JUNE 5, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michael Livingston, Republican candidate in the Second Congressional District, today announced his withdrawal from the race and blasted the local and national parties for failure to support his candidacy in a meaningful way.

“From the beginning of my candidacy, it has been clear that, as a moderate Republican in a primarily urban district, the state, local, and national parties had little interest in my success. Despite investing a substantial amount of my own time, energy, and money in the race—and despite raising a larger amount than any recent Republican in the district—I was unable to garner meaningful support from the Party and, as a result, unable to be taken seriously by the media and other opinion-makers. If the Republican Party wishes to be competitive in Pennsylvania and the Northeast generally, it must take more moderate positions and make a more serious commitment to its candidates and their success.”

In explaining his decision, Livingston cited a long list of slights including failure to secure endorsements from Republican elected officials; failure to invite him to an event, hosted by Senators Arlen Specter (R-Pa) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), held in his own district (Union League) for the specific purpose of supporting local candidates; and, most recently, the unwillingness of McCain campaign officials even to acknowledge his presence at a McCain appearance in Philadelphia next week. He further expressed frustration at the lack of Republican poll coverage on the April 22 primary day, despite repeated efforts to meet with ward leaders and other operatives. “I drove to ten different polling places in Philadelphia and didn’t see a single Republican at any of them,” he said. “A visitor from another planet would have assumed that there was a Clinton party and an Obama Party with no Republicans, at all.”

While critical of local leaders, Livingston reserved his strongest criticism for the national Republican Party, most notably its Congressional wing. “The NRCC (National Republican Congressional Committee) spent $1 million on a by-election in Louisiana but could not even provide me with a weekend of candidate training,” he explained. He also expressed frustration with the narrow conservatism of the national party, which he said had unfortunately infected the McCain campaign as well. “The message that is going out from the national GOP is that we will have perpetual war overseas and cultural war at home; and if you lost your job, your house, or your health insurance, it’s pretty much your own problem. That’s a tough message to sell in a poor district,” he said.

Although continuing to support McCain, Livingston expressed discomfort with the emerging tone of the fall campaign, which he said played a role in his decision to leave the race. “A campaign based on thinly veiled racial themes—a candidate’s middle name, his former preacher, whether or not he wears an American flag pin—is not one that I am comfortable with, particularly in a majority-minority district,” he stated. He added that he believed McCain personally was not responsible for such themes, which he said emerged largely from independent party operatives.

In departing the race, Livingston thanked several individuals for support, including Michael Meehan, counsel of the Philadelphia Republican Party; Bob Asher of the Republican National Committee; and Steve Maloney, a blogger based in Western Pa. “If bloggers ran the party, we’d be in much better shape today,” he said.

The Second Congressional District covers most of the western half of the City of Philadelphia and suburban Cheltenham Township. It is currently represented by Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa).

JUNE 4, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Michael Livingston today congratulated Barack Obama on his securing of the Democratic presidential nomination, but suggested the nomination created a clear choice between the parties in November.

“As their speeches last night indicated, Barack Obama is a fine orator and an inspiration to millions of Americans, especially in the younger generation,” Livingston explained. “By contrast, John McCain is a doer, who has devoted his life to reform even when it was not popular. The choice, in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, could not be clearer.”

In congratulating Obama, Livingston suggested that his campaign, like McCain’s, would target Clinton Democrats who may feel disenfranchised as a result of the party’s rejection of their candidate. He noted that the district contained a substantial number of such voters, particularly in Cheltenham Township, Roxborough, and the Southwest Philadelphia area. “Like Obama, Chaka Fatta has been an eloquent advocate of social change, but has not always delivered the goods to his constituents. I intend to discuss practical issues like tax and education reform, crime, and veterans benefits, and leave the rhetoric to the other side. As any Eagles fan can tell you, people in Philadelphia are less interested in promises than results,” he added.

Livingston opposes Fattah in the November election.

JUNE 4, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Mike Livingston today expressed support for legislation that would insulate the redistricting process in Pennsylvania from politics, and lamented the slow progress of the bill in the State legislature.

“As a candidate in a rather oddly-drawn district, I can appreciate more than most the effects of such districts on the democratic process,” Livingston explained. “Although the current legislation concerns primarily state redistricting, the same tools can and are frequently used at the Federal level,” he added. “A nonpartisan redistricting process would be a first step toward more and better competition in the electoral process.”

Livingston opposes Chaka Fattah (D-Pa) in the November election.

