For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Pike Calls For Reasoned Discussion Of Issues
Also Wants Trivedi to Take Position On Stupak

Ardmore, PA -- Today, Democrat Doug Pike called on his opponent to shelve the negative attacks and focus on staking out positions on key issues in the race for Congress.

In an Op-Ed today, Doug Pike made the argument that he was the only candidate in the 6th District race to have publicly taken a position on choice. Instead of responding in a reasoned fashion, Manan Trivedi decided to adopt a negative tone in his campaign.

"We are disappointed that Manan has decided that the only way he can win is to run a negative campaign," said Andrew Eldredge-Martin, Pike's campaign manager.

"Nineteen years ago, Doug Pike wrote, 'I support a woman’s right to an abortion —- and the re-election of a zealous opponent of abortion.' For Manan to suggest that Doug has not been consistent in his pro-choice views is an effort to mislead the voters."

"Even though Doug is pro-choice, he has supported a number of pro-life Democrats in the past, including U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Tim Holden.  Does Manan not support these good Democrats?"

"Doug's Op-Ed today made the argument that Doug was the only candidate in the 6th District race to publicly announce his position on choice. If Manan is now saying he's pro-choice, we take him at his word."

"Furthermore, we are still waiting, in light of the following line in www.pa2010.com, to see whether Manan supports the Stupak Amendment:

And during a recent endorsement party in Malvern, while he did not directly take a stance on the Stupak amendment, the specific subject of Pike’s more recent op-ed, he railed against conservatives who disdain government intervention, “except when it comes to a woman’s body.” [Link: http://www.pa2010.com/2009/12/trivedi-im-pro-choice-despite-what-pike-says/ ]

Doug Pike served on the Editorial Board of The Philadelphia Inquirer for 14 years and was the President of a hospital for 10 years. Previously, Pike served as a Special Assistant and Speechwriter for U.S. Senator Paul Tsongas. In 1971, Pike graduated with honors from Princeton University.

The 6th District encompasses parts of Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties.

Contact: 610-896-2162, drew@pikeforcongress.com

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