How did your neighborhood vote

If you live in Luzerne County you can check it out. 135,965 people in Luzerne County cast a ballot in the Presidential race with Obama topping McCain by just over 11,000 votes, 53%-45%.


I was interested in how my little corner of the world voted and thanks to the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections website I have my answer. 805 out of 1015 registered voters in Ward 4 of Plains Twp made it to the polls Tuesday for a turnout of 80%. The tally was 426 votes for Obama 55% to McCain's 349 or 45%. Paul Kanjorski also topped Lou Barletta 423 votes (54%) to 364 (46%) despite Mayor Lou winning the neighborhood yard sign war.






There were very few problems on election day in the county and as much as I bash the Luzerne County government I must give credit when credit is due. Director of Elections Leonard Piazza and his staff did an outstanding job. They anticipated many of the potential problems with the iVotronic machines and the non-partisan, non-profit organization VotersUnite.org based in Seattle, Washington cited Luzerne County as a national leader in elections management. They released a scathing report on the business practices of Election Systems and Software (ES&S) who is the supplier of our voting machines. The good news is that Piazza didn't give into the ES&S bullying and blackmail and took control of the machines. The report gives the play by play of what happened. Take a minute and check out pages 40 to 42 of the report.


I have found Leonard Piazza to be one of the most responsive people in our county government. Whenever I have asked him a question he has always got back to me in a few hours. He has been a good leader and manager and the best measurement of that is he has hired very good people to do the job. They even keep their cool even when some candidate wanders into the office at 5 minutes to 5PM demanding all sorts of documents and keep them there for hours after closing time. I hope he runs for elective office such as Controller or Commissioner. Piazza even acts on suggestions from cranks like me who wanted campaign finance reports online. He is one the good guys.

The Scorecard

This is based on the first polls closing times in each state. If you could call each state as they closed this might be the result. I'm sure that the networks will delay calling some states until after 11PM even though it is clear who will win.



6PM


Indiana O 11
Kentucky M 8



7PM


Georgia M 15
South Carolina M 8
Vermont O 3


Dem 11 Rep 31


Ohio M 20
WV M 5




8PM


Conn O 8
Del O3
DC O 3
ME O 4
MD O 10
MA O 12
Mich O 19
NH O 4
NJ O 15
PA O 21
TN M 11


8:30


NC O 15
AR M 6



9:00

NY O 31
RI O 4
KS M4
LA M 9
MN O 10
NE M 3
WI O 10
AZ M 10
CO O 9
NM O 5
SD M 3
TX M 34
WY M 3


10:00


ND O 3
Id M 4
KS M 5
MT O 3
OR O 7

11:00

CA O 55
WA O 11
HI 4

1AM

AK M 3

National Security

A guest post from our friend KAR.



The more that I think about the upcoming Presidential election the more I am convinced that it is one of the most important Presidential elections in my lifetime. There are many issues that get voters worked-up; abortion, education, healthcare, immigration reform, gun control the economy, but for me the number one issue is the security of the United States.



It’s not that I don’t find the other issues important, but the idea that we can somehow let our guard down vis-à-vis the terrorist threat posed by radical Islamists is, to me, very worrisome.
Since 9/11 pundits have droned on about the inevitability of another attack on American soil, and yet it hasn’t happened. This doesn’t mean that the radical Islamists aren’t trying; it means they have been thwarted. Their failure isn’t a result of “dumb luck” or “divine providence”; it is as a result of the actions taken by this administration to prevent attacks.



George Bush has endured shameless attacks from the left and the mainstream media almost from the time the dust settled after 9/11. These people have insisted that the common sense measures taken to protect this country have somehow diminished us, and transformed us into a fascist state.



These same people insist that we should deal with the terror threat as a law enforcement matter; meaning that we should investigate and apprehend only after another attack. The “Bush Doctrine” of preemptive action makes perfect sense in these matters; get the bad guys before they kill thousands of innocent Americans.


Those on the left seem more concerned that a terrorist has been read his “Miranda rights “than in stopping him from committing an act of terror. They wring their hands over interrogation techniques; they worry about the conditions at the detention centers. They act as if these individuals were “garden variety” criminals, they aren’t. These terrorists would gladly give their lives in an effort to kill as many of us as possible. They recruit women and children to carry out their murderous attacks, they need to be dealt with in a manner that ensures we, and our way of life, prevail.

Think about this when you cast your vote this November, ask yourself which party and which candidates have demonstrated that they understand the threat and will act proactively to protect this country.…the answer seems pretty clear to me.

Latest PA Presidential polls

Morning Call Tracking (10/11 - 10/15, 595 LV) Obama 53% McCain 37%

SurveyUSA (10/11 - 10/13, 516 LV) Obama 55% McCain 40%

Marist (10/05 - 10/08, 757 LV) Obama 53% McCain 41%

Strategic Vision (R) (10/05 - 10/07, 1200 LV) Obama 54% McCain 40%

Rasmussen (10/06 - 10/06, 700 LV) Obama 54% McCain 41%
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Locally, the latest F&M poll in the 10th CD has McCain leading by only 46%-39% and Obama ahead in the 11th CD 47%-43%. If Mac is to win PA he needs big margins up here in the Alabama of the north.


The national map





Obama 349 McCain 171 Ties 18

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The most interesting thing that has happened in the past week is that North Dakota, Montana and Georgia are back in play. If you look at where the candidates are campaigning today it tells you what both camps are thinking. Barry is on offense with events in Missouri and Mac is playing defense trying to hold on to North Carolina and Virginia. Sarah Palin is in Lancaster, PA trying to shore up the Amish vote and increase Viagra sales in the area.

The 2nd Presidential debate

Before I read or watch any post game reports on the debate between Barrack Obama and John McCain I want to give you a chance to chime in.


This format was supposed to be Mac's greatest strength but Barry held his own and that is all Obama had to do. I still say that this election will be a blowout.


Our last poll had Joe Biden winning the VP debate:


Joe Biden 42%

Sarah Palin 31%

Tina Fey 22%

Draw 4%

The Tina Fey vote just shows what a joke Palin is.

There is a new poll on the sidebar. Who won tonight's debate? Tell me why your guy did better than the other one in the comments.

Staff Meeting

The Presidential race is about the economy not moose burgers.

From Political Animal:

In a speech in Elko, Nevada, this afternoon, Obama relayed the story about John McCain, in the midst of a financial meltdown, boasting that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Obama responded today, "But it sounds like he got a little carried away, because yesterday, John McCain actually said that if he's President, he'll take on the -- and I quote -- 'ol' boys network' in Washington. I am not making this up. This is someone who's been in Congress for 26 years -- who put seven of the most powerful Washington lobbyists in charge of his campaign -- and now he tells us that he's the one who will take on the ol' boy network. The ol' boy network? In the McCain campaign, that's called a staff meeting."


"Sold Us Out" Ad

The map 2008 President

Who's running for President?

With the media all agog over Sarah Palin it's hard to remember that the GOP nominee is John McCain. More information keeps dripping out and some of the more outrageous claims have been debunked by Newsweek.

False Internet claims and rumors fly about McCain's running mate.

But that left wing rag, The Wall Street Journal, calls her out her lie about stopping the Bridge to Nowhere.

Record Contradicts Palin's 'Bridge' Claims

Gov. Palin, who John McCain named as his running mate less than two weeks ago, quickly adopted a stump line bragging about her opposition to the pork-barrel project Sen. McCain routinely decries. But Gov. Palin's claim comes with a serious caveat. She endorsed the multimillion dollar project during her gubernatorial race in 2006. And while she did take part in stopping the project after it became a national scandal, she did not return the federal money. She just allocated it elsewhere.

Palin has attracted a lot of fans among my Republican friends including our old pal KAR:


John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate is starting to look like a brilliant move. Democrats constantly harp about how they are the champions of diversity, yet a closer examination of the recent record reveals that republicans actually provide opportunity as opposed to just talking about it.

· First female Supreme Court Justice? Sandra Day O’Connor, appointed during the Reagan Administration.
· First African -American Secretary of State? Colin Powell, appointed during George W. Bush’s administration.
· First African -American Female Secretary of State? Condi Rice also appointed during the current republican administration.
· Second African -American Supreme Court Justice? Clarence Thomas, appointed during George H.W. Bush’s administration.

Democrats will tell you that none of these people actually count because they are conservative, that they actually setback the cause of women’s right and civil rights due to their conservative viewpoints…come again?

Apparently to democrats it doesn’t count unless you’re liberal, unless you buy into the whole victim mentality, achievement doesn’t matter, continuing the “struggle”, and establishing a mind set that allows the “struggle” to continue is of paramount importance.

Now we have Sarah Palin, a genuine human being if ever there was one. A working mother with 5 children, a “god-fearing”, gun toting, hunting and fishing, breath of fresh air. If this is the type of person Obama was referring to when he described rural folks as clinging to their guns and religion then please let’s get more of them running for office, it would be a refreshing change.

