Jerry Kairnes for Congress

 

 

 

My name is Jerry Kairnes; I'm 48 years old and I live in Cogan Station. I'm a father, and I earn a living as a building materials salesman. I'm running for Congress because I want our kids and grandkids to have the same shot at the American Dream that you and I had.

It's Time For All Americans To Put Country Over Party

I'm launching, for a second time, an Independent campaign in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional district, challenging both four-term incumbent Tom Marino and the district's two announced major party primary challengers.

I am motivated to run because of the complete absence of leadership demonstrated during the government shutdown by all three of the candidates running for Congress in our district. Not one asserted that we should not negotiate policy under the threat of government shutdown, or use policy as a concession to reopen the government. We must never allow functioning government to become just another bargaining chip at the negotiation table. Now is the time for all Americans to put country over party!

A Call To Action

Our common sense campaign is a call to action to those in the district who seek to fix our nation’s broken politics and restore the American dream for future generations. I seek to unite our neighbors around the principles of fiscal and environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and equality under the law. We need leadership who will put country over party, follow the facts, and pledge to work together to solve problems.

It’s as if our house is on fire and two fire companies have shown up, but instead of putting out the blaze, they are content to argue with each other until our house is in ashes. We only get one Republic; if we burn it down, there is no empty Republic across the street to move into.

It's not a political choice to grab the hoses and start to put out the fire, it is a necessity.

The government shutdown turned me into a firefighter. Join me; our Republic needs you!

Our District Needs Centrist Leadership

I announced our first bid for Congress in 2016 when no candidate filed papers to challenge Tom Marino, but withdrew when a Democrat achieved ballot access via a write-in campaign, effectively removing the path to victory for our independent challenge. That Democratic candidate got 89,923 votes to Tom Marino's 211,282. A Centrist Independent most certainly has no worse a chance of winning than any Democrat.

A Problem Solver Platform

Our problem-solver platform is unchanged from 2016: if elected, I won’t be going it alone. I’ll work tirelessly towards the goals of a balanced federal budget, to secure the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds, for American energy independence, and job creation. Send me to Washington! I’m ready to join dozens of other members of Congress who’ve pledged to put labels aside to advance solutions to our nation's biggest challenges.”

Here are the specifics:

• A balanced federal budget by the year 2030
• Secure Social Security and Medicare for another 75 years.
• 25 Million new jobs over the next ten years.
• American energy independence by the year 2024

You’ll Never Question Whether My Vote Is For Sale

Our campaign will only accept campaign contributions from individuals - real people - and never from Political Action Committees, special interests, lobbyists or unions. Additionally, Big Dollars from far away place should not fund campaigns in our district that is why I will cap campaign contributions at $250 from anyone who does not have a vote in the 10th District election.

Transparent Representation with No Strings Attached

I pledge to be an automatic “No” vote on any bill that has not been made available for three days of public review. Other folks have made that promise and broken it; I mean it! To prove it, we can start calling it the “Kairnes Rule” beginning today!

If elected, I will only accept a salary equivalent to the median wage of families in the 10th District - $52,199 - and return the balance of the Representative's salary of $174,000 back to the U.S. Treasury. If elected, I’ll make what you make, and I won’t get a raise unless you do.

A People's Campaign For The People's Seat

To earn access to the ballot our campaign must turn in 4,226 valid signatures from Pennsylvania 10th district voters by August 1st in order to get on the November ballot as an Independent candidate.

We can't earn a place on the ballot without your help and we won't win without you. We're just getting started! Send us as email at  team@jerrykairnes.com to learn what you can do!

A Campaign of Necessity

I believe we all share a responsibility to participate in our own governance in whatever way we are best able. I'm a building materials salesman; I was not expecting to launch another campaign for the people's seat but necessity demands it. I'm simply unwilling to expect of others what I am not willing to do myself.

The objective is simple: make sure our kids and grandkids still have a shot at the American dream. We can’t just sit back and do nothing while the politicians tell us that our problems are just too big, that we are too divided a nation to work together to find solutions, and that future generations of Americans will just have to figure it out for themselves

Judy Herschel for Congress

Judy Herschell had a rally  tonight that attracted an overflow crowd and did not mince her words.

 She said that healthcare is a basic human right and blasted the profit driven health care system and endorsed Medicare for All.She said she would not sell out to Pharmaceutical companies. Unions are essential and teaching is a noble profession.

She also addressed the mechanics  of the race. She needs a bunch of money and many volunteers. It will be hard to beat Tom Marino.

Marino the Drug Czar

Lou Barletta and Tom Marino

This report in the WaPo is shocking but not surprising. PA 10th CD Congressman Tom Marino (R) took $150,000+ from pharmaceutical companies then wrote a law to get the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) off their backs.

