Beth Hafer for Congress

News

Hafer Challenges Voters to Examine Candidates' Records

Candidate Says She's Best Qualified to Manage Taxpayer Money

(Mt. Lebanon, PA) - In her closing remarks at the League of Women Voters Debate this evening, Beth Hafer, candidate for Congress in the 18th District, challenged voters to examine her record and her opponents' records to decide who is best suited to address the staggering problems facing Western Pennsylvania.

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Beth Hafer Surges Ahead in Democratic Primary
Hafer positioned to take on Tim Murphy in November

PITTSBURGH, PA -- Democratic Congressional candidate Beth Hafer has a commanding early lead in Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district primary race, according to a poll released earlier this week. With a 17-point lead over her nearest primary opponent, Hafer is well positioned to be the Democratic nominee in the race to unseat Tim Murphy in November.

"I'm thrilled that our campaign has such strong support," said Hafer. "We've been talking with voters across the district, and I can't remember a time when they've been more energized about change or more passionate about new leadership."

"From the day he was elected, Tim Murphy has used his position to serve special interests while the needs of middle class families have been put on the backburner," Hafer continued. "We're focused on creating living-wage jobs, making health care more affordable, and providing seniors with a secure retirement. And that's why voters are responding so favorably to us."

Though some voters remain undecided, Hafer's 4 to 1 lead (22% to 5%) over her nearest opponent gives her considerable momentum in the weeks leading up to the April 22nd primary. Earlier this week, Hafer filed her ballot petitions with more signatures than any of her opponents, demonstrating the strength of her grassroots network.

At a stage when most candidates are still struggling to attract voters' attention, Hafer already has tremendous name recognition, with a nearly 30 percent advantage over the rest of the field. "Our hard work is paying off, but we're not going to stop now," said Hafer. "There's too much at stake in this election. With all the hits that working families are taking, they deserve a representative who will stay focused on their needs well beyond next November."

The poll was conducted on February 9-10th by Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates.

EXCELA'S TAKEOVER PLAN FOR MERCY JEANNETTE HOSPITAL CRITICIZED

Beth Hafer signs letter of support for nurses and their union submitted to Excela CEO

Today, Excela CEO David Gallatin, will be receiving a letter criticizing Excela's takeover plan of Mercy Jeannette Hospital. The letter has been signed by thirteen elected officials, political candidates and community leaders. Excela plans to be the new owner of Mercy Jeannette Hospital on May 1, 2008. Excela's takeover plan, which includes a stated policy to "eliminate the bargaining units," is described in the letter as "disruptive" to patient care and the community. The letter urges the CEO to recognize the nurses' union, the Jeannette Professional Nurses Association/PASNAP so that there is continuity in patient care and in the hospital workforce.

"It is incredible that Excela is willing to jeopardize patients' care and the morale of its employees. We hope that Excela turns around and does the right thing so that we can return to what's supposed to matter here-taking care of patients in this community," said Representative James E. Casorio (D-Westmoreland), who signed the letter.

Patient care is threatened when there is not continuity in care, studies show. When a hospital is staffed with personnel unfamiliar with the facility, the quality of patient care is reduced¹. Such personnel inevitably will be forced to waste time searching for other personnel to help them, or by digging through drawers for necessary medical devices. In a profession where time can be the difference between life and death, creating a whole workforce that is unfamiliar with the facility, with little time for training, will make patient care more dangerous.

"Excela is trying to come in and undo decades of these nurses' dedication to this hospital and our community so that it can avoid dealing with longstanding bargaining units. It represents the worst of corporate behavior. Nurses and patients deserve better," says Bob Lavely, President of the Greater Westmorland Central Labor Council, who also signed the letter.

Statements have been written by Excela attesting to its determination to avoid recognizing the unions at Mercy Jeannette. Excela's takeover plan is designed in an attempt to circumvent labor law, which requires that new employers recognize the union when 50% plus 1 of existing employees are rehired. Excela hopes to create a workforce of "transfers" from Westmoreland, Frick, and Latrobe Hospital, which are part of Excela. Excela hopes to lure nurses from these hospitals to become temporary employees by offering bonuses. In the middle of a nursing shortage, tens of thousands of dollars will be spent by Excela to shift around nurses and force others out of the workforce.

