DELAWARE TOWNSHIP -- The Republican primary for Pike County district attorney is pretty competitive, but a campaign flyer for incumbent Ray Tonkin is really getting a lot of attention.
The Dingmans Ferry Lions Club Fishing Derby attracts families from miles around trying to hook a winning trout.
But Pike County district attorney candidate Kelly Gaughan is looking for a different prize: Republican votes for the upcoming primary.
A mailer for incumbent D.A. Ray Tonkin featuring accused cop killer Eric Frein has people talking and attorneys for Frein asking for a change of venue and to block Tonkin from using Frein in any future campaign ads.
Defense attorneys for Eric Frein want his trial moved out of Pike County because a campaign flyer for Tonkin with Frein's picture was mailed out to Republican voters.
On one side the postcard says, “Prosecuting Eric Frein will take an experienced hand.” On the other, it says, “We can trust this man to prosecute this man.”
Gaughan says the mailer is insensitive and unethical.
“It was an amateur mistake and it had to be made without considering the impact it would have on the victims, the integrity of the case, and the taxpayers of Pike County,” Gaughan said.
The flyer went out to more than 4,000 registered Republicans.
On Friday attorneys filed a motion claiming because of media coverage and the mailer the trial should be moved out of Pike County.
Gaughan says the mailer could be a reason for the judge to grant the request.
“As district attorney you should have the foresight to see the consequences of decisions that you make and he should have seen that it potentially could have stayed here, and that this would obviously alter.”
But Tonkin says having Frein’s face on his flyer does not break any rules.
"The flyer did not discuss any of the facts or legal issues underlying the case," said Tonkin.
He said the postcard was designed to illustrate why voters should pick him.
"In this race it is very important to the voters of Pike County to compare my 15 years of experience to my opponent’s."
Many undecided voters say this flier will not be the deciding factor when it comes time to vote.
“It would not persuade me either way. It just makes me wonder why he would do it. I don`t think he should have to use it as a way in,” said Dara Marsh of Dingmans Ferry.
“Yeah, it doesn`t bother me. It would be fine either way. Someone has to do it, I guess,” Keith Egli of Hawley said.
Tonkin said he believes Frein’s attorney Michael Weinstein wants Gaughan to win.
Weinstein says he is a Democrat and this is a Republican primary, so he is not supporting either candidate.
Tonkin says that Weinstein was displaying campaign signs for Gaughan, but the attorney denies that allegation.
