By Amy Cherry
Daily Press Staff

A lawyer turned pastor turned potential Congressmen is a unique career path that republican candidate Keith Richardson of Clarion, hopes to fulfill in his bid for the 5th Congressional District seat.

While Richardson is currently serving in his second pastorate at the First Baptist Church of Clarion, he began his career in the law field.

Upon graduating Cum Laude from Georgia State University’s Honors Program in 1986, two years later Richardson earned a law degree from Georgia State’s College of Law. In addition to his law career, he was also an adjunct professor, teaching both Constitutional Law and Ethics. Richardson left a successful law firm to earn his Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary.

Richardson prides himself on speaking up for life, liberty and family, as these values are a cornerstone of his campaign.

“Washington has lost touch with its values. I will fight for rural PA values,” Richardson said as part of his motivation for running.

Richardson and his wife Debi are parents to nine children, seven of whom have been adopted from broken or abusive homes.

“When it comes to issues impacting families, these will never be back burner issues. I’ll practice what I preach,” he emphasized.

Richardson said he believes that as the only republican candidate with legal training, this facet enhances his prospects.

In other hot topic issues such as the energy challenge, Richardson proposes a two-prong idea consisting of a long and short term appoach. In the long term he said it is imperative the U.S. works toward a goal of energy indepence, especially from nations that are hostile to us, as well as developing nuclear technology.

“Here in the 5th district we are rich in resources including coal and natural gas. We need to tap these resources in order to reduce an immediate energy crisis,” Richardson said of his short-term energy approach.

As for the ever-debated issue of immigration, Richardson’s stance is to “stop the hemmoraging” by securing the borders, increase border patrols and advocating the use of electronic survelliance.

“We need to stiffen and enforce penalty for hiring illegal immigrants,” he noted.

In addition he added that incentives should be offered for them to return home. While other candidates have proposed a penalty system of fines, Richardson does not believe this is the answer.

“It is important to work with the Bureau of Citizenship and  Immigration Services to create a window for immigrants to register for citizenship,” he said. “Those who register and return home voluntarily will be allowed to apply for legal re-entry into the U.S. Those who do not register and return home will be involuntarily deported, and will not be considered for re-entry.”

Richardson’s campaign focuses on a renewed emphasis on statesmanship and servant leadership in government, which he considers “a direct challenge to the status quo in Washington, D.C.”.

“Rural PA’s value system is much different than those that govern big cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh,” he noted. “I’m pro-life, pro-family and pro second amendment. It’s time for government to get out of our pockets and off our backs,” Richardson said.