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Press Releases

Links to Press Releases issued by Tim Burns

August 24, 2010PDF Available Here
Critz says economy improving while layoffs mount
Washington, PA

Earlier this month, Mark Critz told Fayette County residents that there are new jobs being created in the county residents that there are new jobs being created in the county and that the economy is slowly improving. Instead of admitting that the stimulus plan he supported has failed to keep or create jobs, Critz placed blame on others saying, "We're so focused on what's wrong instead of on what's right."

Last week, 124 workers in Fayette County found out first-hand what is wrong with Critz’s jobs plan when they received layoff notices from BAE Systems, who cut half its workforce here while keeping its operations elsewhere. Critz said the layoffs were a result of "a program the Army was trying to do that is not going to happen," but a spokesman for BAE said the layoffs are a result of "shifting national priorities."

"The layoffs by BAE Systems are a reality check for voters that Mark Critz will never be able to create and keep jobs in this district," said Tim Burns. "Unlike Mark Critz, I have real world experience creating 400 private sector jobs, and in Congress, I will focus on cutting taxes, eliminating bureaucratic red tape and investing in local infrastructure that will lead to private, lasting job growth for our region."

Mark Critz has received over $5,500 in contributions from BAE Systems’ employees and political action committees.

August 20, 2010PDF Available Here
CRITZ ECONOMIC PLAN FAILED
Washington, PA

The U.S. Department of Labor reported today that more than 140,000 workers filed for unemployment last month, and Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate rose by 1-point from a year ago to 9.3% and is on the rise since Mark Critz was elected. In addition, the Congressional Budget Office warned this week that our deficit will top $1.34 trillion this year.

"Mark Critz ran on his ability to create jobs. The economic indicators from this week are clear proof that Critz’s three months in office are a continuation of his dismal three years as economic development director for the district when unemployment rose by over 75%," said Tim Burns. "This election is about getting people back to work and not about wasting more of our tax dollars. Mark Critz sides with Barack Obama and the liberals in Washington 94% of the time, and his solution is more so-called stimulus spending and higher taxes on middle class Americans."

August 18, 2010PDF Available Here
Burns names Campaign Manager for the general election
Washington, PA

Tim Burns announced today the appointment of Jake Parsons as Campaign Manager for the General Election.
"I am more confident than ever that voters in this district are ready for a new direction and want an end to the Obama/Pelosi liberal agenda," said Tim Burns.
"Jake Parsons will provide the needed organization and management to execute our campaign plan and win this race," said Tim Burns.

"Tim Burns’ record as a job creator and commitment to fiscal discipline attracted me to this race, and I am excited about the opportunity to help win this campaign," remarked Jake Parsons. "Based on voters’ anti-Washington mood and Tim’s strong performance in the Special Election, this race is winnable in November when there will be an improved turnout environment."

Jake Parsons just finished managing a congressional primary race in Oklahoma. Over the last seven years, he has served campaigns at all levels in various leadership roles developing a broad and diverse background in campaign operations and earning a reputation for effective voter contact and core campaign tactics.The campaign continues to retain John Brabender from BrabenderCox for media and Gene Ulm from Public Opinion Strategies for polling.

Key Points:
• The Burns campaign was able to increase Republican turnout by 55% over the 2006 Primary Election; however, the late interest in the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate increased Democratic turnout among liberal, partisan voters creating an environment where Democrats accounted for more than 63% of the votes cast and providing Critz a winning margin.

• Republican intensity will have a positive impact on turnout in November when the number of voters will increase by more than 40%.  There was a 17% increase in votes in 2006 over 2002 and a similar increase this year would result in 237,500 votes being cast.

• No other candidates filed creating a clear contrast between Tim Burns experience outside Washington and Mark Critz’s record as a Washington insider.

May 14, 2010PDF Available Here
Burns Statement on Fair Tax
Washington, PA

Today, Tim Burns released the following statement regarding the Fair Tax and Mark Critz’s apology for his false attacks. "I want to be crystal clear regarding my position on the fair tax. I do not in any way, shape or form now or in the future support the fair tax. My opponent, Mark Critz, has made it clear that he understands my position. After falsely claiming that I supported the proposal, Mark Critz publicly apologized for misleading voters.

