Brewsterhout Party

This is one of my favorite events of the summer. What a great idea to have a party on the top floor of a parking garage with a birds eye view of downtown Wilkes-Barre. As a student I spent many hours at The Osterhout Free Library so I'm happy to give back in a small way.

It was better organized this year with more restaurant samplings set up in the middle with the other attractions off to the side with plenty of room for the crowd to flow.

We ran into some good friends

      

And this young lady got me to buy way more raffle tickets than I should have.

And there were a few political types roaming around. I spotted Judge Hughes accompanied by some guy that was dressed like a lawyer and/or an undertaker. I know it's hard to tell the difference.

W-B city council guy Tony Brooks and recently deposed Luzerne County GOP Chair Bill Urbanski made gagging sounds when I asked them what they think of their party's Presidential candidate. Brooks said he will vote for the Libertarian.

 I had a brief conversation with Councilman Bill Barrett who didn't seem to enthused with the new Mayor.


Speaking of the Mayor,  why didn't he and the other council members and the WB-Area school board members make an appearance to support one of the city's greatest assets?


More photos on my Facebook page.

Libertarian says Mitt not fit to serve

GOP ACTIONS UN-AMERICAN

Wilkes-Barre, PA—Lou Jasikoff, former Chair for the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party, blasted today’s challenge brought by the establishment Pennsylvania Republican Party to keep Libertarian presidential candidate Gov. Gary Johnson from appearing on the November ballot as patently un-American. “Every registered Republican in the state of Pennsylvania should hang their head in shame over their party leadership’s actions,” Jasikoff commented. “We have men and women fighting and dying all over the world in the name of democracy and yet it is easier for an Independent to get on the ballot in Russia or Iraq than right here in Pennsylvania. The American public is sick and tired of these same old political games. For the Republican Party to trample the very cornerstone of our democracy is an affront to our military, our Constitution, and every fair minded voter,” said Jasikoff. Jasikoff continued, “I call on all Independents, Tea Partiers, and conservative talk show hosts to halt all support for Pennsylvania Republican candidates until they publicly denounce the PAGOP's most recent actions. Forget the Health Care Bill, balanced budgets, or deficit fights, what does it matter if the candidates you are supporting cannot decry the most basic of all rights which is the ability to appear on the ballot and for voters to have a choice.” “The Republican Party is already attempting to suppress the voter turnout in Pennsylvania, and now they want to make sure they do not have to compete in the arena of ideas as well. We cannot allow the PAGOP to use the courts and dirty tricks from keeping Libertarians from appearing on the November ballot,” added Jasikoff. Jasikoff concluded, “I call on Mitt Romney himself to show some backbone and exhibit that he really stands for the Constitution, the military, and freedom of voter choice, not by what he says, but by the actions he takes. If he does not step up and denounce this this cowardly action taken by the PAGOP then he himself is complicit with such actions and is not fit to serve in public office.

Libertarian Candidate makes the PA US Senate race

 Meet Rayburn Smith, a retired postal worker from Clarion County who is running as a libertarian. He collected enough signatures to appear on the November Pennsylvania ballot, although they are being challenged by the state Republican Party.

I have invited both Mr. Smith's to Blogfest.

Gary Johnson for President

Libertarians Tap Johnson as Presidential Candidate

Judge James P. Gray picked for Vice-Presidential slot

Wilkes-Barre, PA—At its National Convention this past weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Libertarian Party nominated former two-term Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson as its Presidential candidate and California Judge James P. Gray as his Vice-Presidential running mate according to Lou Jasikoff, delegate at the convention and former Chair of the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party.

A successful businessman, Johnson first ran for office in 1994, when he beat all odds and was elected as Republican Governor of heavily Democratic New Mexico. Prior to his election, Johnson built one of the state's largest construction companies, amassing over 1000 employees. As Governor he cut taxes fourteen times, while never raising them. He vetoed over 750 bills, with a mere two vetoes being overridden, and upon his departure New Mexico was one of only four states in the country to have achieved a balanced budget.

