Below is a direct communication from candidate Steve Fisher regarding the Butler Tea Party event and the recent email announcement that includes his name as a signer:
This is to advise that I did not have any knowledge of the attached letter regarding rescinding my participation in the Butler Tea Party on May 2nd at Mike Kelly Chevrolet. I also did not authorize the use of my name on such letter.
I was made aware of the concerns on the evening of April 29th after the Mercer County event. At that time I said I was not worried about the location as I felt Mike would be fair and that we all had the chance to speak. When a second event was mentioned, I said to keep me informed.
Yesterday I received a few calls from Ed Franz telling me that a second location had been secured and plans were developing. Last evening I received a call from Clayton asking me if I was onboard. I simply said that I would do my best to attend as I first had to attend church. He said that was not a problem and that I could speak whenever I got there. Never did I say to anyone that I would not be attending the original event.
Please refrain from using my name in any future correspondence without first receiving my approval. I am also requesting that you send a message to all who received the previous message that I had nothing to do with the planning of the event and was only asked if I would be attending to speak. A copy should first be provided to me for my review and approval.
Sincerely,
Steven M. Fisher
Republican Candidate
PA 3rd Congressional District
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Posts
The Lu Lac Political Letter: The LuLac Edition #1234, July 12th, 2010
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Number of comments: 0
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1 year ago
Disappointed that you did not even make an appearance at the Alameda event. It was a great event and it was nice to meet and talk to all of the candidates in such a casual atmosphere. At least we all know where you stand - you made quite a statement today.
ReplyDeleteWhen you make a direct statement to this blog, you are addressing me . . . Roberta Biros, author and editor. If you are making the comment as a statement about me, you are incorrect. I attended both events today in Butler.
ReplyDeleteSorry - My comments were directed to Mr. Fisher not you.
ReplyDeleteto GOP PAL:
ReplyDeleteOK. We are at least on the right track and thank you for the correction.
Now that we got that straightened out, I'd like to say that it was probably a good move on Mr. Fisher's part that he NOT attend the second event. Why?
As an individual that made a very special effort to attend both events (and who made sure that I was represented with a proxy at the second event in my absence) I was extremely disappointed with the reception that was offered Dr. Martha Moore when she arrived to the event at Alameda.
I've never seen such a shameful display as what occurred when Dr. Moore entered the event and attempted to address those gathered. The attendees were OBVIOUSLY biased toward their own candidates, and to attempt to boo someone off the stage because she took part in an event to which she had originally committed was sad.
The group at Alameda had a bit of a mob mentality and they exemplified all that I dislike in politics. It was no longer about the issues or the good of the people . . . it became a private witch hunt to attempt to destroy the people that did not support the organizers of the second event.
If Mr. Fisher had attended, he would have received an even less friendly reception from the obviously biased crowd. I wonder what you think would have been accomplished by fueling that sort of anger?
I don't understand something. In Fisher's statement he said "Never did I say to anyone that I would not be attending the original event".
ReplyDeleteWell, WHY NOT? He KNEW what was going on. If he didn't say anything I can understand how there could have been a misunderstanding. If he wanted to go to both, he should have said something! If he can't clearly communicate his intentions to the other candidates, how is he supposed to communicate anything in Washington?
Wow. Are you ever off base on this. Your bias is showing through.
ReplyDeleteThere may have been conversations about a secondary event, but DID YOU WITNESS THEM? There were 6 candidates and there was lots of conversation I am certain. BUT did were you a witness to ANY OF IT?
The organizers of the second event drafted a letter stating "we the undersigned". Perhaps they don't realize that if you intend on publishing a letter like that you HAD BEST HAVE SIGNATURES to back it up. To quickly send out an announcement without the prior written approval of ALL PARTIES is a HUGE mistake. Do I want my Congressperson to be that incompetent? Shouldn’t a candidate for Congress be more aware of the legal issues involved? Shouldn’t they be careful NOT to speak on someone else’s behalf unless they have the supporting documentation to back it up?
