South Park, PA –In light of the recent “controversy” over the reciting of Pledge of Allegiance before Tuesday’s candidates’ form hosted by the Washington County League of Women Voters at Peters Township Middle School. Dan Connolly has released the following statement:

“I first would like to say that I have no problem, and am in fact glad, that we properly respected our nation by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before our debate. Both Rep. Murphy and I were sitting on stage for quite a long period of time before the cameras were turned on, and only AFTER the cameras were on did Rep. Murphy request to say the pledge. As the people in attendance would attest, once the pledge was stated, Rep. Murphy and I discussed the issues that affect our district. As this “controversy” has spread outside the walls of Peters Township Middle School it appears that this issue is silly political gamesmanship being pushed by elements from within the Republican Party. By copying actions of crowd members at a similar League of Women Voters sponsored debate in Illinois, this is an obvious attempt to distract voters from their plan to take our nation back to their failed policies of the past. To me, patriotism is selfless devotion to your country, whether that is serving in our armed forces, educating the youth of our communities, keeping our streets safe as a police officer, helping our neighbors in need through charity, or volunteering to keep our neighborhoods clean. Tim Murphy and his supporters tried to use devotion to country for his own self promotion. Fortunately, the people of Southwestern Pennsylvania see this issue for what it is and have returned to focusing on important issues such as job creation, strengthening Social Security, providing quality education to our children, and ensuring pay equality for both men and women.”