Johnson retired from public office in 2003 after being term-limited to eight years. He is an avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist and has climbed the highest peak on four of the seven continents, including a successful ascent of Mount Everest. He has promised to submit to Congress a balanced federal budget in 2013, necessitating an unprecedented year-over-year reduction in federal outlays.

Judge James P. Gray is a highly regarded jurist who served on California's Orange County Superior Court from 1989 to 2010. In 2009, the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County named its annual “Judge of the Year” award after Judge Gray.

Jasikoff beamed, “The Libertarian Party has arrived not only on the national scene but also in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Locally the Libertarian Party will be running candidates in state assembly races where there is currently only one candidate on the ballot, and in addition, Betsy Summers will be the Libertarian candidate for State Auditor. We must have competition in politics and the Libertarian Party will provide viable choices to voters in Pennsylvania as well as throughout the Union.”

                                                                                 

Looking to the fall: State Rep 119th District

This is a rematch between  freshman state rep Gerald Mullery  and Republican Rick Arnold . In 2010 this was an open seat because John Yudichak decided to run for State Senator. Mullery won a 3 way Democratic primary snagging 50% of the vote. In the fall Mullery topped the poll with 8631 votes 52% to Arnold's 7274 44% with Libertarian Brian Bergman getting 741 4%.

Both Rick and Gerry made it to last Blogfest which has become the premier local political event of the election season.





The latest campaign finance report shows that Mullery has $8636 cash on hand but oddly I can't find a report for Arnold for 2012 or 2011. Nothing unusual jumps out on Mullery's reports. He raised money from some unions and most of his individual donors live in his district. Looking at the expenditures he doesn't use his campaign like a personal ATM paying for things like lunch, gasoline, dry cleaning and clothing like some other candidates.

Another oddity is that Mullery's campaign website is blank.

Mullery railed against the latest gerrymander like the one before it and offered a solution.

CV: Mullery offered amendments to the proposed maps that would keep the greater Hazleton area, Luzerne County’s South Valley region, the Mountain Top communities, the Five Mountain region and greater Wilkes-Barre together in their respective legislative districts.

He said splitting them is “unnecessary” and he doesn’t believe the new plans for state maps meet the requirements mandated by the state constitution

Looking to the fall: State Rep 120th District

I was going to a roundup of the 3 competitive Luzerne County state rep races in one post but decided to address them individually. Since I started blogging I think I have given more ink (ether, pixels) to state rep races than any other local blogger and maybe as much space as the local papers.I always cover the underdogs in these races.

At a rally that  Phyllis Mundy recently hosted for him our next likely Congressman Matt Cartwright said ""Phyllis is a giant in the Democratic Party." So that raises the question can Republican Aaron Kaufer be a giant killer? Probably not but that is why we have elections.

In the recent primary election with an abysmal turnout Mundy got 4210 votes to Kaufer's 2917. In the 2010 primary she gathered 5400 to Republican West Pittston mayor Bill Goldsworthy 3223.The General Election results returned Phylis to Harrisburg  in the very Republican/Tea Party year of  2010 winning a solid 53% 10,153, to Goldsworthy's 6154 32% with Libertarian Tim Mullen mounting a valiant effort finishing with 2858 15%.

Looking at the campaign finance reports on the PA Department of State Mundy is way out in front with $48,000 cash on hand to Kaufer's $3300. Mundy raised $21K since the beginning of the year adding to the balance carried over. Kaufer snagged $6375in contributions  which is a surprise. One item on Kaufer's CFR that piqued my interest was this in-kind contribution from Sheldon Kaufer of $6000. It is described as Office rent for Jan., Feb.,March 2012. Who get's 2 grand a month for office space around here?

I like Aaron and you all know that Phyllis is one of my top 5 legislators.

Below are a few challengers that Phyllis has vanquished in the past and may in the future

L to R

Bill James, Aaron Kaufer, Rick Arnold ( another district), Tim Mullen, Bill Goldsworthy, John Cordora

Libertarians and others in town

The PA Libertarian Party Convention is being held this weekend at the FM Kirby Center it is also being billed as Restoring Freedoms with speakers from other points of view.

I stopped by and the first thing I see is a guy wearing a NRA tee shirt with a handgun strapped to his belt. Oh boy. I didn't engage the young man but it reminded me of the time I ran into a similar situation a few years ago when I was in a restaurant and somebody came in packing a gun in plain sight. I asked him why he would do such a thing? He responded "because that is my right." I said it's also probably your right to ride a pogo stick into church but do you really want to do that. Cooler heads got in between us so the incident didn't get out of hand.

I ran into a few friends including my lifelong pal Green Party activist Carl Romanelli.. I reminded everyone that the most dangerous place in a room is the space between Carl and a microphone. He is scheduled to speak for 20 minutes tomorrow and he said they have a trap door set in case he goes over the time allotted. It was a pleasure to see Doreen Shutz again. She is  passionate and committed to the Libertarian cause.

It was great fun talking with "recovering politician" Dr. David Madeira who was accompanied by one his daughters. We discussed the latest manufactured controversy over the stay at home mom thing and it if is  worse that a 10 year old boy ate dog meat or a a 36 year old man strapped a dog to the top of his car for a 10 hour trip. Dave is now a radio host on 94.3 The Talker who has a better time slot than he started with. M-F 9-Noon. His website lists Gort42 as my favorite liberal blogger. I will return the favor and get him back on the blogroll.

The headliner was 2 term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson who is running for President on the Libertarian ticket.. I got a chance to talk with him and asked how he got excluded from the Republican Presidential debates. He explained that he needed to get over the 1% threshold in the national polls but the pollsters didn't include him last year in their surveys. In a CNN survey 8 months later  he got 2% polling ahead of Huntsman and Cain but they still kept him out.The networks decided a  pizza guy is more entertaining than a 2 term Governor. Cable news is entertainment.

Below is a pic of  Governor Gary Johnson  with event organizer Lou Jasikoff

Gary Johnson for President

2 term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is the headliner of the PA Libertarian Party Convention starting Friday at the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. Johnson started off running for the Republican Presidential nomination but the networks decided he wasn't a serious candidate and excluded him from those very entertaining debates. How they decided that the pizza guy was more credible than a 2 term Governor is beyond me.

The Libertarian confab is also being billed as the Restoring Liberty celebration with speakers addressing the legacy of Dr. King and a Green Party perspective on ballot access.

A couple of agenda's have been posted

Libertarian State Convention 2012 - April 20th - April 22nd

RESTORING FREEDOMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

This is confusing and dilutes the identity of the convention just like trying to turn a political event into something else.

A Ron Paul Bus trip is scheduled for Sunday.

Some music is scheduled with IDOL Contestant Krista Branch , Justin Haigh and more. Some of the other speakers include Lou Jasikoff, Robert Mansfield, Betsy Summers, Dave Madeira and Carl Romanelli.

I hear that Betsy Summers will be running for PA Auditor General again but not have heard that any Libertarians or Greens will contesting the Congressional or State Rep races. In 2010 3 Libs made a run for State Rep locally.

Libertarians in Wilkes-Barre

This will be the biggest political event in Wilkes-Barre since the Green Party gathering in 2006.

From the inbox

Wilkes-Barre, PA—During its November state meeting in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania selected Wilkes-Barre to host the 2012 State Libertarian Convention. According to current LPPA state chair, Lou Jasikoff, convention dates have now been confirmed and will run from Friday April 20th through Sunday April 22nd.

The convention will be held at the Kirby Center for Performing Arts and the Best Western Genetti Hotel and Convention Center. A kick-off “Meet and Greet” for Gary Johnson, former two-term Governor of New Mexico, and other guests begins a festive Friday evening at the Kirby Center, ending with a rocking “Friday Night at the Oldies” disco party open to the general public. Michael Badnarik’s highly renowned Constitution Class will also be offered starting Friday night. Jasikoff added that in 2004 Mr. Badnarik was the Libertarian candidate for President.

Good times.

