money from the Local 0520 Plumbers/Pipefitters PAC have found their way into the campaign coffers of Rep. Tom Mehaffie. This trend extends to various well-known Democratic candidates, including Governor Josh Shapiro, and US Senator John Fetterman.
Michael J. Davies - Lower Paxton Township County Commissioner
Here is then newly elected Rep. Tom Mehaffie pictured with Lower Paxton County Commissioner Michael Davies in 2016.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Davies has been entrenched in politics since 1991. Impressively, he's held the position of Lower Swatara Township County Commissioner since 2012, tallying 12 years in office. Furthermore, he's been at the helm of the Lower Dauphin Republican Committee since 2004, amassing an additional 20 years of political involvement.
Brass Tax: GOP Voters Have Every Right To Question Mehaffie
Here is a situation where two self-described “Republican” elected officials are acting as if they hold the keys to support for Tom Mehaffie in PA-106. They’re essentially proclaiming, “You must stand behind Mehaffie, no questions asked.”
Their stance implies a full endorsement of Mehaffie’s record, granting him immunity from scrutiny. However, Republican voters in PA-106 who know the truth about his record aren’t buying it.
During my extensive travels across the district I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in the living rooms and kitchen tables of these incredible people, they’re discerning, astute, and asking the tough questions because they are not satisfied with Rep. Mehaffie’s performance.
Let’s be perfectly clear, GOP voters have MULTIPLE reasons to question Mehaffie's failed record and seek out an alternative candidate.
Going down the list:
Mehaffie is owned by every left-wing special interest, blocked PAGOP House majority, and voted a Democrat for Speaker of the House.
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Mehaffie stands in lockstep with the Democrats’ war against Pennsylvania Energy, Gas Stoves, & Our Utility Bills.
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Mehaffie votes with the Democrats on “Gender Care” and called the PA House Freedom Caucus’ efforts to block taxpayer funded puberty blockers a “Witch Hunt.”
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Mehaffie is a puppet of the teacher’s union, votes with the Democrats against school choice and supports their radical left-wing indoctrination in our schools.
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Mehaffie blocked voter ID and recently tried to cover it up by pushing Shapiro and the Democrats Faux Voter ID bill that would seriously undermine PA Election Integrity.
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Let's be clear. Any GOP incumbent in 2024 who's satisfied with a record like Rep. Tom Mehaffie's doesn't belong in office. Most GOP voters in our state and district are far from pleased with Mehaffie, and they have every right to feel that way.
This individual has consistently aligned himself with Democrats in Harrisburg, even going as far as aiding in securing a House Majority for them and supporting a Democrat for Speaker. Additionally, he voted in favor of Pennsylvania's participation in RGGI, an unconstitutional carbon tax initiative that could render energy unaffordable. He also spearheaded a bill banning gas stoves and other affordable household appliances.
Of paramount concern, particularly regarding our children's future, is Mehaffie's intimate ties to the teacher's unions. Consequently, he opposes policies to bolster parental rights, lifeline scholarships, and other critical school choice initiatives. If that isn't enough cause for concern, he also voted in favor of taxpayer-funded puberty blockers for minors, dismissing efforts by the PA House Freedom Caucus to block such measures as a "Witch Hunt."
The hardworking residents of PA-106 didn't sign up for sellouts like Mehaffie or all the others who ride on his coattails. Now more than ever, Pennsylvania needs principled leaders who've got the backbone to put Pennsylvanians first, who'll shoot straight, stand up for our values, and won't be afraid to stand up against the radical leftist agenda. So, if you're not on board with that, if you're not ready to put Pennsylvania first, then it's high time you reconsider your place in the Republican party.
Rep. Tom Mehaffie: The Left-Wing Special Interests “Clear Choice” For PA-106
Regarding petition challenges, the Democrat challenger on the other side of the aisle, Dr. Anju Singh, didn't get a free pass either. Her hard-earned signatures got a shake-up, too, courtesy of the Harrisburg Uni-Party and the special interests that seem to have Tom Mehaffie and his pals in their pocket. Ultimately, she also withdrew, likely because of the same reasons why our campaign was unable to continue. It's like a game of musical chairs, except instead of music, you've got backroom deals, and instead of chairs, you've got signature challenges.
Interestingly, both challengers to Dr. Singh’s petitions are also Democrats and connected to the same unions that have been filling Rep. Mehaffie's coffers since he stepped into the scene back in 2016.
1. David S Gash: Current Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council President (AFL-CIO)
David Gash is the longtime president of the Harrisburg region central labor council, which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. According to CityAndStatePA, he's the man behind an active political program pushing for pro-union candidates and causes draped in the cloak of economic and social justice. Quite the noble endeavor, wouldn't you say?
The AFL-CIO and AFSME are basically the conductor of the left-leaning orchestra, orchestrating a symphony of influence in both American and Pennsylvania politics. They champion a single-payer healthcare system, higher taxes, and expanding the welfare state—oh, and let's not forget their fondness for open borders and illegal immigrants.
In the 2020 presidential race, they were Joe Biden's biggest cheerleaders, campaigning tirelessly and emptying their pockets to fund his Build Back Better Agenda. And guess what? They're ready to do it all over again for his 2024 reelection bid.