For years, some drug distributors were fined for repeatedly ignoring warnings from the DEA to shut down suspicious sales of hundreds of millions of pills, while they racked up billions of dollars in sales.
The new law makes it virtually impossible for the DEA to freeze suspicious narcotic shipments from the companies

 This tells you every thing you need to know about Marino. He called the cops when reporters wanted to interview him. Marino declined repeated requests for comment. Marino’s staff called the U.S. Capitol Police when The Post and “60 Minutes” tried to interview the congressman at his office on Sept. 12. 

This is nothing new. He has helped drug dealers in the past.

 
 By Michael R. Sisak / Staff Writer

A prominent central Pennsylvania car dealer once described as a “friend” by former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino has racked up an extensive rap sheet since leaning on Marino to have a cocaine dealing conviction cleared from his record more than a decade ago, court documents obtained by The Citizens’ Voice show.

Jay W. Kilheeney, an admitted drug addict and alcoholic, has been busted three times since Marino clumsily and unsuccessfully interceded in the drug case, in June 1998, and has been accused in protection from abuse petitions of leading a violent, vagabond home life.


His lies about his relationship with Louis DeNaples and permission letter from the DOJ.

Marino changes story

 Tom Marino, Republican candidate for Congress, has changed his story six months after he told a Wilkes-Barre talk radio reporter that he had gotten permission from his superiors in the U.S. Department of Justice before lending his name as a reference for a convicted felon who was seeking a casino license...He also denied that he had ever claimed that he received, or could provide, written authorization from the Justice Department allowing him to give a personal reference to former casino operator Louis DeNaples.

 Even the Bush Administration thought he was incompetent 

 

Marino almost got fired before he quit

 Marino's effectiveness questioned

A senior Justice Department official recommended firing Marino in September 2006, saying he "perceived that Marino was not leading his office," according to the report, which has taken on fresh relevance as the Republican challenges Democratic incumbent Chris Carney in the 10th Congressional District.

D. Kyle Sampson, the chief of staff to then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, subsequently placed Marino's name on a list of U.S. Attorneys he said the department, "should consider pushing out," based on "problems" he learned about in summer 2006, according to the report.
You can read the report at this link.

The only thing that saved his tail was the Justice Department didn't want to piss off Senator Arlen Specter. 

And he is such a charmer with the voters

 

 

Is Tom Marino running for reelection?

In his latest FEC filing Republican Rep.Tom Marino  (PA-10) reports that his campaign raised only $3500 in the 2nd quarter of 2017 and has $113K cash on hand. Even a candidate in a safe seat usually raises a lot of money and hands it off to competitive campaigns. His campaign site has not been updated since January and the Facebook page has been dormant.

2016 Democratic candidate Scott Brion is running again but has not raised much money.

Another Democratic candidate announced on July 5th.

Counselor announces candidacy for seat in 10th 

   “This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Judith Herschel, shortly before she was due toride in a Fourth of July parade in Montrose. This is her first foray into elective politics. She is a certified drug and alcohol counselor.......Under the proposed new health care bill, she said, “those recovering from substance use disorders will lose access to the necessary support that is required to recover from this devastating disease, and that affects all of us. It is imperative that we expand programs and access for individuals who suffer from mental and behavioral health issues, particularly our veterans. The new proposed bill affects most everyone and hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Children will go without food, and our elderly and disabled neighbors will go without medications, fuel assistance and medical care.”

 Her Facebook page: Judy Herschel for US Congress 

 Website: Judy Herschel for US Congress 

 

H/T to Jerry Kairnes

Lou Barletta for Vice President

Lou Barletta for VP. It's a perfect fit with Trump's immigration stance. Besides, who else would want the job. Maybe Tom Marino or Newt Gingrich.

This Wapo story only adds to the fuel. 

 5. Reps. Tom Marino and Lou Barletta: Okay, we cheated by putting two people in the fifth spot. But it's tough to mention one Pennsylvania Republican without the other. Trump insiders say both men's endorsements were crucial in helping Trump win Pennsylvania in April. That night, you'll recall, was Trump's five-state sweep in the Northeastern primary and seemingly the beginning of the end of the Republican nominating contests. Barletta is an immigration hard-liner who likes Trump's idea to build a wall, and Marino, who represents a conservative, more rural section of northeastern Pennsylvania, told Politico that endorsing Trump was "one of my life-changing moment.

If Barletta is not the VP choice maybe he could be Ambassador to Mexico.

To get along, go along

"I'm not going to fight him out in the press about this. He hasn't been a board member very long. He needs to come to some meetings to learn what the process and procedures are. He's just been very disruptive. He's doing what he wants to do when he wants to do it."- Luzerne County Convention Center Authority Board Chair Donna Cupinski


I had a bad feeling when I heard that local hooligan Alex Milanes had been appointed to the Arena Board. Alex doesn't always play well in the sand box and is working on a follow up to the Dale Carnegie  classic with the working title of How to Lose Friends & Piss Off People. He is the kind of guy that makes you feel good about being constipated. His entertainment experience consists of working as bouncer at one of those safe downtown W-B bars. Hell, I've been thrown out of places like that by people like him so maybe they should put me on the board.  Maybe he can use his connections to bring in some unique acts  such as a one legged tap dancer or a ventriloquist that stutters.

At his first board meeting last week Alex endeared himself to the other members by objecting to the free lunch that was served. I think he was just disappointed that corn dogs were not on the menu.  Cupinski said it was no big deal as she said the sandwiches only cost a buck.

That led to an exchange of emails that a 3rd party was good enough to forward to me.

Alex asked for all receipts  for catering and the authority to pay for it. Donna shot back that it would take 3 days to put that together and told him he can't go into the place unless he has an appointment, tickets or a meeting. She then accused him of  wanting special treatment for tickets to the Luke Bryan show. He explained that he actually wanted to exchange his floor seats for less expensive side seats so his son could see the stage.

Cupinski also told him not to bring in cookies for the staff. I'm not sure about that one but she might be concerned that Milanes got his cookie recipe from Casey Evans and gay dope might be baked into them.

 She is just as charmed by him as I as am

Alex-

That is enough!  I have checked my facts and know what is true. You have  been nothing but disruptive since you have been appointed to the board and  I will not stand for it. We are doing GREAT things at the arena and I will  not have you paint the staff, the board or me as doing otherwise. I also  will not fight this out in the press or before county council.

Donna

Maybe he should get a suit that fits.

Looking to 2014

As my long time readers know the primary focus of this blog has always been elections. Next year we choose a Governor of the Commonwealth, members of the US House and state House and half the state Senate. In the next few days I will post about these and some races around the country.

PA Gov Tom Cabot Corbett has an uphill climb according to the polls but things can change in the next year and no sitting Guv has lost reelection since they have been allowed to run for a 2nd term. So far there are 8 Dems smelling blood in the water.

The Lt. Governors race is most interesting as I have met most of the Democratic contenders. My early favorite is Brad Koplinski because he sent me a bribe.

Of the 3 local Congressman I keep an eye on only Matt Cartwright has a declared opponent so far. 2 of them in fact. A few people are teasing that they will run against Lou Barletta including Bill Vinsko, Gene Stilp and Chris Carney but I doubt any of them will run. Libetarian Betsy Summers may get into it.

A few weeks ago an old friend called to feel me out about running against Tom Marino in the Republican primary. His rational was Marino is one of the most ethically challenged people to ever hold office.  I had to throw cold water on the idea because his family wasn't behind it and he would need to declare right now and raise at least $100K before the end of the year.


On the state scene Sen. John Yudichak has no declared opponent so far. Neither do Mike Carroll, Phyllis Mundy, Eddie Day Pashinski, Tarah Toohil or Gerry Mullery. I heard a rumor that Mullery may get a primary opponent.

Karen Boback however is being challenged by Laura Dickson. I haven't been this excited about a state rep race since James May took her on.

Another Chris Carney tease

PoliticsPA is reporting that the DCCC had  a poll of former 10th CD Congressman Chris Carney vs. 11th CD Congressman Lou Barletta recently without any numbers. We went through this last time. Don't get your hopes up Carney fans as he  is not running for Congress or Lt. Governor which is laughable.. He spent 2 terms in Congress and cashed in becoming as a lobbyist  with a defense contractor in Virginia. Every time one of these stories pops up he can't be reached by reporters or bloggers which tells you something.

in government affairs for BAE systems

in government affairs for BAE systems

Tom Marino needs to read the Constitution

via Think Progress:  Congressman Tom Marino wants to impeach Harry Reid because he is mad about the budget or something.

MARINO: I’ve made a suggestion that we should at least start talking about impeachment. I had my office staff do it. But we cannot find anything that permits the House to bring impeachment proceedings against Harry Reid. There’s nothing in the legislation we can find at this point to force him to vote or come up with a budget or anything like that. His membership in the Senate can call for a vote of “no confidence,” but we can’t even get a Republican senator to do that.

The reason his staff can't find anything is because it doesn't exist. The House can't remove a member of the Senate.  Article I Section 5 of the Constitution says each house makes it own rules:

Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member.

