120th District results

Cordora , John GOP 2,319 47.40 %

Chacke , Joe GOP 1,484 30.34 %

Stebbins , Paul GOP 1,089 22.26 %

TL: “Phyllis Mundy will face the strongest challenge of her career,” Cordora said Tuesday night.
Mundy was unopposed for her party’s nomination.
Cordora entered the fray in July, buoyed by widespread public outrage about legislative pay raises. Mundy was among the lawmakers who voted to increase their own salaries between 16 and 34 percent. The raises were later repealed.
But, Cordora says their differences go much deeper.
“I’m pro-life, and anti-gay marriage. I’m a real Ronald Reagan Republican,” he said. “Phyllis Mundy is a self-serving liberal who has become out of touch with the mainstream of her constituents.”
Cordora said he’s confident the other Republican candidates will back him.

Phyllis responds: Known for her battles with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Mundy plans to fight to keep the seat.“I have always found that a campaign is a good time to reflect on what I have accomplished and what I want to accomplish in the next term. A campaign every other year also keeps me close to the people I represent,” Mundy said. “My little army of volunteers and I are looking forward to a vigorous campaign. I have worked very hard and accomplished a great deal both here at home and in Harrisburg. The campaign will give us an opportunity to highlight those achievements. We know how to win. We have done this many times before. ““And I am looking forward to an in-depth discussion of the issues and challenges facing my constituents, the district and the region,” Mundy said.

This Cordora guy is something. Abortion, gay marriage, the ghost of St. Ronnie and yell liberal at your opponent. It sounds like he listens to too much talk radio. As far as having the backing of his opponents, he should read Joe Chacke's website.

Kathy Scott for Congress

I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people of District 10 who voted for me, believed in me, and supported the need for changes in Washington. My gratitude also goes to my family and friends who gave me their continual love and support.

I am, of course, disappointed in the outcome of my race against the incumbent Don Sherwood for U.S. Congress, District 10. The election results, however, indicate it was a close battle, and I am proud that I ran an honest, low-budget campaign without taking any PAC or special interest money. It was a one-person campaign committee, with no staff to help. I hope I can serve as an inspiration to others to continue to fight for government accountability to the people, not to the money of special interest groups.

Campaigning door-to-door these past three months has been an incredible experience. I wish I could have gotten to more doors than the 3,000 I visited because I met so many wonderful, well-informed people who, like me, love our country but are worried about the direction it is headed.
What worries me is the large number of hard-working people who are struggling to make ends meet and whose problems and needs are not being addressed by our government. I hope that Don Sherwood and other members of Congress will take note and help this large un-represented group in our district and our country.

Lisa wins

The anti-incumbent mood didn't make it to the 20th Senatorial District. Lisa Baker won the Republican nomination to succeed Charles Lemmond, R-Dallas . She got hit by Haggerty and Bigus about working for Blue Cross but stayed positive. She won every county including Luzerne. Dr. David Madeira came in 2nd which shows that if you run on principle you will connect with people. Haggerty came in third.

A happy Day

With longtime Democratic insiders Brian O'Donnell and Bob Reilly running against each other there was an opening for an outsider. Eddie Day Pashinski filled that opening. He is now the Democratic nominee to succeed to replace Kevin Blaum as the 121st District Represenative. But a few insiders were at his victory party.

CV: Tonight starts the beginning to get ready for November,” Pashinski told a cheering crowd, which included Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, Council Chairman Tony Thomas Jr. and City Controller Bernie Mengeringhausen. “It is unbelievable what all of us went through to get to this point.”

The Republican nominee, Christine Katsock, is no pushover. She has detailed positions on just about everything. She gave Tom Leighton a run for his money in the W-B Mayor's race.

This is a weird year anything can happen.

Throw the bum out

"There's a perfect storm of events shaping up. Americans can no longer afford partisanship. This is about good government."- 10th CD Democratic nominee Chris Carney

CHINCHILLA – U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood, stung by a strong showing Tuesday by a political novice, noted that he was hurt by “an anti-incumbent wave,” his much-publicized affair and allegations of abuse made against him by his former mistress....
Sherwood said voters are clearly frustrated with the federal government – and his conduct.
“Certainly it had an effect,” he said of the allegations by his former mistress. “People weren’t happy about that. I’m not happy about that.”
“People are dissatisfied” with the government overall, he added, speaking at a celebration at the Ramada Inn in Chinchilla, near Clarks Summit. “The voters sent a message that they want more and I got that message.”

A Republican incumbent in a supposedly safe seat saying that people want more government? His whole campaign is that he knows how to bring home the bacon? Somebody has to pay for all that pork. Oh, I forgot, the Republicans don't pay for anything they just borrow more money.

This was the biggest surprise of the night. In one of the dumbest political moves ever Sherwood sent out a mailer attacking an opponent by name that almost no one had ever heard of. That did more to raise her name recognition than anything she did.



Don Sherwood (I) [(R)]
31,841
56%

Kathy Scott [(R)]
25,010
44%

A word about Kathy Scott. It took guts to get in this race and she surprised everyone. Thank you Kathy.

History is made by those who show up

"It's a bloodbath"- G. Terry Madonna, Ph.D., a noted analyst of Pennsylvania politics


Pay raise dooms top senators

Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer (R., Blair) and Majority Leader David J. Brightbill (R., Lebanon) - who together have served 56 years in the Senate - were defeated in two of the most costly legislative races in history....At least a dozen other incumbents appeared headed toward defeat in what would mark the largest legislative turnover in a primary in more than 30 years.

Locally: If there was a single local race where voter outrage over the legislative pay raise was likeliest to turn up Tuesday, it was the one involving Democratic state Rep. Fred Belardi....
He was the only incumbent Lackawanna County state legislator facing a challenger. Although Fred Belardi might still be around for a fall rematch if he won a Republican write-in candidacy, Democrats showed their dismay with the 14-term representative from the city’s Hill Section and nominated restaurant owner Ken Smith, of Dunmore, to be their candidate for the 112th Legislative District seat.

PHILADELPHIA - Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly who lost during the primary election. Some races remain too close to call.

Senate:

David J. Brightbill, R-Lebanon, majority leader.

Robert C. Jubelirer, R-Blair, president pro tempore.

House of Representatives:

Gibson C. Armstrong, R-Lancaster.Roy E. Baldwin, R-Lancaster.Fred Belardi, D-Lackawanna.Teresa E. Forcier, R-Crawford.Dennis E. Leh, R-Berks.Stephen R. Maitland, R-Adams.Frank J. Pistella, D-Allegheny.Kenneth W. Ruffing, D-Allegheny.Paul W. Semmel, R-Lehigh.Thomas L. Stevenson, R-Allegheny.Peter J. Zug, R-Lebanon.

Who won the 118th?

Mike Carroll was the clear winner of the Democratic nomination for retiring state Rep. Tom Tigue's 118th Legislative District. The Republican side is not so clear. The TL says:

Arthur Bobbouine, 30, Luzerne County chief deputy sheriff, bested Maureen Tatu, a registered nurse and Chestnuthill Township supervisor, by 20 votes with 37 of 37 Luzerne County precincts and all eight Monroe County precincts reporting.

