We don't need no stinkin primary

Or an election for that matter when our Luzerne County Democratic overlords will decide it for us.

Dems seen as in rush to endorse

Two possible Luzerne County Commissioner candidates – attorney Ray Hassey and former controller Steve Flood – question why county Democratic organization leaders are in such a hurry to endorse candidates for the May primary. The party’s executive committee is scheduled to decide Thursday, and it’s possible that endorsements will be made as early as that night, leaders say...The meeting’s timing also seems suspect because county candidates won’t start circulating nominating petitions until Feb. 13.

New County Democratic chairman Mark Bufalino was the subject of a puff piece in the CV saying he was a breath of fresh air after the acrimony of the Joe Mazur and Jim Bach tenures. But it's the same old shit. The filing deadline isn't until March 7 so what's the hurry. Although the party endorsement isn't as important as it was in the Marty Murray days it still gives the edge to the lucky insider. This maneuver is obviously designed to clear the field for incumbent commissioner Greg Skrepnak and his girl friday, Maryanne Petrilla, by discouraging other candidates. My view is that the party shouldn't endorse a candidate in the primary, incumbent or not. The only other announced candidate is Mario Fiorucci but Pittston Township Supervisor Tony Attardo and former Bear Creek Township Supervisor Ed Benkoski are testing the waters along with Flood and Hasey.

The one thing that could stop this juggernaut is if the rumors of former commissioner Frank Crossin getting into the race are true. What fun that would be!