Libertarians on the move

I've always had an interest in the minor parties and have criticized them for running candidates for President, Governor and Senate in races that they can't possibly win instead of concentrating on local races and building a bench. The local Greens seems to be defunct but the Libertarian Party has taken my advice and has a slate of candidates in the local elections. Whatever you think of the individuals I think it is an accomplishment that they are on the ballot. I like a choice in an election.

3 Libs are running for Luzerne County Council.

Mike Lacey

Brian Bergman

Tim Mullen

In the Wilkes-Barre mayor's race they give us Betsy Summers and Tim Russel want's to be the Mayor or something in Elmenton. Where is Elmonten?

Lou Jasikoff likes a CV headline It says “Libertarians have gotten their wish.” Here in Northeast Pennsylvania it is the Libertarian Party and candidates driving the bus. We are the story and the opportunities are enormous. All day, everyday the news outlets are talking about these races, and all day everyday not one, not two, but many Libertarians are being interviewed, and more often than not our candidates are on multiple shows each day.
We have opportunities like never before to ask questions like: "Let me phrase this in another way. Are you in favor of funding gang violence, are you in favor of funding terrorism? Of course you are not. But this is what America's drug policies do today. What is your solution?Throw more people in jail? Heck we can't keep drugs out of jail. 70% of women today are in jail for non-violent drug abuses. 4% of the worlds population and 25% of the worlds prison population. Is this the America you want?The list goes on and on, but hopefully you get my point. We know we are right on the issues, and given the opportunity we will succeed.

In the 2010 election for state rep Tim Mulen got 15% and if he can keep that support he may win a county council seat. He answered the questions but to him by LuLac.




Tim Mullen on Storm Politics

Luzerne County Dems finally have a website

Hey Gort! We just wanted to introduce you to our party's new website and Facebook page!


The LCDC recently launched our website, which we're all really proud of it. Chairwoman Kathy Kane and the entire Committee were very supportive of the effort and voted for the project unanimously. 2nd Dist. Chair Casey Evans is serving as the site's Webmaster. It will move the Luzerne County Democratic Party into a 21st century media environment and we'll be more competitive than ever before: both online and on the streets!


The website can be found here: http://luzernedems.com/meet-us


Our party's Facebook page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Luzerne-County-Democratic-Party/217974844886953

It's hard to believe that our local donkeys didn't get with the program until now. Our local elephants have been on the web for a few years now.

Luzerne County Republican Party

and on Facebook

It's hard to predict what is going to happen in the upcoming county council races after all the corruption mostly Democratic office holders have been implicated in. But this is an overwhelming Democratic county and they should win a majority on the newfangled council with the GOP putting a few candidates over the top. Who knows, the Libertarians or an independent may grab 1 or 2 of the 11 seats up for grabs.

Mike Lacey for Luzerne County Council

From the inbox:


Libertarians Tap Mike Lacey
Pick NEPA Tea Party Leader for Luzerne County Council Slot

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.—Today the Libertarian Party submitted election paperwork naming Mike Lacey as the Party’s replacement for Betsy Summers as one of its candidates for Luzerne County Council. Lacey, a local businessman, Republican, and co-founder of the NEPA Tea Party, is throwing his hat into the ring as a Libertarian in an unprecedented move according to Lou Jasikoff, Chair for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. The opening came about as Ms. Summers recently qualified to run for both Luzerne County Council and Mayor of Wilkes-Barre. Ms. Summers is running to become the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre which left an opening on the Libertarian ticket for Luzerne County Council.
.

“Having served on the 2001 home rule study commission, and currently serving on the transition sub-committee for ethics, I looked for a replacement candidate that I could trust to serve the citizens of Luzerne County as I would. Mike Lacey is exactly the kind of individual needed to help make the new Home Rule Charter work. I am secure in the knowledge he will be a watchdog for the community and am honored to have such a principled individual as my replacement. Mike Lacey has my full endorsement,” said Betsy Summers.
.