But the CV is calling it for Maureen Tatu. The PA Department of State website has the unofficial totals:


SPINOLA, JAMES (REP)
450
TATU, MAUREEN (REP)
836
BOBBOUINE, ART (REP)
856

The official count is Friday. In the past a race this close would prompt a recount by opening the lever machines and double checking the totals. I don't know how a recount with the newfangled electronic beasts will work.

Rapid Edward on the Public square tomorrow

From an email:

This week, I am officially kicking off my re-election campaign with a 4 day, 9-city "Progress for Pennsylvania" tour and I want you to be there. On Wednesday, May 17th, I will be in Wilkes-Barre at Public Square (between Market and Main Streets) for a 12 noon rally. I hope you can join me and I encourage you to bring your friends and family.

Wanna bet he will be late.

Joe Leonardi for Congress

Editor, the Record:

Our area was graced by the presence of Congressman Paul Kanjorski, taking credit for more “progress” to our area. It is an election year and we will probably see more of the same, but we have to look closely at exactly what the “product” is that he takes the credit for delivering. In case of emergency, “Wall Street” will function from our area. What makes him think that if a bomb detonates in New York City that there wouldn’t be another strike here? Not to mention the burden mentioned on our school systems, open the floodgates, and make it a city. I can hardly navigate the area by the hospital and ESU now. How will this affect the Hospital Emergency Plan? Residents need to draw the line with their vote, and become involved in what is happening here. Keep in mind there are strong business interests involved and it will not be easy. But not impossible.Are you going to sit back and watch our area be homogenized? Are you getting sick watching our area be raped? Do you feel you have no power? Your power is your vote, and whether you moved here yesterday or 50 years ago you count. Ask our local officials and see what federal cuts have done to our state and county. We no doubt will see Mr. Kanjorski here and there where the press is, but where was he when we needed him the past 24 years? There is another choice. Vote Dr. Joseph Leonardi for Congress.

TERRY LYNN VAN BRITSOM

Effort

Just voted

Me and Mrs. G stopped by our local voting place on the way home from work. On the way in there were only 2 poll workers which is unusual in a hot local contest. We got cards for O'Donnell and Pashinski but none for Hayward or Reilly. In fact Hayward didn't even have a sign planted in the grass. There were no signs for the statewide candidates either. We had to wait in line behind about 10 people which is rare. So we pushed the buttons on the screen for our choices and the thing didn't blow up. I still don't like it, I would rather use a paper and pencil or pull a lever instead of using a $3000 machine. But we're stuck with them now. Like you, I await the results.

For what it's worth

I don't think endorsements count for much. In the contested elections tomorrow I have my picks. So here it goes and you can argue with me.

US Senate: I will vote for Chuck Pennachio, Casey wins

Lt. Gov.:Valerie McDonalds Roberts, CBK wins

10th Congressional District: Kathy Scott, Sherwood wins. But it will be closer than you think.

20th Senate: Carl Sutton, Lisa Wins

121st State Rep: Eddie Day Pashinski, O'Donnell wins

120th: Paul Stebbins, too close to call

118th: R-Jim Spinola, who knows
D-Red O, Mike Carroll wins

117th: Roll the dice

What to look for tomorrow night

Tip to GrassrootsPA for the cartoon.

If the Legislature leaders get knocked off tomorrow it will show the people have had enough. Pay raises in the middle of the night, ever growing spending and the lack of property tax reform after 30 years of talking about it. Watch the returns for Jubelirer, Brightbill and Veon.

Three legislative leaders in dogfights

Bush sending the National Guard to the Mexican border; Bush sent the National Guard to Iraq; Bush sending the National Guard to Mars

WASHINGTON - President Bush is ordering as many as 6,000 National Guard troops to increase enforcement at the Mexican border, part of a $1.9 billion drive to tighten security and win conservative backing in Congress for a broad election-year overhaul of the nation's tattered immigration laws.

The National Guard is being sent here, there and everywhere. Is the National Guard some sort of inexhaustible source of manpower that can be thrown at any problem that is politically pressing? Does anybody actually listen to this guy anymore?

I'm watching PCN's pre-game on tomorrows election and will switch to the Red Sox game on ESPN when it's over. John Micek of the Morning Call is giving his take but won't make predictions.

The last West Wing

What a great TV show. They are showing the first one tonight , followed by the ending of the series. I will tape it and hopefully have a review tomorrow.

120th Disrtict

Brian O'Donnell raised a big chunk of money and gave most of it to Ed Mitchell to run his media campaign. Bob Reilly stopped giving away drug cards and put up signs all over the place. Jim Hayward has been going door to door. Eddie Day Pashinski is the wild card in this.

Who's going to win? Order of finish and the point spread.

20th Senate District predictions

The TL endorsed Lisa Baker today. Norton did an Undorsement.

So will Lisa Baker's Blue Cross ties help or hurt? Jim Haggerty went negative late which tells you something. Russ Bigus has been pounding Baker for weeks in the papers when he is not busy arguing with David Madeira.
The one Republican candidate has stayed out of this nonsense is Carl Sutton. The winner will face Democrat Bob McNamara in the fall.

Same questions. Who would you vote for and why? Order of finish and the point spread?

Bigus took a poll

And Bigus is ahead.

CV: Bigus’ campaign called 1,500 Republicans in the 20th District. His poll indicated Bigus had a slight lead over Baker, 27 to 26 percentage points. Haggerty came in third place with 17 percentage points, but neither Madeira nor grassroots candidate Carl Sutton had any measurable percentage points, Bigus said.Baker’s campaign hired Virginia-based Public Opinion Strategies to do some polling, but the results were not released to the public. “The only poll that really counts is the one that occurs on Tuesday,” Baker said.

President Al Gore on SNL

This is flying all over the internets. You have to like it when any politician makes fun of himself. That Liberal Blog has the transcript.

Watch the video at YouTube.

Who will take on Phyllis?

The TL highlighted the 120th District race on Saturday. The candidates are:

Joe Chacke

John C. Cordora

Paul J.M. Stebbins

Who will/would you vote for? The order of finish and the point spread.

118th Legislative District

On Friday the TL had profiles of all the candidates in the 118th State Rep District race.

On the Democratic side we have Michael Carroll, the chief of staff for Rep. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, lives in Avoca. Bar owner James “Red” O’Brien and home inspector Terry Best are both from Pittston and serve on the Pittston Area School Board.

Two Republican candidates live in Chestnuthill Township in southern Monroe County. Maureen Tatu is a registered nurse and township supervisor. James Spinola is an architect with offices near Allentown.
The lone Luzerne County Republican candidate, county Chief Deputy Sheriff Art Bobbouine, is from Pittston.

Another race I don't have a lot of info. Who would you vote for? The order of finish and the point spread.

