PA-11th CD update

Congresman Paul Kanjorski's just put out a new TV ad that has a great message; Say Yes to Kanjorski

Kanjo is trying to pull jobs to the area like he has always done and Lou Barletta resisted this project from the beginning citing the noise it might create. Boom.




A few days ago I confessed to helping out a Republican primary state house candidate a few years ago with my advice for whatever it was worth. A GOP hopeful in another race figured out I was helping his primary opponent and called me out about it. It was easy, I had access to your opponent and your press guy kept jerking me around.

Now I will give advice to GOP 11th CD candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta. Maybe not, because the only advice I can give him would be in the past tense. Skip the immigration ordinance although it is your claim to fame. Don't reject Kanjo's latest big idea out of hand. Welcome the initiative and point out that most of his previous big ideas have not panned out, people movers,dams on the river, monorails, Wall Street West, high speed trains, etc... the list is endless.

The 30 second attack ad

Kanjo released a new ad and the Realtors have a spot up supporting him. The NRCC has an attack ad running but America's Mayor is not on the air yet. The 60 Plus Association has a spot running all over the country including the PA 10th and 11th Districts that is so full of shit that I won't link to it. For all the technological advances of the last 40 or 50 years the 30 second TV ad is still the most important thing in a campaign.

Health Care Reform kicks in tomorrow

My view of HCR is that it didn't go far enough but this is a good start. We are are the only advanced country in the world that looks at health care as a business instead fo an obligation. There has to be a way for the richest country on earth to find a way to take of our people when they get sick without bankruppting them.

The White House press office is kind enough to send me press releases everyday so I thought I should post one of them. This one reminds us of all the good that HCR will do:


On March 23, 2010 President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. The landmark new law will put into place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will hold insurance companies accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices, and enhance the quality of health care for all Americans.

On September 22, President Obama will mark the upcoming six month anniversary of the law’s enactment by meeting with Americans from across the country who will benefit from the new law and celebrate the implementation of the Patient’s Bill of Rights that was included in the Affordable Care Act.

Additionally, the Administration will release state-by-state reports detailing the impact of the Affordable Care Act and a revamped website – www.WhiteHouse.gov/HealthReform -- which includes information on the impact of the law and stories from Americans in all 50 states who are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Some of the participants whose stories are highlighted on the new website will include:

•Dawn Josephson, Dawn Josephson from Jacksonville, FL, who can now live with the security of knowing that her new insurance policy can’t exclude coverage for young her son who recently had eye surgery.
•Gail M. O’Brien from Keene, NH who was previously uninsured and diagnosed with high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Gail is enrolled in the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan that will pay for her treatments and is responding very well.
Details on the Patient’s Bill of Rights and examples of how the Administration has already delivered benefits of the Affordable Care Act to the American people are included below.

A New Patient’s Bill of Rights

On September 23, critical new consumer protections in the new law – a Patient’s Bill of Rights -- begin to take effect. The Patient’s Bill of Rights puts an end to some of the worst insurance company abuses, and puts consumers, not insurance companies, in control of their health care. These new protections include:

Ban on Discriminating Against Kids with Pre-Existing Conditions:

Before reform, tens of the thousands of families had been denied insurance each year for their children because of an illness or condition. Starting September 23rd, plans cannot discriminate against kids with pre-existing conditions. In 2014, no one seeking coverage can be discriminated against because of a preexisting condition. Up to 72,000 uninsured children are expected to gain coverage by banning insurers from refusing them coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Coverage for up to 90,000 children will no longer exclude benefits because of a pre-existing condition.

Ban on Insurance Companies Dropping Coverage:

Before reform, insurance companies could cancel your coverage when you got sick and needed it most because of a simple mistake on your application. Starting September 23rd, insurance companies are banned from cutting off your coverage due to an unintentional mistake on your application. Approximately 10,700 people’s coverage, whose coverage is dropped each year because they get sick or make a technical mistake on their application, will be protected under the new law.

Ban on Insurance Companies Limiting Coverage:

Before reform, cancer patients and individuals suffering from other serious and chronic diseases were often forced to limit or go without treatment because of an insurer’s lifetime limit on their coverage. Starting September 23rd, insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage they provide, so families can live with the security of knowing that their coverage will be there when they need it most. Up to 20,400 people who typically hit their lifetime limits on the dollar amount that can be spent on coverage, along with the nearly 102 million enrollees who have policies with lifetime limits, will no longer have to worry about hitting their benefits caps. The use of annual dollar limits will be restricted, and in 2014will be banned completely. By 2013, up to 3,500 people will gain coverage as a result of the ban on annual limits that insurers impose on nearly 18 million people today.

Ban on Insurance Companies Limiting Choice of Doctors:

Before reform, insurance companies could decide which doctor you could go to. Starting September 23rd, if you purchase or join a new plan you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network. Up to 88 million people will benefit from the provision that protects primary care provider choice by 2013.

Ban on Insurance Companies Restricting Emergency Room Care:

Before reform, insurance companies could limit which emergency room you could go to or charge you more if you went out of network. Starting September 23rd, if you purchase or join a new plan, those plans are banned from charging more for emergency services obtained out of network. Up to 88 million people will benefit from this provision.

Guarantee You a Right to Appeal:

Before reform, when insurers denied you coverage or restricted your treatment, you were left with few options to appeal. Starting September 23rd, if you purchase or join a new policy, you will be guaranteed the right to appeal insurance company decisions to an independent third party. Up to 88 million people will benefit from the new appeals process provisions by 2013.

Covering Young Adults on Parent’s Plan:

Starting September 23rd, young adults will be allowed to remain on their parent’s plan until their 26th birthday, unless they are offered coverage at work. Up to 2.4 million young adults, up to 1.8 million who are uninsured and nearly 600,000 who purchase coverage in the individual market, could gain coverage through their parents.

Covering Preventive Care With No Cost:

Starting September 23rd, if you join or purchase a new plan, you will receive recommended preventive care with no out-of-pocket cost. Services like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and new baby care will be covered and insurance companies will be prohibited from charging deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance. Up to 88 million people will have access to preventive care with no out of pocket costs.

Six Months of Progress

In addition to implementing the Patient’s Bill of Rights, the Obama Administration has worked to deliver other benefits of reform to the American people. In the last six months, the Administration has:

Fought Waste, Fraud and Abuse: The Affordable Care Act includes robust new tools that will help fight fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. Using these new tools, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has pledged to cut Medicare’s error rate (the percentage of claims paid inappropriately) in half by 2012. A proposed regulation that implements the first round of Affordable Care Act policies to combat Medicare and Medicaid fraud was issued on September 17.

Helped Fight Premium Increases: The Affordable Care Act also includes critical new resources and authorities to crack down on unjustified rate hikes. Today, 46 states are using resources under the new reform law to pass or strengthen premium rate review laws which will have a significant impact on keeping year-to-year increases in premiums low. In a number of states (California, Massachusetts, Maine) regulators have already reviewed and rejected these proposed increases. We expect this pattern to continue. The Administration has also been working on rules that require insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of premium dollars on health care instead of overhead, salaries or administrative expenses, in 2011. If they fail to do so, they will be required to provide rebates to consumers.

Offered Support for Small Businesses: Under the Affordable Care Act, up to 4 million small businesses nationwide could qualify for a small business tax credit this year, which will provide a total of $40 billion in relief for small firms over the next 10 years. Small businesses have been notified of these tax credits and can make plans knowing the credits will help bring down their health care costs.