Also there is nothing in the Constitution about a "no confidence vote." That can happen in the British Parliament but not the US Congress.

A few months ago 11th CD Congressman Lou Barletta stated that the President could veto a Constitutional amendment. Article V of the US Constitution says that an amendment must be passed by two thirds of the House and Senate then ratified by three fourths of the State Legislatures.

The President can not veto a Constitutional Amendment!

Barletta also wants to deny birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th amendment.

Keystone Politics:
H.R.140, the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2013,” seeks to bar children of non-citizens born in the United States from gaining citizenship rights.

If this was applied retroactively I would not be an an American citizen as my grandparents were not American citizens when they came to the the USA . My Mother and Father would not be American citizens even they were born in this country to foreign born parents.

The day after

I was up late so I feel like the guy pictured above.

The President was reelected and I have been reading some apocalyptic things on right wing blogs and Facebook. Relax people. We lived through 8 years of Bush and you will survive 8 years of Obama. The late Bob Novak once said something that has stuck with me. The President doesn't run the country, the people do. The economy will improve no matter who is President, it's called the business cycle. The Republicans should have won this election but they nominated a candidate that didn't believe in anything except he wanted to be President. Romney switched so many positions in so many elections you couldn't trust him. That and the steady stream of lies from his campaign. See Mitt's Mendacity Vol I thru XLI.

Pennsylvania made history by electing the first Democrat and woman as Attorney General.I hope she digs into Tom Corbett's handling of the Sandusky investigation.

Senator Bob Casey beat back the coal guy 54%-47%.  he spent a big chunk of his own  money on  a losing cause. Coal and Oil are not our future.


No surprises in the local races for Congress. Tom Marino won 2-1 and Matt Cartwright gathered 60% of the vote as predicted. Gene Stilp ran a fun campaign but you still need money to win. Lou Barletta will continue to defend us against the Barbarians at the Gate

The incumbent state house member were returned for another term.

The photos of Tarah Toohil probably helped her as we all have done things we are not proud of.  It was dirty pool by someone who wanted to hurt her but the Democratic candidate or party had nothing to do with it.She won 67% of the vote.

Rick Arnold got a late start and it wasn't enough to beat Jerry Mullery. Mullery improved his performance from 2010 winning 61%-39%.

The 120th HD race was near and dear to my heart. Phyllis Mundy has been a friend for some time and is my xxx favorite legislator. Aaron Kaufer became a pal and ran a great campaign that gave Phyllis the run of her political career. In the end Kaufer got more votes than any other challenger over the last 20 years but came up short. He will be back. Phyllis won 56-44 improving on the 53% she got last time.

Now the speculation begins about the 2016 Presidential candidates. I predict that Hillary won't be one of them because President Obama will appoint her to the Supreme Court.

On to the 2013 local elections. Walter Griffith is running for reelection as Luzerne County Controller and Bob Morgan may take him on again. Steve Urban is also making noise about a Controller run. Some seats on the Luzerne County Council will also be up.

Marino ducks debate

Congressman Marino's Campaign Manager Admits Debate Pull-Out Politically Motivated

He Said Scheduling a Debate "Would Be Good For You [Scollo's Campaign]."

Dingman, PA - The Scollo for Congress campaign was informed yesterday
by WVIA that Congressman Tom Marino will not honor his commitment to participate in the WVIA-TV debate. Marino's camp reportedly said they could not reschedule due to unspecified 'scheduling conflicts.'

In a phone call today with the Scollo campaign, Marino's campaign

manager, Ryan Barton, said scheduling a debate "would be good for you
[Scollo's Campaign]" but refused to make any effort to find time for a one
hour debate. The phone call happened at 10:30am today, Thursday, November 1, between Barton and Will Sharry, Scollo's campaign manager.

"This election is too important to let scheduling difficulties get in
the way of a full debate on the issues facing Pennsylvania families
and seniors," said Scollo. "Marino should step-up to the plate and

debate and stop playing political games. He calls himself a tough
guy in his television ads. I'm not seeing that in this decision."

10th CD debate cancelled

10th Congressional District Debate

Congressman Tom Marino and Phil Scollo

"Due to weather concerns, WVIA has cancelled the 10th congressional district debate that was to be held Tuesday, October 30. Efforts by WVIA to re-schedule the debate await Congressman Tom Marino's availability as he attends to constituent service through the storm."

Mundy/Cartwright rally rescheduled

 Due to the weather we are rescheduling the Mundy /Cartwright rally to Friday Nov 2, 5-7pm West Wyoming Hose Company #1 Shoemaker Ave. Now you can join us for a tailgate party before all the high school football games! Boyer's Catering will be putting on a delicious spread, beer and soda, the event is free. Bring a friend!


