Will Charlie Dent Retire clearing the way for Republican Establishment Candidate Ryan Mackenzie?

Last week Pennsylvania 15th District Congressman Charlie Dent announced he would not seek an 8th term. One thing Dent did not say in his announcement is if he would complete his current term.

L-R  Mackenzie -Simmons

Just days before Dent’s announcement PA State Rep from the 131st District, Justin Simmons,  announced he would challenge Dent for the 15th District seat.

The day after Dent’s announcement PA State Rep from the 134th District,  Ryan Mackenzie,  threw his hat into the race. Sources tell FYN that Mackenzie was with Dent the night before Dent made his announcement.

Mackenzie is being called Dent’s hand picked candidate. In an interview with FYN  Simmons said Mackenzie is a part of the state establishment, the Republican establishment candidate. Simmons had the nerve to oppose Dent.  We can’t find any information which indicates Mackenzie was prepared to oppose Dent before Dent announced he would not run.    

Remember Dent did not say he would complete his term. Sources tell FYN Dent plans to retire. If he retires the voters won’t get a chance to pick the next 15th District Republican candidate through the primary process. The Governor will call for a special election. The voters will lose their voice.

Five counties make up the District; Lehigh County,  Berks County, Dauphin County , Lebanon County and Northampton County.

Pictured L-R Lehigh County Rep Chairman Jess Banotai, Berks County Rep Chairman Joe Rudderow, Dauphin County Rep Chairman Dave Feidt, Lebanon County Rep Chairman Casey Long, & Northampton County Rep Chairman Lee Snover.

The Republican County Chairman “Party Bosses” from each county will pick Delegates. These Delegates will then vote for their candidate to run against a Democrat candidate. The Democrats have the same process.

Sources tell FYN that the cards are stacked in favor for Mackenzie and if Dent retires he will most likely become the Republican Candidate.

Dent is a liberal Republican who has opposed President Trump at every turn. Dent finds every TV camera he can in order to say something negative about President Trump. Darlin’ Charlie Dent reminds many PA Republican of Darlin’ Arlen Specter. Dent is the Co-Chair of the liberal Republican Tuesday Group.

The PA Republican establishment must remember,  without the support of Senator Pat Toomey or Charlie Dent,  Donald Trump won Pennsylvania. So without votes from Trump supporters the 15th District could easily go to a Democrat.

Could Dent be preparing for a run for Governor?

We called Dent to ask him if he is retiring.

My interview with Justin Simmons

My next article “How the PA 15th resembles the GA 6th between (R) Karen Handel and (D)Jon Ossoff with different results

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