Gubernatorial candidates split on minimum wage, education
R U O O Y T E D I U N G O I T C E EL DAY
As Pennsylvania voters flock to the polls today, they will play an important role in affecting the direction of the state by either keeping Republican Governor Tom Corbett in office or replacing him with Democratic challenger Tom Wolf. Below are the major issues of the campaign that have resulted in one of the most competitive gubernatorial campaigns against an incumbent in recent history.
Minimum Wage:
The minimum wage, a hotly debated issue across the country, shows a deep contrast between Corbett and Wolf. Corbett wants to keep Pennsylvania’s minimum wage equal to the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour. When asked about an increase
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 If you’re over 18, get ready to vote — today is Election Day. In Pennsylvania politics, Republican Governor Tom Corbett is facing off against Democratic challenger Tom Wolf in a race he is expected to lose. However, on the national scale, Republicans are expected to fare better — pundits predict that the GOP will retake the U.S. Senate this year. Several experts also say it is likely that Republicans will keep control of the U.S. House. If you’re registered on campus, use our voter’s map to find where to vote based on where you’re registered. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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SOURCE: Office of Government and Community Affairs, Graphic by Emily Cheng
2014
PENNSYLVANIA’S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ELECTION
Armond James
REPUBLICAN
As a 33-year-old teacher at Philadelphia charter schools and a past lecturer at Temple and Harvard universities, James has made job creation and education reform the two pillars of his platform, according to his campaign website. In a traditionally Democratic district, James has been canvassing in low-income neighborhoods that usually receive less attention from campaigns.
Congressman Fattah has represented the Second District since 1994. He is currently a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, a SOPHIA WITTE ranking member on the Staff Writer Subcommittee on Commerce, Graphic by Justice, Science and related Laine Higgins agencies and co-chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus. Fattah’s policy initiatives include expanding access to education and assisting in housing security.
Chaka Fattah DEMOCRAT
WHERE DO THEY STAND ON THE ISSUES? EDUCATION
JOB CREATION
James pushes for more school choice by advocating for an Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Action Plan. Based on Arizona’s ESA model, this program would give families in low-performing school zones the opportunity to move their children from public or charter schools to different academic institutions, such as private schools and online learning programs. On a national scale, James supports a five-year tax exemption for U.S. companies to attract manufacturing back from oversees. In Philadelphia, James hopes to create more jobs in the textile and natural gas industries. James also supports extending unemployment benefits to at least two years.
HOUSING & James supports tax deductions for college graduates with student TAX CUTS loan payments and working families with a household adjusted income under $75,000.
Fattah has endorsed various pieces of legislation supporting equal access to educational opportunities. Fattah was one of the early leaders of GEAR UP, a federal grant program that has contributed over $3 billion to providing scholarships and preparing low-income students for college.
Corbett wants efficient school spending; Wolf believes in increasing funding JENNIFER WRIGHT Staff Writer
Education tops the list of concerns for Pennsylvania voters in today’s gubernatorial election — as well as the platforms for Pennsylvania’s two gubernatorial candidates. Funding for education in Pennsylvania is an issue both Republican incumbent Tom Corbett and Democratic SEE EDUCATION PAGE 2
Congressman Fattah was an early cosponsor of the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812), a bill to restore one million local jobs for community purposes, such as teachers, police officers, firefighters and child care workers. Throughout his career, Fattah has assisted struggling homeowners improve living conditions. In national office, Fattah supported the Emergency Homeowner’s Relief Fund to help unemployed homeowners save their properties and endorsed the Hope VI program, which revitalizes neighborhoods through rehabilitating homes and high-rises.
BEYOND THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL According to the Rothenberg Political Report, the race is considered a “Safe Democrat” contest. But while Fattah has both the incumbent and party advantage, a recent controversy he is involved in has led to newfound support for James. In August, Fattah’s longtime political aide Gregory Naylor admitted to participating in campaign finance schemes initiated by his former boss — identified as “Elected Official A” in court filings v—, including helping to hide the theft of federal funds used to pay off illegal campaign debt from Fattah’s losing mayoral campaign in 2007. Despite supporting Fattah in the past 10 elections, the Philadelphia Inquirer endorsed James last Wednesday based on Fattah’s unpersuasive response to the allegations. Though the Inquirer commended Fattah’s advocacy of increased education access, neuroscience funding and mortgage assistance, it declared James as more deserving of voters’ support.
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Voters see education funding as main issue in Pa. governor’s race
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State Senator and House candidates on the issues JOE LI Staff Writer SEE ELECTIONS PAGE 3
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