Helped Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable: More than 1 million seniors who have fallen into the prescription drug coverage gap known as the donut hole have received $250 rebate checks. The checks are the first step toward closing the donut hole in 2020.

Launched a New Website to Make it Easier to Find Coverage: On July 1, the Administration launched www.HealthCare.gov. www.Healthcare.gov is a new, easy to use website that helps consumers take control of their health care and make the choices that are right for them by putting the power of information at their fingertips. The website is the first of its kind to bring information and links to health insurance plans and other coverage options to one place, making it easier for consumers to learn about their insurance options. The site includes extensive, easy to understand information about patients’ rights, how to navigate the current insurance market, and how the Affordable Care Act will help them. A Spanish language version – www.CuidadodeSalud.gov – was launched on September 8, and additional pricing information will be added on October 1.

Started Covering Individuals With Pre-Existing Conditions: On July 1, the Administration announced the establishment of the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Program to provide coverage for eligible Americans who have been uninsured for six months because of a pre-existing condition. Coverage started in 47 states by August, and will be provided in all states by the end of September.

Provided Employers Support to Cover Early Retirees: On August 31, the Administration announced that over 2,000 employers and unions across all fifty states had been approved to receive help to pay for their early retirees’ health care through the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. This program will help many older Americans, who are not yet eligible for Medicare, continue to have quality affordable coverage through their employer

Marino hits the air

PA-11th CD Republican candidate Tom Marino released his first ad today. Normally a challenger's first spot is a warm fuzzy bio piece but this starts out accusing Chris Carney of lying about the fact that Marino is a liar then gives a quick summary of his background and finishes with him being a tough prosecutor who is going to "take on the crowd in DC." It's painful to watch.


The ad does not say how Carney is lying; pa2010.com found Carney’s ad on the subject to warrant a fact-checking score of Squeaky Clean.




The Carney camp responded.


CLARKS SUMMIT -- Tom Marino's trail of lies took a new turn today, a day after an independent Ad Watch by Pa2010.com declared Congressman Carney's television ad "squeaky clean," the first ad to receive its highest rating, in asking Marino for the supposed letter he claims to have received from the Department of Justice.

Marino, in his first TV ad, calls Congressman Carney a liar -- without saying how. It is the latest effort at deception by the Marino campaign, which has yet to answer what has become a central question in his campaign: Where is the letter? Marino's campaign in the spring said it had a letter that would prove Marino received permission to provide a personal reference for a felon who was under investigation by Marino's office when he was a U.S. attorney.

In the space of the last four days, Marino's campaign has gone from claiming that "there are documents that would end this matter" to hedging whether there is any letter at all, telling the Williamsport Sun-Gazette they "don't recall" if there were documents to begin with. The truth is that Tom Marino can't say specifically what's being lied about because he is caught in his own web of lies.

"The truth hurts and Tom Marino seems intent on trying to run away from it," said Josh Drobnyk, campaign spokesman for Congressman Chris Carney. "Where is the letter? There's a simple question that Tom Marino continues to hide from. It has become increasingly obvious that Marino made up the supposed letter and now he's trying to hide behind his lies. If Tom Marino isn't straight with us now, what will he be like in Washington? The public deserves higher standards than Marino's trail of unethical behavior."

Later in the day, Pa2010.com wrote that "With boss under fire, Marino aide hedges on DOJ letter's existence."

FROM Pa2010.com...

...Now, Marino’s campaign appears to be retreating from the situation and hunkering down, hoping to ride out any fallout and shift the focus back to incumbent Democrat Chris Carney. To that end, Marino campaign’s itself implied to a local newspaper late last week that the much-talked-about letter might not exist.

“I don’t recall Mr. Marino ever referring specifically to a document from the Department of Justice that gave him permission to give a reference,” spokesman Jason Fitzgerald told The Suz-Gazette.

To add to the fun the Dems have a new attack sight up:

What is Tom Marino Hiding?

This is the successor to their spring effort:

The Unvarnished Truth on Tom Marino


Supposedly the NRCC is going to drop $500K into this race but that announcement was made before Marino's campaign imploded over this letter thing and yelling at people.

They can use a lesson on how to do a positive ad:

This week's events

121st Republican State Rep candidate James O'Meara is having a Wing Thing tonight at
Dan's Keystone Grill, 162 Union Street, Plains, PA 6-8 PM

The 120th District hopefuls are busy

Tomorrow you can find GOP candidate Bill Goldsworthy at Gober’s Art Deco Lounge, Schooley & Wyoming Ave., Exeter 7-10PM

Incumbent Democrat Phyllis Mundy will be at the Fox Hill Country Club, Thursday, September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30

On Saturday Libertarian Tim Mullen has a shindig at Grandaddy's Cafe, Vaughn and Buckingham St. in Luzerne 7:00-10:00pm

116th Republican challenger Tarah Toohill is hosting an old-fashioned 1950s Sock Hop on Wednesday at Byorek's Knotty Pine Restaurant, North Church St. (Route 309) Hazleton 6-9PM. Incumbent Todd Eachus doesn't have anything on the calendar this week but you can join him in Harrisburg next month.

Friends of Home Rule, a political committee in favor of the proposed home-rule charter for Luzerne County, is planning a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Hoyt Library in Kingston

In the 119th there is a South Valley Mixer to meet/greet Republican Rick Arnold on Sunday at Alden Manor. 4-6 pm, Middle Road in Nanticoke.

Also on Sunday the 4th and 6th District Republicans have gettogethers. You can read the details on the Luzerne County GOP website.

Finally GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett will be at the American Legion Post 609, 320 Lee Park Ave., Hanover Township on Thursday

NRA endorses Carney

Fairfax, Va.--

...

During his tenure in Congress, Chris Carney has demonstrated a proven and consistent commitment to our Second Amendment rights by voting for legislation to restore self-defense rights in our nation’s capital, as well as signing the pro-gun congressional amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting our individual right to keep and bear arms in the historic Heller case. He also signed the pro-gun congressional amicus brief arguing that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right that protects all Americans in the McDonald case...

Chris Carney’s commitment to preserving our Second Amendment rights and hunting heritage has earned him an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF.

“We ask all gun owners and hunters in Pennsylvania’s 10th District to vote Chris Carney for Congress this November 2nd.”

Tom Marino also picked up a key endorsement from the National Association of Undertakers

Tom Marino's opposition to Health Care Reform and his habit of putting his foot in his mouth while shooting himself in the foot ensures we will be very busy said spokesperson Lucrezia Borgia

TWO DEBATE DATES SET FOR PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 22

OLD FORGE PENNSYLVANIA. Two October dates are set for debates between Democrat candidate John Blake and Republican candidate Frank Scavo. Both are in contention for the State Senate seat of Robert Mellow, District 22.

The first debate, sponsored by the League of Women voters of Lackawanna County, will be held on Tuesday, October 12Th at 7:00 pm in the Pearn Auditorium (2ND floor) in the University of Scranton's Brennan Hall on Madison avenue. This will be a taped interview and air on ECTV.

The second debate, sponsored by WVIA, TV 44, is Tuesday, October 26Th at 7:00 PM. The debate will be held at the WVIA TV 44 studios and air live the same night. Seating is available for this live debate and can be reserved by calling the candidates or WV IA prior to the debate date.


