State Committee results

5 of the 9 people who provided their pitch to the readers of Gort42 won a spot on the Dem and GOP State Committees and the other 4 came darn close to winning.

I attribute it to the Gort Bounce.

The top 3 male and female vote getters get to attend the meetings and spend their own money for the privilege. Winners in bold.


Member of the Republican State Committee

(WITH 189 OF 189 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Stephen J. Urban (M). . . . . . . 10,240
Linda J. Urban (F) . . . . . . . 8,018
Margaret E. Phillips (F) . . . . . 7,588
Renita Fennick (F) . . . . . . . 7,066
Kathleen M. Dobash (F) . . . . . . 7,054
David Baloga (M) . . . . . . . . 5,667
Harry Haas (M). . . . . . . . . 5,533
Frank J. Mazza III (M) . . . . . . 5,495
Moderno Rossi (M). . . . . . . . 5,081
Bill Lewis (M). . . . . . . . . 4,884
T. Lynette Villano (F) . . . . . . 4,704
Art Bobbouine (M). . . . . . . . 2,340
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 299




Member of the Democratic State Committee

(WITH 189 OF 189 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Michael J. Cefalo (M) . . . . . . 15,005
Thomas M. Shubilla (M) . . . . . . 14,489
Paul J. Maher (M). . . . . . . . 14,014
Lesa Gelb (F) . . . . . . . . . 12,477
Rebecca Sammon (F) . . . . . . . 11,649
Cassandra I. Coleman (F) . . . . . 11,618
John Bolin (M). . . . . . . . . 11,400
Sabrina A. McLaughlin (F) . . . . . 11,305
Jane Waitkus (F) . . . . . . . . 10,435
Lucille Maziarz (F) . . . . . . . 10,120
David J. Popiak Sr. (M). . . . . . 8,835
Michele Mahovich (F). . . . . . . 8,454
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 452

Pennsylvania Exit Polls

I was only voter number 212 out of 1000+ at my polling place at 5PM. We ran into State and Luzerne County Committee candidate Thomas Shibula along with GSC member Chris Kersey working the polls. I was happy to give Thom my vote. There was one person handing out Tom Leighton cards and that was it for poll workers. Only 3 people which is typical for mid-term elections. The real action is always in the local primary elections.

Below is a great picture of Lou Barletta voting with his grandson Gabriel along for the ride.

h/t to pa2010.com

State Committee R

It looks like our final guest post in the series is from Harry Haas.

My old geography professor from Montana told us there were two types of people: lumpers and splitters. A "lumper" is one who unites and a "splitter" divides. My reason for running for Republican State Committee is to unite the party under viable candidates and craft solid platforms that make common sense to a public weary of the splitters: namely, political hacks with personal agendas of self-preservation.

I'm asking Republican voters of Luzerne County to send me along with 5 others to Harrisburg who will nominate Republican candidates who will uphold the constitution, restrain out-of-control spending, and retain our civil liberties that have been eroded by huge taxes and wasteful government programs. Most Americans believe in these core principles, and we need good candidates who will build consensus around these ideas.

Thank you Gort, for your public service.

Interested parties can visit http://www.harryhaas.com/ for more information.

State Committee R

My pal David Baloga was brave enough to send over his pich for Republican State Committee. I wish I could vote for him.



David Baloga candidate for State Committee Represenative of the Luzerne County Republican Party
Lake Township resident

Current Lake Township committee member & Second District Vice Chairman of Luzerne County Republican Party; Membership and voter registration committee member of Luzerne County GOP.

I am a lifelong Republican and a conservative. I believe in free enterprise and trade, limited government, and states rights. I enjoy the right to own firearms (even though I no longer hunt). I am pro-life. I am loyal but independent. I will not support Democrats. No one can buy my vote.
My passion for Conservative, Republican politics keeps me looking to do more for our party. That is why I would like to represent the good people of the Republican Party of Luzerne County, as their State Committee Representative.

I promise to be available to Republican voters and accountable for my actions taken as State Committee Representative. I humbly ask you to consider supporting me with your vote so I can be your voice on our Republican State Committee.