Surprise, surprise. Our so-called "Republican" Rep. Tom Mehaffie seems to be singing from the same hymn sheet as this Democrat union. They've been showering him with cash since he first set foot in office, and he seems mighty pleased to keep the gravy train rolling in Harrisburg. It's a match made in heaven, isn't it?
It’s no wonder Gash stepped up to challenge the signatures of Dr. Singh, they already have their golden goose in Rep. Tom Mehaffie.
Joseph S. Mihalik: International Union of Operating Engineers
Per his Facebook profile, Mr. Joe S. Mihalik is employed at the International Union of Operating Engineers, a construction workers union, and the 10th largest union within the AFL-CIO.
Now, this union, with its rich 127-year history, hasn't exactly had a squeaky-clean reputation. It's been under scrutiny for curruption, faced criminal conviction, and has even been accused of having ties to organized crime. Quite the sterling reputation they've got there, wouldn't you agree?
In a surprising plot twist, the Local 542 Operating Engineers PAC, known for its historical allegiance to Democrat candidates, has extended its generous financial support to our esteemed "Republican" Rep. Tom Mehaffie over the years.
The tangled web of political connections never fails to fascinate. It seems that every challenger to the hard-earned petition signatures of both myself and Dr. Anju Singh conveniently shares one thing in common: a direct link and financial ties to the campaign coffers of Rep. Tom Mehaffie.
Interestingly, according to a recent interview with PennLive, Dr. Singh claimed that Pennsylvania Democrat House Majority Leader Matt Bradford went so far as to urge her not to run against Mehaffie because he is a “good guy and works across the aisle.”
It's like a well-rehearsed play, with Mehaffie cast as the lead actor, handpicked by shady special interests to take the stage once more in this election cycle. In essence, he's become their puppet, dancing to their tune while neglecting the very people he's meant to serve in Harrisburg.
For the record, Rep. Mehaffie's actions last year were profoundly hypocritical. He stood as the lone Republican, aligning with Democrats to block a much-needed Pennsylvania Constitutional amendment for Voter ID. And yet, with brazen audacity, he now shamelessly exploits those very grounds to pressure his allies into challenging the signatures of both his 2024 opponents. It's a performance worthy of the finest double standards and political manipulation.
But here's the kicker. Not everyone in politics is playing this game. During the campaign, I had the privilege of encountering some truly honorable individuals from all walks of life. Take the former Mayor of Middletown, for example. This man graciously stepped up and offered to moderate a political debate between myself, Mehaffie, and the Democrat challenger. Now, that's integrity in action. At the end of the day, it’s about putting people and the community first, setting aside personal agendas, and engaging in meaningful dialogue.
But here's where it gets interesting. While two of us promptly accepted the invitation, it comes as no surprise that Mehaffie didn't bother to respond. It seems he was far too busy getting his buddies to challenge the signatures of both of his opponents, as he always intended on being the only candidate left standing.
It's crystal clear that Mehaffie was afraid of facing off against a genuine Republican who embodies true conservative principles. Someone who isn't afraid to hold him accountable for his failures and questionable conduct over the past eight years. He knows he can't defend his record, let alone win in a public debate.
And let's not forget, Mehaffie likely detests the idea of a Democrat challenger confronting him head-on. That would shatter the cozy role he's been playing since 2016: a puppet for left-wing special interests, masquerading as the supposed "Clear Choice" for PA-106.
So, in the future, let's not fall for “Turncoat Tom” Mehaffie's charade. It's high time we demand genuine representation in PA-106, not just empty promises to special interests. We deserve better, and we're going to fight tooth and nail for it from here on out.
Going Forward: “Bobby J” Is Here To Stay
In the final analysis, my fellow citizens, let us remember that the heart of our Constitutional Republic beats with the collective strength of its people, not with the influence of self-serving interests that seek to undermine our voices.
As we confront the challenges ahead, the integrity of our electoral process must remain our top priority. We must reform and modernize our all of our methods and systems to ensure that every citizen's voice is heard loud and clear, thwarting any attempts to manipulate the democratic process.
The next generation demands accountability from their leaders. We must put an end to the era of career politicians like Joe Biden and Tom Mehaffie who prioritize their own personal gain over the well-being of hardworking taxpayers. It's time to say "you're fired" with term limits and bring in a new era of extreme competence, total transparency, and a laser-focused commitment to serving the public interest.
Despite recent setbacks, my optimism for the future of our Commonwealth remains unwavering. I've witnessed firsthand the passion, energy and spirit of countless patriots who yearn for genuine change and it is truly inspiring. My heartfelt gratitude extends to those who have warmly welcomed me into their homes, engaging in discussions about steering Pennsylvania toward a future brimming with potential.
This, my friends, is merely the dawn of an extraordinary journey. Like Honest Abe once said, "Though the political horizon may seem dim, the people, guided by Providence, possess the power to right the ship."
Indeed, with His steady and capable hand guiding us, we will ensure our voices will never be silenced again and authentic representation is restored in PA-106 and beyond. Let us unite, regroup, and vigorously prepare for the work ahead.
The best is yet to come.