Dem candidates in Pa. congressional races get boost

A national bus tour supporting Democratic congressional candidates stopped at Philadelphia’s LOVE Park Thursday morning.  The tour visited the region to boost the campaigns of two men running in suburban Philadelphia.

The press conference, part of Americans United for Change’s “Put the Middle Class First” campaign, featured remarks from Army veteran Kevin Strouse and Dr. Manan Trivedi.

As the park’s iconic fountain gushed behind them, both hopefuls said the middle class is disappearing when it needs to grow.

“That has been the backbone of our economy, that has been the backbone of our society, and that has been what has always made our country strong,” said Strouse, who’s vying to represent the state’s 8th Congressional District.

Trivedi, in his third bid for the 6th Congressional District seat, laid out reforms he thinks can help, including paying men and women equally and raising the national minimum wage, which currently sits at $7.25 per hour — the same rate as Pennsylvania.

“A single mom who works full time shouldn’t have to live in poverty. She shouldn’t have to decide whether she wants to put books in her kids’ backpack or food on the table,” said Trivedi.

Polls and experts show the Republican candidates are favored to win in both races.

Strouse is facing Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick in a district that covers parts of Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Trivedi is taking on Chester County Commissioner Ryan Costello, who also hopes to fill the seat left open by U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach’s retirement.

The 6th Congressional District includes parts of Berks and Chester counties.

The general election is Nov. 4.