Upcoming events

Today 120th HD Republican candidate Aaron Kaufer is having a meet and greet or cookout depending if you read his PR or Facebook page at the Shavertown Shopping Center parking lot

148 N. Memorial Highway, Shavertown, Pa. 18708 2-4PM

 Free hot dogs and soda will be provided. Republican and Democrat elected officials in support of Aaron will be in attendance to show support for him. All are invited to attend.

I can't wait to see what Democratic elected officials will risk the wrath of Phyllis by showing up for this. 

A big chunk of what passes as the Republican 'establishment' around here will be elsewhere at the same time. Bad move by the Kaufer camp on scheduling. 

It competes with this gathering.

Conservative Voter Rally  

Saturday, October 20, 2012  11:30am until 3:30pm

 

 

Genetti Ballrooms Inn & Suites

1341 N Church St, Hazleton, Pennsylvania

 

Special guest speakers include: Lou Barletta (U.S. Congressman), Sam Rohrer (Pres., PA Pastors Network), Tarah Toohil (PA House of Representatives), David Madeira (The David Madeira Show), Bob Zaruta (Pres., Luzerne Co. Young Republicans), and Laureen Cummings (Candidate for U.S. Congress).

Sunday is

Youth in Politics  at 

The Appletree Terrace

4 Newberry Estate, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612

 

5-8PM

This year we will present the Young Republican of the Year Award to District Attorney, Stefanie Salavantis. The award will be presented by last year's winner, State Rep. Tarah Toohil.

We will also be presenting the first annual P.J. Stebbins Award. ... This year's award will be given to fellow Young Republican, Aaron Kaufer. 

 

With all the controversy swirling around Tarah Toohil right now we will see if she shows up for these events or catches a cold. I was invited by YR Prez Bob Zaruta  to the dinner and plan to ask her some questions.  

 

On Monday there is the PA Attorney General Date on PCN 

Legislative Correspondents’ Association Candidate Debate for the Attorney General with Democratic candidate Kathleen Kane and Republican candidate David Freed 7-8PM

And a feedbag for Senator Bob Casey

Monday, October 22, 2012
5:30-7:30 PM

Colarusso’s La Palazzo
4500 Birney Avenue
Moosic, PA 18507

 

On Facebook

 

Tuesday there are 2 events I would like to go to but we will be at the Kirby Center for the Australian Pink Floyd show. Mrs. G said that politics is music to my ears but that is not true. 

In the 120th HD the League of Women's voters will host a forum with incumbent Phyllis Mundy (D) and her challenger Aaron Kaufer (R) at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Wyoming Seminary's Buckingham Performing Arts Center.

 

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY:


Tuesday Oct. 23rd 7pm - 9pm


*111th HD  Representative Sandra Major and her opponent Mr. Jeffrey Dahlander.

YouTube Weekend

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

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

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

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron

 

 

WVIA debates set

2012 Congressional Debates to be Broadcast Live on WVIA 


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

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

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

Video: Tom Marino town hall

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





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

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

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

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

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

Tom Marino yelled at this guy

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

Tarah Toohil Pizza Party Video

This video dropped into my inbox a few days ago but I decide not to post it and be accused of being an irresponsible blogger. Now it shows up on the Times Leader , WILK and other media outlets so I missed a scoop. I actually saw the pictures a few months ago but didn't think much of them. The video is being shopped around by the same person that left comments on a post I did in May accusing Toohil of having an inappropriate relationship with another House member that I deleted because I didn't think what she did in her personal life was anybody's business. Of course I saved those comments.

Some speculation on my FB page: Her disgruntled ex-boyfriend promised to blackmail her as part of his continued mistreatment of her and women in general. Those pictures mean absolutely nothing in this election. The person attacking her is a House member. And women should rise up against the way he wants to treat women.

More in the comments on YouTube.  It's just a matter of time before we figure out who posted this video and I have a good idea who it is.


Here is the video with the bong, bag of weed and the close proximity of lips:



Her response:



 Good for her .

The Luzerne County Democratic Party and her opponent deny having anything to do with this


Herself had this reaction on PoliticsPA:

 
“Dear Young People of Pennsylvania:

I’ll admit that some years ago I smoked marijuana. I did not get caught. But I’ve since decided that it’s not cool, and I think that if YOU get caught, you should still face criminal charges. Sorry, as we say in NEPA, dem’s da breaks suckers.

Also, if a marriage equality bill ever comes up for a vote before the legislature, of which I am now an esteemed member, I will of course follow the orders of my socially conservative male Republican leaders and vote against it, because I think it is right for society to deny full civil rights to same sex couples in committed relationships; also, the idea of two women enjoying each other’s company in a committed monogamous relationship is offensive to me as a traditional, family values oriented practicing Catholic and frankly grosses me out, but hey, if you want to tie one on and sloppily make out with another chick in a drunken stupor, that’s just fine. Nothing wrong with that at all, it happens, ya know?”

What a hypocritical disgrace of a woman

President Obama wins the debate

Vote in the poll on the sidebar.

Mitt Romney came across as energetic and sometimes desperate to be the only person heard. At times he was rude to the moderator Candy Crowley and the President. Barack Obama was assertive but at the same time cool. The President won on style and substance.

My play by play on Facebook

Presidential Debate Polls

I'll be putting up a poll on the sidebar after the debate.

