Facing a steep climb to beat Republican Fred Keller in today’s special election, Marc Friedenberg said Monday’s rally in Montoursville was simply the president’s way of battling waning popularity in the state.
“I think the president’s presence here is a sign of the fact that the popularity in Pennsylvania is not what it could be,” Friedenberg said.
The congressional hopeful critiqued President Donald Trump for his steel tariffs, which he said have harmed Pennsylvania manufacturers and farmers.
During Monday evening’s rally Trump commended his tariffs by saying they would ensure US jobs and manufacturing for the state.
“I’d like to see him listening to the voters more, rather than in a rally-type setting,” Friedenberg said.
Friedenberg spent most of Monday traveling through the 12th Congressional District knocking on doors.
“I feel like the most important thing is making sure we talk to every voter about what we can do for jobs, how we can get health care for every American and what we can do about social security,” he said.
Friedenberg also emphasized the importance of local infrastructure, especially in Lycoming County. He said issues like the Susquehanna levee recertification and bridge repairs throughout the county are extremely important.
Broadband internet access for rural areas is also a key issue, Friedenberg said, adding that people’s inability to have reliable internet means “they’re not going to be able to compete economically.”
This is Friedenberg’s second attempt to win the 12 District, after he lost by 32 points in November 2018 to then incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Marino. Marino abruptly resigned in January for health reasons.
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