Keep your pets indoors until Wednesday

From GrassrootsPA:

GrassrootsPA has learned that the Humane Society of Lebanon County has launched an investigation into a potentially politically motivated killing of a family cat. The pet cat belonged to a family very closely linked and associated with Republican candidate for State Senate Mike Folmer (48th District.)Thursday afternoon, on WHP's Bob Durgin show, it was verified that a formal investigation is being launched by the Humane Society of Lebanon County. The family cat was found dead by one of the family members after she returned home from running a few errands. The owner noticed a barrage of newly placed Brightbill signs up and down her neighborhood, which were not there prior to when she left. According to Durgin's comments on his show, this sounds to him like intimidation by the Brightbill campaign.

117th District prediction

This is one that I have no idea. The candidates are:

Gene Stavitzski

Karen Boback

Stanford E. Davis

Michael McCormick

Edmund Sichler

RandyTomasacci
Tim Carroll

James May

The pay raise

WILK has a primary election special today. Every challenger is against it and every incumbent is against it. They're all a bunch of liars. If I could vote to give myself more money I would do it. So would you.

Who are these guys?

Everything is going right for the Phillies after another slow April. This week we saw them win a game against the Mets on a bottom of the ninth dribbler that the pitcher threw away. Then they win a a rain shortened game. These things don't usually work in the Phils favor. Young phenom Cole Hamels had 7 K's in 5 innings before being lifted for a pinch hitter last night. He didn't get the decision but they won the game.

Democratic Senate race

The Democratic race to face Pennsylvania's biggest embarrassment has come down to the wire. Bob Casey is the heavy favorite to win the nomination. Chuck Pennachio has built a grassroots network and says what's on his mind. Alan Sandals may split the anti-Casey vote.

Who would you vote for? The order of finish and share of vote.

Diebold sucks

Problem With Electronic Voting Machines?

There is a potential problem with new electronic voting machines that will be used in Tuesday's primary election.
Ten counties in our area will use touch screen machines made by Diebold Election Systems. They are: Schuylkill, Carbon, Northumberland, Bradford, Sullivan, Pike, Tioga, Lehigh, Lycoming and Union Counties.
Black Box Voting, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization, claims to have discovered a flaw in the machines' security system. The group claims hackers could possibly use the machines' software to rig an election. The warning was also sent to other states using the machines.
Election officials in Pennsylvania say they have already taken measures to secure the voting machines.

Video and flash demonstrations of the iVotronic Voting System (not Diebold) are at the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections site.

Predictions for the 10th Congressional District

Will the hub bub over the rub sink Don Sherwood? Or will a little help from the heavy hitters pull him through? Chris Carney's polling shows him within striking distance in the fall. And Sherwood's campaign won't release their internal polling. Must be bad news or they would tell everyone about it. Can Kathy Scott pull off the unthinkable? I think it is interesting that Sherwood doesn't have a campaign site.

So if you're eligible to vote in this race who do you vote for? If you're not in the district who would you pull the lever, er, touch the screen for? Include the point spread.

Sherwood pushes the panic button, it's on speed dial

First it was reported that 10th District Congressman Don Sherwood has spent an enormous amount of money in a primary that she should win in a walk. Even sending out mailers accusing his opponent Kathy Scott of not being Republican enough. Then people started getting robo calls from Sen. Ricky Santorum (R-VA) reminding them that he knows how to bring home the bacon. Now the heavy artillery has been brought in.

CV: U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood's re-election campaign enlisted President Bush for a recorded endorsement of the congressman for an automated phone call campaign to Republicans, said Jerry Morgan, Sherwood's campaign spokesman. U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum made similar calls for Sherwood last week.The president's automated calls began Friday. Morgan declined to say how long they will continue, how many households they'll reach or how he convinced the president to do it.....

Scott, portrayed by Sherwood's campaign as a liberal because she switched from Democrat to Republican in March, was unsurprised by the calls. "It appears Sherwood believes he's vulnerable, that his false accusations about my Republican status aren't working and that he needs help from the president. I believe voters will see through this for what it is," she said. Shocked by the calls, Andrew Eldredge-Martin, Chris Carney's spokesman, agreed and said they'll fail because Bush's approval rating is falling among district voters. "I think he's very, very weak across the board because he hasn't represented the values and interests of the district in Washington," Eldredge-Martin said of Sherwood.

Again Sherwood's campaign uses the pork defense:

Morgan said Sherwood will win because he has attracted government contracts for local defense plants, more Medicare money for local hospitals and backed Bush's tax cuts and Medicare prescription drug plans. The spokesman produced a 21-page list of accomplishments. "He represents the people of the 10th Congressional District and he brings home the bacon," Morgan said.

I hope the NSA is keeping track of all these calls.

Predictions for Lt. Gov

We will start the picks for the contested races on Tuesday. The first up is the Lt. Governors race. This one has been largely ignored but is probably the most important contest. Remember the winner is only a cheesesteak away from the Governors office.

2 questions. Who are you going to vote for and who do you think will win?

The candidates for the Democratic nomination for Lt Governor are the incumbent Catherine Baker Knoll, Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds Valerie McDonald Roberts, Gene Stilp and William A.Hall, III.

The questions are who are you going to vote for and who will win. If you are very clairvoyant list the order of finish and the share of the vote.

Rapid Edward will be in town again

WILKES-BARRE – Gov. Ed Rendell plans to attend Coughlin High School’s graduation next month at the Kirby Center.
Wilkes-Barre Area Superintendent Jeff Namey said he invited the governor to attend all three of the school district’s graduations, which are held on the same day, but he will only attend the Coughlin ceremony.
The Coughlin graduation will be held at 2:30 p.m. June 9. GAR High School seniors graduate at 1 p.m. and Meyers High School seniors graduate at 4:15 p.m.

Predictions

TL columnist Casey Jones has his picks. I'm planning to put up a seperate post on each race over the weekend so you can make the call.

CASEY JONES....

You’d need a seven-sided coin to pick a winner in the 117th District Republican primary...

U.S. Congress, 10th District: Sherwood, if he can keep his hands to himself until Tuesday.

State House, 121st District: In a primary election in Luzerne County the first Democrat to hire campaign consultant Ed Mitchell wins. That’s the rule....And the guy who hired Ed Mitchell is …. Brian O’Donnell

State Senate, 20th District: If money talks and you-know-what walks, Baker wins.

Another new local blogger

I stumbled across the blog of a local TV type by the name of Jennifer Wade. She was kind enough to link to Gort42 so I'm happy to return the favor.

Jennifer D. Wade Journal

I work as a broadcast journalist at a local television station. I'm mostly behind the scenes, but watch closely. You might catch a glimpse once in a while

She had this to say about me:

I also added a new link to a political blog on my blog page. It's called Gort 42, and it's all about politics in NEPA. I don't know who "Gort" is, but he likes baseball and beer, so he's OK in my book!

I'm also adding her to NEPA Blogs. And DB Echo is celebrating the 2nd blogoversary of Another Monkey. Go give him an atta boy.

More endorsements, for what they're worth

Steelworkers endorse Pashinski

The United Steelworkers Local 5652 has endorsed Eddie Day Pashinski for representative in the 121st state House district.
“After reviewing all the candidate’s positions on issues that concern working men and women in Pennsylvania, we feel that Eddie Pashinski’s views best match ours,” the union wrote in a statement.


