More Bad News For Burns

Russell may have not won over the establishment and Chairman Gleason, but the people are now speaking out. The Herald-Standard Editorial Board endorses Army veteran Bill Russell.

For the Republican nomination in the 12th Congressional District, the Herald-Standard Editorial Board endorses Army veteran Bill Russell who is facing off with Tim Burns.

There are no real ideological differences between the two GOP hopefuls and as such Russell gets the nod for having run hard against Murtha last time. Two years ago, with Murtha an imposing foe, Burns was nowhere to be found as Russell was essentially shipped in to combat the longest serving congressman in state history. Subsequently, we feel Burns wouldn't have run this year if Murtha had not passed away in February. A Russell spokesman put it best when he termed Burns "an opportunist." We give Russell credit for fighting the good fight when Murtha was still around. While he failed to unseat Murtha in 2008, he piled up a respectable 42 percent of the vote.

What he doesn't have, however, is money. Burns, who was satisfied to let Russell take on Murtha last time, has been piling up money and support from high-profile Republicans. Russell hasn't changed positions since last race, but still establishment GOP support is drying up quickly, which is ironic, since Russell is a different candidate than last race.

Back in 2008, he had no idea about the area after having been airdropped in to challenge Murtha. Despite the defeat, he has stayed here and been a visible candidate. He deserves credit for that and is a better candidate for it, which is why he is our pick for the Republican nomination.

Way to go Bill. Send the RINO packing.