A Question for the PA 10th

[grntuscarora]

Anyone in the 10th familiar with Nick Troiano? He's running as an I. against Marino and Brion, and a poll just released shows him at 33% to Marino's 38% with 29% undecided. Granted, the poll was conducted by Troiano's side and, (as far as I can tell) is only posted on his own website, which probably explains why Brion logs in at 0%. Nevertheless, I was interested to learn someone might give Marino a run for his money. I first heard of him in a Huffington Post OP last spring, but I kind of blew off his candidacy as impossible at that point. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-troiano/why-government-needs-to-g_b_5556539.html

Checking out Troiano's website, http://www.nicktroiano.com/ , I learned he's far to the right of me on the issues, but surprisingly, he acknowledges climate change and *shocker* is willing to support climate action. That in itself is a huge improvement in my book over Marino. Sadly, he's still referring to natural gas as "low carbon energy" while completely ignoring all the methane released in extraction, so obviously the guy is not Mr. Science.

But I'm curious, are any here familiar with this young man and, if so, what are your thoughts?

[jerry_from_PA]

1. Here in the 10th

I live in the 10th. I have met Nick Troiano (i) and Scott Brion (D) although I've never met Congressman Tom Marino (R) which is stranger because we are both from the same town.

The poll numbers you listed, which were released today, are for a two way race Marino - Troiano.

Just like in Kansas, if the Democrat drops out the independent actually has decent chance. If Scott Brion drops out Marino and Troino are tied within the margin of error.

Action on climate change isn't just one of Nick's issues, it's one of Nick's THREE issues that he talks about all the time. Some of his fiscal policies are right-ish, but the choice is climate action/ right-ish fiscal policy OR Tea Party Tom Marino and drill-baby-drill and government gridlock.

The choice should be an easy one taking into consideration the district has been gerrymandered so ridiculously that no democrat could ever win. Phil Scollo, the last Congressional Democratic challenger, got 36% of the vote in 2012 AND has endorsed Nick in this election.

Nick Troiano publicly called for the Democrat Scott Brion to drop out today - I hope he does.

[grntuscarora]

2. Thanks.

I assume you are with Mr. Troiano's team, but I appreciate the post. I tend to agree about Democrats chances of success in the 10th because of redistricting. I hate what has been done to my district because of redistricting. That was a crime, imo.

Thank you also for making clear Mr. Troiano's stand on the need for climate action. I never thought I would be a one issue voter, but I believe I am at that point.

[jerry_from_PA]

3. You're welcome.

I support the creation of independent redistricting commissions - until then hold tight, only six more years to go until the next census.

I admit that it was Nick's position on climate change that made me take notice his campaign, that and that he refuses to accept PAC contributions, something that our incumbent Congressman has no problem with whatsoever.

And yes, I am certainly an enthusiastic supporter and I have decided that Nick has my vote come November.

[grntuscarora]

4. Mine too.

I had the pleasure of meeting him this weekend. His election would be an enormous improvement for the 10th, imo.

[scott_brion]

5. follow up

Just wanted to let you know that I acknowledge the need to address climate change and have a great deal of energy and environmental expertise/focus. This is the big issue in the 10th and neither of my republican opponents seem to want to talk about it.

[rug]

6. You're right that both Marino and Troiano are republicans.

Personally I think this race is Troiano's audition for the 2016 republican primary.

I met you at the Pike Dem picnic and you were quite candid about your positions on energy.

Good luck Tuesday. Post here and here http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1251 about what we can do to help. This is an explicitly Democratic website.

[grntuscarora]

7. If 2014 is an audition for Troiano,

he certainly gave a good one at Tuesday's debate. Mr. Brion made some good points as well. Any District 10 voter who missed the debate can watch it at http://on-demand.wvia.org/video/2365356899/

[rug]

8. Thanks for the link. He has surprised many people.

It would not surprise me if he got the republican nomination in two years.

[grntuscarora]

9. If you are correct,

and Mr. Troiano receives a Republican nomination in 2016, it will indicate the R party is ready to rejoin the reality based community. How nice that would be for all of us! But I'm not holding my breath that will happen.