"I applaud the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna county and WVIA TV for offering their forums for this critical election. I also believe the two debates will show the sharp distinction between the Harrisburg insider mindset versus that of the non governmental, private sector conservative approach to government. With recent defeats of the establishment candidates, the outlook for change here in Northeast Pennsylvania is at a peak, and the best it has ever been" stated candidate Scavo.



Frank Scavo
State Senate candidate, District 22

You Tube weekend

I have my doubts, this guy is so polished he can't possibly still be in high school. This is like the Danny Almonte Little League scandal a few years ago.

Take a look

Blogger/Candidate Meetup September 17th postgame

The picture above is from Another Monkey who raised the question on what to call this semi-annual event. I probably created some confusion by posting it as a Blogger/Candidate Meetup on the blog but created a Facebook event page titled Happy Hour-Fall Edition then sent out a promo email refering to it as the Mega-Meetup. Joe Valenti tagged it Blogfest which appeared on the sign outside Rooney's. Beer Summit was suggested by the Blogfather who was MIA and many people were asking about him.

.

We had another great turnout and expect the spring event to be the best one yet when all the local offices are on the primary ballot. National and state elections are not as nearly intense as the local ones and primaries have all the activists more fired up than the general election.

Gene Rooney and his staff did an outstanding job like they always do taking care of our need for beverages and really good food.

.

Me and Mrs. G got there early and the first one in the door was 117th State Rep Candidate Richard Shermanski and Bob Caruso. This was real treat for me because I haven't seen Bob since we both worked for different candidates in the 1976 Presidential primary then organized a Young Democrats chapter in Luzerne County with a lot of help from State Senator Marty Murray. We shared some great memories like the time Jimmy Carter came to town and we lost Kevin Blaum in Mountaintop and the future Mayor of Boston, Tommy Menino, didn't know what a CMP was.

.

Luzerne County Commissioner and PA Senate 14th District hopeful Steve Urban worked the crowd all night as did the Libertarian candidate Betsy Summers. Lackawanna PA 20th Senate District Republican nominee Frank Scavo was there with his lovely wife and he didn't get into a shouting match with Bart Simpson. Another Lackawanna county candidate was Republican Theresa Kane who is running against longtime State Rep Ed Staback in the 115th. She was accompanied by Scranton Tea Party activist Lauree Cummings.

.

My 3rd favorite Congressman Paul Kanjorski showed up with a posse that included Joe Terrana, his COS Karen Feather and Nicole Giambusso and stayed well into the night. For some reason they all wanted to know how I learned to speak Polish. Lou Barletta didn't make it but his press guy Shawn Kelly made the rounds. Él estaba muy emocionado cuando le dije que si el alcalde Lou gane las elecciones voy a empezar a referirse a él como el congresista Nelligan.

118th Republican candidate Terrance O'Conner walked in the door dressed up in his 18th century garb but I didn't get a picture before he changed. He said he lost his bullhorn

I asked State Senator Lisa Baker what she thought her margin of victory would be and we recounted the 2006 race when Dave Madeira and Russ Bigus got in to that argument over who had killed the most animals. She confided that she ran into a deer around that time that totaled her car and was going to put out a satirical press release saying she was the only candidate that got a deer that year but demurred.

Hoping to win the 119th Rick Arnold (R) and Gerald Mullery (D) mixed it up with the crowd. 121st Republican candidate James O'Meara is a great guy and I just recently learned that he married a girl that I had a crush on in high school. Small world.

From the courthouse Solicitor Vito DeLuca made it as did Controller Walter "the hump" Griffith. I think Mary Jo was blushing when the wags were busting on him.

All 3 120th State Rep candidates attended like they always do for my events, thank you. In this cycle I have had the most contact with them and I'm sort of like the Will Rogers of the local blogosphere since I have got to know and like all of them. Whoever wins the district will be well represented. West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy (R) tells me he is good shape and is keeping an eye for yard signs for Tim Mullen in Democratic areas. My 1st or 4th favorite State Represenative Phyllis Mundy (D) has an energetic young staff including Omeed Firouzi who is running the show and is still in high school! Omeed, when I was your age I could only dream of such things. After I got some experience I was instrumental in sinking more than one candidate's aspirations when they were dumb enough to make me the campaign manager or field director. The difference is you have a great candidate and I never did. Libertarian Tim Mullen continues to impress me. The number of signatures on his petitions and actualy being able to open an office is impressive for a 3rd party candidate. He brought some his supporters including the head honcho of the local Libertarians, Lou Jassikoff, who sends out a great email everyday.

Speaking of third parties the Greens didn't show up but Renee was flying the banner of the Pirate Party, arrgh.

Radio personality Dr. David Madeira brought his "oldest daughter" and other radio guys in attendance were Duke from Dallas and Bible Buck. The mad drummer and special Gort42 correspondent Austin Smith jones Ford deSoto was in the crowd and talked policy with Harry Haas. My pals David Baloga and Zen always light up a room. I finally got to meet Luzerne County elections honcho Lenny Piazza and thanked him for all the help he has given me over the years.

A couple of our local bloggers that concentrate on national issues should write up this event. But as I told Kanjo the beauty of blogging is that you don't have an editor or a deadline although Mrs. G and Renita are pretty good editors and I welcome all the help I can get.

Big Dan's site moves so fast I can't keep up. He looks taller on the internet. It was great to meet Mrs BD who does great work with the Fresh Air Fund . Chris NovoRockey used to post about local stuff but has gone full tilt to the dark side on national issues. Just remember that Colbert married his hand.

People kept asking me before and during the gathering what are the rules for the event.

There are 3 rules.

1. No Speeches

2. You must wear clothes even it is warm.

3. Agree to disagree but don't be a disagreeable.

One of my favorite moments from this night is when Chris Hackett and Dan Mueser shook hands and spent a few minutes chatting. I'm sure you remember that they had a knock down drag out primary in 2008. Dan gave me some credit for driving that race and he said he wanted to get together during it but his press guy kept jerking me around.

Vito said it best:

"You should do this more often! It was probably the most stress-free 'political' event I have ever been to. It was so refreshing to meet people from all parties and discuss issues at such a casual affair. In addition to typical politics, I had the opportunity to engage in conversations about gas drilling, home rule, college football, and how my three boys believe it is their Constitutional right to maintain a messy bedroom. Great job Gort!

Maybe we should call this event The Rodney King Get Together.

The bloggers report

Another Monkey

NCFE

NEPartisan

LuLac

Pittston Politics

Loreley's Musings

More photos at this link.

You Tube weekend

This is for Phyllis

You're going to be my number ONE

Tom Marino is a Liar

Yesterday afternoon I got this press release from PA 10th CD Republican candidate Tom Marino:


MARINO RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DOCUMENTS.


Williamsport Pennsylvania- Tom Marino issued the following statement in response to media questions regarding Department of Justice documents.


“I have been in communication with the Department of Justice concerning the release of documents related to my service as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The Department of Justice General Council has informed me that these documents are confidential and are the property of the Department. The Department of Justice General Council explained that even though I am a former U.S. Attorney, I am bound by security and ethics provisions of federal law associated with my past service. While I am confident that the release of certain documents would end this matter, I understand the sensitive nature of these documents and the important role that the Department of Justice has in keeping us safe. As a former U.S. Attorney, I will abide by the laws of this land and the polices of the Department of Justice, without question.”

The problem is there are no such documents supporting Marino's claim that he received permission in writting when he was a United States Attorney to give a reference to Louis DeNaples a reference when he was applying for a Casino License.

