2 Candidates Join Forces To Challenge Rep. White In Primary
CECIL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- The KD Investigators exposed him posing under false identities on the Internet.
That moved two people to challenge state Rep. Jesse White for his seat, but now one of those challengers is dropping out and joining forces with the other to try to get White out of office.
First, he stonewalled.
"I have no comment on these personal and political attacks put on me by the propaganda wing of the natural gas industry," said Rep. White.
But then, Rep. White conceded that he did pose on the Internet allegedly under false identifies to attack some of his constituents who support natural gas drilling.
It drew Rep. White two challengers in the upcoming Democratic primary, attorney Paul Walsh and Cecil Township Commissioner Tom Casciola. But now, Walsh is dropping out.
"I've decided to sacrifice my campaign because the prevailing political wisdom is with three guys in the race that only benefits Jesse White," said Walsh. "Neither Tom nor I want that. We want Jesse White voted out of office."
"I really appreciate Paul staying involved with the 46 district," said Casciola. "We'll be working together, and we could be a better team."
Where Casciola supports responsible drilling, Rep. White has become an outspoken critic of the shale gas industry in a district where the debate has become divisive.
He issued this statement accusing Casciola of cutting a back room deal: "Tom Casciola has a history of backroom deals from his time as a Cecil Township Supervisor, and today's announcement has the stench of yet another backroom political deal. I'm looking forward to putting my record up against whoever is put up to run against me."
So, the battle lines in this primary fight have become more clearly drawn, and if Rep. White is a polarizing figure, this election will show just how much support he has.
RELATED LINKS:
Pa. Rep. Jesse White Apologizes For Fake Online Posts (9/11/13)
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