What do Matt Shaner & Derek Walker have in common? They have both triggered the millionaire clause as they pursue the PA District 5 primary. They both have close family connections to energy companies in PA: Oil for Shaner and coal for Walker.
Now they also have trouble with the law in common!
First we had Matt Shaner with his unfortunate drinking incident where he drank, drove, wrecked, left the scene, called the DA while hiding in his home from the police, denied wrong doing, to then admit it, pay a fine, and hope that all PA voters would forgive and forget.
Now this breaking story in the CDT (nice job CDT) about his challenger, Derek Walker:
Thursday, Apr. 17, 2008
Stalking, burglary charges filed against Congressional candidate
By Pete Bosak and Mike Joseph
CLEARFIELD — Fifth Congressional District front-runner Derek Walker was charged Thursday with two felonies and four misdemeanors in connection with an incident last August at his former girl friend’s house in Clearfield.
voters_walker
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The criminal complaint, filed in District Judge Richard Ireland’s Clearfield office, charges Walker with burglary and criminal trespass, both felonies, and the misdemeanors criminal attempt, invasion of privacy, disorderly conduct and stalking.
(emphasis above...mine)
The complaint, filed by Clearfield police Chief Jeffrey Rhone and signed by Shaw, accuses Walker of using his cell phone to videotape a former girlfriend in an intimate moment with another man on Aug. 25, 2007. The complaint also alleges that he had contact with her on two other occasions, despite being told by a police officer on Aug. 25 that he should avoid further contact and that charges were pending.
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Interesting.
First of all, I don't think either of these two (Shaner or Walker) should be considered because of their proven lack of judgment in lieu of the law.
Second, I think it very interesting, if true, that Shaner leaked this. Especially as he was just whining about Walker going negative in his ads that expand on Shaner's troubles with the law.
Walker said his campaign has traced anonymous letters sent to media outlets about the incident to the Shaner campaign. He also said he has not been contacted by police or questioned about the incident in the past "250 days."
A Shaner aide reportedly said Shaner did not initiate the letters or the police investigation.
Seems no one is above negativity.
PA 05 -- They are both wingnuts...Don't vote for either of them!