“This race is not about party, it is a race about principle. I intend to be a true voice for the people, not the establishment. The time has come for all of us to put party politics aside and do what is best for our communities and country. I want to thank the Libertarian Party for this opportunity to help bring an end to the “good old boy” network that has become so pervasive in our local political system. It is imperative that we stop the corruption, nepotism and cronyism,” added Lacey.
.

Jasikoff added, “Libertarians have been running as Republicans and Democrats throughout the country for years. This might be the first time in history that a Republican is running as a Libertarian and times are truly changing. I am reminded of a Mark Twain quote, “In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot.”

Independent's Day

I've always had a soft spot for people who decide to run for office as minor party candidate or an independent. It's a big hill to climb and they almost always fail but I'm always heartened by their dedication to the democratic process despite the history.

Local Libertarian chairman Lou Jasikoff sent me a couple of emails this last week about petition drives for Libertarians, Greens, obscure 3rd parties and true independents trying to get enough signatures to get on the ballot for various offices. Pennsylvania has one of the worst laws in the country regarding 3rd party access, just ask Carl Romanelli who is still dealing with the fallout over his doomed effort to be a US Senator. Taking all that money from the head of Blackwater didn't help.

I'm glad to see that our local Lib's and Green's are trying to get people on the ballot for local offices and are working together. But they are still shooting for the Moon trying to get Marakay Rogers and Mark Kaisoglus on the ballot for the appellate Judge's spots.



Locally I think that Libertarian Tim Mullen has good shot as being an alternative to the Dem's and Rep's for Luzerne County Council. He gathered a bunch of signatures for his run in his run for state rep against Mundy and Goldsworthy but that didn't translate into votes. Still he got 15% which just may work that into a winning campaign this time.


Shane Novak wants to be the Green Party candidate Luzerne County Council. There should be more.

We all know Charlie Hatchko who is running as an American Independence Party candidate. Bible Buck is quick to quote the scriptures but I have to ask is he a member of Popular Front or the People's Front. Splitter.

For those of you that have beating me up in the comments I have a request. Send me links to the candidates websites and Facebook fan pages

Of course, I always welcome guest posts.

Libertarians make the cut

It looks like the local Libertarian state house candidates have enough signatures to spare to get on the November ballot and survive any challenges.

14th District Senate candidate Betsy Summers needed 1063 and got 2279. Brian Bergman's goal in the 119th State House District was 389 signatures and he too filed almost twice the minimum with 625. Tim Mullen's number just blew me away. Mullen has been working hard going door to door on the west side needing 436 signatures and was able to convince 2279 of his neighbors to sign his petitions. Remember that the Democratic and Republican state house candidates only need 300 signatures to get on the primary ballot. Signatures don't necessarily translate into votes but the Lib's have to be happy with these results and the Republican candidates should be worried. I doubt they will mount a challenge to the petitions but anything is possible. The local GOP's best signature challenger in the past, Liz Sichler, has other worries.

Links to candidate websites.


Senate 14


Steve Urban (R)

John Yudichak (D)

Betsy Summers (L)



State Rep 120th


Phyllis Mundy (D) incumbent

Bill Goldsworthy (R)

Tim Mullen (L)



State Rep 119th


Rick Arnold (R)

Gerald Mullery (D)

Brian Bergman (L)

Bergman get's a signature

The local libertarians put out a challenge to the major party candidates for the state legislature a few days ago to sign the petitions of their hopefuls as a show of good faith that they truly believe in the democratic process and that all qualified candidates should be allowed to compete.

As predicted the Republicans declined the invitation.

CV: Steve Urban, a Luzerne County commissioner and 14th Senatorial District candidate, called the move a "ridiculous request" and refused to sign Summers' papers...West Pittston Mayor Goldsworthy also declined to sign Mullen's papers, advocating Mullen join his campaign to usurp 10-term state Rep. Mundy. Goldsworthy said he has a stronger campaign and more name recognition than Mullen but believes in the similar ideals as the Libertarian Party...Rick Arnold brushed off signing papers for Bergman, a potential opponent in the 119th race, for fear of invalidating his own campaign.