"Excela's treating the dedicated nurses in the entire Excela system like pawns on a chessboard. None of these moves are being made with patient care in mind, but rather are an attempt to avoid having to sit down at the table with the nurses to negotiate improvements in their working conditions. These are real nurses and their patients whose lives are being messed with," added Ed Grystar, staff representative from PASNAP, which represents the nurses.

¹ "Keeping Patients Safe, Transforming the Work Environment of Nurses," Institute of Medicine, 2004.

Beth Hafer Campaign Builds Momentum
Community Leaders Lend a Hand with Fundraising

11/15/2007

PITTSBURGH, PA—After out-raising the entire Democratic field last quarter, Democratic candidate Beth Hafer, running for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 18th District, continued to build momentum today with the launch of her finance committee. Several prominent leaders across the district are taking an active role in Hafer's campaign, noting that she represents Democrats' best chance of winning this seat in November.

"Beth Hafer has what it takes to win," said Allegheny County Controller Mark Flaherty. "Beth's experience, values, and vision for Southwestern Pennsylvania resonate with voters who are tired of being put on the backburner while special interests get their way in Washington."

A diverse group of business leaders, union members, and community activists, Hafer's committee members all have long ties to the district – a district, they say, is ready for change.

"With the issues facing our country today, there is a lot at stake in this election," said Rosemary Trump, former organizer for Service Employees International Union, local 585 in Pittsburgh. "Voters are hungry for a leader who will stand up for families, create jobs, and reform health care. And they’ve found that leader in Beth Hafer."

"I am honored to receive such strong support for my candidacy," said Hafer. "The committee and my campaign are in full swing, with our eyes on a victory in November,"

Members of Hafer's finance committee include:

Rosemary Trump – former chief organizer for three local chapters of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local unions. Today, these unions represent over 40,000 workers.
Mark Flaherty – Allegheny County Controller
John A. "Jack" Hanna –Attorney and Democratic Party leader in Indiana, PA
Selena Schmidt – President of Ammer Schmidt, a public relations firm, and former president of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Pittsburgh
Jeanne Clark – Active member of National Organization of Women and Planned Parenthood
Donald "Rip" Rowan – Retired Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employee who currently resides in Pottsville, Pennsylvania (central PA)
Georgia Berner – President of Berner International Corporation and former Board member of ATHENA Foundation, the Children's Advocacy Center and the Lawrence County Women's Shelter/Rape Crisis Center.
Bonnie DiCarlo – Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and entrepreneur in Pittsburgh.
Jack Pidgeon – Navy veteran and former headmaster of the Kiski School in Saltsburg, PA, a position he held for 45 years. Jack is Beth's step-father.
Barbara Hafer – Former Pennsylvania Auditor General and State Treasurer, as well as a former Allegheny County Commissioner. Barbara is Beth’s mother.

Strong Finish for Hafer’s 3rd Quarter
Racks up Key Endorsement, Demonstrates Broad Support

10/15/2007

PITTSBURGH, PA – Showing broad grassroots and political support, Democratic Congressional Candidate Beth Hafer today filed financial numbers which show $76,000 total raised for the 3rd quarter of the 2007-2008 election cycle.

A union member herself, Hafer received a key union endorsement and contribution from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in recognition of her work on behalf of Pennsylvania’s families. Among her PAC support was a contribution by Defending America's Future PAC. In total, 85% of her contributions came from within Pennsylvania. Over 230 individuals contributed, 79 of whom gave $100 or less, showing support for a Hafer candidacy both inside and outside the political world.

Beth Hafer Campaign Forges Ahead with Communication Workers of America Endorsement; Wins First Union Endorsement of Race

9/26/2007

PITTSBURGH, PA - Democratic congressional candidate Beth Hafer picked up momentum today, winning the first union endorsement in the race to represent Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district. The Communication Workers of America, District 13 put their support behind Hafer, stating that she is the most qualified candidate for the job.

"A union member herself, Beth Hafer is a passionate and tenacious advocate for Pennsylvania's working families," said Jim Short, Vice-President of the Communication Workers of America, District 13. "We enthusiastically support Beth's candidacy and her vision for the future. Beth's plans for job creation and economic growth will supercharge Southwestern Pennsylvania and make the region stronger than ever."

