Gun sense protesters in front of the capitol with the words Stop Playing Games With Our Lives: Do your job

CeaseFirePA Action Announces Independent Expenditure Campaign to Elect Paul Friel to PA House of Representatives

For Immediate Release:
August 24, 2022

For More Information:
Josh Fleitman, (412) 426-5148, josh.fleitman@ceasefirepa.org

 CEASEFIREPA ACTION ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE CAMPAIGN TO ELECT PAUL FRIEL TO PA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

INCUMBENT REP. TIM HENNESSEY’S RECKLESS & UNPOPULAR VOTE TO WORSEN GUN VIOLENCE PROVIDES STARK CONTRAST ON KEY VOTING ISSUE

Philadelphia — Today, CeaseFirePA Action, the non-partisan 501(c)(4) arm of the Commonwealth’s leading gun violence prevention organization, issued the following statement announcing that it was launching a significant Independent Expenditure campaign to elect Paul Friel to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 26th District, based in Chester and Montgomery counties:

“As the gun violence epidemic rages across Pennsylvania, devastating families and communities in urban, suburban, and rural corners of the Commonwealth alike, the prime job of our elected officials is to keep the public safe. Representative Tim Hennessey has abysmally failed here.

“By voting for legislation that would eliminate licensing requirements and make it easier for irresponsible people to carry loaded, concealed firearms in public places like malls, parks, and grocery stores – despite the public opposition of law enforcement, domestic violence service providers, and women’s advocates – Tim Hennessey proved he cares more about appeasing pro-gun extremists rather than keeping his constituents safe. The residents of the 26th House District deserve a lawmaker who champions safer communities and will not only oppose reckless attempts to weaken our gun laws, but will actively work to advance sensible, lifesaving firearm policies in Harrisburg. Paul Friel is exactly that candidate.

“We’re proud to commit our considerable resources toward electing Paul Friel. The 26th House District and Pennsylvania will be better and safer with his leadership.”

The announcement follows recent public opinion polling that shows how gun violence prevention is a key voting issue, and how permitless concealed carry is overwhelmingly unpopular in Pennsylvania. An April poll by Giffords and Public Policy Polling showed that 66% of likely general election voters in Pennsylvania said that doing more to prevent gun violence was either the most important or a very important issue. Another poll conducted by Franklin & Marshall College in March showed that seven out of 10 Pennsylvanians oppose eliminating the state licensing requirement to carry a concealed firearm in public.

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As the Commonwealth’s leading gun violence prevention organization, CeaseFirePA Action organizes communities closest to the issue, holds those in power accountable, and maximizes the strengths of every member in its broad coalition.

Paid for by CeaseFirePA Action. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee