Letter to the editor: Do we really want Mastriano as governor?

Today marks four years since a white nationalist, armed with assault weapons and antisemitic hatred, attacked my synagogue, murdering 11 people and injuring six more, including law enforcement officers. What has changed since that day?

Four years ago, shooter Robert Bowers and his beliefs were considered fringe. Today the Republican gubernatorial candidate is considered by many to be a Christian nationalist. Sen. Doug Mastriano gave thousands of dollars to Gab, the rabidly antisemitic social media site used by the Tree of Life shooter to spew his vitriol. He refuses to repudiate Andrew Torba, Gab’s founder, who has said, “We have seen the fruits — or lack thereof — of our nation being led by Godless pagans, nonbelievers, Jews, and fake Christians-in-name-only.” Instead, Mastriano has declared to Torba, “Thank God for what you’ve done.”

Mastriano shared a stage with Jim Garlow, a prominent figure in the far-right New Apostolic Restoration movement and implored that Congress “disregard” the certified election results for our state, “in Jesus’ name, amen.” He was the “point person” in the Pennsylvania fake electors scheme. Mastriano paid to send busloads of people to the Jan. 6 insurrection and himself passed the police barricades. He is being investigated by the Jan. 6 select committee.

Does Pennsylvania truly want a white Christian nationalist as governor? I think he’s a traitor who attempted to overthrow the elected government of our nation. Imagine Torba, Garlow and Bowers with the power of the state behind them. Then vote on Nov. 8. It matters.

Dana Kellerman

Fox Chapel