By Jim Kouri
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A new conservative voice has emerged from the Keystone State. Republican Ronald Francis recently threw his hat in the ring for a seat in the US Congress representing Pennsylvania's 4th District.
The former Allegheny County councilman already has picked up a significant endorsement for his campaign. Former county Chief Executive Jim Roddey recently penned a letter sent to potential Republican donors to the Francis campaign for the 4th District seat won in November 2006 by Democrat Jason Altmire.
"It is important that we have elected officials that put ethics first, have the background and work ethic to lead and are committed to bringing fiscal sense and fiscal discipline to government just like I did as county executive," Roddey wrote.
"Ron Francis was a real partner in promoting and instilling these very principles into our government," he added.
Roddey's support could boost Francis' attempts to get out in front of two other Republican men thought to be mulling a bid for the 4th District GOP nomination: Lynn Swann, the former Pittsburgh Steeler, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2006, and Mike Turzai, a state lawmaker. Also, three Republican women are said to be considering entering the congressional race. Melissa Hart, the former congresswoman who lost to Rep. Jason Altmire, State Senator Jane Orie of McCandless and US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan are all expected to run for the GOP nomination.
However, out of all these wannebe candidates, only Ron Francis possesses the conservative credentials necessary to fire-up the state's conservative base.
For example, Francis says that he will emphasize extending the Bush tax cuts and curbing the growth of federal spending.He also supports Bush's troop surge in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Francis also took aim at Rep. Altmire for blindly supporting Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker in spite of her missteps such as nominating an impeached judge for a key committee chairmanship.
Ron Francis is a partner with one of the nation's top law firms Reed Smith. He joined the firm in 1995 and is a member of its Corporate &Securities Practice Group. Hecurrently focuses his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance,insolvency and bankruptcy, equipment leasing, securities, and joint ventures.
A former Naval officer, Francis served the United States from 1988 through 1992. After his military service, he began his legal studies at Northwestern University's School of Law, graduating in 1995. He completed his undergraduate work at George Washington University -- with a bachelor of arts in political science -- before entering the US Navy.
Ron and his wife, Tina, have two children.
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