Trump Endorses Saccone In 18th Congressional District Race

PITTSBURGH, PA - During a stop near Pittsburgh last week, President Trump called Republican state Rep. Rick Saccone “a real friend and a spectacular man.“ He went even further on Tuesday, formally endorsing Saccone in the March 13 18th Congressional District special election.

“We are pleased to announce our support for Rick Saccone to become the next Member of Congress from the great state of Pennsylvania,” Lara Trump, senior adviser to Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., said in a statement on the Trump website.

“President Trump needs more leaders in Congress who will support his agenda to Make America Great Again. In the 18th District of Pennsylvania, Rick Saccone is that leader. Rick is a highly respected military veteran and faithful family man who will fight for the families of Pennsylvania for more economic growth and opportunities. We believe Rick Saccone will be a great supporter of President Trump in Congress and he has our full support to win his campaign.”

Saccone faces Democrat Conor Lamb, a Marine veteran and assistant U.S. attorney, in the special election to succeed Tim Murphy, who resigned in October.

Saccone appeared onstage with Trump and most of Pennsylvania’s GOP delegation on Thursday, when the president visited H&K Equipment Inc. in North Fayette to tout the merits of the recent federal tax overhaul.

The endorsement comes on the heels of a Politico report that the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with House Republican leadership, will launch a $1.5 million TV campaign on Saccone’s behalf on Friday. The Saccone commercials will run until the election.

Trump-Saccone photo: Associated Press.