U.S. Senate Candidate Conor Lamb Stopped At A Union Hall In Fort Washington This Weekend

FORT WASHINGTON, PA — Conor Lamb, a congressman from western Pennsylvania seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Pat Toomey, made a visit to Montgomery County this past weekend when he stopped to mingle with locals and give a speech at the Operating Engineers Union Hall in the Fort Washington Office Park.

Lamb, 37, who currently represents the 17th Congressional District in a region outside of Pittsburgh, spoke about his campaign to a room full of attendees, which included some elected local and county officials along with interested community members.

He was introduced to the crowd by Pennsylvania State Rep. Joe Webster, a Montgomery County Democrat who said he worked for a time as a U.S. Air Force lobbyist in Washington, D.C. assessing Democratic candidates seeking higher office.

Webster told the crowd that Lamb is the right candidate for the job, and that his experience and knowhow would work for the benefit of Pennsylvanians on the national stage.

Lamb, who stands 6 foot, 4 inches, and is a former U.S. Marine and a former federal prosecutor, said he first got involved in politics because of the influence of his grandfather, who was a state representative in western Pennsylvania back in the 1950s.

Lamb said the fact that his grandfather ended up attending law school on the G.I. Bill encouraged him to become a supporter of programs offered by the United States government.

He also spoke about working alongside the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis during his time in Congress, and how public servants like Lewis could serve as inspiration for candidates who get into politics for the right reasons and believe they can make a difference in the lives of citizens.

Lamb said individuals like Lewis, who fought for civil rights during the tumultuous times that were the 1960s, were "sacrificing and putting their lives at stake for years and years and years."

Lamb said he is seeking the U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania because it's a crucial time during which the Keystone State has an opportunity to elect someone to federal office that could help support things like women's health, childcare, environmental issues, and other important matters that might otherwise be ignored if a Republican gets into office.

"Those are the actual stakes of this race," he said to the crowd gathered at the union hall.

Lamb said if elected, he vowed to stand up for many shared values embraced by not just Democrats and not just Republicans but all Americans and Pennsylvanians.

He spoke about issues such as Social Security, Medicare, schools, and keeping senior citizens in their homes.

Lamb said political candidates need to start focusing on the needs of individuals they serve and not themselves and their respective political parties.

"There's no way to be an effective legislator if you're only thinking about your brand," he said.

He also stressed the importance of working across the political aisle.

"That's how you get things done in Washington," he said. "It's teamwork."

Lamb said, "leadership is about results," and that he has the experience necessary to effect change in D.C.

Lamb spoke about the importance of getting out and voting, noting that he won his congressional seat by a mere 95 votes separating him and his opponent at the time.

The crowd during the event included elected municipal officials from places like Abington Township, Lower Merion Township and Royersford Borough, as well as a few officials from Montgomery County and state level offices.

LEARN MORE: Visit here to find out more about Lamb and his campaign for U.S. Senate.