Josh First participates in annual Schuylkill County Republican Dinner in Pottsville

Josh First participated in the annual Lincoln Day dinner held by the Schuylkill County Republican Committee, held at the Pine View Acres Restaurant.

"Pottsville is known for America's best beer and for all-American, down-home, good people," said First.  He was referring to Yuengling, America's oldest beer brewery and also First's own long-time favorite lager beer.

First complimented the county's Party members for being so inviting and friendly. 

"I am from outside Schuylkill County, which, let's be frank, is an insular community," said First.  But that insularity also "creates and nurtures the country lifestyle that makes people there so welcoming to outsiders," he said.

Despite primary opponent Dave Argall being the favored son there, First found even his most ardent supporters warm, friendly, and understanding.

"I sat next to Jason Gherghel, Dave's treasurer, and Jason's family.  We had fun comparing notes on our small children, our businesses, and most of all, talking excitedly about beating Tim Holden this November," said First.

"I thought that Dave was a statesman tonight," said First.  Argall spoke from the dais about the PA 17th District congressional race, and noted the qualities of the four Republican candidates, despite having taken some pointed criticism from some of them over the course of the campaign thus far.  Frank Ryan was the other candidate in attendance.

"He acknowledged in front of his largest group of supporters that I was the first one to blow the whistle on Tim Holden's 96% voting record with Nancy Pelosi," said First.  "He was a gentleman."

http://republicanherald.com/news/county-gop-government-must-regain-fiscal-discipline-cut-spending-1.649068