Madeira Endorsed by Pennsylvania Right to Work

David Madeira, the conservative candidate for the20th District State Senate seat, has been endorsed by the Pennsylvania Rightto Work Political Action Committee (PAC). The organization's Board ofDirectors voted to endorse Madeira over four other candidates in the race to replace Charles Lemmond in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Just a word about so called Right to Work outfits. These are the most pro business and anti-worker groups in politics. They aim to bust unions and roll back worker rights to the 1930's. If you leave it up to them there would be no minimun wage and OHSA would be abolished. Bring back the breaker boys!

Jim Spinola for State Rep

The 118th District includes parts of Luzerne County around Pittston and a part of Monroe County. Only 2 candidates have websites that I know of. That will change in the near future as campaigns realize that this is future of politics. My choice in the Republican primary is Jim Spinola, I haven't decided on the Democratic side. Mike Carrol has Tom Tigue's endorsement and has been all over TV. The other Democrats are ; Terry Best and James "Red" O’Brien, both of Pittston. The other Republicans are Art Bobbouine of Pittston and Maureen Tatu.

Jim has been a good friend to this site and is not afraid to mix it up in the comments. He gets it.

Here's his pitch:

The main thing I hope voters see is that I am the ONLY candidate in the 118th that is talking specifics. All the others make vague generalities about "reducing taxes, creating jobs, yadayadayada".

As you can see from my web site, I am the "Architect with a Plan!" I propose solutions to the issues not just name them.

Property Taxes = ELIMINATE by lowering sales tax to 5%, expand taxable items and give rebates to seniors and low-income families.

Economic Development = Invest federal grant money in technology infrastructure upgrades which will attract business, reduce commuting and increase family time.

Expand PACE Program = Redirect any future gaming money to PACE/PACENET programs to raise income thresholds making more seniors eligible.

Thanks for the opportunity to get the word out!

Jim

Target Lisa con't

Baker’s Blue Cross role blasted

State Senate candidate Jim Haggerty rips GOP rival Lisa Baker in a new TV ad featuring an elderly woman who complains Baker “wasn’t there to help me decide between buying my medicine or buying my groceries.”
In new radio and TV spots, Haggerty accuses Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania of raising insurance premiums and cutting benefits to fund “a public relations scheme” run by Baker, who was director of Blue Cross’ nonprofit Blue Ribbon Foundation from April 2002 to October 2005.
“Can you believe Baker raked in a quarter of a million dollars to hand out oversized checks?” the narrator asks.

Lisa shot right back with a you hurt my feelings spot:

Baker immediately countered with a brand new TV ad of her own Wednesday, just a day after the Haggerty ads began airing. Baker’s ad begins with a TV playing Haggerty’s spot.
“Ah, the shameful, negative ads are here,” the narrator says in a tone that conveys he has expected as much. The words “shameful, negative, smear, distortion” emerge in capital letters, that stretch then fade from the screen.

Russ Bigus has running print ads over this issue for at least a month. Norton has the conspiracy angle.

Gentleman’s Club 10 on the ballot

WILKES-BARRE TWP-Wilkes-Barre Township voters will see the only ballot question to appear in this year’s primary election:

“Do you favor the prohibition of the operation of establishments commonly referred to as Bottle Clubs?”

Yes or no.

Who is going to vote for a strip club? Mr. Family may win this one.

117th District

James May had a LTE published in the CV:

I was disheartened when “dirty politics as usual” surfaced within my race for state representative. One candidate allowed a letter to circulate urging union Democrats to temporarily switch parties for the primary and vote for her on the GOP ticket—in effect, stuffing the ballot box. Another campaign sued to get opponents out of the race, rather than facing them at the polls. Tim Carroll and I were charged with deliberately hiding from the record what we pride ourselves on: his work as borough mayor and my own service in the United States Army. While the Pennsylvania Supreme Court correctly returned Tim onto the ballot in a split decision recently, they upheld the lower court’s decision keeping me off on a technicality.

Voters tell me they are sick and tired of the current political culture. My fellow veterans did not sacrifice themselves for this type of political shenanigans.

The other Republicans in the race are: Karen Boback, Stanford Davis, Michael McCormick, Ed Sichler, Eugene Stavitzski and Randy Tomasacci. The winner will face Democrat Fred Nichols in the fall.

Sherwood keeps interesting company

Sherwood is named ‘Crony of the week’

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has named U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood, R-Tunkhannock its "GOP Crony of the Week." ...The crony designation is "an accomplishment that I don’t know that anyone would want to achieve," said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., co-chairperson of the DCCC's "Red to Blue Program."
Sherwood was given the weeklong title for "loyally toeing the party line and supporting special interest Medicare legislation that is confusing, expensive and little more than a payoff to the pharmaceutical companies and HMOs," according to the DCCC’s news release.
Sherwood faces a Republican challenger, ... Kathy Scott, in Tuesday’s GOP primary.

Some other winners:

U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, NY – for voting for the GOP energy bill and prescription drug bill and taking money from several Republican political action committees, including Rep. Tom DeLay’s.

U.S. Congressional candidate Peter Roskam, Ill. – took money from DeLay’s political action committee and supported him, despite DeLay being admonished by the House Ethics Committee.

U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo, Calif. – “loyal servant” of DeLay, who took money from DeLay’s political action committee.

U.S. Rep. Bob Ney, Ohio – close ties to DeLay and lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud.

Property tax reform

I have been reading the various candidates websites on the subject of property tax reform. The best one I have found is Jim Spinola's, candidate in the 118th District.


My plan is simple:

Lower sales taxes to 5%, expand taxable items and give rebates to senior citizens and low-income families.

Here’s how it works:

Educating Pennsylvania's children costs about $18 billion per year. The state pays $8 billion and local property taxes make up the other $10 billion. Census data indicates the median household income in PA is about $40,000. Therefore, the lower 25 percentile of residents would be in the $20,000 range. Since not all income is spent and we are already paying sales tax on some items, I would use $10,000 as a spendable income figure multiplied by the new lower 5% sales tax, equaling $500. I would propose this flat $500 as a rebate to senior citizens and low-income families to compensate for any increased sales tax they may incur on necessities like food and clothing. This $500 multiplied by the Census figures for that demographic equals about $600 million. Other current legislators have already performed studies showing a drop to a 4% sales tax generates more than enough revenue to fund schooling. My proposal of 5% would not only eliminate property taxes but would allow enough left over to fund the $600 million rebate.

Addressing the concerns of some that a rebate is too cumbersome and requires more work, Spinola replied, "Isn't it worth checking off another box or filling out another form to get a $500 rebate PLUS PROPERTY TAX ELIMINATION?"

As far as the gambling money is concerned, Spinola was one of the first school board members to go on record opposing Act 72 stating "It would have hurt many more people than it would have helped." Spinola continued, "Even IF the state received the estimated $1 billion in slots revenue, compared to our $10 billion local educational costs, we would receive only a 10% property tax reduction. The taxpayers deserve more! This reduction would be eaten up in future tax increases. Just look at the East Stroudsburg School District's proposed increase this year alone! In our present tax system, you never truly own your home."Spinola said he would take any gambling revenues generated and add it to the lottery proceeds to expand the PACE prescription drug programs to give senior citizen additional relief.

