Democratic leaders decry Chris Roland's mailers spreading falsehoods about Summer Lee

The lines in the Pennsylvania state House District 34 Democratic primary are pretty clear cut. State Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale) is a progressive incumbent who is anti-fracking and supports bold reforms to the state’s criminal justice and policing system. Her challenger, North Braddock borough councilor Chris Roland, has garnered support from pro-fracking politicians and unions, and has said that police unions should be consulted in policy changes, like consolidating police departments.

As Democrats, both Lee and Roland agree on a lot when it comes to minimum wage increases, LGBTQ rights, and supporting public education. Because of these similarities, observers might expect the campaigns to be about fracking and policing.

But Roland has gone a different direction, and it is raising the ire of some prominent Democrats.

This month, the Roland campaign has been sending mailers to Democratic voters that accuse Lee of voting “to make it easier for convicted sex offenders to work in schools, and day-care centers, putting our kids in danger.” Pittsburgh City Paper obtained screenshots of two different mailers that accuse Lee of this serious charge in bold letters.

Read more: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/democratic-leaders-decry-chris-rolands-mailers-spreading-falsehoods-about-summer-lee/Content?oid=17331084