Joe Rooney is certainly getting mileage out of that chicken suit.
In an effort to demonstrate his belief that congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, the Democratic incumbent for Pennsylvania's 13th district, is unwilling to debate him, Republican challenger Joe Rooney has been appearing with a super-sized chicken as of late.
The most recent sighting was outside of the Great American Pub in Conshohocken Wednesday night, while supporters of Rep. Schwartz gathered inside for a fundraising meet-and-greet. It was Schwartz's second visit to the borough in a week, after Conshohocken was added to the 13th in the latest redistricting.
While the meet-and-greet was closed to the press, Neil Deegan, Schwartz's political director, told Patch over the phone that Schwartz was happy to be working with new constituents.
"Tonight was an opportunity for congresswoman Schwartz to come talk with her supporters," Deegan said. "She is very pleased that Conshohocken is now going to be in the 13th district and she looks forward to representing its residents."
Schwartz and Rooney never crossed paths Wednesday night, as his supporters outside said he left for a civic meeting in northeast Philadelphia before the congresswoman arrived. However, Chelsea Allen, a campaign worker who donned the chicken suit, explained the angle.
"We're basically out here because Allyson Schwartz refuses to debate Joe Rooney, and so we want to kind of demonstrate that to the world," Allen said.
Brian Bigelow, a Rooney supporter who was holding a campaign sign next to the chicken, said he agreed with that sentiment.
"She's been in office eight years and never once had a town hall or debate of any kind," Bigelow said. "That's what pulled me off my couch to come here tonight."
When asked about Rooney's request for a debate, Deegan pointed to the candidates' recent public forum appearance in Gwynedd.
"Joe and Congresswoman Schwartz [participated in] a public forum a week and a half ago, and will be holding others in the coming weeks," Deegan said.
Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 7:30pm Brownstone at Sunrise of Abington (Old Abington Schoolhouse) 1801 Susquehanna Road, Abington, PA 19001 There will be a forum with State House candidates running for District 153 as well as the Republican nominee for the 13th Congressional District.
Shame on you Ms Schwartz for treating the voters of PA13 with such disdain. Cordially, Joe Rooney
If you read the article on Page 3 of today's Inquirer you'll see that the writer believes that it is a strategy that many incumbents employ. Of course, the House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor found the time to debate his opponent, perhaps Ms. Schwartz just doesn't feel that her constiuents are worthy of the same consideration. You may remember that she is being true to character, she didn't think that she needed the input of the voters in the 13th, back in the summer after Obamacare was passed.....most Dem and GOP representatives did stand before the people that summer and heard both the good and the bad. Her "let them eat cake" attitude does not play as well in an era where communication is key.
Cordially, Joe Rooney 215-806-4808 PS Sean why is her time any more valuable than the time of her constituents?