20th Senate District latest

The race on the west side of Luzerne County and the far north has had all sorts of fireworks this past week. After being sued by the Times-Leader for withholding information on arrests Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty he is now being sued for not paying his bills.

CV: A Scranton-based marketing and public relations firm is suing Kingston Mayor James Haggerty, claiming he used the firm's work in his state Senate campaign without paying for it, but Haggerty counters that the suit is frivolous.

Chris Siperko had contacted me earlier but I couldn't confirm his version of events but he had this to say in a LTE:

Several years ago I lived in Kingston. At the time, I had a property dispute with a neighbor (who) shut my water off. My wife and my 3-year-old son also lived in the home with me. Jim Haggerty, the mayor of Kingston, was the lawyer who defended this action in court for the neighbor, Jack Schultz. Haggerty was my mayor and he encouraged and defended my water being shut off by his client.

David Madeira got into an argument with Russ Bigus about who has shot more animals in their lives. See Who's a good sport. There is only one way to settle this and Norton found it. Have a duel! And keeping with the gun theme Lisa Baker is accused of blocking a shooting range. The fact that the people who lived around the proposed site had worries about their homes, pets and children being plunked by someone shooting a 30-06 at beer cans objected should not interfere with the god given right to blast away at anything.

This race has got silly. These are not the issues that people are worried about. Carl Sutton has stayed out of this nonsense and so has Bob McNamara.

The best coverage of this contest can be found at 20th Senatorial.

Chuck for Senate

My favorite Slob has the Chuck Pennacchio video that you won't see on TV.

Here is the link: THIS Time, Vote for What You Believe In

More Chuck video here.

120th debate

John Cordora didn't show up. I got distracted and missed this one.

KINGSTON-.....Paul Stebbins Jr. and Joe Chacke, seemed to not care who won the primary, just as long as somebody topples Mundy in November. "I'm just in this because we're not getting what we deserve in Harrisburg," said Chacke, who repeatedly criticized Mundy during the debate. "I think this is the race that's sailing under the radar," said Stebbins. "She thinks she"s already won."

More Blogspot problems

Tonight I can't post pictures. I'm fooling around with wordpress and hope to master it soon. I'm not the only one having problems. Another Monkey has had some frustration but is not ready to give up.

Constitutional Convention

From the TL: A political activist from Cumberland County on Sunday used a local activist's annual forum to endorse a citizens' Constitutional Convention in the summer of 2007 to force changes in state government. Tim Potts, founder of the political watchdog group Democracy Rising PA, said he's tired of lawmakers promising reforms but failing to deliver, and changing the state Constitution through a Constitutional Convention may be the only avenue for change.
Potts was one of the main speakers at Mario Fiorucci's seventh annual State of the World Forum in his Sugar Notch back yard. A local Green Party leader, Fiorucci has announced his candidacy for Luzerne County commissioner in 2007.

He believes that garnering support from 4 million to 5 million Pennsylvanians for a convention could sway legislators to vote for a change to the constitution.
Potts said Pennsylvania is the only state:

• without a lobbyist disclosure law to control influence peddling by special interests;

• whose legislature exempted itself from open records laws;

• to enact more legislation after the election in 2004 than before it, depriving voters of incumbents' complete records on Election Day;

• to make lame-duck sessions a common practice, and one of only 11 states that permit lame-duck sessions.

Beach Boys coming to town

WILKES-BARRE- Confirming rumors that have been swirling for weeks, Mayor Tom Leighton announced Monday that The Beach Boys are the national act headlining the city's free Bicentennial Concert Series this summer at Kirby Park.

Lot's of other stuff happening. From Wilkes-Barre200:

Tuesday, June 20 F.M. Kirby CenterGovernor’s Awards for the Arts in Pennsylvania

Friday, June 30 Public Square Bicentennial Blastoff & Cocktail Party

Saturday, July 1 Downtown Bicentennial Parade

Saturday, July 1 Public Square Kiwanis Diamond Coal Car Race

Sunday, July 2 Genetti’s Hotel & Conference CenterGala Ball: A Night to Believe

Monday, July 3 Kirby ParkFree Open-Air Concert

Tuesday, July 4 Kirby ParkFourth of July Celebration: featuring the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic & Fireworks Display

Some excitement in Plains

PLAINS TWP. -An out-of-control front-end loader crashed into the Jay Dee Sneaker King storefront Monday afternoon, causing moments of panic for employees and customers and opening a gaping hole in the landmark business.

"I heard it and then saw it coming right at us," said employee Kim Thomas, 29, who unknowingly was walking directly toward the oncoming vehicle just as it barreled through a brick wall into the store. "I froze. Thank God, I was able to run."

Jay Dee's has been around about as long as I have. I haven't been in the store in a while since $200 sneakers are not my thing. I have to get a digital camera so I can post pics of stuff like this.

Valarie McDonald Roberts for LT Governor

Another surprising endorsement from the Philly Inky:

That leaves VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS. As a former Pittsburgh city councilwoman and school board president who is now Allegheny County recorder of deeds, she is far and away the Democrats' most plausible choice.

I like Gene Stilip but I think he does more good as an outsider rather than an insider. William A.Hall, III just doesn't impress me. CBK should retire.

A tip of the hoagie to the Big Fat Slob for pointing this out.

Who has the money in the 20th

Baker leads battle of bucks

The most recent campaign finance reports confirm what was expected: Lisa Baker is the runaway leader in raising and spending cash among Republican candidates vying for the 20th District seat of retiring state Sen. Charles Lemmond.

Baker, who worked for Lemmond as an aide and has been endorsed by the outgoing senator, reported $290,346 in campaign expenses during the report period running Jan. 1 to May 1. The filing deadline was Friday afternoon.

Jim Haggerty spent the second highest total in the five-candidate contest for the Republican primary. Haggerty, an attorney and Kingston mayor, reported $146,733 in expenses and $1,939 in remaining funds.

Dallas chiropractor David Madeira reported $55,443 in campaign expenses and $10,585 in remaining funds

Russ Bigus, a principal at Regis Elementary School in Forty Fort and a Dallas School Board member, reported $7,165 in contributions by March 27. His latest report was not available Friday.

Carl Sutton, a Dallas Township resident and psychotherapist, says he is running a low-budget campaign, and his campaign finance report was not available.

The latest reports do not cover the last two weeks before the primary election on May 16.

Some surprising endorsements

The Times-Leader made a pick in the 121st District State Representative race that pointed out the same things I think about:

And all three candidates besides Pashinski have political ties that are deep and, in some cases, troubling. We hope that voters will see Pashinski as a bit of an outsider - his own man - with few politically-connected pals and family members.

Of all the candidates, he has the most potential to be a successful state representative - and the least political baggage.

As the WB-Keeper pointed out O'Donnell has the most money. From the TL:

The campaign finance report of candidate Bob Reilly, was not available Friday evening.

Contributions to O'Donnell $148,000.

Pashinski's political committee $36,500 in contributions .

Hayward, raised just more than $4,000.

