Senator Bob Casey Offers Support to Easton Democrats

Senator Bob Casey stopped by Easton Friday night to lend fellow local Democrats encouragement in their election campaigns and spread the political party's messages to voters.

Giving the keynote speech at the fundraising gala, “Easton in Blue,” held at the in the Downtown district, Casey focused on employment and the importance of job creation, also offering ideas for creating job growth in Pennsylvania.

“The most important thing we can do...is to create jobs,” he said, noting it will take a bipartisan effort to be successful. “There is no Democrat and no Republican way to create jobs. We have to work together....We can't just wake up every day and say we're Democrats and we're not talking to you.”

Casey also offered support for labor unions.

“Never more than right now have those in organized labor been under more pressure,” he said.

He added that he feels Pennsylvania should invest in medical and research labs to create permanent, well-paying jobs, and that the U.S. can't afford to let more jobs slip overseas.

“We are not going to continue to allow China to cheat on their currency and take more jobs,” Casey said.

Earlier, Easton mayor Sal Panto, master-of-ceremonies for the event, expressed similar sentiments, also voicing support for labor unions and speaking about the need for continued economic growth, saying that the blue party needs to work even harder.

“Democrats need to make people realize we are the right party,” Panto said. “We need to prove Democrats know how to lead.”

Casey also received a check for $1,500 from local Democrats in support of his upcoming 2012 campaign, while three local members were honored with awards for their work and achievements.

Adrian Shanker, president of Equality Pennsylvania, was honored with the Young Democrat award for his efforts in getting non-discrimination legislation passed in Bethlehem and and Allentown.

Former Easton Councilwoman Josie Smull was honored for her many years of service to the Easton community with the Senator Jeanette Reibman Award, named for the former U.S. Senator from Easton.

Panto received the Doctor George Smith Award, named for Easton's mayor from 1960 to 1968 and councilman from 1975 to 1983.

The $75-a-plate fundraiser,  attended by about 150, was comprised of many local, county and regional candidates and elected officials, including Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowsky, State Representative Bob Freeman, Superior Court Judge candidate David Wecht and Northampton County Council candidates, along with their supporters.