Now, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has shamelessly begun attacking me on this same issue despite the fact that the non-partisan FactCheck.org and Mark Critz himself have debunked their claim.

I believe the truth still has a place in political campaigns. The DCCC is entitled to its own opinion but it is not entitled to its own facts."



May 11, 2010PDF Available Here
Leading Taxpayer Group Endorses Burns
Washington, PA

Today, Citizens Against Higher Taxes endorsed the candidacy of Tim Burns, calling him the best candidate to protect taxpayers.

The group expressed alarm at congressional bureaucrat Mark Critz's troubling record on taxes, including his support for the Obama health care law that raises taxes over $500 billion on working families.

"We are troubled by the recent health care takeover and now efforts to implement a Value Added Tax that your opponent Mark Critz has not ruled out supporting. Even more troubling is Mark Critz's refusal to sign a pledge never to raise taxes," stated Jim Broussard, Chairman of Citizens Against Higher Taxes.

For Pennsylvania taxpayers, the choice between Mark Critz and Tim Burns could not be clearer.

Broussard writes of Burns, "You got into this race to fix our broken system of government, end bailouts, cut wasteful spending and lower taxes. You are the only candidate who has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge promising never to raise taxes, and you are the only candidate who has promised to repeal the health care bill that is a half a trillion dollar tax hike."

May 10, 2010PDF Available Here
Congressman Mike Pence to Campaign in PA-12
Washington, PA

WASHINGTON, PA Congressman Mike Pence, Republican of Indiana, will be in Cambria County to co-host a campaign rally for Tim Burns.

WHAT: PA-12 Special Election Rally with Congressman Mike Pence

WHO: Congressman Mike Pence, Tim Burns and supporters

WHEN: Monday, May 10, 2010. 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

WHERE: Richland Fire Hall 1321 Scalp Ave. Johnstown, PA

May 5, 2010PDF Available Here
Critz Proves to be Out-of-Touch
Johnstown, PA

Mark Critz showed that he continues to be out-of-touch with voters in the 12th Congressional District during a Special Election debate today at Richland High School in Johnstown, Pa.

While Tim Burns stressed his record creating jobs and commitment to repealing the government takeover of healthcare, Mr. Critz recycled false and discredited attacks.

"As I travel across Western Pennsylvania, I talk with voters who, like me, are frustrated with the direction of our country. My opponent Mark Critz made clear that he would be a rubberstamp for Speaker Pelosi’s agenda that has failed to put people back to work. Tonight, by refusing to pledge to repeal President Obama’s healthcare law, he’s standing behind legislation that cuts Medicare, puts the government in charge and allows for taxpayer-funded abortions."

"When it comes to fiscal responsibility, I believe that we already send enough money to the federal government, so I’ll fight to lower your taxes. This evening, my opponent admitted that he plans to raise taxes on middle-class families, seniors and small business owners because he believes that Washington knows how to spend your money better than you do."

"And when it comes to Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell, Mark Critz sides with Speaker Pelosi and San Francisco liberals. In Congress, I plan to stand up for our conservative principles. I’m not a politician, but I know that Mark Critz’s left-wing values don’t match up with families across our region."

May 3, 2010PDF Available Here
Scott Brown to Campaign in Washington PA
Washington, PA

Tim Burns, the GOP candidate for Pennsylvania’s 12th District, released the following statement about the upcoming visit by United States Senator Scott Brown:

"As our campaign continues to build momentum, I’m pleased to have Scott Brown campaign with me in Southwestern Pennsylvania next week.  Senator Brown overcame significant odds by listening to the voters and standing up to the Obama-Pelosi agenda, and now in Washington, D.C., he’s fighting for job creation, lower taxes and limited government.