My wife Donna ( married 28 yrs) & I have 3 wonderful children (Christian, Angela & Michael) who are the greatest! We are blessed in all ways and thankful to Our Good Lord for all we have!

2 close friends I have are also running for State Committee Seats and I ask you to vote for them also! We are of like minds and values and will all serve you proudly!

RENNITA FENNICK

HARRY HASS

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Update from David: The attached picture was in our Local Catholic Light Newspaper and other local pro-life materials. I was honored to be asked to carry the banner for The Wyoming Valley Chapter during this years March For Life in DC. I hold the pole on the right side in the attached photo. I do not use this for personal purposes only to show you proof of my pro-life commitments.

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Luzerne County Republican State Committee candidates

Luzerne County Republicans may vote for three men and three women on May 18 to represent them on the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee.

The Luzerne County GOP website has the pitch from almost all the hopefuls. Some of the candidates were good enough to guest post on Gort42. Thank you.


State Committee Candidates
Want Your Vote



Moderno "Butch" Rossi

Lehman Township

I'm running to help Republican candidates win local and state offices.

I am an incumbent Republican State Committee member. I have been elected to three terms as a member of the Lake-Lehman School board, and am the current board president.

I'm a Republican committeeman at the Lake Silkworth poll in Lehman.

My wife Janet and I celebrated our 30th anniversery this year. We have a son Jason, 24.

I'm very proud to have two state elected officials from my district, State Rep. Karen Boback and State Sen. Lisa Baker. With some hard work as state committee members we can add to that list. I would be honored to have your support.

Bill Lewis
Jenkins Township

I ask for your vote to continue to be an independent conservative voice representing the Republican voters of Luzerne County.

For over two decades, I have been your independent voice at the State Party - controlled by no one. I work in the private sector and hold no paid government positions. No member of my family is an elected official - in fact, none work or hold appointed offices in state or local government. I have never sought elected government office. I am completely independent and uncontrolled by any elected official or political boss.

State Committee is an unpaid position - I view it as an opportunity to serve my community and state. Thank you.

Kathleen Dobash

Hazleton


I hope to encourage more citizens to vote and become involved with the political process. I want to restore confidence in our local government leadership. I want to address the issue of the local corruption. The citizens of this county cannot afford to pay for abuse of the system. Property owners pay taxes in good faith. Wasteful spending and deception cannot continue.

I am an advocate for the elderly and for those who cannot represent themselves.

I was elected Inspector of Elections and Constable for Hazleton City Ward 1. I actively write letters printed in our newspapers to talk about local issues. Vote for me on May 18.

Frank J. Mazza

Kingston

I am running for Republican State Committee because I have a vision for this place I call home. I want to bring the citizens of this county back into the political process and represent their interests in Harrisburg by creating an open and honest environment where citizens can be active and have a choice who represents us at each level of government. Together, let us bring back the trust of the people, the respect and honor that being a resident of Luzerne County brings, and begin a new chapter in the story of Luzerne County.

If you believe that 2010 can be the beginning of a new chapter for this county and believe that 2010 is an exciting time to be a Republican, then on May 18th please go to the polls and vote for me for Republican State Committee. I will not let the citizens down in bringing the right change to our communities.

T. Lynette Villano

West Pittston

I am running for Republican State Committee because I feel it is important to attend and be an active participant in all Caucus and RSC meetings. State Committee members should reflect the Republicans from our county.

I have represented all of Luzerne County Republicans for 10+ years and know
who you are and what you believe in.

The power and authority for the state and national GOP originates from the county and I want to make sure your voice is heard loud and clear!

David Baloga

Lake Township

Lake Township committee member; Second District Vice Chairman, Luzerne County Republican Party; Membership and voter registration committee member.

I am a lifelong Republican and a conservative. I believe in free enterprise and trade, limited government, and states rights. I enjoy the right to own firearms (even though I no longer hunt). I am pro-life. I am loyal but independent. I will not support Democrats. No one can buy my vote.
My passion for Conservative, Republican politics keeps me looking to do more for our party. That is why I would like to represent the good people of the Republican Party of Luzerne County, as their State Committee Representative.