While catching up on my late night reading, I came upon the following quotation:

“The Peace Democrats accused the administration of wasting the lives of [its] citizens in a costly [ideological] war . . . The real reaction was seen at the November elections . . . The Democrats won in many [Republican] communities and gained substantially in both the House and Senate.”

President Bush? The War in Iraq? Actually, the quotation is from John Hope Franklin’s book, “From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans,” and discusses President Lincoln’s predicament in the 1862-64 elections. Bush is not Lincoln, of course, and Iraq (Afghanistan) is not the Civil War. Casualties are no less painful, especially on Memorial Day, because the war is justified. But it makes you think a bit, doesn’t it?

MAY 21, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Michael Livingston attended the Israel 60 Parade in Philadelphia on May 18 and subsequently emphasized his support for Israel and a strong American presence in the Middle East.

“The parade is a reminder that–as grateful as we are for Israel’s health, security, and prosperity–none of these can ever be taken for granted. Only a strong, democratic Israel, with full and enthusiastic support from America and other free nations, will continue to survive and prosper in a dangerous and often indifferent world.”

In discussing Israeli-American relations, Livingston expressed support for recent comments by President Bush and Sen. McCain regarding the need to avoid appeasement of Iran and other adversaries, and skepticism regarding Sen. Obama’s response to these comments.

“Iranian behavior in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iraq make clear that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable to Israel, the United States, and all peaceful nations. While Sen. Obama’s rhetorical commitment to Israel is welcome, his naivete regarding Iranian intentions and capabilities leaves serious doubt as to the policy he would follow if elected. A willingness to talk is admirable, but it is not a substitute for realistic, clearheaded foreign policy”

Livingston is opposing Chaka Fattah (D-Pa) in the Second Congressional District.

MAY 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Michael Livingston attended the Monday candidate’s night sponsored by the West Girard Supermarket Coalition and used the occasion to discuss both neighborhood and city-wide development issues.

“Government assistance programs can play an important role in supporting neighborhood supermarkets and addressing the problem of fresh food in urban areas,” he explained. “But the larger issue of economic development requires a change in governing philosophy. Only a Federal, State, and local partnership to reduce taxes, control crime, and improve public education can bring the benefits of renewed development to the city as a whole. The people of Philadelphia have demanded these changes at a municipal level; it is time to demand them in their elected representatives, as well.”

Among the programs mentioned by Livingston were tax-increment financing; the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Initiative; and several Federal nutrition programs. Successful projects have typically involved a “layering” of Federal, State, and local programs together with private financing, he added.

Livingston’s opponent, Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa), did not attend the program.

Many Democrats will be tempted to gloat, and Republicans to mourn, following the results of recent by-elections in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Illinois.   Before doing so, they should consider the following:

First, the Democrats in at least two of these elections were rock-ribbed conservatives, to the right not only of their own presidential candidates, but on some issues John McCain. Projecting the same voting pattern in November, McCain would carry these districts by a substantial margin.

Second, the turnout in these elections–while high for an out-of-cycle vote–is perhaps half that of a Presidential election: given the overwhelming publicity that the Democrats have received this Spring, it was likely a selective as well as a partial turnout.    There is thus an excellent chance that these districts will reverse themselves as to congressional as well as presidential choices this Fall.

Third, the continued Democratic reliance on conservative candidates, in order to win contested seats, means that Republicans and “Blue Dog” Democrats may well have a working majority, under McCain or Obama, in the next Congress.  (As Obama had trouble getting 1/3 of his own party’s vote in West Virginia, the former would appear at least as likely right now.)

Although no cause for panic,  the early results do suggest a need for a change in Republican campaign strategy, of which I think the NRCC and others are aware.   Instead of rolling out the attack ads, Republicans need to begin thinking about constructive, alternative solutions to the issues–education, taxes, health care–that voters are most concerned about.    This does not mean that they have to stop being conservatives, but it does mean that they have to start thinking.   Those who need a little push are welcome to visit my Issues page or contact me directly for an informal (and cost-free) chat.

MAY 11, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Michael Livingston today responded to a series of reports, in the Inquirer and other newspapers, that tell a story of mismanagement, corruption, and lack of physical safety in the Philadelphia public schools.

“While better funding of public schools remains an important priority, money alone will not solve the problem when violent behavior goes unpunished and corrupt officials remain in office,” Livingston said. “A culture of achievement, rather than a culture of defeatism, must take control in our educational institutions. City, state, and Federal officials share responsibility for creating and maintaining this culture.”

While recognizing the importance of safe and productive public schools, Livingston restated his support for school choice as an important element in the educational mix. “When there is no choice and no competition, there is unfortunately no incentive to make our schools the best they can be,” he explained. He reiterated his support for tax credits and other assistance to students who attend private and nontraditional schools.