Just after that poped up in my inbox this hit the wire from the AP:


ALLENTOWN — A U.S. Justice Department source says the department has no record that former federal prosecutor Tom Marino received permission to serve as a personal reference for a businessman seeking a state casino license, as the now-Republican candidate for Congress has claimed.

PR from the DCCC:

“The fact that Tom ‘Casino’ Marino has spent the past five months lying about his past only proves how unfit he is to serve Pennsylvanians. These lies have come to define ‘Casino’ Marino’s career and it’s clear that he simply can’t be trusted in any capacity, let alone in Congress.”

And the Carney campaign pounced.


The Associated Press made clear today that Tom Marino received absolutely no permission by the Department of Justice to serve as a reference for a convicted felon. It is now clear that Tom Marino lied about having been authorized to give the reference even as the felon was under investigation by Marino's office. There was no letter showing that he had such authorization. What else is Tom Marino hiding? Tom Marino has abused the public trust at a time when ethics and character matter most."

Happy Hour today

The next blogger/candidate meetup will be tonight at Rooney's Irish Pub 67 S. Main St. Pittston, PA 18704 starting at 5PM. There is big bar area with tables off to the side and plenty of free parking across the street where the Tomato Festival is held.

It looks like we will have another good turnout. Just about every PA State Senate and State House candidate and/or supporters in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties will be attending. That includes Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians and Pastafarians. We will have at least 2 members of the 111th United States Congress as our special guests along with a few people who want to replace them and representatives from the statewide campaigns. I have some definite maybes from the hopefuls themselves.

Our political bloggers from Luzerne and Lackawanna counties will be there along with our readers, commenters and people who are just interested in local politics. The public is invited.


This is an informal mixer with no speeches scheduled. There is no charge for admission.


This event is sanctioned by the Northeast Blogging Council and the Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society.

Our last mega meetup was a huge success that got some great local press coverage.

Candidates meet the faces behind the screen names

The great thing about an event like this is that we can talk politics and agree to disagree without being disagreeable.

Bart Simpson and Principle Skinner proved that.

President Obama backs Kanjo

This just showed up in my inbox:


Paul Kanjorski for Congress

In just 20 months, this movement has accomplished a tremendous amount.

But we couldn't have done it without the Democrats in Congress who were willing to take a stand and fight for policies that would move America forward.

And with so much still left to be done, and too many families struggling to get by, we need to keep America moving forward -- which means I need you to support Paul Kanjorski for Congress.

Just like in 2008, you can make the difference this year.

You can go door to door to ask folks to support Paul. You can make calls to voters in your area, and make sure they get to the polls. And you can spread the word about the importance of voting for Paul Kanjorski to your family, friends, and neighbors.

Click here to join Paul's campaign.

With so much at stake right now, we cannot afford to let up -- for one minute or one election.

With your help we developed our Vote 2010 strategy -- and with your help, we'll make sure to send Paul Kanjorski to Washington to fight for you and your district, Pennsylvania's 11th.

If Republicans win in November, their agenda is simple: take us backward to the failed policies of the last decade.

They would seek to repeal all the work we've done, and try to stop us from doing more.

They'll fight to repeal health insurance reform that is ensuring a family with a sick child doesn't worry about an insurance company denying them care when they need it most.

They'll do everything they can to repeal Wall Street reform that puts you, the consumer, first and prevents big banks from irresponsibly gambling with our savings ever again.

And they'll work to block our efforts to jump-start a clean-energy economy, reform our broken immigration system, and get more Americans back to work.

We cannot let that happen, and that's why we all need to fight to get Paul Kanjorski to Washington, to keep America -- and Pennsylvania -- moving forward:

Sign up to show your support for Paul:

http://my.barackobama.com/kanjorski

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Carney slams Marino in new ad

If your keeping score this is the third TV spot from Congressman's Chris Carney reelection campaign. The first 2 were positive spots that you can view here. His Republican challenger Tom Marino is not on the air yet and may not have the money to do any TV after reporting only $11K cash on hand as of June 30th. I'm sure that his fundraising has picked up since then but looking at his last FEC report most of that is probably going to various consultants. I'm sure he will get some outside help but so far the NRCC hasn't spent any money on his behalf.

That being said the only 2 polls released in this race so far that have come from Republican outfits shows that he is ahead. Carney's campaign polled the district in June and has surely done so since but unlike the last 2 cycles they have not released the results. They might be worried because this ad goes after Marino's relationship with Louis DeNaples who is famous for owning a junk yard, bank, landfill, all the former watershed land of PG&W, a casino and who knows what else. He may even own my blog.

Here is the ad:




From Wiki:


Louis A. DeNaples is a prominent Scranton, Pennsylvania businessman, best known as former owner of the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. In January, 2008, DeNaples was charged with four counts of perjury due to his suspected ties to the Bufalino crime family when applying for a Pennsylvania state gambling license.[1] The charges were later dropped in April 2009 after DeNaples agreed to turn over legal control of Mount Airy Casino resort to his family.[2] DeNaples is owner or invested in several businesses, including DeNaples Auto Parts, Inc., Keystone Landfill Inc. and is Chairman of the Board of First National Community Bankcorp, Inc.[3]...

In 1978, DeNaples pleaded no contest to a conspiracy charge of defrauding the government of $525,000 in contracts relating to the cleanup and recovery of the City of Scranton in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes. Prosecutors claimed DeNaples plotted with three county employees to falsify records to obtain $525,000 in federal reimbursements.[4] He was subsequently fined $10,000 and was placed on probation for three years. Four people, including James Osticco, a Bufalino crime family underboss were convicted in 1982 of jury tampering in DeNaples fraud trial. [5]

In 2001, as part of a federal gambling investigation, four informants make mention of a relationship between DeNaples and current leader of the Bufalino crime family, William D'Elia. The informants alleged DeNaples made payments to D'Elia for undisclosed work and paid the crime boss protection money. [5]

The Carney camp sent out a press release yesterday reinforcing this message:

CLARKS SUMMIT – Congressman Chris Carney today called on Tom Marino to release a letter he has promised to make public surrounding the controversial reference he wrote as a U.S. attorney on behalf of a convicted felon. Tom Marino claims that he has a letter that shows he was authorized by the Department of Justice to give the personal reference despite an ongoing federal investigation of the felon at the time. The unethical decision by Tom Marino has yet to be fully explained, despite repeated questions from reporters in northeast and central Pennsylvania.

"The controversial ordeal illustrates Tom Marino's career-long lack of judgment and integrity," said Carney for Congress campaign spokesman Josh Drobnyk. "Tom Marino should stop hiding and release the letter. He said he had permission from the Department of Justice to serve as a personal reference for a convicted felon back when Tom Marino was a U.S. attorney. He said he would provide proof in writing of that permission. But he has yet to do just that. Where is the letter? The people of northeastern and central Pennsylvania deserve a straight answer on this and, instead, all they are getting is the run-around from Tom Marino. Families deserve to know the truth."

Here's what we do know. In 2005, while Tom Marino was a U.S. attorney in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, he wrote a personal reference for a casino application of a convicted felon who was under further investigation. Marino resigned in disgrace two years later and promptly went to work for the felon, making $250,000 a year. When asked about the matter in a radio interview in the spring, Tom Marino said he had notified the Department of Justice about the personal reference and had been given the department's permission. He later told the radio host that he would provide a letter from the Department of Justice showing he was authorized to provide the character reference. More than four months later, he has still not released the letter.

