REALTORS^® in Action provides you with the latest news in Government Affairs at the Lehigh Valley Association of REALTORS^®. Keep checking back for updated information, and view prior months Action by clicking on any of the links to the left.

• Transportation Commission Advises Increase in RTT to Pay for Mass Transit
• Appraiser Act Amendment Passes House Committee
• Governor to Consider Legislation Exemptin Deeds from Sales Tax
• GOP Maintians Control of State Senate; House in Question
• Key Contacts Needed for New Legislators

If you cannot enter the page as provided, go to http://www.parealtor.org - click on Legislative & Regulatory, the Current Legislative Initiatives, and then Capital Briefs.

It was an interesting Election Day to say the least. Democrats swept the country yesterday as they regained control of Congress for the first time since 1994. As of this writing, the U.S. Senate is still up in the air; as races in Virginia and Montana are still too close to call. However, of note Bob Casey (D) defeated incumbent U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R). This will be the first time since the 1970s that a Democrat U.S. Senator will be representing Pennsylvania in Washington. Also, as expected Governor Ed Rendell (D) defeated Lynn Swann (R).

REALTOR® supported candidates in the Lehigh Valley had a great day yesterday. Congressman Charlie Dent (R-15) defeated Charles Dertinger.

Our State Senators Pat Browne (R-16), Lisa Boscola (D-18), and Rob Wonderling (R-24) all won re-election.

In the State House of Representatives, all incumbents were victorious. This includes Karen Beyer (R-131), Jennifer Mann (D-132), Doug Reichley (R-134), and Julie Harhart (R-183). As expected, all unopposed candidates won their re-election bids as well: Craig Dally (R-138), Steve Samuelson (D-135), Robert Freeman (D-136) and Richard Grucela (D-137).

As for the open seat election in the 133rd District, held by outgoing incumbent TJ Rooney, LVAR supported candidate Joe Brennan (D) easily defeated Dawn Berrigan. In the hotly contested 187th District, it looks like Carl Mantz (R) pulled it off by a small margin (51%-49%), narrowly defeating LVAR supported candidate (and REALTOR®), Archie Follweiler (D). We'll be keeping our eyes on this one in case of a recount.

It was a good day for LVAR supported candidates -- 90% of them were victorious. There is no question that REALTOR® participation in this election had a significant impact.

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11.1.06

 

ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7^th

With Election Day less than a week away, political candidates are scrambling to get their message out to maximize support. REALTORS® are on the front lines and have an opportunity this year to help elect candidates who support the real estate industry.

On Wednesday, November 1, LVAR sent a member-wide “Voter Guide” to the 2,400 REALTORS® in the Lehigh Valley. The Voter Guide lists LVAR supported candidates for Congress, State Senate, and State House of Representatives in the Northampton and Lehigh County.

LVAR, through the REALTORS® Political Action Committee, is non-partisan in its decision to support candidates and focuses on their qualifications and general support of REALTOR® issues.

REALTORS® are a potent political force in the Lehigh Valley and will play an influential role in the outcome of this year’s elections.

Be sure to cast your vote on Election Day! If you have any questions about where to vote, or about candidates running for office, contact Ryan Conrad at Ryan@lvar.org.

To view a copy of the LVAR Voter Guide and a comprehensive list of candidates, please login to the members-only website at http://www.lvar.org/. Simply click on “Government Affairs” then “REALTORS® in Action.”