In our campaign, we are running neck-and-neck.  For voters, the contrast between me and my opponent is clear. I will fight to repeal President Obama’s healthcare law because it hurts our economy, cuts Medicare and allows government-funded abortions.  Mark Critz believes this is the law of the land and should not be repealed.  On May 18, Western Pennsylvanians have an opportunity to help stop Speaker Pelosi and her partisan agenda that Critz will support at every turn."

April 19, 2010PDF Available Here
MARK CRITZ: ALL TALK AND NO ACTION
Washington, PA

Washington insider Mark Critz launched a new television ad campaign this past weekend that is designed to talk his way through this campaign while avoiding any real commitment on issues.

Critz Talk:  “I oppose the health care bill.” Fact:  Despite being asked by The Hill and other media outlets prior to the vote, Mark Critz refused to state his position on the health care bill. When later questioned by Politico, Critz said he would not vote to repeal Speaker Pelosi’s bill. 

Real Action:  Tim Burns has always been against the health care bill and signed a pledge to repeal it. If Mark Critz is now really opposed to the health care bill, he should sign the Repeal It! pledge instead of tacitly supporting Nancy Pelosi’s big government agenda.

Critz Talk:  “Mark Critz wants to create jobs right here.” Fact:  Mark Critz says his top issue is jobs, but his real record is one of massive job losses – unemployment rose between 76% and 135% on his watch. 

Real Action:  Tim Burns knows how to create jobs – creating 400 new jobs himself. If Mark Critz wants to talk jobs, he should agree to debate Tim Burns on cap-and-trade in front of Southwestern Pennsylvania workers and explain why as a Congressional Staffer he helped pass the job-killing cap-and-trade bill.

Critz Talk:  “Mark believes that by easing the tax burden on working families and increasing their buying power...” Fact:  Mark Critz is quick to attack Tim Burns for being in favor of tax reform while he refuses to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Real Action:  Early in his campaign, Tim Burns signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge promising to vote against any tax increase.

“There is enough cheap talk in Washington. My campaign is about offering voters real solutions to our country’s problems,” claimed Tim Burns. “Mark Critz, a career government bureaucrat, wants to simply engage in political speak in an effort to deceive voters.”



April 14, 2010PDF Available Here
PETITION SUPPORTING COAL JOBS
Washington, PA

After spending the weekend meeting with miners from across the district and visiting a mine in Greene County, Congressional Candidate Tim Burns released a petition calling for the EPA to stop legislating through regulation, and end its war on coal.

"The solution to America’s energy crisis can be found in Pennsylvania’s coal and natural gas resources, " commented Burns. "Unfortunately, the EPA is pushing a radical environmentalist agenda that is forcing lay-offs in the industry and making us more dependent on Middle Eastern oil. "

"This petition calls on the EPA and its allies in the Obama Administration to end regulating with a political agenda that is costing us jobs. "

In addition to the petition, Burns offered to debate his opponent in front of miners and members of the coal industry.
"Pennsylvania’s energy resources are vital to putting us back to work. I can think of no better venue than a debate in the district that focuses on energy and the role of coal in America’s future. "

To view the petition visit http://www.timburnsforcongress.com/petition/index.php



April 8, 2010PDF Available Here
CRITZ MISLEADING ON JOB CREATION
Washington, PA

In response to congressional staffer Mark Critz’s staged press event about jobs today, Tim Burns released the following statement: Mark Critz continues to mislead voters about his record on jobs. I hope Mark Critz explained during his tour why, as a congressional staffer, he helped pass Speaker Pelosi’s Cap-in-Trade bill, in the House of Representatives, a bill that will raise taxes and destroy Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing industry.

I have a strong record of job creation. I started a business that eventually grew to employ 400 people, without government bailouts, continued Burns. My opponent’s record as Director of Economic Development saw unemployment skyrocket across the district.

The Somerset Daily American reported earlier today that unemployment in the Twelfth District rose at least 76 percent and as much as 135 percent in the counties of the district since Mr. Critz took over as head of Economic Development.