I promise to be available to Republican voters and accountable for my actions taken as State Committee Representative. I humbly ask you to consider supporting me with your vote so I can be your voice on our Republican State Committee.

Harry Haas

Wilkes-Barre City

I am so proud to call myself a Republican during these trying times of local corruption, state mismanagement, and federal arrogance. Before this year I considered the role of state committee insignificant; however, in the wake of this past year's disastrous policies on all levels of government, it has never been more important to endorse true conservative Republicans who can effectively communicate--and act upon--the message of limited government, lower taxes, and personal liberty.

Linda Urban

Wilkes-Barre City

I am a dedicated Luzerne County representative on State Committee for the past four years, an avid voter registration/education volunteer, a past member of the 6th District Republican Committee, and the current Judge of Elections in Wilkes-Barre Ward 2. I am very active in local and state politics and frequently write letters to the editor to express my views on issues affecting our community.

As a State Committee member I helped elect highly qualified judges to the bench at the state level, including Superior Court Judge Cheryl Allen and Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough. I also helped retain Superior Court Judge Corry Stevens to the bench.

I want to continue representing and serving the voters of Luzerne County and ask for your support at the Primary Election on May 18.

Renita Fennick

Wilkes-Barre Township


I would like to see Luzerne County fully represented at all State Committee meetings and functions.


I would support conservative candidates and weigh the pros and cons of the endorsement process for each situation. I believe state committee members should play an active and supportive role in our county organizations. We need to build a strong foundation for our candidates and the link between the county and state organizations is crucial.

I have long been a strong conservative voice and am not afraid to stand up for what I believe.


Art Bobbouine

Pittston City


I am a lifelong Republican from a city where Republicans are few and far between. I am a Republican committeeman for 16 years, first elected at age 18. I previously served two terms on Republican State Committee during the Ridge years and am looking forward to serving again. I have also served on the Luzerne County Republican Committee for several years having served as Secretary and currently as Vice Chairman of Policies and By-Laws.


I was Chief Deputy Sheriff of Luzerne County under Sheriff Barry Stankus and currently teach Criminal Justice at Fortis institute. I believe that I can represent the Republican Party admirably at State Committee having never missed a meeting or caucus breakfast when I previously served. I was also Treasurer of NECRA Caucus at State Committee. I humbly ask for your support and I know I will never let the Republican voters down.


Margaret Phillips
Dallas Township

(Did Not Participate)



Steven J. Urban

Wilkes-Barre City

(Did Not Participate)

State Committee D

This candidate for the Democratic State Committee want's to build a new WalMart for Mrs. G




My name is Cassandra Coleman and I'm running as a candidate to serve on the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee. I have called Luzerne County home my entire life and have family roots here dating back over four generations. I am a graduate of Wyoming Area, and soon to be a graduate of King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, with a degree in Political Science. I was appointed in 2008 and then, re-elected in 2009, Mayor of Exeter, one of the biggest Democrat boroughs in Luzerne County. Very recently, our Democratic Party has been attacked by the likes of ultra conservatives, like Rush Limbaugh, Alan Steinberg, Trent Lott and Rupert Murdoch. We need Democratic State Committee Representatives who will denounce the falsehoods and rhetoric of the opposing party. As one of the youngest Mayors in our state, I pledge to be an advocate to restore the integrity of the Democratic Party. We need to unite our party by nominating candidates that stand up for what our Democratic Party represents; working Americans and personal freedoms. As a candidate for state committee, I pledge to scrutinize every candidate seeking the Democratic nomination to state offices. I ask for your voice and your vote on Tuesday, May 18th.

Thank you for your support,

Cassandra I. Coleman

State Committee

Our latest Republican hopeful also is a regular poster at NewsTalkPA which is part of the ever expanding GrassrootsPA internet empire.



Name Kathleen M. Dobash

Age 51

Residence Hazleton, PA



Reason for Running


I hope to encourage more citizens to vote and become involved with the political process.


I want to restore confidence in our local government leadership.

