The Bulletin Salutes Col. Tom Manion For 8th

By The Bulletin

Sometimes, choosing a candidate for elective office goes beyond policy positions and campaign promises. On rare occasions, a leader emerges who exudes such an inspiring vision that people forget their skepticism and start believing again, having faith that he or she will rise above party lines votes and partisan bickering. A leader who would always put personal conviction first, regardless of the political consequences. A leader like 8th congressional district challenger Tom Manion.

Tom Manion is Col. Tom Manion, a decorated 30-year Marine officer whose service to his country and dedication to family always came first. He learned his value system of sacrifice, duty and honor from his working-class family upbringing, and in turn, passed those character traits along to his children. His son, Travis, following in his father’s footsteps as a Naval officer, was killed in action in Iraq.

It would have been easy for Col. Manion to cast blame for his son’s death, and demand America cut and run from Iraq. But instead, he honored Travis’ sacrifice by reinvigorating his call for American victory in this crucial war.

He chose to stand by his convictions because he knew it was the right thing to do. Talking with Col. Manion allows one to see his steel resolve, giving one the unmistakable impression that “giving up” has never crossed his mind.

While Tom Manion’s positions on the issues are certainly more in line with the voters in the 8th District - he believes in defending the Right to Life, the restoration of fiscal sanity, the need to drill domestically, and the necessity to lower taxes - The Bulletin’s foremost reason in endorsing the Colonel is because of his unwavering commitment to God, family and country. Pennsylvania needs that kind of leader.