Cap-and-Trade is a $646 billion carbon tax that the Heritage Foundation estimates will cost 1.1 million jobs.

April 6, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS STATEMENT ON WEST VIRGINIA MINE EXPLOSION
Washington, PA

Tim Burns released the following statement following reports of the Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion in West Virginia.

"I am saddened to learn about the loss of miners in West Virginia. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones and for those still below ground."

Coal produces almost half of the country’s electricity, and coal mines employ almost 30,000 workers in Pennsylvania.

April 1, 2010PDF Available Here
Critz TV Ad Misrepresents Record On Jobs
Washington, PA

In his first campaign television commercial, congressional staffer Mark Critz uses the Quecreek Mine Rescue to mislead voters about his record on jobs. In the ad, Critz states that he is "running for Congress because we need to unite the country . . . to bring our economy back."

Unfortunately, Critz’s ad ignores his work to pass a Cap-and-Trade bill that raises taxes and eliminates mining and manufacturing jobs. Cap-and-Trade is a $646 billion carbon tax aimed at manufacturers and energy companies that The Heritage Foundation estimates will cause 1.1 million workers to lose their jobs.

"It is disingenuous to stand in front of a coal mine and talk about fixing the economy, when as a staffer you helped pass legislation that will eliminate coal and manufacturing jobs right here in southwestern Pennsylvania," commented Congressional candidate Tim Burns.

March 31, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS FIRST ON TV WITH EARLY CAMPAIGN SPOT
Washington, PA

Tim Burns is the first candidate in the Special Election for Congress to launch a television ad and media buy highlighting his deep roots in the district and experience creating jobs.

"I'm excited to share my record of job creation and my Southwestern Pennsylvania values with voters," said Burns. "This ad is just the first introducing voters to my record of creating jobs and my plan to fix Congress."

The ad is a significant buy on both network and cable, playing district-wide in both the Pittsburgh and Johnstown media markets. View the ad here.

March 29, 2010PDF Available Here
CRITZ SAYS HE’S ALL ABOUT JOBS - While ignoring his job killing policies
Washington, PA

Mark Critz says his top priority is creating jobs, but he avoids talking about his job killing actions. In his latest press release, Critz boasted, "...Western Pennsylvanians know I will fight to create jobs and will always prioritize their best interest." Yet, as a congressional staffer, Critz worked to pass a Cap and Trade bill that will raise taxes and eliminate jobs for Western Pennsylvania families. 

"I built a successful small business creating 400 new jobs and know what it takes to meet a payroll. Mark Critz is a career government bureaucrat who backed a liberal Cap and Trade plan that will devastate our vital coal, steel and manufacturing industries at the same time that it raises electric rates for families, farmers and job creators," said congressional candidate Tim Burns. "Mark Critz would rather have Western Pennsylvanians suffer job losses and pay higher energy rates while Nancy Pelosi's constituents pay less."

Cap and Trade Facts: 

  • According to the Congressional Budget Office, it will cost a family of four more than $12,000 over the next ten years
  • Some estimates show the impact on families here in southwestern Pennsylvania will be as high as $31,000 over ten years
  • The Heritage Foundation estimates more than 1.1 million workers will lose their jobs
  • The bill would require utilities and companies to buy expensive government permits in order to use coal
March 21, 2010PDF Available Here
CRITZ IF YOU ARE REALLY OPPOSED, JOIN BURNS IN SUPPORT OF REPEAL IT!
Washington PA

Nancy Pelosi's liberals in the House just passed their bill that will result in the government takeover of our healthcare system. After weeks of silence, Mark Crtiz was finally forced to answer where he stands on the bill by Capitolwire. However, Critz would only state that he would "likely" vote against the bill because of insufficient guarantees to prevent federal funding for abortions and concern over hospital reimbursement funding. In an effort to appease special interest groups and Nancy Pelosi, Critz did admit to otherwise supporting Obamacare which is not surprising since he worked to pass the bill in November and is a supporter of government run healthcare.