A letter like the one that was circulated is something that should have been carefully worded “as a group” and approved by each person on that list. That process would generally take several days or even several weeks . . . that DIDN’T happen. Instead, the organizers shot off a letter in rush and didn’t think about the consequences.
If they have proof of a signature from Steve Fisher approving that letter and signing off on the announcement, fax it to me today and I'll provide a full written apology and I'll publish it on-line. Failure to do so will prove my point.
Oh, Roberta. I was at the other event the whole time. Where were you when Martha's people came in demanding time to speak in her behalf. They got testy and left when they weren't allowed to speak and announced that she was at the other event.
ReplyDeleteWitch hunt? It was a lively debate that people actually got to see their candidates as they really were. Making them responsible for their statements.
Wasn't it you that told me that Martha went around and asked the chairpersons if she could speak at the Tea Party? The booing was in fun and Martha knew it. These candidates constantly
poke fun at each other.
Did you see the email from the Patriots telling the candidates they could pick their number to speak excepting Kelly. Mike exchanged his parking lot with the condition of going last.
Ask the candidates they will show you the email.
Fisher was on board with the candidates -4 would not tell the same story - I asked. Did you?
At least I know that the three: Franz, Grabb, and Huber will "read the bill" and not let the pressure of possible votes sway them.
They did not attend an event that when you looked "under the hood" was actually a "Mike Kelly make me look like a hero event." That was actually organized by who? The web site still has no information.
I do expect my next Congressman to look before they leap and to "Read The Bill". We are now down to only three principaled candidates.
As we told you yesterday there are many places and parks and shelters in Butler that could have been rented in in less than 24hours. The Patriots , as you stated were used. If there really is such a group?
Kathie Sterling
You may have spent your day at one event, but you did not take the time to consider the legitimacy of the original event. You keep saying that the Tea Party group is fake and imply that it is a cover for Mike Kelly BUT did you make an effort to speak to them personally? I did.
ReplyDeleteI arrived at the primary event very early. We got there at about 11am as trucks were starting to arrive. At about 11:30 I made my way over to the group of organizers. I introduced myself and started asking questions. These people are not the evil political strategists that you make them out to be. They were TEA PARTIERS! The primary organizer (Judy) doesn’t have a dishonest bone in her body and a simple conversation with her would have proven that to anyone that gave her a chance. Rather than flying off the handle, the candidates should have given the organizers a chance to discuss the situation.
The Freedom Patriots were very clear in their feeling, however. This was THEIR EVENT . . . and the candidates were INVITED by them. The event WAS NOT about the 3rd Congressional Candidates. Just like EVERY OTHER TEA PARTY, this event was about embracing history, discussing issues that matter, and rallying behind a higher purpose. The candidate speeches were a VERY MINOR part of the event (only the last half hour was devoted to the five candidates that chose to participate).
Plain and simple . . . Grabb, Huber, and Franz took it upon themselves to be judge and jury against a Tea Party without really looking below the surface. They made a mistake.
Continuing to bash the Freedom Patriots and those candidates that fulfilled their promises to be involved continues to make Grabb, Huber, and Franz look desperate. For the good of those candidates, I would suggest that you stand down and focus on the real issues regarding this race.
Wow. I didn't mean anything by my first question. It was just a question in response to THIS particular post regarding Fisher's statement. I didn't know I was supposed to comment on this whole event debacle. I actually like Fisher. I have nothing against him. I was only questioning Fisher's part in this because that's what the post was about and he is putting all the blame on whoever planned this second event. He should also take some personal responsibility since he didn't make his intentions clear enough and is putting all the blame on someone else.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of questions about the other parties involved that I just didn't address in the first statement. I'm also new to this whole political world and I'm trying to understand what's going on. I don't even know who organized the event nor did I attend either event. I worked all day. I'm assuming Franz and Grabb were a part of it because they were mentioned in Fisher's letter but I don't know where Moore and Huber fit in either or if there was some other 3rd party involved.