Kaufer event a go

 I will be hosting an event at Marianacci's Restaurant tonight in West Wyoming from 6-8 tonight. The event is FREE. Anybody looking for a chance to get out of their house or enjoy some good pizza and good company, please feel free to swing by Marianacci's, especially if you have lost your power and are looking for a bite to eat. Be safe everyone and hope to see you there!

 

 

YouTube Weekend

I was on WILK yesterday with the Lovely and Talented Mrs. Sue Henry. (back off Joe) We discussed Blogfest, the Toohil video, Aaron Kaufer and writing in David Yonki for State Rep.

The Tom Marino  almost Macaca moment with a tracker also came up and much to my surprise Steve Corbett sent me an email inviting me to call into his show to discuss it. Unfortunately I had another commitment and wasn't able to chat with him. Is Corbett mellowing out on bloggers? 

Sue is also the GM of Kings College radio station WRKC 88.5FM and has a show every Saturday 3-6PM. She asked me if I had a request for this week's show.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron

 

 

WVIA debates set

2012 Congressional Debates to be Broadcast Live on WVIA 


PITTSTON, PA  - The 2012 WVIA Citizens' Voice Times-Tribune Congressional Debates will broadcast live from the Sordoni High-Definition Theater at the WVIA Studios on Tuesday, Oct. 30, Wednesday, Oct. 31, and Thursday, Nov. 1 starting at 7 p.m. each night on WVIA TV. The Debates will also be simulcast live on WVIA FM.

The live debate for the 10th Congressional District between Congressman Tom Marino (R) and Phil Scollo (D) will air on Tuesday, Oct. 30, while the 17th Congressional District live debate between Matt Cartwright (D) and Laureen Cummings (R) will be broadcast Wednesday, Oct. 31. Then on Thursday, Nov. 1 Congressman Lou Barletta (R) and Gene Stilp (D) will debate live for the 11th Congressional District.

The moderator for all 3 debates will be WVIA President Bill Kelly.

Video: Tom Marino town hall

This is a video of Congressman Tom  Marino (PA-10) at his recent McDonald's town-hall in Honesdale talking to a voter about the Grover Norquist no-tax pledge and Keystone XL pipeline. He can't handle the voter's questions so he turns to the person filming and starts questioning him asking for ID and then abruptly walks away. Marino says that his no-tax pledge does not lock him in. Apparently he is withdrawing his pledge.





Reminds me of Paul Kanjorski saying  " I’m not going to set myself up for, you know, nuts to hit me with a camera."

There was a story in the Wayne Independent that quotes Marino saying he would be open to a tax increase  but it's not available for some reason.

I want to remind you of what that left wing rag RedState said about Marino in 2010:

Marino, a former US Attorney, has his own shady dealings which will make for good campaign fodder in the general.
During Marino’s tenure as US Attorney, local businessman Louis DeNaples was under investigation by the US Attorney’s Office for his ties to William D’Elia, head of the Bufalino crime family. It seems DeNaples lied about his relationship with D’Elia to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board when applying for a licence for the Mount Airy Casino. Listed as a personal reference on that same application was none other than US Attorney Tom Marino, the very man running the office investigating DeNaples’ organized crime ties.
The Department of Justice got wind of the conflict of interest and ordered Marino off the investigation, and shortly after the media broke the story he resigned his post… and went to work for Louis DeNaples. (The charges were eventually dropped when DeNaples agreed to place the casino project in the name of a family member.)
The reality is just as bad as–if not worse than–the optics of this scandal. Do we really want someone like Marino representing the GOP in what will be a battleground district this fall....

This is not the first time Marino has been testy when being filmed. Love the Foster Grants.

Tom Marino yelled at this guy

Not only was I offended by Tom Marino's questioning if I had a job or if I was on welfare, I am offended by his campaign manager's response and the lies that were told about the event. Tom Marino's words regarding veterans has been offensive. His words regarding Carney hiding behind his wife's illness is offensive as someone who's mother dealt with cancer.

Tom Marino on the air

Congressman Tom Marino has his first spot of the 2012 election up. It says he's tough guy that took on scam artist and drug dealers.





Challenger Phil Scollo responds:

Marino So Concerned That His new TV Ad Attempts to Re-Write His Own History

Dingman, PA – Marino’s new TV ad says he prosecuted scam artists who prey on seniors but the truth is he helped get a lighter sentence for a convicted felon, Sean Healy, who defrauded Pennsylvania seniors and families in a Bernie Madoff/Ponzi scheme.