I want to address the issue of the local corruption. The citizens of this county cannot afford to pay for abuse of the system.

Property owners pay taxes in good faith. Wasteful spending and deception cannot continue.
I am an advocate for the elderly and for those who cannot represent themselves.

I was elected Inspector of Elections and Constable for Hazleton City Ward 1. I actively write letters printed in our newspapers to talk about local issues. Vote for me on May 18Th.

State Committee

The latest installment comes from an incumbent Republican state committee person.


Full list of candidates on the Luzerne County website.



I AM AGAIN RUNNING FOR REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE REPRESENTING LUZERNE COUNTY BECAUSE I WANT GOOD POLITICAL PARTY - POLICY, OPEN PRIMARY ELECTIONS AND ETHICAL AND QUALIFIED CANDIDATES THAT CULMINATE IN BETTER GOVERNMENT.

THE STATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE NOT PAID. THREE WOMEN AND THREE MEN WILL BE ELECTED FROM LUZERNE COUNTY FOR A FOUR YEAR TERM ON MAY 18. WE MEET FOUR TIMES PER YEAR IN HARRISBURG, ON A FRIDAY EVENING AND SATURDAY MORNING.

I HAVE NEVER MISSED VOTING DURING MY TERM OF SERVICE. I AM ACTIVE IN THE POLITICAL ARENA AND RAN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN WILKES-BARRE. I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE, LONG TIME HOMEOWNER, WIFE, MOTHER, AND GRANDMOTHER. I CONSIDER MY STATE COMMITTEE SEAT TO BE AN IMPORTANT CIVIC DUTY.

I AM AN INDEPENDENT THINKER AND OFTEN WRITE EDITORIALS IN THE LOCAL WILKES-BARRE NEWSPAPERS.
AS FAR AS MY DUTIES ARE CONCERNED IN SERVING AS A STATE COMMITTEE MEMBER I TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY HOWEVER; I DO NOT AGREE THAT A COUPLE OF HUNDRED COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHOULD ENDORSE CANDIDATES BEFORE THE PRIMARY ELECTION.
I DO NOT AGREE THAT ANY POLTICAL PARTY SHOULD TRY TO FORCE ENDORSED CANDIDATES ONTO THE VOTERS.I BELIEVE THAT THE PRIMARY ELECTION SHOULD BE OPEN WITH THE VOTERS CHOOSING THEIR CANDIDATES.

I BELEIVE THAT THE PARTY'S ROLE BEFORE A PRIMARY ELECTION SHOULD BE LIMITED TO PRESENTING CANDIDATES TO THE VOTERS AND THEN ALLOWING THE VOTERS TO MAKE THEIR CHOICE ON ELECTION DAY. I AM NUMBER THREE ON THE BALLOT ON MAY 18 AND I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.


My primary reason for desiring to be re-elected as a state committee member is that I desire to continue representing and serving the voters.
I do not support the notion that a paid Luzerne County GOP employee should serve as a state committee member; because it defeats the purpose of remaining an independent representative of the voters.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT ANYTIME AT LINDAAT254@AOL.COM
THANK YOU, LINDA J. URBAN

State Committee

Today we have the THIRD candidate for the PA Democratic State Committee giving her pitch. I have few more in the pipeline from both Dem and GOP hopefuls and will post one per day.


Full list of candidates on the Luzerne County website.



My name is Sabrina McLaughlin and I am running for Democratic State Committee. I am 28 years old, a resident of Conyngham Borough, and a graduate of Wilkes University and SUNY Binghamton. I am the daughter of a single mom and a military dad who spent most of his career with the USAF serving overseas. My grandparents also had a very influential role in my upbringing—they are hard-working blue collar labor Democrats who raised me to understand the value and the potential to serve others that is represented by the Party of F.D.R. and The New Deal, of J.F.K. and L.B.J.’s “Great Society”. I do not come from a family that is very well-connected when it comes to proximity to political power, but by their modest example my parents and grandparents taught me the importance of patriotism, political awareness and activism, and public service. In my professional life I have worked in the educational sector (as an adjunct professor at LCCC), and I have had opportunities to work for the Democratic Party professionally, most notably as a junior staffer on the Obama-Biden campaign in 2008.