A report by the school district’s safe-schools advocate, cited in the May 10 Inquirer, said that the Philadelphia schools had fostered “an organizational culture that [is] tolerant of violent behavior and dismissive of the rights of victims,” in which students who assault teachers or bring guns to school are not removed from classrooms and violence against teachers and employees is not taken seriously. A second story in the same newspaper reported the resignation of the head of a prominent charter school following reports of misuse of taxpayer funds. Similar reports of corruption and violence in the Philadelphia public schools have appeared in other newspapers.

Livingston’s opponent, Chaka Fattah, opposes school vouchers and similar programs.

MAY 8, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressional candidate Mike Livingston today expressed sadness over the murder of Philadelphia police officer Stephen Liczbinski, but also anger that it could have been prevented. He noted that all three of Sgt. Liczbinski’s assailants had been previously convicted of violent crimes and then released, or transferred to halfway houses, well before their terms had been completed.

“It is understandable that people would call for stricter gun control measures in the aftermath of a crime of this nature,” Livingston explained. “But gun control alone will not solve the problem if violent criminals are permitted, time after time, back on the streets. Our city, and our region, need to take a new look at our law enforcement priorities before blaming Harrisburg, or Washington, for our problems.”

Livingston is the Republican candidate in the Second Congressional District, opposing the incumbent Chaka Fattah.

MAY 5, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mike Livingston, Republican candidate for Congress (2nd District Pa.), today supported passage of a new GI Bill and called for an end to partisan maneuvering on the legislation.

“Today’s veterans, no less than those of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, were there when we needed them most. We should be there for them also,” he said.

While supporting passage of a new GI bill, Livingston noted that there differences between the Webb-Hagel bill, known as the Twenty-First Century GI Bill, and an alternate version introduced by Senator McCain, the likely Republican nominee. He called on both sides to resolve these differences, and was especially critical of Democrats who had tried to score political points during the debate. “The future of our veterans is too important to be left to political gamesmanship,” he added.

The Webb-Hagel bill would increase educational benefits for veterans who served a minimum of three to thirty-six months in the post-9/11 era. The McCain bill contains a different formula for computing benefits, and attempts to reduce the incentive for leaving the military to attend an educational institution. The Second District, in which Livingston is a candidate, contains an unusually high number of veterans and is home of the Philadelphia Veterans Hospital, which serves the entire region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 24, 2008

Mike Livingston won the Republican nomination in the Second Congressional District and immediately challenged his opponent, Chaka Fattah, to a series of debates on issues facing the district.

“The Second District has not had a seriously contested Congressional election in more than a decade,” Livingston said. “I challenge Rep. Fattah to a series of debates on the issues facing our district, including education, crime, the energy and housing crises, tax policy, and national security issues. These debates could be sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Committee of Seventy, or other nonpartisan organizations, and would be held at a time and place of our mutual choosing. Rep. Fattah has a national reputation as an expert on urban policy, so the debates are sure to be informative, entertaining, and well-attended.”

In challenging Fattah to debate, Livingston said that he expected domestic issues, notably taxes, crime, and education, to be the central themes of his campaign. “In speaking with people throughout the district, I have found that the same items–personal safety, the quality of schools, worries about high taxes and declining home ownership–come up time and time again. My approach to these issues differs from that of Rep. Fattah, but I hope that we can have a frank and constructive debate about them.”

Livingston also thanked voters and poll watchers who came out to support him in the April 22 primary. “It took a little bit of courage to brave the long lines of Obama and Clinton supporters and vote for a hometown candidate on a day when there were no Republican contests to speak of. I am grateful for your support, and will do my best to be worthy of it” he explained.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 24, 2008

Mike Livingston and his opponent, Chaka Fattah, recently filed quarterly statements with the Federal Election Commission. The reports say much about the candidates and their campaigns.

Livingston’s report, filed April 15, shows $10,150 in contributions, all but $1,000 of them from individual supporters. While modest compared to some districts, this represents the largest sum raised this early by any recent Republican candidate in the Second District, and is close to the largest amount that any other challenger has raised in the entire election cycle. (Full information is available at www.fec.gov; to access the quarterly report, punch in the name of the candidate and follow the prompts for committee information and report history).

By contrast, Fattah reported receipts of $129,392 of which more than three-quarters ($98,500) consists of PAC contributions. The size of contributions was also revealing: the Fattah data, which include the latter part of 2007, do not include a single individual contribution of less than $500, while Livingston (like Barack Obama) relies principally on small contributions.