Palin must be a good choice, listen to the level of attacks against her by the democrats. Paul Begala questioned McCain’s sanity, nice of them to be so concerned, but Palin starts to look better every day. I thought it was amusing that Palin was criticized for not writing her acceptance speech and using a tele-prompter. Joe Biden knows a thing or two about using the words of others, and I’m quite sure both he & Obama have used tele-prompters.

I believe that a lot of American women are looking at Palin and thinking that they have a lot more in common with her than the likes of Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. Palin, I believe, has struck a chord with main stream women, women from both parties.

Look at the candidates, judge them by their actions, and decide for yourself which party has a proven record of inclusion. I believe that many people, including democrats, are looking at McCain/Palin and thinking that they are the ticket that represents change, genuine change.

And Dr. Joe has a series of posts backing her.

Barack Obama in Wilkes-Barre Friday?

I'm getting a handful of hits from this google search:

obama sept 5 wilkes-barre


It's probably nothing but if he is coming to town you heard it here first.


Update: I can't get confirmation of this but Obama will be in PA tomorrow.


Sen. Barack Obama will return to Pennsylvania tomorrow for two days of campaigning. On the same day that John McCain accepts the Republican nomination and gives his speech promising more of the same, Barack Obama will speak at Buchanan Park in Lancaster. The event is free and open to the public. He will outline his plans jump start our economy, provide middle class tax relief and get America moving in the right direction again.


Update 2: The TL is reporting Obama will be in the W-B area on Friday. Details to follow.

The Next President of the United States

And he came out swinging

History

Every Presidential nomination is a piece of history but this one stands out. For the first time someone who doesn't have the same skin pigmentation as me has been nominated for President. I think that is healthy and will exorcise some demons from our national psyche but it's not why I will vote for Barrack Obama.


Some of my friends make the case better than me.

Another Monkey:


I will not vote for Barack Obama on the basis of the color of his skin. I will not vote for him out of some sense of entitlement, or out of some belief that having him in the White House will somehow balance the scales of our national history of racial inequality...I will vote for Barack Obama because I believe he is the better candidate for the job. I will vote for Barack Obama because I believe he will be the better President, the President we need to help us begin our recovery from what will be an eight year long national nightmare.


Lu Lac:

Finally, someone said out loud that if you disagree with the opposition or find the war in Iraq wrong, that doesn’t mean you are unpatriotic...The Illinois Senator brought up the crucial point that the next President will appoint at least 3 new Justices on the Supreme Court. Keep in mind that the Supreme Court handed over the Presidency to George Bush in 2000, allowing him to steal the office.

The next Vice President of the United States

Joe Biden Speaks At The DNC

A few observations about the Democratric Convention

They skipped through the Roll Call of the states with Hillary asking to suspend the rules and make the nomination by acclimation. Nice touch for the party unity thing but I've been watching political conventions all my life and it's my favorite part. I love the corny speeches as the Governor of the state sings the praises of wheat or brags that the hometown team won the championship.


Where the hell was this guy in 2004? If he made a speech like this the last time he would be President. This is the best speech of the convention so far.

John Kerry Speaks at the DNC

Candidate McCain vs. Senator McCain.

"John McCain should finish the debate with himself."




My second favorite moment. Congressman Patrick Murphy is a Kings College grad and a vet of the 82nd Airborne who served in Iraq.

Patrick Murphy Speaking at DNC

The Big Dog Barks

"Barrack Obama is on the right side of history."

Does Biden help in Pennsylvania?

He can't hurt.
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“Chris Carney has forgotten more about national security than Don Sherwood will ever know,” - Sen. Joe Biden.
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Biden said that during a campaign stop in 2006.
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,Rapid Edward was pulling for Biden and Sen Bob Casey was an early supporter. For 30+ years the Philadelphia media market has seen his ads every 6 years.
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The guy is from Scranton and we can be tribal in our corner of the world. Hillary won big in the April primary because the local media kept reminding us that her grandfather was a Scranton native and she spent some time at Lake Winola when she was a kid. Carney is still on active duty so I haven't got a statement from him on the pick but Congressman Kanjorski is excited:
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"I applaud Sen. Barack Obama’s selection of U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden as his choice to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for Vice President..I have campaigned with Joe Biden in Northeastern Pennsylvania numerous times and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail again this year to elect a Democratic president, House and Senate to get America back on the right track again.”...
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A click of the shutter to the The Pennsylvania Progressive for the pic.
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My view is that people don't vote for Vice President. The latest Q Poll has Barry up by 7 in the Keystone state.