Democrats John Yudichak and Phyllis Mundy haven't been heard from yet but Gerald Mullery believes in the small "d.""I would sign it. What the hell? I don't have any problem with thatI've met Brian. He's a nice guy. I welcome him into the race."


The lineup


Senate 14


Steve Urban (R)

John Yudichak (D)

Betsy Summers (L)



State Rep 120th


Phyllis Mundy (D) incumbent

Bill Goldsworthy (R)


Tim Mullen (L)



State Rep 119th


Rick Arnold (R)


Gerald Mullery (D)

Brian Bergman (L)

Libertarians make a good point

And issue a challenge.

If your not a Democrat or a Republican the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania makes you jump through all kinds of hoops to get on the ballot.


I got this press release from the NEPA Libertarian Party.


Wilkes-Barre, PA— According to Northeast Pennsylvania Libertarian Chairman Lou Jasikoff, “the Libertarian Party will be wrapping up their ballot initiative over the next few weeks, and will submit their signed petitions to Harrisburg on July 30th. The deadline for submitting petitions is August 3rd and the Libertarian Party is challenging all candidates to sign the petition as a show of good faith, especially in light of Bonusgate, that they truly believe in the democratic process and that all qualified candidates should be allowed to compete in the arena of ideas.”

“I think it is important for all the candidates to be on record as to whether they are willing to sign the petition because it has been the Republicans and Democrats that have made the rules by which another Party or Independent candidate must meet to be placed on the general ballot. We will focus on those candidates within the districts that we have candidates running for office, specifically John Yudichak, Steve Urban, Phyllis Mundy, Bill Goldsworthy, Rick Arnold, Gerald Mullery, Dan Rae, and David Millard, but will be encouraging all candidates to sign” said Jasikoff.

With the Republican and Democratic parties having a strangle-hold on access to the ballot, candidates from other political camps must go through the lengthy process of getting signatures from registered voters on their petitions to run. The process for Libertarian candidates Betsy Summers, Tim Mullen, Brian Bergman and Tom Anderson began in the cold and rain on primary day.

"Candidates from the major parties say they support all of those who are qualified to be on the ballot. Now is the time for their actions to speak louder than their words," noted Betsy Summers, Senate candidate 14th District.

Jasikoff concluded, “We explain to potential signers that this is not an endorsement but simply an effort to allow them, to allow us, to be on the ballot. That we have men and women dying in Iraq so they can have free elections there and we should not have to fight tooth and nail to get on the ballot here. We hope our current legislators and opponents agree and we will post their responses to our requests after August 3rd.

Good luck getting any of the Republican or Democratic candidates to sign on to this. But if I was running any of the Democratic campaigns I would have my people out there helping them get signatures.

Libertarian candidates

I'm glad to see there are couple of Libertarian Party candidates running for seats in the state legislature. The Libertarians and the Greens put a lot of energy in putting up candidates for President, Governor or US Senator with no hope of winning those races but rarely field candidates for school board, city council or county commissioner, etc. I always ask my friends in those parties 'how to you expect to win a statewide race if you don't build a bench'?


Betsy Summers has announced that she is in the the race to succeed Ray Musto in the 14th state senate district. She has previously run for US Senator and Auditor General and coming back to earth was a member of the previous Luzerne County Government Study Commission. She has a website

SUMMERS FOR STATE SENATE

State Rep John Yudichak is the first Democrat in the race to take Musto's place and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton will announce his intentions shortly. Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban is mulling over this race or a long shot campaign for Lt. Governor.


Another Libertarian, Tim Mullen, will be taking on long time state rep Phyllis Mundy in the 120th District. He is a registered nurse and an Army Reserve vet.

From his website:

In the past two years I have become active with the Campaign for Liberty and the Tea Party movement, speaking at the latter's events and writing letters to the editors that have appeared in both local newspapers on both groups' behalf. The economic events of the past year and the steepening slide toward the abyss of socialism as evidenced by nationalization of the banking, insurance, and auto industries, and the push for socialized medicine has pushed me to act.


The Republican Mayor of West Pittston, Bill Goldsworthy, is also expected to get into the race.