Reporters have tracked this story for years:

http://www.wilknetwork.com/pages/7074698.php

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/all-marino082107,0,878720.story

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/all-resign082407,0,4810885.story

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/36560.html

http://www.mcall.com/news/all-a1_5marino.6221869jan11,0,4798885.story

http://thetimes-tribune.com/marino-tops-gop-opponents-in-personal-wealth-1.749563

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-marino-justice-20100901,0,6567497.story

http://www.wilknetwork.com/-Tom-Marino-Should-Stop-Hiding-/7074698?pid=20883

http://www.wilknetwork.com/-Casino-Marino--Plays-Roulette-With-The-Truth/7074698?archive=1&pid=20411

The Marino campaign responded by reminding everyone that Nancy Pelosi is a liberal:


Williamsport, PA – Following a negative and misleading ad released by Chris Carney, U.S. Congressional candidate Tom Marino issued the following statement.
“Chris Carney should be ashamed of himself for attacking my character and ethics in his latest negative ad. He is trailing badly in the polls and has grown increasingly desperate. He wants to talk about anything other than his liberal voting record.
For 18 years I protected the people of this region, first as Lycoming County District Attorney, then as United States Attorney for the Middle District. As a prosecutor I put away murderers, child molesters, rapists, drug dealers, and organized crime figures. For Chris Carney to question my integrity is outrageous.
If Chris Carney wants to talk about associations, why doesn’t he explain his close association with Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi? He has voted with Nancy Pelosi over 91% of the time. He has been a part of the Obama/Pelosi team that has allowed unemployment to hit double digits, the national debt to double, and Medicare to be cut by 500 billion dollars. He joined Pelosi in voting for bailouts and the governments run health care. It’s Chris Carney that owes the hard working people of this district an explanation.
While Chris Carney and his liberal cronies continue their negative personal attacks, I will focus on the issues that are important to the people of the 10th District. I will talk about my plans to create private sector jobs, eliminate excessive regulations, reduce government spending, cut taxes, and repeal the Obama/Pelosi/ Carney Healthcare bill”.

Shredder

Local blogger Joe Valenti of Pittston Politics has had some adventures lately. A few weeks ago he made a request under the open records law for some documents from the Wyoming Area School Board and recently learned that the documents he requested had been shredded. I'm surprised that the local newspaper reporters haven't picked up on this yet because they do read the blogs.

Joe has also been subpoenaed in a case involving the Pittston Area School Board and he made a great video in response to that and the Wyoming Area open records officer. He is now digging in the dumpsters of all the Pittston and Wyoming area schools. Good luck.

What the Frack

News about gas drilling has been hot and heavy the last 2 days.

Congressman Paul Kanjorski announced that he has secured a cool million in federal funding to start an Energy Institute run by Wilkes U, King's College and the Earth Conservancy.
The institute will provide research about natural gas drilling's impact on the local community and environment, help with problem solving for issues that arise, and enhance public outreach efforts in order to promote safe and environmentally responsible drilling in the Marcellus Shale that could aid in significant local economic development, he said in a press release.

I asked Kanjo about his position on the Frac Act introduced by Senator Casey but he was noncommittal.

The argument in Harrisburg has moved from if there should be a severance tax to how much it should be. The Republicans want 1.5% and Rapid Edward wants 5 %. I think it should be a lot higher along with Tim Mullen's idea of requiring the drilling companies to post an environmental bond. Dan Onorato is beating up Tom Corbett on this issue. A new Penn State study looks at the tax issue. I know many of my friends don't trust anything coming out of PSU on this issue after the last fiasco but it is worth a read.

Kayak Dude is reporting there are tiny bubbles of methane in the Susquehanna River.

Scott Cannon of Video Innovations has produced a short film featuring Dr. Tom Juinta of the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition and State Reps Eddie Day Pashinski and Phyllis Mundy. Some of it is "what if" these things blow up in our back yards but those "what if's" are serious concerns. The damage the heavy trucks will cause is indistibutable.

Under attack

My computer has been attacked by the same hackers that did it a few weeks ago. I'm trying to fix it.

It's attacking through Internet Explorer but Firefox still works, these people should be dealt with severely.

I shall be contacting every law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the internet tomorrow.

Security Suite is the culprit again.

The protection software has been ineffective so far.


Gotta get a MAC

It's in Firefox too.

Oooghoog

IE7 is totally shut down as well as my protection software. Firefox is still working with a lot of hiccups but I can't post. Off to the shop tomorrow.

I know that the law is way behind what is going on online and for the most part that is a good thing but there has to be a legal remedy for what this company is doing to me and many other people.

PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE, 2010

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Nine years ago, the United States of America suffered an unprecedented national tragedy.On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 individuals from across our Nation and from more than 90 others, lost their lives in acts of terrorism aimed at the heart of our country. The Americans we lost came from every color, faith, and station.They were cherished family members, friends, and fellow citizens, and we will never forget them.

Yet, against the horrific backdrop of these events, the American
people revealed the innate resilience and compassion that marks our Nation.When the call came for volunteers to assist our heroic first responders, countless men and women answered with a massive rescue and recovery effort, offering hope and
inspiration amidst tremendous heartbreak.Today we remember those we lost on that dark September day, and we honor the courage and selflessness of our first responders, servicemembers, and fellow citizens who served our Nation and its people in our hour of greatest need.

Throughout America, patriotism was renewed through common purpose and dedicated service in the days and weeks following September 11. Many joined our Armed Forces to protect our country at home and abroad; others chose to serve in their own neighborhoods and communities, lending their skills and time to those in need.Fences and boundaries gave way to fellowship and unity.

In the wake of loss and uncertainty, Americans from every corner of our country joined together to demonstrate the unparalleled human capacity for good. To rekindle this spirit, I signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act last year, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. I called upon every American to make an enduring commitment to serve their community and our Nation. The response to that appeal has been inspirational, and last year more than 63 million Americans volunteered in their communities. I encourage all Americans to visit Serve.gov, or Servir.gov for Spanish speakers, for more information and resources on opportunities for service across America.

By any measure, these myriad acts of service have strengthened our country and fostered a new wave of active and engaged citizens of all ages and walks of life. Americans should be particularly proud of the example set by our Nation's young people, who came of age following the horrors of September 11, yet still believe a truly patriotic idea: that people who love their country can change it. Through selfless acts for country and for one another, patriots in every corner of our Nation continue to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, and they reaffirm our charge to reach for a more perfect Union.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress has requested the observance of
September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2010, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance.I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.



BARACK OBAMA

Barletta loses again

Mayor says city won’t give up

Hazleton loses appeal in immigration law case


“Our fight is not yet over. The city of Hazleton fully intends to appeal this incorrect decision and take the case all the way to the United States Supreme Court, if necessary,” Barletta said.

He said no city funds have been used for the city’s defense. The approximately $500,000 in legal costs have come from donations to the city’s now nearly depleted legal defense fund.

Great, the Hazleton ordinance has already been shot done twice in court and the donations have stopped coming in but he promises to press on. This decision is anti-climatic as just about anyone who has been following this case knew that the 3rd circuit would affirm Judge Muley's decision that it violates the supremacy clause of the constitution.

You can read the opinion here.

Hazleton is like many towns in PA that are making unpleasant choices to cut services and raise taxes and the city is on the hook for the legal fees of the defendants which may be in the millions. The prudent thing to do at this point is to cut your losses and drop the whole thing but this is Lou Barletta's claim to fame so that is not going to happen. His one trick pony approach to the campaign continues.