When I first read the letter about the second event and everyone's names were on it, I assumed everyone on it agreed on this. Whoever drafted this screwed up if Fisher really didn't agree. I do think that when it was written it should have been given to each candidate for approval before it was made public. I really don't know how things work, but shouldn't the local Republican office have known about this beforehand? Do they have to approve of Republican events? I know it was a Tea Party event, but Republican candidates were taking part in it. Is there some kind of chain of command regarding what the candidates do? I just think that if they are representing the Republican party that the party should have some say so regarding what the candidates do. I think. At least that's how the business world works. I work for Verizon. If I was doing something as a Verizon representative, I would have to have Verizon's approval. I don't know. Maybe I'm way off.
I think the whole thing turned into an unintentional mess by everyone involved and whoever did screw up should confess and make this right. HOW it is handled will mean a lot. I also think that everyone involved will learn from their mistakes on this.
Even though at this moment I know who I'm voting for doesn't mean I've pulled that lever yet. I really want to see how this situation will be handled. I can always CHANGE MY MIND............ and I change my mind a lot!
Ugh, so this whole fiasco really needed a front page story in the Herald??
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think Mr. Fisher did come out looking the best in the whole situation. It sounded like he did a little research into what the event was going to be, honored his original commitment, and corrected misinformation attached to his name.
I'm not quite as undecided as I was a couple days ago. When all the candidates more or less present the same views, things like this help the weeding out process.
Excuse me, before I even said anything about the Freedomn Patriots I tried to find out who they were. As I told you in person, I even called the Butler Eagle who told me it was a really big Kelly event and he was running for Congress. The event was being covered by them. I should right a letter to the Editor, I did and make not apologies for it. Oh, they also told me to call the police as they might be taking illegal donations. I did not do that. Anyone who donates to anything should check it out.
ReplyDeleteAfter my letter to the Editor, a couple of the members called me. I said fix your web site. Say who you are, who to contact. Ms. Nagy said they were not 501 and not affiliated with any other Tea Pary .
You even told me that this group was misused by Kelly.
Spin this any way you want, but apparently you will go to anything that says Tea Party even without researching the group.
Cudos to the Candidates who did not go.
If the group is so nice, why not make their names and contact informations available.
Oh, and I sent you an email with the Mercer County Tea Party contact and members on it. You said that wasn't available.
Anyone running for an office had better look before they leap.
I am not afraid to sign my name and have no ill will against the Freedom Patriots only want transparency.
I do feel that you are actually spinning this the wrong way for your own benefit. But two people can see events in different ways.
Good luck to you in your campaign and hopefully you won't go to any unverified events.
With all the above being said.
If anyone has anyfurther questions about this event they can email me at kathiesterling@msn.com
Kathie Sterling
Kathie Sterling
ReplyDeleteI realize that you had a letter to the editor published in the Butler Eagle. You mentioned it to me several times and you have mentioned it in your comments. I’m impressed . . . really I am. I realize that you feel empowered and you are probably being pushed to get involved further in this by your obvious candidate of choice, Paul Huber, and his campaign. I applaud you for wanting to be involved.
Now that I have all of the formalities out of the way, I’d like to tell you very boldly that you are barking up the wrong dog-gone tree. You can make this an issue about me . . . you can insult me . . . you can tell me how inept and how awful and ignorant I am . . . but in the end I observed carefully what happened over the weekend and I find your stand and the position of those that stand with you to be unfair and incorrect. Period.
I attended BOTH events out of fairness . . . but you want to criticize me for attending a Tea Party because it wasn’t official enough for you. IF YOU HAD TAKEN THE TIME TO ATTEND, you would have seen with your own two eyes that the event WAS, in fact, a TEA PARTY. The fact is, YOU DID NOT.
I attended the Tea Party and heard nothing but POSITIVE COMMENTS from everyone involved. When I arrived at the secondary event at the pavilion, I was shocked to hear so much negativity, yelling, and outright rude behavior on the part of SOME of the attendees. You were (and continue now) to want to continuously demonize the Tea Party organizers from the Freedom Patriots . . . and now me. You are unfairly picking on a Tea Party group without having ANY SENSE of the people involved. Now you want to criticize me.
