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In Huber vs. Kelly, the stylistic contrast is clear
MEADVILLE—There may not be much ideological daylight between Paul Huber and Mike Kelly, the Republican front-runners in the 3rd Congressional District. But as candidates, their styles could hardly be more different.
Huber is wonkish and reserved, sometimes even stoic as he displays a mastery of nitty-gritty policy details. His hands mostly sit idly on the table during debates, and he doesn’t get much more animated when he’s one-on-one, with a subtle smile and a slim frame. Kelly, on the other hand, is gregarious and larger than life—both literally and figuratively—a tall man with broad shoulders and a tendency to make jokes about his Irish heritage.
If Huber is Al Gore, then Kelly is Bill Clinton—or whatever analogies the two Republicans would find more comforting. These contrasts were on clear display during a forum at Allegheny College here last month, and in separate interviews with the candidates in Erie and Parker. Both are spending heavily on paid media in their efforts to win the party’s nomination to take on Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3). But both are also doing loads of retail campaigning and traditional political glad-handing, and the outcome of their contest could prove a bellwether, however faint, of just what kind of style voters want from their politicians right now.
Both campaigns think their respective candidate’s style is the right one for the moment.
“He’s an animated guy,” Huber said of Kelly. “But when people ask me about specific issues, they get specific answers.”
Kelly, for his part, was somewhat dismissive of the many policy initiatives Huber has rolled out, initiatives Huber frequently emphasized during the forum in Meadville.
“Paul’s got a lot of programs,” Kelly said. “That’s nice, but I don’t think freshman congressmen get to do that much. I think people want someone to represent them who’s going to be strong, who’s going to go to the floor of Congress not to be intimidated or seduced.”
Campaign managers for both candidates are certainly aware of their boss’ strengths, and are playing to those in public settings.
“There are 435 members of [the House,” Kelly campaign manager Jon Hopcraft told pa2010.com. “You get one vote for this district, and you better make sure that voice is loud, articulate and conservative.”
Huber campaign manager Danny O’Driscoll said charisma isn’t enough for the current political climate.
“I think all voters appreciate Paul’s substance when he talks about the issues that are important,” O’Driscoll said. “When Paul talks to voters, they know that he’s sincere in what he believes.
“They want to hear details,” he added. What we saw from 2008 is that when you have a lot of rhetoric about hope and change without a lot of substance, voters have no idea about what a candidate actually stands for.”
May 11, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Tags: Kathy Dahlkemper, Mike Kelly, PA-3, Paul Huber
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Ken
May 11th, 2010
Once again Danny, how many candidates in this race??? More than two I can assure you that! **SIX** The media believes its all about big money, NOT THIS TIME!
Micah
May 12th, 2010
That’s exactly right Ken. I think the elites like Huber, Kelly and Hirschhorn will be surprised when we the people have our say on May 18.
Pete
May 12th, 2010
No they won’t.
We’re looking for someone to beat Dahlkemper, there isn’t any significant policy difference between the candidates. Kelly’s right about one thing, having a “policy wonk” as a freshman representative is a waste of time. I just want someone who can take that gavel out of Pelosi’s hand!!!
Jason
May 13th, 2010
If you want to know why the more conservative candidates are dropping off so quickly in this race, you just need to look at campaign coffers: Clayton Grabb and Ed Franz each have raised a paltry $30,000, while Dr. Martha Moore and Fisher have raised nothing. It is beyond ironic that the candidates who are screaming the loudest about “free markets” can’t get any campaign donations!
Beyond this, there is the notion of whether any of the “other four” are electable. None are. For an example of this, look at Clayton Grabb’s asinine statement this week that emergency rooms should refuse poor patients, demanding “cash, credit, or debit card.” You have a hardline social conservative who touts his ‘Christian values,’ then wants to pass a law that would leave poor people dying in the streets. Yeah, that will be a popular law.
Fisher states he would cut off unemployment benefits. Franz claims to be against “out of control government”–it’s on his yard signs–yet he works for GE, the recipient of millions of taxpayer-funded state and federal grants.
Moore, for her part, has been nearly invisible.
If the four ‘conservative’ candidates–especially the self-proclaimed “badge-wearing” tea party man Grabb, can’t raise any money or articulate any public policy ideas, then what does that tell you about PA-3? That maybe you can’t just listen to Beck, tote a Bible and a gun around and expect people to vote for you?
Moderates win here. This year will be no different.
goldi
May 13th, 2010
Mike Kelly seems to believe that all it takes to win an election is fist shaking and big money. Paul Huber appeals to me because he sees that our #1 problem in the country is unemployment, and, it appears, he’s the only one putting forth a plan to deal with it. People who do their homework, know who is telling the truth, when confronted with Kelly’s disengenuous mud-slinging and false accusations.
Silent Sue
May 13th, 2010
We must stay focued on who can beat Dahlkemper. Huber keeps telling us to read about his plans on his website. Can he not explain his ‘plans’to us? Who then authored his ‘plans’? Why does he feel so uncomfortqable actually talking about his ‘plans’ in public? Does he think everyone is so fortunate to actually have a computer and the internet? (kind of a condesending attitude i think) I don’t think a ‘policy wonk’ is the candidate to go against Dahlkemper. He has very little charisma and seems to be pretty thinned skinned to actually go against the big dogs in DC. If he wanted to hold an elected position so badly he should have tried something less agressive to actually get some experience. Political campaigns can be (unfortunately) a dog eat dog world. He is so bent out of shape over comments in this primary he will NEVER survive the onslaught from the Democrats. He can’t win in November. Let’s get behind someone who can.
Bull
May 14th, 2010
goldi
May 13th, 2010
Mike Kelly seems to believe that all it takes to win an election is fist shaking and big money. Paul Huber appeals to me because he sees that our #1 problem in the country is unemployment, and, it appears, he’s the only one putting forth a plan to deal with it. People who do their homework, know who is telling the truth, when confronted with Kelly’s disengenuous mud-slinging and false accusations.
Haha, mud slinging? Too many Huber mailers for you there goldi. And ironic, “mud slinging” and “negative campaigning” is exactly what Huber is doing right back to Mr. Kelly. Instead of gaining more respect by saying “I will not stoop to the levels of negative campaiging” he’s trying to win both sides by playing the victim, yet he’s doing the same? Hmmmm…..sounds a lot like his loyalty to one party. Don’t get spectered people.
Bull
May 14th, 2010
p.s. Silent Sue – I completely agree. Get the word out. Three more days!
Joseph
May 14th, 2010
This is the honest truth about Huber, and we can’t afford any more jobs sent over seas can we?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK5on_7nK_o
Anonymous
May 15th, 2010
http://thatsrich.blogspot.com/2010/05/pa-3-why-sling-mud-when-you-can-sling.html
Voting Grabb, on Tuesday and as a write-in in November if needed
Anonymous
May 17th, 2010
Tomorrow “That’s Rich” will be eating crow!
John
May 19th, 2010
Rich is a bright young blogger!! He’s into class warfare that’s why Mike Kelly is his guy;)!! Go Rich, you have been right on so far!! Keep up the good work – you rock!
Farmer_Ted
May 19th, 2010
Regardless who your candidate was, it is time to stand behind and for Mike Kelly and get this obama strom trooper Klown Kathy out of office. She voted for Health Care while she is guarenteed for life on the government’s Cadillac program. Mike Kelly in 2010!!!