Congressman Paul Kanjorski's campaign has been silent on this issue today. I understand that, if your opponent is self destructing just sit back and watch.

Lou Barletta released this statement after his news conference yesterday:



El alcalde de Hazleton Lou Barletta publicó la siguiente declaración sobre el fallo de hoy por el tribunal federal de apelaciones en Filadelfia:
La decisión de hoy del Tribunal del Tercer Circuito, no es inesperado. No estoy desilusionado por esta decisión. Sabíamos que no sería la última parada de este viaje.
El Tribunal del Tercer Circuito opinión difería de un dictamen del Tribunal del Noveno Circuito en un caso similar en 2009. Ese caso se refería a una ley estatal de Arizona que exigía a los empleadores a utilizar el sistema de E-Verify.
Incluso el noveno circuito ha tomado una posición de Hazleton sobre esta cuestión, por lo que la decisión de hoy hace que el Tercer Circuito de la corte más liberal en los Estados Unidos en temas de inmigración.
Esta decisión constituye una pérdida para Hazleton y sus residentes legales. Es también un golpe a los derechos de los inmigrantes legales que decide llamar a su casa Hazleton. Estos inmigrantes jurídicos han seguido las reglas, y la decisión de hoy se pone en peligro sus puestos de trabajo.
La inmigración ilegal genera una mano de obra subterránea que reduce las posibilidades de empleo para todos los ciudadanos legales. La inmigración ilegal drena nuestro presupuesto y nos impide ofrecer una gama más amplia de servicios de la ciudad para los residentes legales, que pagan impuestos y sus hijos.
He dicho en repetidas ocasiones durante los años que la principal línea de defensa contra la inmigración ilegal es la eliminación de la disponibilidad de puestos de trabajo a extranjeros ilegales. Si los extranjeros ilegales no tienen lugar para trabajar, que se auto-deportar. De hecho, como la economía estadounidense empeoró recientemente, hemos visto que suceda. Nosotros, como nación debe adoptar medidas para detener extranjeros ilegales obtengan puestos de trabajo, especialmente ahora, una época en que los ciudadanos americanos y los que en este país legalmente no pueden darse el lujo de perder sus empleos.
Pero nuestra lucha no ha terminado todavía.
La ciudad de Hazleton toda la intención de apelar esta decisión incorrecta y llevar el caso hasta el final a los Estados Unidos la Corte Suprema, si es necesario.
Antes de hacerlo, me gustaría agradecer personalmente a los miembros del Concejo Municipal de Hazleton, que han apoyado esta ordenanza a través de los años.
También me gustaría agradecer a los residentes de Hazleton, que han apoyado consejo de la ciudad y yo en nuestra larga lucha.
Me gustaría dar las gracias a nuestro equipo jurídico, incluyendo Kris Kobach y Mahoney Hank. Han pasado muchas horas en este caso.
También me gustaría agradecer personalmente a los miles de personas a través de los Estados Unidos de América que han contribuido al fondo de la ciudad de defensa jurídica. Hasta la fecha, la ciudad no ha pasado un dólar de los fondos de los contribuyentes para pelear esta batalla legal - a pesar de que nos hemos enfrentado a numerosos fuerte, los opositores bien financiados que han amenazado con la quiebra de Hazleton como hemos tratado de mantener el Estado de Derecho. Animo a cualquiera que quiera unirse a esta batalla - y los que quieren renovar su apoyo - a visitar www.smalltowndefenders.com y contribuir a nuestro fondo de defensa legal. Una vez más, ese sitio Web es, www.smalltowndefenders.com.
Hace cuatro años, Hazleton se convirtió en la primera comunidad en la nación para defender por sí mismo. Debido a que nuestra población fue creciendo y nuestra base de impuestos fue disminuyendo, la inmigración ilegal constituye una pérdida grave y sustancial sobre nuestro presupuesto. Y si nos fijamos en nuestros números de desempleo local, se puede ver cómo esta mano de obra subterránea se llevó puestos de trabajo de los ciudadanos estadounidenses y los que están legalmente en este país.
Más importante aún, la calidad de un pequeño pueblo de la vida que había venido a disfrutar estaba siendo destruido por los delincuentes extranjeros que estaban haciendo subir el índice de delitos.
En lugar de sentarse, Hazleton decidió actuar.
Hazleton fue la primera - y Hazleton convirtió en el símbolo de esperanza para muchos en todo el país.
Desde que esta ley propuesta hace más de cuatro años, hemos visto la creciente frustración de todo el país. Lo hemos visto en lugares como Arizona y Valley Park, Missouri, y Farmers Branch, Texas.
Esta frustración no va a desaparecer - y no se irán hasta que el gobierno federal finalmente asegure nuestras fronteras y duras medidas contra la inmigración ilegal. Durante décadas, el Congreso nos ha fallado. Este problema necesita desesperadamente que se fijará en Washington, y voy a luchar para asegurar que las ciudades y los estados pueden protegerse contra los costos fiscales y penales de la inmigración ilegal.
La ciudad de Hazleton continuará con este caso, no sólo porque tenemos la razón, sino también por otras comunidades cuentan con nosotros.

In an unreleated issue the Kanjo camp responded to an ad by a group that missrepresents itself




Wilkes-Barre, PA - Dziś konserwatywne grupy przodu, że chce zniszczyć Ubezpieczeń Społecznych rozpoczął nadawanie reklam TV kłamie rekord Paul Kanjorski w celu ułatwienia wyboru Lou Barletta. Kampania Kanjorski jest wezwanie Lou Barletta wypowiedzieć te reklamy i popytu, że należy zdjąć z powietrza.

Grupy odpowiedzialnej za reklamy, 60 Plus Stowarzyszenie, jest konserwatywna grupa przodu, że od dawna w walce o prywatyzacji ubezpieczeń społecznych. Tego cyklu wyborów, grupa wydatków na ponad milion dolarów okłamać wyborców w Pensylwanii i wybiera członków Kongresu, które pomogą ich program pro-prywatyzacji.

"Lou Barletta twierdzi, że przeciwko prywatyzacji ubezpieczeń społecznych, to jego szanse to udowodnić. Grupie pro-prywatyzacji leżącego na Pennsylvanians pomóc Lou Barletta wygrać. Jeśli Lou naprawdę sprzeciwia się prywatyzacji, powinien wypowiedzieć te reklamy i wymagać, aby ich natychmiast przerwać ", powiedział Ed Mitchell, rzecznik kampanii Kanjorski.

60 plus Stowarzyszenie ma długą historię walki z prywatyzacji ubezpieczeń społecznych. W grudniu 2001 r., 60 Plus Stowarzyszenia uczestniczyli w konferencji prasowej sponsorowanej przez Amerykanów do reformy podatkowej, która poparła plan Busha zabezpieczenia społecznego do prywatyzacji Komisji Ubezpieczeń Społecznych (Amerykanie dla reformy podatku dochodowego od doradztwa prasy, 12/11/01). Jim Martin, szef 60-Plus Stowarzyszenie, napisał op-eds dla "Washington Times", w którym wzywa Social Security "przestarzały relikt minionej epoki" i "ciężar" dla młodych pracowników, promując system emerytalny, który młodych pracowników pozwala inwestować część swojego podatku. (Washington Times, 3/14/01, Washington Times, 8/1/01)

60 plus Stowarzyszenia, która nazywa się "bezstronne", wydała komunikat prasowy, w 2001 r., który wzywał pierwszych 100 Busha dni w urzędzie "złota era dla seniorów", a ukazał się w Filadelfii, podczas Republican National Convention w poparcie w 2000 r. bilet GOP. (Palm Beach Post, 6/17/01, National Journal Kongres Daily, 8/3/01)

"To jest obrzydliwe próby na zewnątrz grupy, aby okłamać wyborców w ich dążeniu do zniszczenia zabezpieczenia społecznego", powiedział Mitchell. "Czy Lou Barletta dopuszczę do wyborców z 11 Congressional District być okłamani przez grupę, która chce zniszczyć zabezpieczenia społecznego, czy będzie wstać i powiedzieć im, że już nie chce ich pomocy?

