Marty Qually vs. Dan Moul
Dan Moul does not attract the attention of more spectacular insurrectionist Republicans from the same area such as Doug Mastriano and Scott Perry. In fact, for much of his career in elected office, he was “good old Dan.” A good republican. Someone you can talk to, and he’ll listen. Even agree with you once in a while. Sort of a moderate, at least considering the present-day GOP.
Three things have changed. The nature of Dan Moul. The nature of politics in Pennsylvania. And his opponent. Moul first. As the party has Trumpified, so has Dan. He’s a dependable sponsor of anti-abortion legislation including a constitutional amendment that says there is no right to an abortion in Pennsylvania. He has come around to the Trump view on election laws. He has flipped flopped on mail in voting and now supports repeal.
One thing hasn’t changed about Dan Moul. In terms of the day in, day out, blocking and tackling of legislation, he gets nothing done. He produces nothing for Adams County. He used to make the excuse, “well, I haven’t been there long enough to build up seniority,” as if that were a legitimate excuse. Now, he’s asking for an 8th term, he chairs a committee, and his legislative record is still paper thin.
The second issue, though, is democracy is on the ballot in Pennsylvania, every day the legislature is in session. There may have been a time when we could afford an amiable do nothing who caucused on the wrong side of the aisle but wasn’t all that bad. No more. The Republicans have decided to become the Wisconsin legislature, challenging the basic structure of democracy and using the dodge of party line votes on constitutional amendments to strip the governor of his constitutional authority. In a legislature where abortion rights and a democratic form of government are challenged by one party, the party label of who we send is important.
Finally, there is Dan Moul’s opponent. Marty Qually is a good man, and a genuinely talented politician. He listens and he works hard. He is thoughtful and concerned about all his constituents. Working in a system in which he has always been the lone Democrat on a three-member board has required him to approach everything from a bipartisan perspective. He is also very aware that he can’t be elected without a lot of Independent and Republican votes, so he knows how to make a broad appeal to voters.
********
This series is written to promote political discussion and organizing. Permission is given to use this in fact sheets, talking points, letters to the editor, etc. We’d appreciate if you notified Gettysburg DFA (leonsreed@gmail.com) of any uses. Written by Leon Reed.