With apologies to my mother, Pennsylvania Democrats voted out two of the shittiest incumbent members of the House of Representatives. Both Jason Altimire and Tim Holden are now looking for work. Altmire, who represents parts of Pittsburgh and its suburbs, got his start working for the loathsome Pete Peterson before becoming a lobbyist for the hospital industry. Unsurprisingly, he voted against the Affordable Care Act. Tim Holden, who represents Schuylkill County and surrounding areas, is a former real estate agent, insurance salesman, and sheriff. To his credit, he has managed to win a lot of elections in very red territory. Nonetheless, he voted to invade Iraq, for Bush’s bankruptcy bill, against the Affordable Care Act, and sponsored the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). We will hold both these seats, too, which makes it easier to gloat. Altmire was redistricted into a contest with the late Jack Murtha’s protege, so we won’t be gaining much on social issues. In fact, on that front, this is a loss. But the labor unions went big for Rep. Mark Critz because Almire is a total tool of corporate America. Meanwhile, you can begin donating to Matt Cartwright, who defeated Tim Holden tonight. He’ll be a very solid progressive voice in DC.
I am sorry to see that former Rep. Patrick Murphy narrowly lost his bid for the nomination as Attorney General. A bright career has taken a big hit tonight.