Your actions in this forum are becoming shameful and you are leaving a negative impression of yourself and the candidates that you support . . . including Paul Huber. For those of you in the Grabb, Huber, and Franz camps that would like to attack me for your poor choices, please feel free. I’ll publish your comments and I will not respond. I am opening this forum to all of you to trash the Tea Party, trash the candidates that chose to attend, and to trash me, my blog, my candidacy, my Mother, my husband, and my four (4) dogs. Go at it and get it out of your system. I will simply allow all of the concerned citizens that read this blog to read your comments and make the decisions for themselves.
I am not here to defend ANY candidates. I am here to openly share an honest summary of what is happening in politics in our area.
THE FREE FOR ALL BEGINS NOW.
First comment to Heidi, regarding your comment about fisher taking responsibility he did. Writing a response to the other cadidates who showed no responsibility by putting his name on the letter. You 3 cadidates are nothing but a bunch of selfish people. You say I'm not or I do not want to be politician, well look in the mirror because you are sure acting like them. You all need to grow up and fight as a team otherwise Kathy will be voted back in office for another 2 years
ReplyDeleteGood for you Roberta
ReplyDeleteRoberta...
ReplyDeleteBe strong... this was the most unbiased of the appraisals of the TEA party event that I have seen. As an interested constituent and voter, I appreciate the amount of work you have done, and encourage you to continue to not be bullied. There are those of us who value and repsect your insight and effort.
I know I said that I wouldn't respond or moderate, but I can't help myself on this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous . . . I'm pretty sure that if you know my history I'm not one to be bullied. There is NOTHING that anyone can do to make me budge on my opinions on this. My fear is that the "dirty politics" will tick off voters. In the end, everyone of these six candidates will be the losers . . . and that is a dirty shame.
I'm not going anywhere. Quite the contrary. My FULL comments will be published in less than an hour (I hope). I'm in the final stages of editing now.
For those of you that are interested. In the end I will have over 15 hours invested in this SINGLE TOPIC (the Butler Tea Party / candidate forum). My time includes the multiple posts regarding the two events, travel time, attendance at both events, writing time, editing, and photo prep. That does not include the time invested by my husband as my "assistant" in this.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for staying informed. That is why I do what I do.
As a person viewing this it seems to me that Roberta has a problem..infact I think she is melting down roberta maybe politics is to much for you your mother your husband your blog and your dogs get a grip
ReplyDeleteIt is people like you, Anonymous that amaze me. This is a campaign about 6 candidates running for Congress and the most intelligent thing that you have to add is a poke at me? Do you have nothing better to do with your time?
ReplyDeleteKudos to DO SOMETHING MORE PRODUCTIVE Roberta, and maybe get a LIFE. Wow!!!! Unbelievable. You sound like a ranting maniac.
ReplyDeleteLOL
ReplyDeleteI have a sense that "Anonymous" might have a little problem with obsessive behavior. Fellow blogger Rich Talbert coined the phrase “blog stalker”, and I think that describes Anonymous in this case. He/She has become obsessed with me personally because they are frustrated that I am not endorsing their candidate. They think that attacking me personally will “change something”.
I think their “rants” speak for themselves. I hesitate to call them a “maniac” as that gives maniacs a bad name. ;-D
I am aware that a phone call was made from the Alameda Group to one of the organizer's of the Tea Party inviting the Tea Party to "join" the Alameda event ( because of the assumed bias ). I suggest that if you want to know who the Freedom Patriots are that you dial the same number, speak with the same person your group talked to and ask her who we are instead of playing senseless games.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. The "Alameda Group" (as you call them) have been continuing to throw the Freedom Patriots under the bus. This is a tactic that is expected from Anti-Tea Party groups and from the media, but I find it odd that the negativity continues to flow from GOP candidates and their supporters.
ReplyDeleteIf any of my readers would like to contact the Freedom Patriots to ask questions on your own, please contact me by email (roberta.in.mercer@gmail.com), and I will provide you with the email address of one of their organizers. I'm certain that she would appreciate the opportunity to share in open dialog with you regarding this matter.