"Critz offers a hollow explanation with a tentative promise of 'likely' being against the bill. If he is serious about making sure Nancy Pelosi and the liberals don't allow for taxpayer funded abortions and fighting for the constituents of this district, he should join me in signing a pledge to repeal the bill," challenged Burns. "Voters deserve better than weak statements regarding policy and are in need of a strong Congressman who will stand-up to Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi in Washington."

March 16, 2010PDF Available Here
CRITZ MIA ON HEALTHCARE DEBATE
Washington PA

While Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies in Washington are pulling out all the stops to have the federal government takeover control of our healthcare system, congressional candidate Mark Critz refuses to even discuss the issue with voters as he seeks their support in the Special Election for Pennsylvania’s 12th District. According to The Hill newspaper, Critz refused to state how he would vote on the Pelosi bill.

“Mark Critz has been a candidate for Congress for three weeks, and he is running on his experience working in a congressional office. I find it hard to believe that he doesn’t know how he would vote on this bill that will impact every single American,” stated Burns. “It is time for Critz to stop playing political games and tell the voters of this district where he stands on Pelosi’s healthcare bill.”

Tim Burns has made it clear that he opposes Obamacare, and he will work to repeal the bill if it becomes law.

March 12, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS CALLS ON CRITZ TO TELL VOTERS WHERE HE STANDS
ON HEALTHCARE REFORM
Washington PA

A day after receiving the Republican nomination in the Special Election for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District, Tim Burns challenged his opponent to tell voters where he stands on the current efforts to reform healthcare.

“Nancy Pelosi is working over-time to get the votes in the House to pass her liberal plan to takeover our healthcare system, and this seat could be the deciding vote,” said Burns. “I have a simple message for my opponent: I will vote no. How will he vote?” questioned Burns.

Critz is asking voters to support him because of his experience working in a congressional office. He confidently boasted, “I believe I know this district’s desires and needs better than any other candidate.” Critz worked for a Member of Congress who co-sponsored a bill to create a single-payer healthcare system and voted for the House bill last year. It has been reported that the decision to co-sponsor the single-payer bill came after a meeting with special interest groups. Did Critz attend that meeting as District Director? If so, did the meeting influence his position and willingness to sponsor a bill to create government run healthcare?

“ Mark Critz’s silence on healthcare is an indication that he wants to continue the tired practice of saying one thing to voters at home and then voting lock-step with Nancy Pelosi and the liberals in Washington,” said Burns. “The voters in this district deserve better, and this election gives them an opportunity to have their voices heard. I hope my opponent will join the discussion and clarify where he stands,” concluded Burns.

March 11, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS WINS REPUBLICAN NOMINATION IN PA-12 SPECIAL ELECTION
Latrobe, PA

Tim Burns released the following statement accepting the Republican nomination for the Special Election for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District: A year ago, I decided to run for Congress because like many Americans, I was alarmed by government bailouts, out-of-control spending and unwillingness by leaders in Washington to stop mortgaging our children’s future. I am not a politician, and I don’t pretend to know how government works because I don’t believe it does.

Tonight, I am honored to be the Republican nominee for Congress in this Special Election, and I am grateful for the support and confidence the conferees have placed in me. I bring to this race experience as a businessman who knows what it takes to cut spending and create jobs. I’m also a conservative who believes in lower taxes and a father who is passionate about protecting all our children’s future.

Over the next two months, I look forward to traveling to the communities in all nine counties and sharing my ideas about how we fix our broken system of government, eliminate our deficit, reduce our debt, and get our economy moving again. Voters have a clear choice between a government insider who will side with the liberals in Washington and someone from outside Washington who will work to fix our broken system of government.

On May 18th voters will be asked to decide if they want to shake up Washington by voting for a reformer or protect the status quo by promoting a career government bureaucrat. If they want lower taxes and less spending by electing a businessman who knows how to create jobs or bigger government by choosing an Washington insider who will vote to put bureaucrats in charge of healthcare and for more anti-coal, anti-jobs taxes.