The story points out that most of O'Donnell's money went to Ed Mitchell. The feel I'm getting is that Reilly is fading. People can sense when a candidate is running to do something vs. to be somebody. And Hayward just reminded me too much of McGroarty. Then the Blogfather weighed in. Eddie Day got his vote the old fashioned way, he asked for it:

There was a minute part of me that was hesitantly leaning towards voting for another candidate, but Ed bothered to press the flesh and he all but forced me to remember that he's a quality person. He's got my vote. You can e-mail me and spark all sorts of further debate, but I seriously doubt that it'll resonate much with me. Much like Mayor Tom Leighton before him, I would prefer to vote for the people who have their hearts in the right place.

And in my mind, Ed Pashinski has his heart in the right place.

Let's vote!

Sherwood spending big bucks

A little back rub, some playful choking, the cops get involved then a lawsuit. Before you know it Don Sherwood's negatives are so high he has to start spending some of the megabucks he has collected from every special interest in sight. And this is in a primary against a little known opponent.

Is Don Sherwood running scared?

The four-term congressman -considered vulnerable since he settled a $5.5 million battery suit filed by his former mistress -has spent more than $350,000 in the past seven months to wage a primary campaign against his little-known and underfunded challenger, Kathy Scott.
Even Sherwood's campaign manager is using the "s-word." "When we run a campaign, we run it two ways, unopposed or scared," Jerry Morgan said in a phone interview Friday. But he added he expects Sherwood to prevail in the Republican primary on May 16.

Since October, Sherwood's campaign committee has spent more than twice what it expended during the same period in the last election cycle, when he faced no GOP opposition.
Sherwood spent $206,000 in April alone, according to Federal Election Commission data, including more than $160,000 on radio ads and a series of glossy brochures mailed to Republican voters. Some of the brochures question Scott's party loyalty, noting she changed her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican just before the filing deadline for the primary.


I liked one of the direct mail pieces that has a picture of Kathy Scott under Republican bogeymen Ted Kennedy and Howard Dean. The radio ads I've heard claim he knows how to bring home the bacon. According to Cynthia Ore he does know a lot about pork.

Bonds at 712

The Phils host the Giants tonight. Barry Bonds is 3 dingers away from passing the Babe. The Phillies have won 5 in a row and evened their record. All the talk is about steroids, so what. Baseball has a long tradition of cheating. Why is this different than emory boards, spit balls or corked bats?

Clean Sweep backs Stebbins

Dr. Rick broke the story.

The Big News IS Here...Paul J.M. Stebbins Jr. became the only candidate in the 120th District race to garner the support of PACleansweep this past week. For more details you can go to the PACleansweep website at http://www.pacleansweep.com/

Blogger on TV

Congrats to Bill Bostic of One-Man Think Tank on his successful debut on PCN. The video is here. He was supposed to appear with Chris Lilik and Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg on Wednesday but a long session of the PA House that accomplished nothing bumped them. He was somewhat surprised by the subject of the program but held his own.

I taped last nights program because I had other things to do and watched the replay this morning. I am disappointed that Chris and Dan were not on as it would have probably a more freewheeling discussion that went beyond property taxes. In fact I was going to call in with a few questions for each of them. Since I wasn't able to ask them I'll pose them here.

Bill: Is it true that you post so many audio interviews because you hate to type?

Chris: How many newspapers do you read in a day?

Dan: Did you guys ever buy that coffee maker for Sen. Ricky Sanatorium (R-VA) ?

Pennpatriot has a summary.

A debate with no news

LEHMAN TWP. -Given the first chance to publicly confront the candidate suspected of organizing the challenges to their financial statements, James May and Tim Carroll gave Ed Sichler a pass.
They instead chose to blend into the blurry mishmash of nine candidates running on nearly identical platforms in the race for retiring state Rep. George Hasay’s 117th Legislative District seat.
At Thursday night’s debate on Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s campus, it was impossible to differentiate between the candidates by their positions on issues, a fact that many of them acknowledged.

They all agreed that property taxes have to be replaced by an increase in the sales or income tax. The legislature pulled the plug on voting on a bill to do just that Wednesday night.

GOP revolts; tax deal stalls

House Republicans refused to vote on a bill reforming Pennsylvania property taxes late Wednesday, sandbagging attempts by the Senate and Gov. Ed Rendell to cut taxes before the May 16 primary. Republicans, who control the House, said they decided to put off a vote on a Senate-passed bill that called for using gambling revenues to significantly reduce property taxes for low-income seniors. The bill would have provided modest cuts for other homeowners.

For 30 years they have been talking about reducing property taxes and nothing is done again. But they can pass a pay raise for themselves without even a debate.

Little Ricky making calls forSherwood

Sherwood brings home the pork. That's the message of the robo calls that Sen. Ricky Santorum is doing for Don Sherwood.

"We fight to make sure our communities get their fair shares, whether it's in federal funds, first responders or police officers or improving our roads and bridges. … That's why I hope you’ll join me in supporting Congressman Don Sherwood.”

I guess Sherwood knows a lot about pork. Ricky is supposed to be a conservative that opposes federal spending and Sherwood has always stood up for family values.

Hypocrites

Kathy Scott for Congress

From a press release:

Don Sherwood (Republican—Tunkhannock) has falsely accused me, Kathy Scott (Republican—Williamsport), his opponent for U.S. Congress from District 10 in the May 16th Primary, of being a Democrat.
I have been a Republican since I first registered to vote at age eighteen. Don Sherwood’s behavior and voting record do not honorably represent the Republican Party I grew up in and to which I belong. That is why I am running against him.
I have never hidden the fact that I have switched my voter registration several times over the years in order to vote for candidates I know who are running in local primary elections. Switching my voter registration and switching my party affiliation are two different things. One is a purely functional decision in order to support a good candidate. The other requires a basic change in thinking and philosophy. I have not changed my philosophy or thinking.
I am a Republican who strongly believes in controlling spending, living within a budget, encouraging personal savings, supporting businesses that drive our economy, down-sizing federal government, and strengthening local and state decision-making.
Don Sherwood probably doesn’t recognize me as a Republican because I am a very different kind of Republican than he is. He has consistently voted with Tom DeLay and the special interest groups he represents, rather than considering the best interests of the people in District 10. Don Sherwood has taken over $2.2 million from PACs alone.
Mr. Sherwood does not talk about the many campaign donations he receives from oil companies and the subsidies he then votes to oil companies while they make record-breaking profits. He does this as our home heating bills and gas pump prices continue to go higher.
He does not talk about the confusing, mismanaged Medicare Prescription Drug bill which his vote gave as a gift to his pharmaceutical and insurance donors who benefited by the influx of new enrollments from senior citizens. He could have voted for an efficient prescription drug plan under Medicare, so that medication prices could be negotiated for cost-savings.
Don Sherwood doesn’t tell people that tax cuts he supported mainly benefit the wealthiest people and add to the national debt, already over $8.3 trillion. To help fund these tax cuts, he voted to reduce benefits which help middle and lower income families in programs such as Medicaid, student loans, veterans’ benefits, and job-training. These are only a few examples of being a Republican the Sherwood way.
This is not the way our government should run. I am fed up with this. That’s why I am running against Don Sherwood. My Republican vote is not for sale. I will represent only the people of this district. For more information about my candidacy, please visit my website http://www.kathyscottforcongress.com/.

