Ridge, Hart, others endorse Murphy

The local GOP establishment is getting behind US Rep. Tim Murphy's reelection run, as national tea party groups and leaders have lined up behind his challenger Evan Feinberg in the 18th District primary.

Murphy's campaign today released a list of 30 Republican leaders endorsing him in the race, including former Gov. Tom Ridge, former congresswoman Melissa Hart, Allegheny Co GOP chair Jim Roddey, state Senate candidates Mark Mustio and D. Raja, and many others.

Feinberg responded:

"Murphy is releasing this list because of the groundswell of local and national support for my conservative message. It's unsurprising Murphy received the support of career politicians and former elected officials, but what's telling is the names not on the list, such as U.S. Senator Pat Toomey who refused to endorse an Arlen Specter Republican like Tim Murphy."

Full statement from the Murphy team after the jump:

Pittsburgh – Today the Tim Murphy for Congress campaign released a list of 30 Republican leaders, elected officials and organizations supporting incumbent Congressman Tim Murphy's campaign for re-election in Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district.

 Included in the initial list are former and current elected office holders, county Republican chairs, municipal Republican chairs, State GOP Committee members and conservative organizations.

"I'm honored to receive the support of friends, neighbors and leaders in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We've worked together to bring our shared values to Washington to repeal Obamacare, cut government spending, keep taxes low while protecting our Second Amendment rights and the sanctity of human life," said Congressman Murphy.

The initial list includes former members of Congress, County Chairmen, State GOP Committee Members, local organizations like the Fraternal Order of Police and conservative organizations like National Right to Life.

Murphy campaign manager James Genovese added, "Real support of a candidacy is shown when local folks committed to Southwestern Pennsylvania values stand up for their candidate. These are supporters that make campaigns successful by knocking doors, making phone calls and reaching out to their friends and neighbors. They are the backbone of any successful campaign and we're so very grateful for their efforts helping Tim win again."

The list we will be posted on the electtimmurphy.com and additional names will be added to the list throughout the campaign.

Since 2002, Congressman Murphy has been elected to represent the people 18th district of Pennsylvania. Active members of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, Tim and his wife Nan have called Upper St. Clair home for over 30 years and are the proud parents of daughter Bevin. Murphy also serves at Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Service Corps.

Personal Endorsers
Former Governor Tom Ridge
Former Congresswoman Melissa Hart
State Representative Mark Mustio
Allegheny County GOP Chairman Jim Roddey
Greene County GOP Chairman Jim Minor
Washington County GOP Chairman Tom Uram
Greene County Commissioner Archie Trader
State GOP Committeeman Louis Oliverio
State GOP Committeeman R. Douglas Weimer
State GOP Committeeman Charles Horvat, Jr.
State GOP Committeeman Mike McMullen
State GOP Committeeman William Merrell
State GOP Committeeman, Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds Frank Schiefer
State GOP Committeewoman, South West Caucus Chair, Alberta Mercer
State GOP Committeewoman Sallie Duhon
Allegheny County Councilman Vince Gastgeb
Westmoreland County GOP District 2 Chairman Ron Rometo
Westmoreland County GOP District 7 Chairman Chris Kline
Former Washington County District Attorney Steve Toprani
Former Allegheny County Executive Nominee Raja
Former Washington County Commissioner Nominee Bill Northrop
Findlay Town Supervisor Janet Craig
Crescent Township Commissioner Dr. Jerry Keller
Jefferson Hills GOP Chairman Vinnie Wright
Monroeville GOP Chairman John Vossen
Rosslyn Farms GOP Chairman Russell Silver
Whitehall GOP Chairman Andy Sakmar
Robinson Township GOP Chairwoman Linda Jakubec
Findlay GOP Chairwoman, First Vice Chair PA State Republican Women Meryl Hatton
Findlay GOP Treasurer/Secretary Patricia Faux
Organizations
National Right to Life
Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Fraternal Order of Police, County of Allegheny, Lodge #91