March 9, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS SIGNS CLUB FOR GROWTH REPEAL IT! PLEDGE
Eighty Four, PA

Tim Burns, Republican candidate for Congress in the upcoming Special Election for Pennsylvania’s 12th District, announced today that he has signed the Club for Growth’s Repeal IT! pledge. The pledge is a signed promise to the people of the district that Burns will sponsor and vote for legislation to overturn the current attempts by liberal Nancy Pelosi to have the federal government takeover healthcare. Burns also promises to work for real reforms to lower healthcare costs.

“It is clear that Nancy Pelosi and the liberal House leadership are not listening to the American people about how best to reform our healthcare system,” said Burns. “I put my commitment in writing to the people of this district. If they send me to Congress on May 18th, I will fight the liberal efforts in Washington to takeover our healthcare system, work to repeal any legislation they pass, and seek to pass meaningful reforms that will increase access to quality healthcare without raising taxes.”

A Rasmussen Reports survey released yesterday showed that 53-percent of voters nationally oppose the Democrat’s healthcare plan. A recent Quinnipiac University poll made public last week found that 58-percent of Pennsylvania voters disapprove of the current proposal. According to the Club for Growth’s website, Burns is the first candidate in Pennsylvania’s 12th District to put in writing his commitment to responsible healthcare reform. Last year, Burns held two town hall meetings in the district with constituents to allow them the opportunity to voice their concerns about the proposed changes on healthcare

February 24, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS CAMPAIGN NAMES LOU GALLIKER AND DIANA IREY CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
Eighty Four, PA

Pennsylvania 12th Congressional Candidate Tim Burns announced today that Johnstown businessman Louis Galliker, third generation owner of The Galliker's Dairy Company, and Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey have joined the campaign as Co-Chairs.

"With staggering job losses, out of control spending, mounting budget deficits and massive debt, America needs new leadership and a new direction. Tim Burns grew up in Johnstown, was educated here and is a successful small businessman. He understands the needs of our region and will bring a fresh approach to Washington. I am proud to join him in his campaign to get America back on the right track," stated Mr. Galliker.

"As a County Commissioner, I know what it takes to make tough decisions to balance our budget and keep taxes low.
Tim shares my commitment to reign in federal spending and focus on real policies for job growth.

I look forward to helping elect Tim as our next Congressman because he will represent our interest in Washington and not Nancy Pelosi's liberal agenda," commented Commissioner Irey.

"I am honored that Mr. Galliker and Commissioner Irey have agreed to join my campaign as Co-Chairs.

This campaign is about ending the failed way of Washington politics and bringing some fiscal discipline and common sense to Congress," remarked Burns.

February 24, 2010PDF Available Here
BURNS STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT'S RENEWED HEALTHCARE PUSH
Johnstown, PA

Today, successful small businessman and candidate for Congress Tim Burns released the following statement in response to President Obama's latest push to pass a healthcare bill which costs a trillion dollars, cuts Medicare and includes job-killing tax hikes:

"Unfortunately, I do not believe that the President or Democrats in Congress are listening to the American people.

We should not spend money we don't have, cut Medicare and force more job-killing taxes on middle-class people who are already struggling."

"In the town hall meetings I've hosted and the conversations I've had with voters across Western Pennsylvania, it's clear they feel that we have the greatest healthcare system in the world.

And I am adamantly against doing anything that would change that.

As an entrepreneur of a healthcare technology company, I believe that we can increase access to quality, affordable healthcare without raising taxes.

Congress should begin by taking incremental, commonsense steps toward solving this problem, such as implementing tort reform, and allowing consumers to purchase health insurance across state lines.

And Congress should level the playing field between large corporations and individuals who wish to purchase healthcare insurance by allowing the purchase of health insurance to be tax deductible."

"I am disappointed because this plan amounts to a government takeover of healthcare. In Congress, the Democratic takeover of healthcare hinges on one vote.

I am opposed to government run healthcare, and I will adamantly fight for lower taxes while protecting Medicare for seniors across Western Pennsylvania."