Donuts with Diana Irey

This past Saturday graduates from Seton Hill University listened to a commencement address by Congressman John Murtha (D). Murtha is up for re-election this year, and his challenger, Diana Irey (R), is not one to let an opportunity pass her by.

Irey spoke at a breakfast held in downtown Greensburg. The breakfast was a social event in honor of the recent graduates, and to offer a different viewpoint than the one that Murtha would be presenting at commencement later that Saturday.

I was asked to introduce Diana, as the representative of the CRs. In addition to providing a little bit of biographical background on the candidate, I was to provide my explanation of why we were having Diana give us her take on things. I said something to the effect of needing an alternative viewpoint to the biased, negative perspective for which Murtha is known.

Irey had many positive things to say. She wasn't there to merely oppose Murtha, but to promote the good that she represents. Yes, Irey brought to the table a number of things that Murtha has said or done, many of which should be considered detriment to his position; however, Irey never stooped to a simple "bashing" of her opponent. Bringing to light what is considered public record of a politician is no crime, and Irey used this to move her own ideas forward with passion.

Above all, Irey brought with her the passion that I feel is necessary to take out this incumbent. Those that attended the breakfast welcomed Irey and her energy with enthusiasm of their own.