“The quarterly FEC reports demonstrate the issues at stake in this election and the importance of change in the Second District,” said Livingston in a prepared statement. “While characterizing himself as a champion of the weak and oppressed, Chaka Fattah remains one of the members of Congress most dependent on PAC money and on contributions from lawyers, lobbyists, and others with an interest in the political process. He is a charter member of the pay-to-play culture that I am trying to change.”

The next quarterly reports are due July 15.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 7, 2008

Following a visit to the 52nd Street market in West Philadelphia, congressional candidate Mike Livingston today called upon SEPTA to complete the Market El renovation project more quickly, and provide compensation to merchants harmed by the ongoing process.

“In talking to people in the area,” said Livingston, “it became clear that–together with high taxes and a slow economy–many merchants had been hurt by the slow process of the renovation project, which has left an unsightly fence along Market Street and created the impression that many open businesses were in fact closed. ” He further noted that, since transportation is a Federal as well as a state and local responsibility, this is an issue of concern to all levels of Government.

Livingston added that similar concerns have been expressed by businesses in the Germantown Avenue corridor as a result of a PENNDOT construction process which has caused extensive dislocation in the Mt. Airy neighborhood. “While economic progress is always important,” he noted, “it should be possible to conduct construction projects with greater sensitivity to the affected communities. Unfortunately, this does not appear to have happened here.”

Livingston will be the Republican candidate against Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa) in the November election.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL 4, 2008

Congressional candidate Mike Livingston today called for creativity and candor, rather than panic, in confronting the housing and energy crises.

“There is no question that we are in a serious economic crisis and need to respond aggressively,” said Livingston. “However, it is important to take steps that improve our long-term economic health and not feel-good measures that make the problem worse in the long run.”

With respect to the housing crisis, Livingston supported proposals to provide favorable tax and bankruptcy treatment to individuals temporarily defaulting on home mortgages; adjustment of mortgage terms, in appropriate instances, to permit eventual repayment; and measures to ensure greater honesty in the sale and marketing of future mortgages. However, he was dubious regarding proposals, including some by Democratic candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama,  to create new State and Federal programs to monitor or regulate the housing industry. “Our goal should be to get people back on their feet and hold on to their homes and businesses, not make them dependent on Government help,” he said.

Livingston similarly expressed outrage over runaway gasoline prices, but cautioned against easy solutions. “The only sure way to bring down prices is to reduce demand, by enforcing fuel efficiency standards and encouraging conservation, and to increase the supply of energy. Screaming at the oil companies feels good–and they may very well deserve it–but it won’t accomplish much in the long run.”

Livingston was especially critical of Democratic proposals to reduce tax incentives for oil and gas exploration in the current tax code. “I don’t understand why, in a time of increasing demand, we would want to eliminate incentives to find as much oil at the cheapest price possible.” He further suggested that environmental restrictions, while important in their own right, must be balanced with legitimate economic needs.

Livingston is the Republican candidate against Chaka Fattah (D- Pa.) in the Second Congressional District.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 27, 2008

Michael Livingston, candidate for Congress in the Second District, today made the following statement:

“I am saddened by the appearance of two news items in close proximity today. The first relates that Mumia-Abu Jamal, with the assistance of the Harvard Law School, National Lawyers Guild, and other left-wing organizations, has been granted a new penalty hearing in the murder of officer Daniel Faulkner. The second tells of Sean Patrick Conroy, who was murdered on a busy SEPTA platform with no one coming to his aid.

If our city, and our country, continue to provide more assistance to convicted killers than to ordinary citizens, it is no wonder that we have a crime problem.”

Livingston’s opponent, Chaka Fattah, supports a new trial for Mr. Abu-Jamal, a position rejected by the Court of Appeals.

FOR RELEASE TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2008 12 NOON

Prof. Michael A. Livingston, of 109 Wetherill Road, Cheltenham PA, today announced his candidacy for United States Congress in the Second District. Livingston, a Republican, will oppose the incumbent Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) in the November election.

In announcing his candidacy, Livingston, a nationally recognized expert on taxation and fiscal policy, emphasized the differences between his approach and that of his likely opponent. “At a national level and in Philadelphia, the past year has seen an electorate increasingly dissatisfied with politics as usual and hungry for new solutions . Chaka Fattah, a lifelong politician and one of the most partisan members of Congress, is increasingly out of touch with this new mood. As a professional educator and nonpartisan policy expert, I will seek practical solutions to problems and bring Philadelphia the quality of representation that its people deserve.” Read more »