Hafer has long been a strong voice for positioning the Pittsburgh metropolitan area at the forefront of the emerging alternative energy industry. Those plans along with her commitment to improving health care and education have resonated with voters, as has her call to restore integrity to Congress.

"I am proud to have the support of the hard working men and women in the CWA," said Hafer. "Their needs and concerns have been pushed by the wayside in Washington, thanks to representatives more interested in the privileges of their position than in the privilege of serving their constituents. That will change once I am elected."

District 13 represents 24,000 workers in Pennsylvania and Delaware and approximately 10,000 in the greater Pittsburgh region.

Congressman Tim Murphy Locks Constituents Out of Office

Congressman Hides Inside to Avoid Discussing Iraq
8/13/2007

PITTSBURGH, PA – A group of constituents in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District, hoping to meet with their Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA) earlier this week to discuss the war in Iraq, were literally locked out of his office.

The group arrived at Murphy’s Pittsburgh district office during business hours, but were prevented from ever stepping foot inside the office. Met outside on the sidewalk by two staffers, the constituents were told that Murphy was in a meeting and unable to meet with them. Rather than allowing the group to wait inside for Murphy, the staffers bolted the office door, leaving the constituents out on the street.

"This is outrageous behavior for a member of Congress," said Beth Hafer, a Democratic candidate seeking to unseat Murphy next November. "Tim Murphy is supposed to be accountable to his constituents, so he can effectively lead in Congress. But you can't lead if you are cowering behind locked doors."

The constituents intended to meet with Murphy to discuss ending the war in Iraq. Murphy voted for the war, which began more than four years ago, and has since supported it with votes against redeploying our troops (HR 2956, Vote #624, 7/12/07), against critical funding for our troops (HR 1591, Vote #186, 3/23/07), and even against a much-needed troop pay raise (HR 3289, Vote #554, 10/17/2003).

Hafer, who comes from a family with a long line of military veterans, said Murphy's actions showed a blatant disregard for the Constitution and those who have given their lives to defend it.

"As Americans, we have a Constitutional right to speak our minds. At the very least, it's Tim Murphy's job to listen to the people he represents," said Hafer. "By slamming the door on the very people who pay his salary, Congressman Murphy again showed us what is wrong with Washington."

The entire incident was caught on camera and posted on You Tube. As of Monday afternoon, several hundred people have viewed it. To see the video, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUT3BEfcl-s

Murphy to face Dem challenger in '08

7/18/2007
By Sarah Core
Observer Reporter

July is turning into a taxing month for U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy.

Democrat Beth Hafer, 35, a former middle school teacher from Mt. Lebanon, announced Tuesday that she will run against the three-term Republican for the 18th District congressional seat in 2008. Hafer said Murphy no longer represents the values treasured by the community.
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BETH HAFER ANNOUNCES RUN FOR CONGRESS AGAINST TIM MURPHY

July 17, 207

Tuesday – Beth Hafer announced today that she will run for Congress against Republican incumbent Tim Murphy in Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional district. Born and raised in Elizabeth, PA, Hafer currently lives in Mt. Lebanon with her husband. Hafer is a former middle school science teacher in Moon Township and currently serves as a Vice President at Hafer and Associates, a Harrisburg-based government consulting firm.

"I was raised in a community that cared about hard working families, quality education for our children and had leaders with strong values and ethical standards,” said Hafer. “While the people and the families in our community have not changed, our Congressman no longer represents our values. I am running for Congress to take our country in a new direction. I hope to offer Pennsylvanians the style of public service I learned from my family and in my own classroom.

In Congress, Beth will work to build on that foundation of service – continuing her dedication to the youth of her district and work to address the challenges faced by the working families of Southwestern Pennsylvania - loss of jobs, lack of opportunity for young people and the rising cost of health care.

Hafer will officially kick-off her campaign in the fall, and will spend the summer talking with constituents about her agenda and building the support necessary to win both the primary and the November 2008 general election.

Another Hafer planning to enter politics

Tuesday, June 05, 2007
By James O'Toole
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Beth Hafer hopes to follow her well-known mother, Barbara Hafer, onto the region's ballots.

Ms. Hafer, 35, a former school teacher who now works as a vice president in a government consulting firm owned by her mother, said she plans to run for Congress next year against U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair.
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Hafer's daughter plans run against Congressman Murphy

Monday, June 04, 2007
By James O'Toole
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette