I am honored and humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support.  I want to thank all of you for the strong win yesterday.  In the past few weeks, we have knocked thousand of doors, made thousands of calls, and staffed all the major polling places. Your support is what made all of this possible.  This is just the first step in our path to reforming Harrisburg, but it’s a big step.

Thanks again,
Raja

Two weeks ago, the Post-Gazette called the race in the Republican Senate primary between businessman D. Raja and state Rep. Mark Mustio ugly. Turns out, Mr. Mustio was just getting started.

Since then, he has dragged an already mean-spirited contest into the gutter with a mailing so offensive that the Post-Gazette has no choice but to withdraw its endorsement of Mr. Mustio and recommend Mr. Raja instead.

Both conservative candidates — Mr. Raja, 46, the former Mt. Lebanon commissioner and software company founder who ran unsuccessfully for Allegheny County executive last year, and Mr. Mustio, 54, an insurance company executive from Moon who has represented the 44th House District for almost nine years — have employed the usual advertising smear tactics in their bids to succeed John Pippy in the 37th Senate District.

Mr. Mustio went further when he superimposed an image of the flag of India behind a photo of Mr. Raja in earlier advertisements and fliers. Although born in India, Mr. Raja — like millions of immigrants before him — came to this country as a young man, made it his home by becoming a U.S. citizen and founded a successful business here. He also earned master’s degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

Mr. Mustio followed that up by crossing a line this week with an insidious mailing aimed at stirring up prejudices about Mr. Raja’s foreign birth. Even though Mr. Raja is known simply as Raja or D. Raja in his business dealings, personal life and politics, Mr. Mustio displayed prominently his opponent’s full given name –Dakshinamurthy — in a campaign flier.

We don’t buy Mr. Mustio’s explanation that he used the long name because it appears on lawsuits in which Mr. Raja was involved. The subtext is clear. In fact, Mr. Mustio makes it even clearer in his newest, so-called positive television ad in which the narrator intones, “Mark Mustio. He’s one of us, not a politician.”

This breach of decency, this appeal to voters’ base instincts, shows Mark Mustio to be a seriously flawed candidate who will stoop to racism to get elected. He’s not one of us.

Although our apprehensions due to Mr. Raja’s fuzzy answers on several issues drove our initial endorsement, this character issue trumps all. Besides, Mr. Raja is smart and would learn quickly in Harrisburg.

Mr. Mustio owes Mr. Raja an apology. Republicans owe D. Raja their support.

“I am honored to have the support of so many individuals who know we deserve better in Harrisburg. I am going to go there to fight for all the people of the 37th district so we can get our economy moving again,” said conservative businessman D. Raja.

Sallie Duhon, State Committeewoman: “It’s disappointing that Mark Mustio is running such a negative dishonest campaign. I am supporting Raja because I know he will fight for tax payers in Harrisburg to get our economy moving.”

Heather Heidelbaugh, Allegheny County Councilwoman:  ”Raja brings the type of conservative leadership to Harrisburg that we need. I know that Raja will work hard for the people of the 37th district and support efforts to reign in the size and scope of government and get our economy moving again. I also have been disappointed by the campaign run by his opponent. The attacks have crossed the line. To viciously attack someone’s company that has created jobs right here by casting the worst type of stereotypes is not what the Republican Party is about. I intended to stay neutral but these attacks require our party to stand up and say enough is enough. I know we can do better and that is why I enthusiastically support Raja for State Senate.”

Steve Lynch, Upper St. Clair Republican Committee:  “I can understand an early endorsement for a friend and colleague in the Legislature, but when that candidate’s campaign rhetoric sinks into blatant character assassination and slime, it reflects in kind on the endorser. I call on John Maher and John Pippy to IMMEDIATELY withdraw their endorsement of Mark Mustio and return to neutrality in the race for Senator from the PA 37^th District.“

Peter Glasser, Former Peters Township Councilman: “I was planning to stay neutral in this race, but after seeing the ads by Rep. Mustio, I decided to support Raja. Raja’s company has created jobs right here and its wrong for Rep. Mustio to mislead people about the facts. I know Raja will fight for us in Harrisburg.”

Terry Barker, Letter to the Editor: “Mr. Raja’s main competitor, Mark Mustio, has been a state representative for the last nine years, voted for the pay raise and is running concurrently for the Senate seat and his House seat. The Post-Gazette has discounted Mr. Mustio’s inaccurate, hateful mailings when it could have condemned them. Since then it has only gotten worse. Another Mustio mailing this week was very misleading: It referred to a YouTube web link that cannot even be opened and had a 7-year-old newspaper reference that has nothing to do with an inaccurate claim Mr. Mustio makes against Mr. Raja.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 4/19/11)

John Oliver, Mayor of Sewickley Heights, Letter to the Editor: “Mark Mustio and his campaign have sunk to a new low playing to the worst instincts of the electorate. They have been slandering Mr. Raja’s company and his hard-working employees. Mr. Mustio has been in Harrisburg for nine years. He voted for the infamous midnight pay raise and has consistently taken weak positions on significant statewide issues, such as his recent vote to water down legislation to privatize the state liquor stores. I thought that alone would have appalled you, given your strong and correct stand on this issue. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 4/19/11)

Randall Taylor, Letter to the Editor: ”I am writing to express my indignation at the obvious race-baiting being conducted by state Rep. Mark Mustio in the race for the Republican nomination for state Senate in District 37 against an opponent of Indian descent, D. Raja. Rep. Mustio’s conduct is reprehensible, yet I am more disappointed that there has been no public repudiation of his activities by any media outlets, organizations or other elected officials.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 4/17/11)

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John Pippy has ably served the state’s 37th Senate District, which includes Peters Township, but decided not to seek re-election. He is not seeking higher office but rather leaving politics altogether, and amid the partisan rancor, who can blame him?

Though no Democrat has stepped forward to seek his seat, three Republicans have: Mark Mustio, who is also running to retain his District 44 House seat; Sue Means, a Bethel Park resident and tea party supporter; and D. Raja, the entrepreneur and Mt. Lebanon commissioner who was recently defeated in his bid for election as Allegheny County executive. With no Democrats filing, the winner is nearly assured of victory in November.

Though all three can agree on a number of issues, like the state getting out of the liquor business, their backgrounds and qualifications are quite different. And we think that Raja is the best fit for the 37th District at this time.

Means is a former nurse who home-schooled her five children and earned a black belt in karate. She would like Pennsylvania to have a part-time Legislature and outlaw teacher strikes and the prevailing-wage requirement. Her main concern is to stop the state’s “out-of-control spending.”

Our editorial board found Means to be energetic and well-meaning but confused and ill-informed on important issues facing the state.

Mustio, on the other hand, is highly informed, having served in the Legislature since 2003. Pippy was his roommate in Harrisburg and has endorsed him to take his seat. His background is in the insurance business, and he served as a Moon Township supervisor.

Mustio is a proponent of downsizing the Legislature. He does not favor term limits but thinks they should be increased to four years in the House and six years in the Senate. He was one of only 10 Republicans to vote against House Bill 1950, out of concern that municipalities would lose zoning rights to oil and gas interests.

Our board found him to be knowledgeable and competent but probably better suited to continue representing his House district.

Raja (he explained that his first name is too unpronounceable and has too many syllables to be of any use) strikes us as both energetic and affable, a no-nonsense businessman who seeks to apply practical business solutions to social and political problems. He has won the endorsement of the Washington County Republican Committee.

If elected, Raja said he would decline to accept per diems and opt out of the state pension system. He believes the Legislature should set an example and convert to personal 401K accounts. ”We need to lead by example,” he said. “How can you expect others (state employees and teachers) to do this unless we change?”

Raja doesn’t plan on a career in the Legislature, anyway. His main concern is improving the tax and regulatory climate for businesses, which in turn will create jobs, and with them the tax revenue the state needs to provide his three priorities: education, public safety and infrastructure.

We find Raja a refreshingly different sort of candidate deserving a chance to bring change to Harrisburg, and we hope Republican voters in the 37th District do as well.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Raja campaign today announced the endorsement of new community leaders from across the district including elected officials in Ben Avon, Upper St. Clair, and Mt. Lebanon.

New Endorsements
-Jim Bolas, Chair of the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
-Jerry Fulmer, Former Chair of Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
-Joshua M. Habursky, President of Washington & Jefferson College Republicans
-Stephen Lynch, Director of Communications of Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
-Robert Jones, Mayor of Ben Avon
-Glen Meakem, Entrepreneur & Radio Show Host
-Dale Ostergaard, Mt. Lebanon School Board

Jim Bolas, Chairman of the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee: “I personally endorse Raja’s candidacy for State Senate in the 37th District because a large majority of Upper St. Clair voters supported him in the recent Allegheny County Executive race, recognizing his integrity, entrepreneurial talents, and leadership skills.  I believe Raja will bring the same attributes to the Pennsylvania Senate.”

Jerry Fulmer, Former Chair of the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee: “Raja is able, clear-sighted, and not tied to the political compromises that keep us from moving forward.”

Stephen Lynch, Director of Communications for Upper St. Clair Committee: “Actually, I believe Raja can contribute more to the citizens of the Commonwealth as Senator from the 37th District than he would have as Allegheny County Executive.”

Robert B. Jones, Mayor of Ben Avon: “I believe that Raja is exactly the type of politician we need throughout our entire governmental system. New life; someone who does not need the job, the money, or the power. Just a true “American” who sees his country in trouble and wants to help, not some cookie cutter politician who is “making money” off the “system” and has no reason or intention of changing it! We need Raja and 546 just like him in our “federal” system! We can start with the state and build from there. So, start with the first “right” step our state has made in a decade, vote for Raja and every single politician you can find like him. Look at the advertisements! If you do not have any political success to show, the only option left is to condemn your opponent! Raja is a true American and he needs our help so he can help us. This is not about the power, position, fame, or the money for this fine example of American success; this is for the sincere desire to give his children and yours a better state to live in. Join me and those like me and “Vote for Raja.”

Glen Meakem, Entreprenuer & Radio Show Host: “I have announced my endorsement of D.Raja for Pennsylvania State Senate seat 37.  Raja is a successful entrepreneur, family man, Conservative Republican, and personal friend of mine.  He is just the kind of leader we need to join other conservatives like Mike Folmer and John Eichelberger in our State Senate in Harrisburg.  Raja is facing hateful, untrue accusations from a career politician, who wants to win the 37th district state senate seat at all cost.  I hope you will join me in standing up to malicious, prejudicial lies.  Let’s stand together and support Raja.  For the truth about Raja, go to www.joinraja.com.  If you live in Pennsylvania’s 37th State Senate District in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, I strongly encourage you, your friends and family members to vote for Raja in the Republican primary on April 24th.”

Joshua M. Habursky President Washington & Jefferson College Republicans : “I support the candidacy of Raja for the 37^th Senate District of Pennsylvania because he is the true conservative that brings a practical business approach to conducting all his affairs. I have seen Raja communicate with his future constituents on a daily basis unlike any other candidate I have worked for in the past and without question know that he genuinely wants to help people by representing them in Harrisburg. Raja is goal driven, hardworking, but most of all compassionate and a caring individual that will improve Harrisburg with his friendly demeanor alone.  I am proud to have been part of Raja’s campaign efforts along with my organization and encourage people to vote for the genuine conservative on April 24^th.”

Dale Ostergaard, Mt. Lebanon School Board: “Raja has integrity, small-business experience and reform-minded values.”

Raja has previously been endorsed by:
- Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- Republican Committee of South Park
- Jacque Baguet, Chairwoman of the Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- Raymond Book, Whitehall Republican Committee
- Carol Ferguson, Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- John Ferguson, Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- Krista Harris, Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- Susan Hughes, Former Bethel Park Councilwoman
- Steve Lynch, Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
- Stephen McLean,  Mt. Lebanon Resident
- Audrey Menke, Former Mt. Lebanon Committee member
- Diane Morris, Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
- Bill Northrup, 2011 Republican Nominee for Washington County Commissioner
- John Oliver, Mayor of Sewickley Heights and Former DCNR Secretary
- Edward “Buzz” Reich, 1^st Vice Chairman of the Peters Township Republican Party
- Joan Sakmar, Whitehall Republican Committee
- Adam Silhol, Attorney & Mt. Lebanon Resident
-Tom Uram, Washington County State Committeeman
- Susanne Wagner, Realtor & Mt. Lebanon Resident

Mt. Lebanon, PA- Today, Raja for State Senate announced several new endorsements, including a unanimous vote by the South Park Republican Committee, in his race for the Senate seat in Pennsylvania’s 37^th District.

“I am honored to have the support of the South Park GOP. Republicans are uniting behind my message of common sense conservative policy and an end to politics as usual in Harrisburg,” said Republican candidate Raja.

After personally interviewing both D. Raja and Rep. Mark Mustio, the South Park Republican Committee unanimously decided to endorse Raja’s candidacy for State Senate.

Chairman Mark Anania said of their decision, “Raja’s business experience and common sense approach to dealing with problems, and his desire not to be a career politician is exactly what we need for State Senate. We found it unfortunate that Mr. Mustio would not support term limits for the State House and Senate.  His vote for the legislative pay raise in 2005 was also very disappointing.  Government accountability is a critical issue for local voters, and the committee could not in good conscience support someone whose actions put him [Mustio] on the wrong side of that issue.”

New Endorsements:

- Raymond Book, Whitehall Republican Committee
- Carol Ferguson, Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- John Ferguson, Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- Krista Harris, Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon
- Susan Hughes, Former Bethel Park Councilwoman
- Steve Lynch, Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
- Stephen McLean,  Mt. Lebanon Resident
- Audrey Menke, Former Mt. Lebanon Committee member
- Diane Morris, Upper St. Clair Republican Committee
- John Oliver, Mayor of Sewickley Heights and Former DCNR Secretary
- Joan Sakmar, Whitehall Republican Committee
- Adam Silhol, Attorney & Mt. Lebanon Resident
- Susanne Wagner, Realtor & Mt. Lebanon Resident

Raja was previously endorsed by the Republican Committee of Mt. Lebanon.

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“Raja brings a new approach to state government and a new vision to handle our state concerns.  Raja brings to his candidacy these qualities and many more positive approaches to lead state government.  Raja does not represent politics as usual.  It’s time for a new approach,” said Republican Committeeman Tom Uram.

“Raja, a TRUE conservative, is THE candidate for State Senate. He’s not beholden to the unions and other liberal groups. He’s not running to enrich himself with public monies. Instead, he genuinely desires to serve the district with his extensive knowledge and expertise,” quoted 2011 Republican county commission candidate Bill Northrup.

“Raja is the only TRUE conservative running that can win.  If you look at Mustio’s record, and compare it with other Allegheny County Democrats, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.   Don’t let the Union Bosses control both sides of the aisle in Harrisburg;  Vote for Raja, the Conservative choice.” stated Edward “Buzz” Reich, 1st Vice Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party.

“I am honored to have the support of all of these Washington County leaders. I will need their help to get my message of conservative reform out to voters in Peters Township and across the district,” said Republican businessman Raja.

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Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association PAC Supports Raja on Domestic Jobs

PITTSBURGH, PA — Today, union endorsed liberal Mark Mustio’s campaign has released a misleading and over the top negative ad in the race for the 37th State Senate district. As recently released polling indicates, Raja enjoys a twenty-point lead and a very positive image among Republican voters, the Mustio campaign has to distort the Raja record.

“It’s no surprise Mark Mustio is lying about Raja’s record of creating 300 good paying American jobs. His priority in Harrisburg has been raising his own pay, taking $120,000 in per diems, and carrying water for his union lackeys,” said Jill Smith, Raja campaign manager.

“I lived the American dream, and I am proud of the jobs we’ve created here. My campaign is focused on changing the culture in Harrisburg and voters will have a clear choice between a conservative myself and a pay-raise politician, Mark Mustio,” said Raja.

