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Feb 5, 2026

Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District

A closely watched race next November will be for our local congressman. While the incumbent is Republican Ryan Mackenzie, the Democrats have a contested primary in May. The top three candidates for that race are Ryan Crosswell, Bob Brooks and Lamont McClure.

If contributions and money on hand for the campaign prevail, it whittles down to Crosswell and Brooks. Crosswell is a former federal prosecutor who resigned, rather than back off a case as requested by associates of  Trump. Brooks is head of the state fire fighters association, and has the party backing.

I consulted with fellow blogger Bernie O'Hare about the candidates. Bernie thinks (and hopes) that McClure's experience will end up putting him ahead primary night. He feels that Crosswell's Republican past is a bug and will haunt him. For an independent like myself, that is not a bug, but a feature. I hope that come November it will be Ryan vs Ryan.

5 comments:

  1. So, Mike. How is our nation made a better place if Ryan Mackenzie is replaced in Congress? Or, put another way, what do YOU gain, Mike?

    This Independent WILL be voting again for Mackenzie. Much too early to replace Mackenzie and then start all over again with another Freshman in that position.

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  2. As a moderate Democrat, I view Crosswell my favorite of the three candidates. His background as a former Republican doesn't bother me in the least and I like the moral stand he took against the Trump administration. I view Brooks as the worst candidate and I would cross over and vote for McKenzie if Brooks wins the nomination.

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  3. This morning is a record, I have rejected eight comments (some for yesterday's post). I'm not intentionally running an adult daycare. I used to feel bad rejecting long comments which took the reader time to compose...well tough sh-t. Some complain that I "censure", tough sh-t.

    anon@7:16: You're not really an independent, or you would be thinking about term limits, not "freshman" :) But my problem is neither. Trump is a would be autocrat, but Mackenzie hopes that Trump will campaign for him.

    anon@7:29: I think that it's clear that I'm supporting Crosswell, but will consider voting for whomever the victor, assuming his positions are not too far left for me. If the house majority doesn't shift, Trump and crew will be more dangerous.

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  4. I am pulling for Bob Brooks, going to volunteer for him.

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  5. anon@8;49: but not enough to sign your name ? :)

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