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This is my understanding of the duties of a State Committeeperson—as a member of the State Committee, you are expected to represent the voters of your county at 3 State Party meeting per year. At these meetings votes may be cast on the endorsement of candidates, and decisions are made about the platform of the Party, and the goals, issues, and principles that are most important to Democrats. If members are unable to attend they are to send someone to vote for them by proxy. If I am elected to serve I pledge to attend every meeting—I would only send a proxy in my stead in the case of dire family emergency or severe personal illness, and for no other reason. The work of an effective State Committeeperson should not end with attending the necessary meetings, though—I see this as a year-round responsibility, and an effective State Committeeperson should be working as much and as often as possible in voter registration efforts, and in informing voters on issues, candidates, and the business of the Party. As a party official, I would actively seek comments and opinions from the Democratic voters of the county, and I would make sure that feedback from voters is conveyed to and acknowledged by the party leadership. I believe it is also important for members of the State Committee to hold each other and other party officials accountable, and we must do everything we can to hold the Democratic Party to a very high ethical standard and to make sure that we are truly representing and advocating for its best principles. Members of State Committee should also do as much as they can to help strong, worthy Democratic candidates with their campaigns for elected office. I feel very confident that I can promise to do these things—and that I will be able to keep that promise if elected—because I am already challenging myself to do them.

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Regarding my motives for seeking a more visible leadership role in the Democratic Party—one important reason I am running for State Committee is because I strongly believe that it is vital to have a variety of generational perspectives represented in political leadership. In discussions with local voters over several years of active political involvement, I have come to realize that there are sometimes deep divisions that exist between the generations—between more youthful voters, my generation of older 20somethings and 30/40somethings, middle-aged folks, and senior citizens. I sincerely want to work very hard to bridge these gaps and improve communication and cooperation between voters of all ages. We have more in common than we might think when it comes to important issues, and we are all stronger when we are working together for our mutual benefit. I believe it is also very important for strong, well-informed, and politically independent women to share in a more visible leadership role in our local and state Democratic Party. I will challenge myself to help provide that leadership, and will provide mentoring and encouragement to other women—especially younger women—to become more well-informed, and more politically aware and active.

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In this primary election, there are more of us running for Democratic State Committee than there are available positions—voters will have to choose a selection from among us, and every vote is critical. I am 3rd on the ballot in the list of candidates running for State Committee—I am respectfully asking for your vote, and I promise that in return I will hold myself accountable to you and will work hard to have earned your trusting me with this responsibility.

State Committee

This feature is working out better than I thought it would. We have had 2 Democrats so now it's time for our first Republican guest poster. Full list of candidates on the Luzerne County website.

Hello All,

With just a few weeks away I wanted to remind everyone that it is so important to exercise your right to vote and that all of you who are registered republicans in Luzerne County I hope that if you seek change here in the county, if you want to be proud to reside here, and if you want to trust in our elected officials again, I ask that you vote for me for Republican State Committee and together we'll put our county back on the right track again.

Through the election of true conservative candidates who value integrity, prudence, and responsibility in the execution of their duties as elected officials, we can create the change we need in the hope of making the future of this county much brighter for the next generation of citizens. Not only should our public officials hold these personal values, but they should seek to protect our interests as Pennsylvanians both in Harrisburg and Washington.

First and foremost, for too long elected officials, both Democrat and Republicans alike, have created an environment of apathy and discontent, which has led to such widespread corruption on so many levels that it is no surprise to open up the newspaper on a daily basis to see another elected official being investigated for some ethical and/or legal matter related to their conduct as public officials. We need to put a stop to the corruption and return the trust of the people and create an environment where citizens want to participate in our state and local government and ensure that the future of our county shines much brighter than those dark days we have become so accustomed to.

Secondly, we need conservative elected officials to believe that the way to rebuild our economy is through using fiscally responsible ideas and continue to push for new, innovative ways to create small business opportunities that are so vital to sustaining our local economy.