120th District Debate

Republicans for Good Government Political Action Committee.....will hold debates before the May 16 primary. Republican candidates in the 120th District (the seat of incumbent Phyllis Mundy, D-Kingston) will debate at the American Legion Black Diamond Post, 386 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, Monday, May 8, at 7 p.m.

The candidates are:

John Cordara

Paul Stebbins

Joe Chacke

Let's hope this one actually happens.

Kentucky Derby or blogger meetup

The 10th annual get together of the Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society to watch the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for this Saturday at Marks Pub 1287 N Washington St, Wilkes-Barre (map it). Pope George Ringo has extended an invitation to all bloggers, commenters and readers to join us.

So far Dr. Rick of The American Check-Up and Bill Fitz of My Take have said they will attend. I'm waiting for responses from the other area scribes but no invitation is needed.

Any candidates or supporters who check out this site are also welcome.

Carroll on ballot

DALLAS -After six weeks in a state of limbo, Mayor Tim Carroll is back on the primary ballot for state representative in the 117th Legislative District. In a 5-2 decision, the state Supreme Court overturned on Monday a Commonwealth Court decision that kicked Carroll off the ballot, saying his oversights in his financial statement "did not remotely implicate Carroll's financial interests." At a news conference on Tuesday to announce the reinstatement, Carroll, a Republican, called himself a "hard-headed Irishman" who doesn't "take 'no' too well" and is "always there for the fight."
"Nothing's easy, is it?"

The other Republicans in the race are: Karen Boback, Stanford Davis, Michael McCormick, Ed Sichler, Eugene Stavitzski and Randy Tomasacci. James May, who lost his fight to get on the GOP ballot, is waging a write-in campaign. The winner will face Democrat Fred Nichols in the fall.

Must see TV

Bloggers debut Wednesday on PCN

Three Pennsylvania political bloggers will appear on PCN's Call-In Program that will be broadcast live on Wednesday, May 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Appearing on the hour-long show to discuss Election 2006 will be:

* Bill Bostic, Publisher, One-Man Think Tank

* Chris Lilik, Publisher, Grassroots PA (also State Chair of Young Conservatives of PA)

* Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, Young Philly Politics


UPDATE: It looks like the windbags in the State House are working late coming up with new ways to screw the people and not pass property tax reform. Thus our blog buddies have been preempted. Hopefully they will be rescheduled soon. I will now return to watching the Phillies blow a 3-0 lead.

Blogs popping up

Wow. All of a sudden we have a bunch of political bloggers on the scene. I'll start with the ones that are kind enough to link to me. First Lehigh Valley Ramblings has a cell phone but doesn't really like it. I don't have one of the things and hope never to have one interrupt my life. Never say never.

A Big Fat Slob has been following the Senate primary and much more. Gotta love the pic.

Wilkes-Barre Politics has done some original reporting. Pointing out that Reilly is offering a benefit for voting for him. Buy me a beer Bob don't bribe me with a drug card.

Shlomo Boudreaux
Central Pennsylvania's Foremost Cajun Jew has been all Chuck all the time

And Norton is covering the 20th Senate District race with a combo of great reporting and humor.

Pipes and crayons

Way off topic.

My favorite dispenser of Yuengling Lager at my local watering hole got a new tattoo and she is proud of it. . Maybe I'm just getting old but I don't think it is attractive. This is a girl that is drop dead gorgeous but when I look at her all I see is stuff sticking out of her face and the defacing of her skin. I don't get it. There was a time in recent history when people were given tattoos to mark them as different. What is with this piercing and tattoo fad?

Blogger

I having problems again posting with blogger. What are the alternatives? Tripod and Wordpress have been suggested.

James May

As pointed out in the comments:

Correction: not "all the candidates" were represented. The Times Leader neglected James May and Tim Carroll, both of whom are still vying for the spot despite court cases by cronies of Edmund Sichler, Jr. May is mounting a write-in campaign at the urging of state and local leaders. His website www.votemaythismay.com has had more than 1000 visitors since Sichler's dirty political trick began! It just may backfire and lead to a May victory on May 16th.

Write-in candidate optimistic

James May said he believes that with the confusion surrounding the primary election on May 16, voters will welcome the simplicity of his write-in strategy.
The Republican lost his fight to get on the ballot for a shot at the 117th Legislative District seat of retiring state Rep. George Hasay when Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently upheld a Commonwealth Court ruling removed him.....Furthermore, his legal wrangling to get on the ballot has whipped up a storm of support, he said. It all adds up to making May pretty confident – perhaps even more confident than if he had actually been on the ballot.

121st district race

Bob Reilly finally got a site up ( thanks Mark). Christine Katsock is the only one not joining the internet age.

Bob Reilly

Brian O'Donnell

Eddie Pashinski

Ed Hayward

117th District candidates

The Times-Leader has profiles of all the candidates running in the 117th district race to succeed George Hasay. They all agree that the tax mix must be changed to reduce property taxes. Be it expand the sales tax or increase the state income tax. Some highlights.

Eugene M. Stavitzski

"I'm not going to have an ad on TV saying, 'Vote for me, and I'll shine your shoes.' That's why I'm trying to do it without fund-raisers. I don't want to have to owe anybody."

Most important challenge facing the district: School property taxes

How you would tackle the issue, be specific: The two possible solutions would be a wage-based tax or expanding the sales tax. By eliminating the school property tax, Pennsylvania would bring a lot more business into our state.

Karen Boback

Most important challenge facing the district: An antiquated tax system. This is a cornerstone issue because it is linked to so many other challenges that we face. Effective tax reform can have a positive impact on property value, personal savings, business investment, job growth, and even health care. If we don’t find solutions to our inadequate, unfair, and imbalanced tax system, we can expect increased flight from our area not only by businesses, but particularly among our best and brightest – also known as the brain-drain.
Increasing or broadening the tax base through the use of a sales tax will provide a more fair and equitable approach and result in relief for those less able to pay taxes. This would lift the financial burden off our seniors, farmers, businesses, and homeowners in general.

How you would tackle the issue, be specific: I would work tirelessly for effective tax reform and the elimination of school property tax. I would support a variation on the sales tax which would provide greater equity for taxpayers. Our current tax structure is too reliant on property values which very often are not a fair reflection of the ability to pay taxes. Homes, farms, and properties which have been in families for years and may have been paid off, do not reflect an accurate view of the property owner’s wealth and ability to pay taxes, particularly school property taxes.

website: www.karenboback.com

Stanford E. Davis

"There've been so many things that seem that Harrisburg has gone off track. They lost focus of the people. That’s one of the things I think I can take back."

