HARRISBURG, PA — In a pivotal move that could potentially redefine Pennsylvania’s political landscape, the Forward Party unveiled its first-ever candidates for statewide office on March 26, 2024. The announcement, which took place in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, introduced Eric Settle, formerly with the Republicans, as the party’s choice for Attorney General, and Chris Foster, an erstwhile Democrat, as its candidate for Treasurer.
Settle, an respected attorney hailing from Montgomery County, has an impressive resume that includes serving as Deputy General Counsel to Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Ridge and holding the coveted position of Chief Counsel in the healthcare sector. He’s a man of stature, someone who not only understands the law but also has the proven ability to enforce it passionately and judiciously.
Foster, a young aspirant from Allegheny County, brings to the table his unique combination of entrepreneurial acumen and a background as a tennis professional. His youthful vigor and innovative ideas propose a fresh perspective to the political realm that, for so long, has been dominated by seasoned veterans.
The Forward Party’s national co-chair, Governor Christie Whitman, introduced Settle at the announcement, highlighting his long-standing record in public service and his commitment to independent decision-making, devoid of partisan influence. Settle himself made his motivations clear, stating he was ready to serve the people of Pennsylvania, to protect their communities, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the integrity of the government, especially during elections – a task of paramount importance.
Speaking at Pittsburgh’s grand overlook at Mount Washington, national co-chair Andrew Yang introduced Foster, lauding his dedication to public service and his determination to bring about real change. Foster built on Yang’s words, emphasizing the importance of the taxpayers’ money and the need for a Treasurer independent of mainstream political parties to ensure financial accuracy and transparency.
The Forward Party of Pennsylvania’s Chair, Christian Fyke, noted that both candidates had committed to uphold the Party’s pledge – prioritizing the will of the voters and maintaining the highest level of ethics and integrity. This candidature announcement also served as a gateway for the Forward Party’s recognition as an official political party in the Keystone State, paving the way for future nominations of similarly dedicated public servants.
The day’s events concluded with Forward’s CEO, Lindsey Drath, painting a hopeful picture of a future for Independents, dissatisfied with Republicans and Democrats. She compared Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in establishing the Forward Party to its historic role in 1776 and highlighted the commitment of Settle and Foster to respect and preserve the voices of Pennsylvania voters.
It’s evident that the Forward Party is taking significant strides to ensure that the government rightfully belongs to the people. It aims to provide an alternative for voters who are searching for a party that represents their interests effectively, providing a new direction for Pennsylvania and beyond. With such an ambitious agenda, it will be interesting to observe how these developments influence not only the fortunes of the Forward Party but also the wider political landscape in Pennsylvania and potentially, the nation. As the Forward Party rightly puts it, the objective is not to move right, not left, but forward.
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