Lastly, we need conservative leaders who look to strengthen our communities because the citizens of Pennsylvania deserve to live in a Pennsylvania that creates hope and opportunity for its citizens, not despair and distrust. Our children and grandchildren deserve all the opportunities to succeed in the 21st century and without the right leadership, we cannot create an environment for success.

I hope that those of you who believe that there are better days ahead for us here in Pennsylvania and in Luzerne County, who believe that the corruption has gone on for too long and we need leaders who will bring responsibility and trust to the table every day, and who want to create an environment for our citizens where hope and hard work lead to success, I ask that you vote for me on May 18th, and together we can be the change we need and make our community, state, and country, great again.

Thank you and God Bless,

Frank J. Mazza
Candidate for republican State Committee

State Committee

Here is the 2nd installment of guest posts from candidates for the Republican and Democratic State Committees. The full list is on the Luzerne County website.



Hello,

My name is Thomas Shubilla, candidate for Democratic State Committee. I was born, raised, and currently reside in Plains Township, attended Bishop O'Reilly High School and graduated from King's College with a Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications.

The question I have been asked most often is, “Why are you running for Democratic State Committee?”.

The answer is simple, because I am committed to the Democratic Party and the party's principles. I am not committed to one individual candidate. Instead I am committed to electing Democrats in the general election, and endorsing the candidates that embody principles of the party in the Democratic Primary, such a commitment to keeping the Democratic Party the party of progress, labor, and working families.

I have made 4 campaign promises, these promises I will keep-

-Increase voter participation, registration and communication

-Make informed decisions on the adoption of party resolutions and goals

-Support the socio-economic concerns of labor

-Organize the Democratic Party to better meet the needs of the people

My involvement in politics began in 2006 when I interned for the Democratic Coordinated Campaign in Wilkes-Barre. My duties were, but not limited to, office management, volunteer recruitment, voter identification, and special events coordinator. In 2008 I volunteered for Obama for America, by canvasing neighborhoods, making phone calls and serving as Staging Location Director during both the primary and general election. I was a the treasurer and assisted in the organization of Luzerne Home Rule which passed in Luzerne County with 88% of the vote. In the general election in 2009 I assisted all Democratic Candidates in their election bids.

If elected I will continue my involvement and will work hard for the Democratic Party. I am located first on the ballot and I would appreciate your vote!

Thank you for your consideration,
Thomas M. Shubilla

State Committee

I keep running into people who are running for the Democratic and Republican state committees and have invited them to write up something for the readers of Gort42. There is a slew of candidates running in these under the radar races and you can see the full list on the Luzerne County website.

All candiates are invited to send along a guest post. Here is the first offering.


My name is Jane Waitkus and I am running for a position on the Democratic State Committee during the May 18 primary election. My husband and I live in Mountain Top.

My family came to Luzerne County about one hundred years ago from Eastern and Central Europe. My grandparents were not wealthy people, but they were willing to work hard to improve their lives. My grandfathers were coal miners, and my grandmothers worked long hours running family boarding houses and caring for their children. I have been blessed with educational opportunities not even imagined by my grandparents, and I am employed at Penn State Hazleton. This spring I am teaching an American Studies class on Anthracite coal mining.

If I am fortunate enough to win one of the positions on the Democratic State Committee, I will do my best to represent ordinary working-class Democrats. I will be accessible to all Democrats in Luzerne County and will hold meetings several times a year in order to listen to thoughts and concerns. For many years in Luzerne county-going back to the coal barons-the wealthy, the powerful, and the well-connected have been the only voice heard in Harrisburg. It is time for that to change.

The Democratic State Committee positions are unpaid. If elected, I will spend my own money to attend meetings several times a year in Harrisburg. There is no reimbursement for travel. One of the responsibilities of the position is to help identify candidates to run for statewide office-what a great opportunity to open up the party to Democrats from all walks of life.

In Luzerne County there is a long list of candidates running for a slot on the Democratic State Committee, and my name is next to the bottom of the list on the ballot. I humbly ask all registered democratic voters in Luzerne County to look for my name on the ballot and vote for me.

Thank you,

Jane Waitkus