Most important challenge facing the district: Property tax reform

How you would tackle the issue, be specific: Property taxes can be significantly reduced or eliminated with an expansion of the sales tax. There are several proposals that have been debated. However, the sales tax proposal makes the most sense and is the most equitable for all. This takes the burden off of property owners and spreads it evenly across all consumers.

website: http://www.stanforddavis.com/

Michael McCormick

Most important challenge facing the district: Property taxes

How you would tackle the issue, be specific: The answer lies in expanding the state sales tax to other goods or slightly increasing it across the board. As representative, I would push for the creation of an advisory committee made up of Pennsylvania tax specialists and experts from states that have eliminated property taxes in recent years. The committee would be tasked with finding the most equitable solution and also with gaining a sense of the public’s response to various solutions.

website: www.votemccormick.com

Edmund Sichler Jr.

"They want young people, fresh faces, new and good ideas," he said. "It's a plus that I have not served (in public office). I’m not in with anybody."

Most important challenge facing the district: Property tax reform

How you would tackle the issue, be specific: It is essential to consider all revenue streams available and determine how to best maximize them with the least amount of impact on the residents of the district. I would reform the manner in which our school systems are currently funded. Currently, property taxes are the sole supporter of schools. I propose income and sales taxes be re-evaluated and used as a source of revenue for school operations. I plan to support legislation that will help to address property tax reform.

website: www.edmundsichlerjr.com

Randy Tomasacci

"Whatever happens (on primary election day), I'm going trout fishing the next day. I'm going up in the mountains, listening to the water, relax."

Most important challenge facing the district: The reduction of property taxes.

How would you tackle the issue, be specific: I will advocate for change in the sales and state income tax rates, cut spending and use gaming revenues.

website:www.randytomasacci.org

Leonardi on the air

Republican candidate for the 11th Congressional District Joe Leonardi has a hard hitting ad up about the river and the inflatable dam that is running on Service Electric. I hope to have link to it up soon.

The CV has a piece today:

Citing concerns ranging from degradation of wildlife habitat to a financial burden on taxpayers, two environmental groups are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deny Luzerne County’s request to construct a $14 million inflatable dam on the Susquehanna River.

More on Limbaugh

The Daily Rant sums it up.

The War on Drugs is over: Drugs won

Look, I doubt Pennsylvania legislators, lawmakers in other states or Congress are prepared to legalize pot, give recreational users a get-out-of-jail-free card or even lift the unreasonably dranconian measure that prevents convicted pot smokers from getting college grants.
But the least the Legislature can do is spend the additional money Corbett wants where it will do the most good - in prevention education and providing free addiction treatment to anyone who wants it.
Nothing underscores that more than the plea deal conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh cut Friday following a three-year investigation by Florida into his illicit prescription drug use. Under its terms, Limbaugh will plead guilty to just a single charge of prescription fraud - and even that will be dropped if Limbaugh continues treatment for his painkiller addiction. He also agreed to pay the state $30,000 to defray the public cost of the investigation and must pay $30 per month for the cost of supervision, during which time he will continue regular drug tests. If that deal was good enough for the Florida state attorney's office - no stranger to prosecuting drug users, then lawmakers here should force Corbett and county prosecutors to save Pennsylvania taxpayers a fortune by striking similar agreements with recreational drug users.The state could then save on drug investigation costs and pay officers overtime for doing other duties.

Treating drug users, rather than incarcerating them and cutting off their chances to improve themselves, would let us all retreat from this battlefield with some honor intact.

Left Independent is also a great resource on this issue.

Dr. Rick on Rush

Dr. Rick of the American Check-up asked me to post his reaction to the Rush Windbag drug thing. I asked him why but he has not answered yet. Well, I'm always willing to help out a blog buddy. Here it is:

The plea deal reached by Rush Limbaugh and his attorneys brings up serious issues among the conservative party and base. You see, I am against favoritism in the media, press, and party coteries. Rush, however, seems to be exempt from the criticisms that would be afforded of lesser Americans from the likes of O'Reilly and Hannity for example.

Where is the O'Reilly banter about how Rush got off because he is who he is and that drug dealing is bad? I have also recently explained that I am ardently in favor of the US going all out in its war on drugs, which pails in comparison to the war on terror (the results are similar, respectively).

Where is the outrage against Americas number 1 anchorman? Granted, he does impress me on a daily basis and his show is great, all things considered. But why are the conservatives soft on their man? Drudge ran a news report about, nothing much of interest. It would seem that the only media who sees this a story is the liberal media - as they should.

Drugs are no positive example to beset forth upon your audience. Neither is sexual predatory activity, right Mr. O'Reilly? It would seem that other than myself and Mr. Hannity, there is a code of silence among wrongdoers who themselves must feel guilty about the misfortunes that befall them.

Rush even asserted Democrats may be responsible for much of the hype and even called his civil rights violated (he didn't contact the ACLU for council). If any of the AIRHEAD America liberals faced similar charges, they would be slashed on the air.

Call Michael Savage a renegade if you will, but he deserves some respect for not popping pills though he pops off at the mouth. I must say that O'Reilly is my favorite but Rush is most entertaining. Both have let me down in those regards. I'm not calling for some boycott of the two. I'm just raising eyebrows about why they're exempt from being on the dishonor roll?

A tip of the helmet to Jesus General for the pic.

Deadlines

WILKES-BARRE -The Luzerne County Election Bureau can't issue absentee ballots for the primary election on May 16 until the state Supreme Court rules whether Dallas Mayor Tim Carroll can be on the ballot, said Leonard Piazza, the bureau’s director.
Carroll has appealed a Commonwealth Court ruling bumping him from the ballot as a state House candidate for the 117th District.
"We needed to know two weeks ago," Piazza said. And until the bureau learns the final court decision, it can't program its new ATM-like voting machines, either.

Iraq war vet James May has already been knocked off the ballot and is waging a write-in campaign. The other Republican candidates are Eugene Stavitzski, Michael McCormick, Karen Boback, Randy Tomasacci, Edmund Sichler Jr. and Stanford Davis. The winner will face Democrat Fred Nichols in the fall.

The Luzerne County Election Bureau is busy training all involved on the new machines but can't set the ballot until the court rules. This has the makings of a disaster. The only reason we are dealing with this is because Florida couldn't conduct an election in 2000. We have had many close elections but in the end they were settled by a recount of our long serving lever machines. The obvious solution is to use paper ballots for elections but why do that when you can use a $3000 machine to do the same thing?

If you want to see the beasts before you vote they will be on display at the Wyoming Valley Mall Saturday, . noon to 5 p.m Sunday noon to 5 p.m . Then again from 5 to 9 p.m. May 5, noon to 5 p.m. May 6, and noon to 5 p.m. May 7.

Local campaigning

I just received a phone call that asked me who I'm going to vote for in the 121st District State Rep race. When I said I hadn't decided the girl told me what a wonderful guy Eddie Day Pashinski is and asked me to vote for him. I'm not sure but it sounded like a paid telemarketer since she did not identify herself, read from a script and didn't wait for my reaction. Last week I got a call from a young man with an Irish sounding name asking about Brian O'Donnell. In the who has largest signs contest Bob Reilly has big ones all over the place. Jim Hayward has some yard signs out and I found a flyer of his left in my screen door. As I wander around town I have been seeing many Christine Katsock signs-the only Republican in the race. That's not too surprising as she has been involved in local issues for a long time. When she was running for school director a few years ago she knocked on my door and gave me a sponge with her name on it. I still have it.