By Danielle Lynch

The Council for a Livable World’s endorsement of state Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, the Democratic candidate for the 7th Congressional District, sparked criticism from Republican candidate Pat Meehan.

The Meehan campaign noted that a sister organization of the council, The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, criticized funding of the V-22 Osprey on its website.

“For weeks now, Bryan Lentz has suggested that Pat Meehan must share all the beliefs of those who support him,” said Bryan Kendro, campaign manager for Meehan. “Under the Lentz standard, it’s safe to assume that Bryan Lentz now opposes the V-22 Osprey because he’s supported by a group that adamantly opposes the program.”

At recent debates, Lentz has asked Meehan to state where he stands on proposals made by some members of the tea party movement, such as the privatization of Social Security and Medicare.

Meehan, a former U.S. attorney and Delco district attorney, said he did not support privatization of those benefits. Meehan said he stands by the tea party’s planks of fiscal accountability and concern for growth of debt.

“As a combat veteran, Bryan Lentz has a deep appreciation for the V-22 Osprey and all of the exceptional aircraft made in Delaware County. As a congressman, he’ll continue to strongly advocate for those products to be made in Delaware County,” said Kevin McTigue, campaign manager for Lentz. “Pat Meehan continues to try to have it both ways on the tea party, dodging questions on their platform in interviews while actively seeking their support and is scheduled to attend two of their events next week. There is a standing invitation to Pat Meehan to hold a town hall-style debate where he can clarify his tea party position for the voters.”