Irey gets boost from Internet fundraising

By MIKE FAHER
The Tribune-Democrat

November 02, 2006 11:47 pm

— Republican Diana Irey’s congressional campaigning is picking up speed, attempting to overtake a veteran incumbent and overcome a huge voter-registration disadvantage.
The Washington County commissioner, taking on Democratic U.S. Rep. John Murtha, this week began running her first TV and radio ads.
And her campaign claims to have raised $100,000 since Oct. 1, in part due to Internet-based fundraising and exposure from conservative blogs.
“It’s just a ‘viral’ marketing effect,” said Bill Pascoe, an Irey campaign consultant.
During a stop in downtown Johnstown on Thursday, Irey again criticized Murtha for saying Marines intentionally killed innocent civilians in an incident last year in Haditha, Iraq.
Murtha has not retracted his statements, and his campaign spokesman, Ed Mitchell, said he would not comment on the matter.
Murtha has not aired any television or radio ads, and Mitchell said the congressman plans no special campaign events this weekend.
“The congressman’s record is established,” Mitchell said.
“The people know he’s been a strong supporter for the district.”
Also Thursday, Irey joined Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann and Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum at a GOP event in Richland Township.
Santorum was kicking off a five-day, statewide tour to cap his race against Democratic state Treasurer Bob Casey.
“I am confident in our strong and organized ‘get out the vote’ effort that will win us this election,” Santorum said.

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