Murrysville Republican committee plans grand opening for new 'Victory Center' location

The Murrysville Export Republican Committee will bring in KDKA-AM News Radio 1020 host Wendy Bell for the grand opening of its “2020 Trump Victory Center” on Aug. 22.

The opening will be at 10 a.m. at the center’s new location, 3145 Carson Ave., across William Penn Highway from the Dunkin’ restaurant.

“We’re excited to open MERC’s 2020 Trump Victory Center, and particularly pleased to welcome Wendy Bell to this kickoff event,” said center chairperson Jill Cooper. “The Victory Center will provide a centralized location for voter information and registration forms, mail-in and absentee ballot applications, candidate literature, yard signs and popular Trump campaign gear.”

Bell, who was fired from her anchor position at WTAE in 2016 for making statements deemed racially insensitive, hosts the afternoon drive-time show on KDKA Radio. During a monologue segment on her Aug. 7 show, Bell questioned whether the covid-19 pandemic is as dangerous as health experts say, and suggested state-mandated health and safety measures are a deliberate way to exert control over state residents, referring to it as the “politicization” of the pandemic.

MERC officials distanced themselves from Bell’s positions on the pandemic, asking those who visit the center to practice social distancing and wear masks.

“Wendy Bell is a talk-show host and can express her own opinions,” said MERC Chairman Tom Wubben. “MERC, as host of the Victory Center, will comply with the current health restrictions.”

Regular hours at the center will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. The center will be closed on Sundays.

For more, see MurrysvilleGOP.org.