“Pennsylvania seniors and families depend on their hard earned retirement savings and on Medicare, but seniors can’t depend on Tom Marino,” said Phil Scollo. “Everyone knows Mr. Marino has the money and the Washington connections to run TV ads that distort his record but hardworking people deserve the truth from Tom Marino and they deserve to hear it straight from his mouth. He voted twice to end the Medicare guarantee and he should have the courage to stand up in a debate on Medicare and explain why. He is refusing debates and trying to re-write history on TV. It’s disgusting.”

Sean Healy was indicted on 51 counts of fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice involving investors of $20 million. Healy was accused of defrauding more than 50 investors throughout the country, including about 40 investors from the Chambersburg and Harrisburg areas. (Patriot-News, 10/17/09)

As Healy’s attorney, Marino pulled strings and negotiated–with his old U.S. Attorney’s office on the other side of the table–a lighter sentence. Marino signed the plea agreement as the counsel for the defendant. (U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, USA v. Healy, 1:09cr00319, 10/09/09)

According to the indictment, Healy promised investors he would use their money to purchase stocks and commodities on their behalf. The indictment accused Healy of spending the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, which included the purchase of a $2.4 million waterfront mansion furnished with more than $2 million of home improvements, $1.5 million in men’s and women’s jewelry and numerous exotic vehicles worth more than $2.3 million. (Patriot-News, 10/17/09)



Why stop there. Citizens Voice reporter Michael Sisak did some digging in 2010 and came up with another questionable relationship that Tom Marino has with a convicted criminal. He interceded on behalf of a  guy served time in prison on weapon's charges and has a history of bizzare behavior plus  Marino tried to get his record cleared of a cocaine dealing charge.

The friends of Tom Marino 

  A prominent central Pennsylvania car dealer once described as a “friend” by former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino has racked up an extensive rap sheet since leaning on Marino to have a cocaine dealing conviction cleared from his record more than a decade ago, court documents obtained by The Citizens’ Voice show.

Jay W. Kilheeney, an admitted drug addict and alcoholic, has been busted three times since Marino clumsily and unsuccessfully interceded in the drug case, in June 1998, and has been accused in protection from abuse petitions of leading a violent, vagabond home life.

Kilheeney, 46, of Williamsport, spent 33 months in federal prison on a 2002 illegal weapons possession charge, paid hundreds of dollars in fines to settle disorderly conduct and harassment charges in 2002 and 2009 and, following the weapons conviction, was barred by a state board from selling cars for five years.

At home, Kilheeney abused drugs, his family and the law — smoking marijuana daily, providing alcohol to his minor son, choking his girlfriend and running into the street naked — according to protection from abuse petitions filed in June and October 2008.


Marino, whose relationship with Kilheeney triggered concerns among colleagues as he transitioned into the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2002, has remained silent about the status of his relationship with Kilheeney and Kilheeney’s continued criminal behavior.

A spokesman for Marino, the Republican challenger in the 10th Congressional District, said he could not comment on “anything related” to Marino’s time as a prosecutor and would not confirm whether he and Kilheeney were still friends.

Marino’s involvement in the Kilheeney case, while the district attorney of Lycoming County, appeared to bookend his controversial role, while U.S. Attorney, as a personal reference on DeNaples’ December 2005 application for a license to operate the Mount Airy Casino in Monroe County.


Carney campaign spokesman Josh Drobnyk said Friday that Marino’s involvement with DeNaples and Kilheeney were “absolutely” relevant to the campaign and to gauging the “integrity and honesty” of Marino’s tenure as a district attorney and U.S. Attorney.

“(Marino) touts being tough on criminals when the truth is he was seeking to help clear the criminal record of a close friend who was a drug trafficker and has since been charged with multiple crimes,” Drobnyk said. “Tom Marino has refused to address basic questions about his record and continues to insult all of us by refusing to tell the truth.”

Marino’s drive to clear Kilheeney’s February 1992 conviction for delivering two grams of cocaine led him into the nebulous, unethical world of judge shopping, according to court records.

According to court records, Marino hand delivered an expungement motion to a judge relatively unfamiliar with criminal procedure, Dudley N. Anderson, a month after the judge who presided over the case, Kenneth D. Brown, refused.

Anderson approved the expungement in July 1998, but reversed himself when he learned of Brown’s previous decision to deny the request.

Anderson ordered all copies of his expungement order returned, but Kilheeney kept a copy and included it with personal letters of reference from Marino and a Lycoming County detective to obtain authorization from the Ford Motor Co. to open a dealership in Lock Haven, according to a report in the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

Had the expungement stood, Kilheeney would never have faced the felony weapons charge — possession of a firearm by a convicted felon — that landed him in federal prison for 33 months.