FACT: During the county executive race, the Tribune Review called the attacks on Raja “patently false” (Tribune-Review, October 28th, 2011)

FACT: Raja’s company employees three hundred people in the United States, and over one hundred in Pennsylvania alone.

FACT: Raja founded the company with two employees in the spare bedroom of his townhome in Scott Township

FACT: Raja’s company, a global company, is still headquartered in Scott Twp and helps American companies grow and expand here.

FACT: Raja’s helped create jobs here in Pennsylvania: “Justin McElhattan, president of the manufacturing company Industrial Scientific, said he used CEI’s India operation to expand the software-based part of his business faster than he could have with domestic programmers. That enabled him to add 40 manufacturing jobs in Pittsburgh last year.” (Tribune-Review, September 5th, 2011)

“PA Manufacturers’ Association PAC supports Raja. As manufacturers, we are working to grow jobs here in Pennsylvania. Raja will be an advocate in Harrisburg for domestic manufacturing.” Dave Taylor PA Manufacturers’ Association PAC.

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Contact: Jill Smith
jill@joinraja.com
412-212-3160

For Immediate Release

Raja for State Senate Campaign Announces Commanding Lead

PITTSBURGH, PA – The results of a recent survey conducted by Basswood Research shows Raja with a commanding lead over opponents Rep. Mark Mustio and Sue Means.

A memo highlighting the results of the survey is below:

Memorandum

To:                   Raja Campaign
From:             Jon Lerner
Date:               March 28, 2012
Re:                   Survey Results

____________________________________________________________________________

Methodology

We conducted this survey of likely Republican primary voters in Senate District 37 on Monday, March 26, 2012.  The survey interviewed 300 respondents who passed multiple screens as likely GOP primary voters.  The survey was conducted by telephone with live operators, and the sample reflects the actual distribution of voters throughout the district.  The margin of error in this survey is +/- 5.6% at a 95% confidence level.

Key Findings

Favorability

Favorable        Unfavorable

Raja                             55%                 12%
Mustio                         28%                   4%
Means                          11%                   3%

Ballot Test

Q:        If the Republican primary election for state senator was held today, and the candidates were Sue Means, Mark Mustio, and Raja, for whom would you vote?

A:   Raja                43%
Mustio            22%
Means             11%
Undecided     24%

Conclusions

Raja is a well known and well liked figure among Allegheny County Republicans.  He has a commanding lead in this race.  Raja’s lead cuts across all segments of the Republican electorate, and among all demographic groupings of age, gender, and education levels.

In the days ahead, the campaign should prepare for attacks from Mark Mustio, whose candidacy is in a weak position.  Those attacks could become very desperate, as Mustio might try to overcome his own liabilities stemming from his votes to raise his own pay, and his embrace of government labor unions.

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Jill Smith
412-212-3160
Jill@JoinRaja.com

Harrisburg Politician Mark Mustio Has History of Supporting Democrats

As reported by the Tribune-Review, November 5th, 2006:

Some local Republicans are privately livid over the recent revelation that GOP state Rep.

Mark Mustio of Moon held a fundraiser in May for Democrat Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato.

This would be the same Onorato whose campaign committee donated $20,000 back in September to the House Democratic Campaign Committee — which, as you might imagine, exists to elect Democrats to the state House.

In other words, Republican Mustio helped raise money for a man actively and generously working for the defeat of GOP House candidates.

Wonder how that makes Republican candidates feel in several closely contested House races — particularly in the 33rd District, where Eileen Watt is running against Democrat incumbent Frank Dermody, and the 42nd District, where Republican Mark Harris faces Democrat Matt Smith.

Perhaps you’ve seen the campaign commercials Onorato has made on behalf of Dermody and Smith? We have.

Suffice to say, Mustio didn’t make himself many friends in the party with the Onorato fundraiser disclosure.

Jill Smith, Campaign Manager for Republican candidate for State Senate D. Raja, responded, “Mark Mustio’s unfortunate past support for Democrats to win political favors is exactly the type of behavior we don’t need in Harrisburg. We need a leader like Raja to stand up for Western Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and get Pennsylvania’s economy moving again.”