Manion talks about son’s
war service in Web video

Campaign Bits
By Tom Waring

Tom Manion, the Republican candidate in the 8th Congressional District, has unveiled a four-part video series on his campaign Web site that focuses on his son’s service in Iraq.
Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, 26, was killed April 29, 2007 by enemy sniper fire during an ambush in the province of Al Anbar.
The elder Manion, who served in the Marines and Marine Reserves, decided to run for Congress in large part because of his son’s sacrifice.
In part one of the series, Letters from Travis, Tom Manion recalls his son’s visit home to Doylestown in late 2006. During his time home, the younger Manion noticed that the Bucks County Democratic Party kept a count of war casualties on display at its headquarters.
"Travis took exception to that," his dad said in the video.
While the display is meant to honor the dead, Travis Manion considered it a "political statement," according to his dad.
During his time in Iraq, Manion wrote home as frequently as possible. In one letter, he wrote, "There are many different views of our mission here, however, all I can say with certainty is that there are thousands of Americans over here working hard towards a positive outcome in Iraq. Everyday I am here I see great things being accomplished under harsh circumstances from young Americans. I am not sure the average American sees the positives these servicemen and women accomplish."
After Manion’s death, Iraqis named their combat outpost in Fallujah in his memory.
Tom Manion is challenging Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy, a former U.S. Army captain who served a tour in Iraq. Tom Lingenfelter is running as an independent.
Murphy has a big fund-raising advantage on his opponents. The Manion video allows the candidate to reach voters for free on the Internet rather than running costly television commercials.
To boost his campaign war chest, Manion on Friday hosted a fund-raiser at the Chickie’s & Pete’s on Roosevelt Boulevard.
The district includes all of Bucks County, the Far Northeast and a small portion of Montgomery County.

• • •

Lingenfelter, a frequent candidate for political office, is joining Manion and Murphy in the 8th Congressional District race.
Lingenfelter has already filed the 2,514 petitions required to win a spot on the ballot as an independent and will file more by the Aug. 1 deadline to discourage a challenge to his signatures.
Earlier this year, he was going to run as a Republican until it became apparent that the party was lining up behind Manion.
According to Lingenfelter, 80 percent of voters he’s asked have agreed to sign his petition.
"People are disgusted with both parties," he said.
Lingenfelter likes the independent label, contending that the major parties offer no solutions to problems.
"I don’t have to make excuses for either party," he said. "I don’t have the party baggage."
Lingenfelter is refusing to accept money from political action committees. He believes most contributors to campaigns expect something in return, but he says voters deserve an independent voice.
"They can expect me to do what I think is right," he said.
Lingenfelter labels Murphy as a "liberal." He thinks Manion has a noble reason for running — honoring the death of his son Travis in the Iraq war — but said the Republican is not talking about issues such as health care, the economy and war and peace.

• • •

Murphy is among the politicos who will appear on Aug. 19 at Finnigan’s Wake for the 18th annual Stu Bykofsky Candidates Comedy Night, a fund-raiser for Variety — The Children’s Charity.
Bykofsky, a Philadelphia Daily News writer, has raised more than $300,000 in the last 17 years. Finnigan’s Wake co-owner Mike Driscoll provides the room for free.
The other candidates appearing will be state Attorney General Tom Corbett and challenger John Morganelli; Rob McCord and Tom Ellis, who are running for state treasurer; 1st Senatorial District candidates Larry Farnese and Jack Morley; state Rep. John Perzel and challenger Rich Costello; U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and challenger Mike Muhammad; and U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz and challenger Marina Kats.
Tickets cost $60. They are available by sending checks to Variety, c/o Ellen Ganley, 1520 Locust St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
To pay by credit card or for more information, call Variety at 215-735-0803.

• • •

Teamsters Joint Council 53 has endorsed Democrat Brendan Boyle in the 170th Legislative District.
Boyle is facing Republican Matt Taubenberger for the seat of retiring GOP Rep. George Kenney.
Brian Reice, president of Local 169, cited Boyle’s background. His father, Francis, was a Teamster for 25 years. His mother, Eileen, is a crossing guard and a member of AFSCME District Council 33.
"He comes from a hard-working family and he never forgot where he came from," Reice said. "Brendan will be a great state representative for all working people."
Boyle’s other union endorsements have come from Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, the local building trades and the Pennsylvania State Education Association, all of which previously supported Kenney. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com