He is a graduate of Susquehanna University with a degree in both Political Science and Religion and at 27 is the youngest person ever elected Snyder County Commissioner. He won his first election when he was 20 serving on the Freeburg Borough Council between 2002 and 2007.
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Derk has been making the rounds telling a GOP crowd in Pike County
“I know what it’s like to juggle scarce resources and meet federal mandates passed down to us. One thing I know for certain is we have to get that seat back. As far as the role of government, some people believe that bigger is better. I’m not one of them.”
Derk criticized Carney’s votes in favor of the federal economic stimulus plan and health care reform.
“Those votes don’t match the values of the district. They’re not the votes of a fiscally responsible person,” he said
He recently blasted the use and oversight of stimulus funds.
Derk's official campaign site won't be up until after he makes it official Monday but you can learn more about him at Draft Derk for Congress or the Facebook page Derk 2010 for Congress
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State Rep. Michael Peifer is looking at the race and Shira Toeplitz reports that former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino has met with the NRCC about posible run for the seat. Since Marino left government service he has represented junkyard and casino owner Louis DeNaples. His successor, Martin Carlson, uncovered the biggest public corruption scandal in the history of Luzerne County.
in the current environment the DeNaples connection will destroy Marino's chances. He is better to stay put.
ReplyDeletegiven your lightly vailed attack on Attorney Marino (his successor uncovered...) you must recognize he'd be a good candidate - you don't seem to have the same concern about Derk (which I would agree; he'd be lunch meat, along with Meuser for the Carney campaign).
ReplyDeleteI think it would be hard to hang DeNaples around his neck - share with us how you would see that ad without looking like what it was.
I agree that Marino would be a good candidate. I just stated the fact that he works for DeNaples and Carlson blew the lid off of things. Maybe the investigation started when he was the US Attorney, who knows. Don't sell Dirk short, he just may be the candidate that comes out of right field.
ReplyDeleteFrom everyone I've talked to, Derk and his fellow Republican Commissioner have been doing a very good job in some pretty tough ecomomic times. Even people outside of Snyder County have been expressing these views. I think his "underdog" status may be a big advantage for him. One thing is for sure, we need a fiscal conservative to win back this seat!
ReplyDeleteRemembrances of Marc Holtzmann. . .
ReplyDeleteTom Marino is way too tainted to run for office.
ReplyDeleteFirst he resigned from his post as US Attorney around the time of the scandle involving Atty General Gonzalez. Before that he recused himself from the investigation of Louis DeNaples due to a conflict of interest. DeNaples used him as a referance for his gambling liscense application. DeNaples had to reach a plea agreement to avoid going to jail. Marino now works as Louis's personal Attorney.
While Marino was trying to cover his ass, some of the most appaling acts of corruption involving children were taking place right under his nose. It wasn't until Marino left and Carlson was appointed as acting US attorney that the Luzerne County Corruption scandle was exposed. Where was Tom Marino when all this was going on?
As for Derk, he may be a nice guy but he is in way over his head. Simply saying you don't think gov't is working is not enough against a popular incumbent. Carney fits the district prefectly with the exception that he is a Democrat and he proved that is not enough to vote against by crushing a well financed opponent last year. Don't forget that Carney beat both Obama, and McCain in the 10th by a large margin.
Also Peifer is out. He made an announcement this morning.
Derk will get freaking clobbered. You all can say, he has a chance or don't count him out...but I know the guy, and he's a lightweight-politically and intellectually. Carney may have a D next to his name, but people in the 10th LOVE him and with good reason. He's a solid guy who delivers. He will crush Derk. Marino would be tougher because he's a legitimate candidate who could raise more money...but he has many, many skeletons.
ReplyDeleteHey now, let's not even start debating until Hackett and Meuser enter the race......... :-) Oh, good times........good times.......
ReplyDeleteThese intellectuals are absolutely correct. Let's give up hope for a GOP and hunker down to get what we deserve with the reining despot democrats. All we need is a little more dumbing down on our behalf.
ReplyDelete"I think it would be hard to hang DeNaples around his neck - share with us how you would see that ad without looking like what it was."
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter what it will "look" like. The message will be clear and he will be done. Remember everyone may claim to hate negative campaigns, but they work!!
People had better wake up. Scott Brown just won in MA and he won by getting out and meeting people on their level and actually LISTENING to the voters. I will be supporting Derk and some of you will count him out before the race even begins. I predict you will be surprised! This election is not about R or D. It is about electing someone who will listen to them.
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