Fakty: Kliknij tutaj

I promissed Shawn I would be fair and balanced. Sorry Nicole but bloggers must have their fun.

Home rule opposition

I was a big proponent of the last plan that called for an elected county executive and a 9 member council with 6 positions elected by district and 3 at-large. It met the goal of separating the legislative and executive functions of the present 3 Commissioner system plus it got rid of electing row officers.

I have some reservations about the new proposed Luzerne County Charter . My biggest objection is not having an elected but appointed county manager. I don't like having a "Mayor of the County"that is not accountable to the voters. And I have concerns about the changes to the Controller's position

The part I like is that the coroner, register of wills, recorder of deeds, treasurer and sheriff would all be hired based on qualifications not elected. These are management/clerk positions with no policy responsibility. After all there is no Republican or Democratic way to perform an autopsy or register a will.

But I'm still reading the document and will reserve judgement.

I was privy to an email exchange between home rule opponents (how quaint) recently and I was surprised that many goo goo (good government) types that supported the last charter are opposed to this plan.

What is not surprising is that local Democratic and Republican party members are oppossed. Democratic Commissioners Maryanne Petrila and Tom Cooney are on the record opposing it and I understand that Republican Commissioner Steve Urban is also against it. Republican Prothonotary Carollee Medico-Oligarchy and Controller Walter Griffith have also have come out against it. Walter has a good argument because it changes the responsibilities of his office. The rest of them seem to want to protect their jobs.

This quote from Luzerne County Democratic chair Mark Buffalino both amuses and infuriates me...“I think our current office holders, especially Commissioners (Thomas P.) Cooney and (Maryanne) Petrilla, have taken steps in taking the county in the right direction, and I think those efforts would be impeded by change for the sake of change.” In 2003 the Dems asked us to trust Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid to fix the system telling us that home rule wasn't needed because we could trust these guys to fix the system. That worked out well. Vondy quit before his term was up and Skrep is headed to jail.


2nd District Democrats nix charter

Charter attacks blasted

Take a look at who’s opposing home rule plan MARK GUYDISH OPINION

Blogger/Candidate Meetup September 17th

It was so much fun last time we are going to do it again.

Candidates meet the faces behind the screen names


The next blogger meetup will be Friday September 17th at Rooney's Irish Pub 67 S. Main St. Pittston, PA 18704 starting at 5PM. There is big bar area with tables off to the side and plenty of free parking across the street where the Tomato Festival is held. It's easy to find just drive north on River Street from W-B and it's on the left. Or south from Scranton and it's on the right.

It looks like we will have a good turnout. So far I have received confirmation from about 25 campaigns for Congress, State Senate and State House that the candidate and/or supporters will be attending. That includes Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians and Pastafarians. The statewide candidates have been invited along with office holders not up for election this year and people interested in running for local offices in 2011. Some national figures have been invited and you never know who just might make it. Last time over 150 people showed up.

Our political bloggers from Luzerne and Lackawanna counties will be there along with our readers, commenters and people who are just interested in local politics.


This is an informal mixer with no speeches scheduled. There is no charge for admission.


This event is sanctioned by the Northeast Blogging Council and the Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society.

120th State Rep race events

Incumbent Democratic State Rep Phyllis Mundy has a cocktail party scheduled for Thursday, September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Fox Hill Country Club. This Saturday you can join her for breakfast at the West Wyoming Hose Company No. 1 on Shoemaker Avenue starting at 9AM. State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Wilkes-Barre) will emcee.

Republican West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy had a golf tournament last week and I'm told that all of his tee shots sliced to the right. He has a bunch of upcoming events including a meet and greet at Gober's Art Deco Lounge, Schooley & Wyoming Ave., Exeter on September 22nd and you can find him on September 30th at one of my favorite restaurants,
Theo's Metro, 596 Mercer Ave., Kingston.

Libertarian Tim Mullen continues to be the best story in this race. He got 2279 signatures on his nominating petitions by going dooor to door and my friends on west side are always calling me to tell me he knocked on their door. Somehow my name always comes up when they talk to him. He has a shindig scheduled for September 25th at Grandaddy's Cafe in Luzerne and recently opened a campaign office in Kingston Corners.

A PR:

KINSGTON – Mike Anderson, Campaign Manager for Tim Mullen is announcing that the Mullen Campaign has now opened their campaign office at 220 Wyoming Ave. in Kingston. The office will be used for all activities, including a phone bank staffed with volunteers, literature and sign distribution to precinct captains , along with campaign meetings and fundraisers. We will be open daily, the public is welcome, and the coffee will always be on!

Lou Jasikoff, Chair for the Northeast Pennsylvania Libertarian Party, added that “this will help coordinate all our campaigns in Luzerne County. Strategically located at Kingston Corners. Our goal is to make this Mullen’s State Representative office. If all three Luzerne candidates (Betsy Summers, candidate for State Senate District 14, and Brian Bergman, candidate for State Rep District 119) were elected we might propose combining their offices into one, especially where the districts overlap, to save the already over taxed, and over burdened citizens of Pennsylvania and Luzerne County some of their hard earned tax money.

I don't remember when a third party had enough bucks to open a campaign office in this area.

There has been some back and forth about debates. Mundy has agreed to usual borefest hosted by the League of Women Voters and the challengers are wanting more. I think us bloggers can put together a pretty darn good one if the candidates would agree.

They have already started to be debate in one of my previous posts.


Bill Goldsworthy said...
Last week Rep. Mundy FINALLY got it right!That our State Legislators have been lax. Her quote "The laws we have on the books in Pa. to monitor drilling are lax in terms of protecting the environment." Well where have you been Phyllis? She has been in the State Legislature for 20 years, they have been drilling for 16 years in the Marcellus Shale region, so why hasn't she proposed changes before? Why did it take an election year challenge and a contaminated well in Dimmick to make her become reactive? We need to make sure our Legislators are PROACTIVE! We don't need political grandstanding, we need our Legislators to work for the people ALL the time. Oh, and does she want the League of Women Voters to handle the debate because she is a past President of the organization?Just wondering.

