Potter County Republicans prepare for election
GOP holds campaign kick-off dinner

Tom Bowman, an aide to U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, announced possible grants for Morgan AM&T and local schools.

Potter County Republicans rallied behind their slate of candidates for the Nov. 6 general election during a Campaign Kick-Off Picnic Saturday night at Ski Denton.

Doug Morley and Paul Heimel, Republican nominees for county commissioner, each asked GOP faithful for help as they seek four-year terms that will start in January. Democratic candidates are incumbent Cathy Bowers and former commissioner Susan Sullivan Kefover. Top three vote-getters will form the board that sits from 2008 through 2011.

Four years ago, neither of the Republican nominees, David Miller and Jack Halloran, succeeded in November. Writein candidate John Torok joined Democrats Bowers and Ken Wingo in the winners' circle.

Saturday's speakers said the party cannot allow that to happen again.

Potter County Republican Chairman D. Bruce Cahilly said the party has two strong nominees in Morley and Heimel. He asked GOP faithful to work at the grassroots level to support them.

Morley said his 25 years' experience in banking and his involvement in numerous community and civic organizations had prepared him for what he sees as a "critical position in county government at a critical time."

Heimel laid out a platform of fiscal restraint, open communication, and partnerships with local, state and federal leaders to meet the challenges that face Potter County in the post-Adelphia era.

Also speaking was Tom Bowman, district aide for U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. He announced that Morgan AM&T in Coudersport and St. Marys is expected to receive a $2 million grant for development of improved body armor once Congress clears the measure.

Bowman also revealed that Potter County schools are in line to receive federal funding to support their efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Additionally, he reminded Republicans to support their party's candidates for statewide judicial offices being decided on Nov. 6.

Chuck Dillon, district aide to State Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, also spoke briefly.