No way, No how, No McCain

Hillary said what she had to. It was a good endorsement but I was expecting something a little more. I think she should have spoken more directly to the PUMA crowd telling them to get over it.

Democratic Convention video

via CNN

For all his health problems Senator Ted Kennedy will not be denied a spot in this historic event.





All I can say about Michelle Obama's speech is WOW !

Convention Blogging

Our very own Luzerne County Obama delegate Rita Boyle will sharing her insight from Denver at unConventionalNEPA. She already has a couple of posts detailing the road to Denver.

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Borys has a profile of the NEPA members of the PA delegation.

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Regional delegates ready for Democratic convention in Denver

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Greg and Rob of Keystone Politics snagged the PA local blogger spot and promise some YouTube reports in addition to their always excellent reporting.

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And the state Democratic Party will keep us updated at the PA Dems Blog.

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Next week Alex of the PAWaterCooler.com will be covering the GOP convention in Minneapolis.

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He will be joined by local photographer Michael Taluto who set up NEPAGOPCONVENTION.BLOGSPOT.COM.

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On a related note one of our local scribes has been selected to be part of The Times Leader’s Community Voter Panel. Congrats to Tony. You can read his thoughts at That's How I See It .

Obama-Biden

All the cable news channels are saying that Scranton native Delaware Senator Joe Biden will be the next Vice President of the United States. There is no confirmation from the campaign yet and I'm still waiting for a text message. I think it's a solid pick.

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Update: It's official.

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Update 2: Local reaction

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Statement by Congressman Paul Kanjorski, D, PA 11

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“I applaud Sen. Barack Obama’s selection of U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden as his choice to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for Vice President.

“All residents of the 11th District, but particularly those in Lackawanna County and Scranton, can be proud that Sen. Obama has chosen a native son of Northeastern PA to be part of our winning team in this year’s presidential election. Sen. Biden is often referred to as Pennsylvania’s third Senator. He’s a true Democrat.

“As a Super Delegate supporter of Hillary Clinton, I think we can be pleased that two Democrats with roots in our area are playing such a prominent role in this year’s election.

“Sen. Biden’s experience in the Congress, his expertise as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and his progressive record for hardworking middle-class families on domestic matters are perfect complements for Sen. Obama’s leadership skills as our presidential nominee.

“I have campaigned with Joe Biden in Northeastern Pennsylvania numerous times and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail again this year to elect a Democratic president, House and Senate to get America back on the right track again.”

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Barack Obama selects "Pennsylvania's Third Senator"

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Sen. Casey, Scranton and supporters will gather to watch his historic speech today...

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WHO:

Sen. Bob Casey, and other friends and supporters of Sen. Joe Biden

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WHAT:

Will gather to watch his speech from Springfield,IL with Sen. Obama

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WHEN:

TODAY 2:30 PM ET

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WHERE:

Cosgrove's 325 Green Ridge St. Scranton

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Update 3: GOP Senators offer support for Biden today

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Sen. Arlen Specter:

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Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter, a Republican who serves on the Judiciary Committee with Biden and often rides Amtrak with him to Washington, also offered praise. "No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than Sen. Biden," Specter said. "He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control." LINK<http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-23-biden-

profile_N.htm>

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Sen. Chuck Hagel:

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U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel issued the following statement today following Senator Barack Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic Vice Presidential nominee: "Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America," Hagel said. LINK<http://lugar.senate.gov/press/record.cfm?id=302283&&>

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Sen. Richard Lugar:

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Tbilisi, Georgia - U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar made the following statement today en route to Tbilisi. "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy..." LINK<http://lugar.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=302283&>

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Update 4: From Hillary

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I want to congratulate Joe Biden on becoming the vice presidential nominee. Joe is a friend and colleague, a strong experienced leader and a devoted public servant. I look forward to not only seeing him in Denver next week but on the trail as I work to help Barack Obama and Joe Biden along with many other Democratic candidates campaign this fall.

Joe Biden for Vice President

That is the result of the Gort42 poll. Biden got 39% far outpacing Hillary Clinton's 17% and everybody else was in single digits.

I still think the VP will come out of left field (Tom Dachele ) or further.


MyDD

Senator Barack Obama has chosen Klaatu as his running mate. You may know Klaatu from the documentary cleverly disguised as a fictional movie titled "The Day the Earth Stood Still".
Klaatu will be accompanied by his robot friend Gort who is programmed to destroy the earth if we cannot control our violence. Klaatu and Gort have been travelling to our planet for many years.

Thanks Danny