Phyllis said...
As much as I would like to represent the environmental interests of all of Pennsylvania, I am elected to represent the interests of the 120th district. As anyone who reads the papers knows, the threat to our public water supply and private wells in my district is very recent. As soon as I became aware of this threat I educated myself and went to work. I can't help but wonder if Goldsworthy is as critical of Senator Baker who has much more of the drilling in her senatorial district than I do and has for some time. Also a puzzle is what is his position on the bills I have introduced? What would he have done differently? Can he only offer negative criticism or does he have constructive solutions to our problems? Just when will he take a definitive position on the drilling? I suspect he does not want to anger the gas money interests who are supporting him.
And does he want the Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a debate because Terry Casey, the Chairman of the Luzerne Co. Republican Party is the President of the Chamber? Hmmm.
Phyllis Mundy

Bill Goldsworthy said...
So, let me get this straight, as a State Representative, you don't care or have any concerns for the residents throughout the rest of the State - so it was ok for the past 16 years of drilling, that other residents water supplies may have been threatened.So for the past 16 years you were oblivious to potential drilling problems.Wow,you guys in Harrisburg really don't communicate with each other.But the Bills you proposed are for the entire State, not just Luzerne County.That sounds like political posturing. Oh, and how can you vote for the budget that depends on a gas severance tax, then say you want a moratorium -- you can't have it both ways! And please read my debate request again, I never mentioned the W.B. Chamber(you did) - there is another Chamber that encompasses more than half of our District. And what would I have done different - it would not have gotten to this point - I would have been a lot more proactive and had proposed bills sometime over tha last 16 years of drilling--instead of trying to call timeout in the middle of the game, the rules should have been planned before hand.

Tim Mullen said...
Here's the take from the only candidate that is not bought and paid for by special interests and has only the people's interest at heart. First of all Mrs. Mundy is no dummy. She knows that 95% of her district has nothing at all to gain by gas drilling. They could all have something to lose should water supplies become contaminated. By being the crusader against the drillers, she courts favor among 95% of the constituency. Making this the #1 issue of the race is a brilliant move on the chessboard. The flurry of local headlines, photo ops at the Huntsville Resevoir,and intoduction of numerous pieces of legislation prove my point. From day one I called this political posturing even before she herself said a moratorium was unlikely to go through. Everything to gain and almost nothing to lose. Brilliant. Whether or not Mr. Goldsworthy is being aided by the drillers I can't say for sure, but many in his party have already taken the legal bribes. If he and his party were forthright and upstanding maybe he too would have been at Gastock. After knocking on about 8,000 doors I have heard both sides of the story from environmentalists to landowners. I feel the pulse of the people. The Candidate with Common Sense says we can have both clean water and energy and job production at the same time. I won't go into details here, but you can read about my stance on past posts on this site or on my web site. Mr Goldsworthy has risked alienating 95% of the voters in the district by his maneuvering. Not good. Fortunately for him the #1 issue is not gas drilling, but this will still hurt him. Maybe he will adjust his stance on this issue like when he withdrew from Mayors Against Illegal Guns shortly after I mentioned he was a member on my web site. Mrs. Mundy needs to make gas drilling the #1 issue to deflect from the the other issues that are on voters minds this year such as property taxes that are only going to become more unbearable, a broken and corrupt Harrisburg which she is a part of, and looming cuts to essential social programs while the legislature remains fat and happy.

2nd District Dems to meet tonight

Time Today · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location Lakeside Skillet
Pole 279 Harvey's Lake, Pennsylvania 18618


The September meeting will involve endorsement votes on candidates and ballot issues, as well as caffienated beverages! Note: Only elected committee members may vote on issues at the meeting, however, in the interest of open and transparent government, any Democrat from the 2nd District may come to view the proceedings and participate in the discussions.

2nd District Democratic Committee of Luzerne County

117th District candidate Richard Shermanski is an officer in this outfit and he recently sent me a press release supporting Kanjo's latest big idea:


Yesterday Richard Shermanski, Democratic Candidate of the 117th District, attended Congressman Kanjorski’s press conference on having Conyngham Township the location for a federal training facility. Over the last four years job growth in the 117th Legislative District has been, literally, at a stand still. For this reason Richard was very excited to hear about this project and its potential to bring in nearly 1,000 jobs to NEPA.

“I fully support Congressman Kanjorski on this project and I believe it will bring much needed growth to the area.”

However, Hazleton Mayor, Lou Barletta, opposes the plan claiming it will disrupt the residents of the area with bomb blasts and machine gun fire. Richard finds these claims “Unfounded”
“Having studied the maps of the area and seeing where the facility will be built I see no reason to think any training will be a nuisance to the residents.”

Although nothing is set in stone with the construction of the facility, Richard will make it a point to support its construction in his campaign throughout the area.

“I am committed to fully supporting this training facility’s construction and I look forward to informing the residents of my district of what it will bring to our area.”

Then another one:


Cooperation between state and federal governments is very important, and that’s why Richard is standing with Congressman Paul Kanjorski in his push to bring a training facility for the U.S. Department of State and the General Services Administration to Luzerne County. Congressman Kanjorski is working with Federal leaders to make sure that the property is one of the top choices for the facility, which will be used to train diplomatic security personnel.

The area stands to gain around one thousand jobs if the facility comes to Luzerne County. As a local leader, Richard will join Congressman Kanjorski in his efforts to bring the facility to Northeastern Pennsylvania.



“There’s no doubt that this election year is all about jobs. I know my neighbors are concerned about the future of the district, and this facility will bring long-term, stable employment to the region. That’s why I think that a partnership with Congressman Kanjorski is essential.” The proposed site is in Conyngham Township, on land managed by the Earth Conservancy. Local laws and leaders will be instrumental in the final decision-making progress, which is why Richard is eager to help pave the way. "Anything we can do to make this site more appealing to the agencies involved, we must do," Richard said.



The potential benefits to the district are numerous, according to a statement released by Congressman Kanjorski’s office. The statement reads “The training facility would bring up to 1,000 permanent jobs to the area, plus between 350-550 construction jobs just for the initial phase of the project. DoS would need to hire many new jobs at the facility for buildings and grounds, range operations, emergency medical services, administrative, custodial, vehicle maintenance, security, telecommunications, and food service.

The training facility would bring about 10,000 trainees to the area each year which would greatly benefit small businesses, hotels, and restaurants as they would receive an exponential increase in business. Currently, DoS books about 25,000 hotel rooms each year for existing training programs. …”



Richard added, “In a time when we’re worried about what workplace will collapse because of the dangerous economic policies that Representative Boback has overseen during her time in the State House, it’s imperative that we push for opportunities like these to ensure that local neighbors and families can thrive in our communities.”

Advance work

A long time ago when I was working on campaigns when my guy/girl was to appear in the area I worked the phones and sent out a letter to help gin up turnout. Today, despite all the the communication tools available most of the statewide candidates fail to get the word out on where they will be.

Dr. Joe in print

Dr. Joe Leonardi was the GOP nominee for the 11th CD in 2006 but got blown out of the water by Paul Kanjorski. Since then he has sworn off politics for the most part and has focused on his own health and helping people improve theirs. Joe is a pretty good back cracker and has fixed me up on more than one occasion after I over did it after a snow storm and couldn't walk straight.

He has struggled with his weight throughout his life then decided to get it under control and shares his tips to lose weight in his new book.


Local chiropractor pens weight loss book


Dr. Joe Leonardi’s self-published book, “Fat Then Fit Now: A Life Beyond Weight Loss” hit the virtual bookshelves of Amazon’s Kindle store this past week. A paperback version is forthcoming.

It's available on many outlets.

Now available from Amazon's Kindle Store

Fat Then Fit Now; A Life Beyond Weight Loss [Kindle Edition]


If you don't have a Kindle don't worry, you can download a free reader for your:

PC

Iphone

Android

BlackBerry

Ipad

You visit his website.

Fat Then Thin Now

You Tube weekend

For Karl and Zorcong