Shortly before he reported to prison, in November 2002, Kilheeney pleaded guilty to summary harassment and disorderly conduct charges for forcing his way into the office of a business associate, grabbing him and threatening to kill him.

In August, Kilheeney pleaded guilty to a summary disorderly conduct charge more than a year after a traffic stop in which police said he dropped his pants to his ankles, exposing his genitals and buttocks.

“You can strip search me right here,” Kilheeney said, according to police.

Phil Scollo on the air

10th CD Democratic candidate Phil Scollo comes  out swinging in in his first TV ad in his race against Tom Marino. Usually a challenger's first spot is a warm fuzzy bio piece but Scollo doesn't have the time or the money for that. He hits Marino hard over his 2 votes to end Medicare and cut funding for the Tobyhanna Army Depot, the area's largest employer. In the last sentence he says "I'll protect Medicare from Tom Marino."




PoliticsPA has reaction from Marino Campaign Manager Ryan Barton who confirms that Marino wants to preserve Medicare for current or near retirees. What about the rest of us?

Then says “Instead, Mr. Scollo should be explaining to the hardworking taxpayers of Pennsylvania why he has not paid his taxes.”

Well, he did and explained it in several newspaper stories over the last few days

He got sick and his wife got sick and that almost ruined them financially. How many times have you heard of something like this? Scollo has worked out a payment plan with the IRS so he is not dodging his taxes. The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is a start to ending this kind of nonsense when everything people have worked to build gets wiped out because of an illness.

Borys has the story.

PL: Tom Marino has also had some health problems but he had taxpayer funded healthcare that got him through it.

I wish both gentlemen and the lady a full recovery.

Karen Scollo explains what they had to deal with.

Less than 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was scared--both Phil and I were.

As if that weren't enough, our health insurance company decided to deny me coverage. Suddenly, we had no option but to pay for my cancer treatments out of our pockets. If you've been through these treatments, you know how expensive they are. We were at a loss for words.

I remember being angry at the cancer, at the insurance company. We had coverage. We paid the premiums, but they wouldn't cover the chemo. What can you do at a moment like that? What can you say?

At that moment we could have faced bankruptcy -- in addition to the cancer.

Then Phil took on the insurance company, showing them that in fact they had to cover my treatments. It was an intense battle, but he won. He got them to cover the chemotherapy. We pulled together and we survived.

Like many Pennsylvania families, our family has seen its share of ups and downs, especially in the last decade during the financial crisis and economic downturn. 

But my cancer and our fight with the insurance company aren't unique stories. It's an all-too-common American story.

Too many families like ours have faced this type of two-handed battle: trying to survive and trying to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Every family who faces this experiences true tragedy. And many are not as lucky as we were.

Throughout our battle with cancer (and Phil's later prostate diagnosis) we've had to face familiar modern financial struggles as well. Medical bills. Loss of work. But families know how to survive

Blogfest post game report

A big thank you to Gene Rooney and staff for the outstanding service as usual.

We walked by the pink bus with long lost blogger Zen to find Pope George Ringo and Forrest Gump had set up a forward observation post at the bar, their natural habitat. Harold and Michelle set up the NEPA Bloggers display. They do a great job promoting the event.

17th PA CD candidate Matt Cartwright came early to work the crowd and was there when Gene Stilp assembled his big Medicare wheelchair. I asked Matt if he had one, he replied "The dog ate it." He left before his opponent Laureen Cummings showed up. Her campaign Manager James O'Meara came early and stayed late.

Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith had a nice chat with his 2009 opponent Bob Morgan. Bob said he is not looking for a rematch in 2013 despite what Luzerne County Dem Chair Bob Boyer tells me.

A couple of candidates from outside Luzerne County came  because " I know that bloggers are now part of the political conversation and you guys are read by people in in my district."

10th CD candidate Phil Scollo with his campaign manager Will Sherry made it and  are running hard against Tom Marino. Who knows what will happen, that is why we have elections.. In 2006 no one gave Chris Carney a chance then Sherwood was exposed as  the Tunkhanock Strangler. 111th HD candidate Jeff Dalander has an uphill race against long time incumbent Sandra Major in Wyoming County. Good to see him.

My 2nd favorite back cracker turned radio loudmouth Dave Madeira charmed the crowd as did fellow blogger Betty of Pure Bunkem. Blogger Big Dan was there along with health blogger Karin.

The 120th HD candidates Phyllis Mundy and Aaron Kaufer worked worked their magic.  Lou Barletta was stuck in Washington but sent the lovely and talented Renita Fennick to represent him. Tom Marino was somewhere and sent no one.

State Rep Mike Carroll didn't like my baseball bat comments but he is a leader for reform of PA government. Take redistricting away from the politicians and campaign finance reform.

The Young Democrats and Young Republicans were out in force. Tom Shibula and Bob Zaruta are our future leaders that brought along a posse including Alex Milanes, Mike Szu and others.

116th HD candidate Ransom Young told me he wants to run a clean campaign. He was there with his wife and PR person Jana.Tarah Toohil was a no show and didn't send a surrogate. 

GOP Party stalwart Lynette Villano brought a few people.

I'm sure I have missed mentioning some people because there was so many.

 Professor Milburn Cleaver lurking in the shadow smoking a pipe. 

Bible Buck, Karla Porter, Bill Goldsworthy, Justin Vaculla, Angie Fanelli, Jane Waitikus, Bill Urbanski, Terri Stella and many more.

Let me know if  I left you out.

I'm not hotlinking this post because it would days to do it. Blogger is telling me that there are too many labels.


The bloggers report.

Fall 2012 Blogfest another huge success

 The Lu Lac Political Letter 

 Pittston Dispatch

 

NEPA Blogfest packs Rooney's in Pittston

 

Prez O likes football

"The most important thing I have to say is football starts today." --President Barack Obama (via pool report)

(PHOTO CREDIT: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

  House GOP introduces bill to repeal football

 Michelle Bachman calls for investigation of unAmerican activities of NFL players

 NFL owners admit that they didn't build the stadiums, the taxpayers paid for them

 Mitt Romney says he has friends that own NFL teams and will give them a tax cut

 Paul Ryan claims he scored 6 touchdowns in a football game in under 3 hours

 Iowa Rep. Steve King proposes electrified fence and alligator filled moat around fields to keep out foreign born players from kicking FG's and extra points

 Rep. King says Michael Vick is his favorite player 

GOP Rep. Steve King Defends Dog Fighting

 

 Lou Barletta asks "What are the Yankee's doing?"

  Tom Marino placed a bet with Louis DeNaples

 Laureen Cummings prayed about something.

Scollo proposes jobs plan

PHIL SCOLLO PROPOSES ALTERNATIVE PLAN TO SAVE TOBYHANNA AND CREATE JOBS

Scollo is the only candidate to release a plan to create jobs

 

Dingman, PA – Following the uproar caused by Rep. Tom Marino’s vote to eviscerate funding for the Tobyhanna Army Depot, Phil Scollo proposed an alternative plan to save Tobyhanna and create jobs in the tenth district of Pennsylvania.

“I’ve heard enough talk about how we are going to create jobs. Democrats and Republicans in Congress continue to let us down. Obviously you know where someone stands on jobs when he or she votes to cut six hundred quality jobs from their local Army Depot.

“That is why I am proposing the following 5-piece plan to create good American manufacturing jobs like the ones at the Depot in Pennsylvania and across our country, to help us grow all sectors of the economy going forward.”

Phil Scollo outlined his plan in an op-ed published today by The Daily Item (PDF attached - full text below). 

Full text attached - Excerpt below:

“First, we’ve got to save Tobyhanna and focus on rebuilding America’s manufacturing base.

We need both U.S. Senators Casey and Toomey to push hard to restore Tobyhanna’s funding to the bill in conference committee—Senator Casey has stepped up already, but Senator Toomey now needs to join him publicly.

We should create a Made in America tax break to help keep manufacturing jobs here and crack down on companies shipping jobs overseas to countries like China.

Second, we should simplify the tax code and reduce the regulatory burdens on businesses. The Small Business Administration says regulations are a $1.75 trillion annual drag on the economy. We can no longer afford to hamstring our job creators in this way any more.

Let’s also encourage innovation itself by extending the federal research and development tax credit and making sure our public schools, research universities and community colleges are able to educate and train a true 21^st Century workforce, especially in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Third, a modern transportation and energy infrastructure is a requirement for both businesses and communities to grow.

People from both parties agree that roads, bridges and rail systems make large-scale economic growth possible and need to be updated, which will create good jobs in the short term and stronger growth in the long term.

Similarly, clean energy alternatives like renewable energy and natural gas along with a smart power grid will be critical to the next century of job creation, economic growth, conservation and environmental sustainability.

And when we make infrastructure investments, the federal government must “Buy American.”

Finally, we need to continue opening markets abroad where our manufacturers, businesses and innovators can sell their world-leading goods and services—but only on a level playing field, because American workers and businesses alike will outcompete anyone in a fair fight.

That’s why we need to make sure nations like China are not unfairly manipulating their currency or using unlawful sweatshop labor to illegally or unjustly undercut American competitors.”