120th HD update

The PA House Republican Campaign Committee  dropped a hit piece in the mailboxes of the residents of the 120th House District.

Phyllis Mundy was not amused.


TL: “Spreading false information because you don’t know the facts is a mistake. Continuing to spread false information when you know the truth is lying.” This statement from a recent Philadelphia Inquirer editorial hit home with me as I hear from constituents who have received mail from the House Republican Campaign Committee.
A multipage mailing called “Pennsylvania Watch, Spotlight on Phyllis Mundy” sent on behalf of my opponent in the race for state representative in the 120th District is jam-packed with spin, misrepresentation and outright lies about my policy positions and votes in the state House. Either my opponent is unaware of the truth or he knows the truth and has turned a blind eye.
I never have allowed my party to demonize my opponents on my behalf as a candidate. And I never will. It is inherently dishonest to allow others to do your political dirty work and proclaim your own innocence.
Anyone who has received one of these mailings and is interested in the facts should feel free to ask me about anything written there. I will be happy to respond with my side of the story.

 I asked Aaron Kaufer about it and he denied any prior knowledge of the mailer and sent along this response.

I'm very well aware that Phyllis Mundy took the taxpayer paid 50% pension increase just after voting against it.  I have attached a PDF of the pension opt-in form that shows she couldn't sign-up quick enough for the higher pension just after telling the voters she was against it.  This is just more hypocrisy from a 22 year incumbent who is playing political games with the truth.  I've also copied an article that mentions Rep. Mundy as one of several Members taking the pension after voting against it.

While working families struggle and seniors continue to lose their pensions, Phyllis Mundy will collect $52,792 a year for life off the taxpayers because she took the 50% increase and voted in increase her own pay two times!  This includes the midnight pay raise and illegal unvouchered expenses she took and never gave back.  Even after the Supreme Court ruled they were illegal.  I think that is a slap in the face to all taxpayers and that's why I will refuse to take a taxpayer paid pension if elected!  And I will never vote to increase my own pay.

In regard to the HRCC mailer, you will need to talk to them because it is there mail and nothing I was involved in.  I've always been clear that she took a 50% pension increase right after voting against it - thus being a typical career politician.

Mundy riffs on Bill Clinton: It takes some brass to call me a "career politician" when my opponent has never had any career other than "politician".

Actually Kaufer is a recent college graduate and has yet to have a career. 

It's a pity this is getting personal as both candidates are my friends.  But I'm sure that they have both seen the Godfather and understand that this is business (politics) , not personal.


Mundy won big in 2010 gathering 53% of the vote against an established Republican and a spirited Libertarian in a very Republican year.

Kaufer has an HQ near Kingston corners with office space donated by a relative and has been phone banking and will be tying up traffic (loitering) from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Thomas' Family Market in the Shavertown Shopping Center on Route 309. He promises a hot dog and some surprise endorsements.

 The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a debate between incumbent state Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Kingston, and her Republican challenger, Aaron Kaufer of Kingston, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in Buckingham Performance Arts Center at Wyoming Seminary, North Sprague Avenue, Kingston.

RIP Arlen Specter

I never voted for the guy but I always respected him. The Yonk has a great tribute

Specter's passing comes at a time when both political parties and the nation are divided straight down the middle. Long gone are the days when a Republican like Specter could reach across the aisle and enact legislation without being pilloried as a pariah. In the next few days, many editorial writers in referencing Specter’s life and career, “You shall not see his like again” Sadly for our country that will also apply to an era when compromise and working together was not a political mortal sin punishable by banishment from Capitol Hill.

Idiot watch

The flamboyant mayor of Laflin, Dorothy Yazurlo,  plowed into a couple of parked cars and acted somewhat erratic afterward. She admitted to drinking one Manhattan.

 Laflin, Luzerne County-...."Mary," who had been at a party along Laflin Road on Saturday night, said Yazrulo told people at least a dozen times she was mayor.

"They said where are you going, and she said I can't go. They said put your flashers on, you're in the middle of the road. Put your flashers on, and she put her windshield wipers on. And then she said, I'm the mayor of Laflin," according to an eyewitness....Eyewitnesses claimed only at their urging did investigators initiate a field sobriety test, which Chief Flannagan said Yazurlo passed....When asked about the allegations she boasted about her position as mayor, Yazurlo claimed she had never mentioned who she was. ...On the count of boasting, eyewitnesses claimed the mayor was being less than truthful.


Road rage is bad enough now we have drive thru rage

TL:  A Scranton woman stabbed a city man early Sunday, ultimately because of how impatient he had grown sitting behind her car in the drive-thru lane at McDonald's.

Mariah Hill, 20, 809 Alder St., did not start the fight outside the restaurant on South Washington Avenue at about 5:15 a.m. Sunday. Her victim did, according to a criminal complaint.

 The driver of the Taurus, Tarsean Neal, 21, of Linden Street, then got out of the car and either walked back to the van to explain that the wait was not his fault or began yelling profanities at its occupants, according to his account to police and that of Virgilios Arias, 20, of Hickory Street, who was in the van with Almota.

Either way, Almota got out of the van at that point, walked up to Neal and a fight ensued between them, the compliant states.

That is when Hill got out of the Taurus as well, ran over to the two men fighting and allegedly stabbed Almota in the back - which still did not end the fight.

You deserve a break today

Barry Manilow wrote that diddy and many other commercial jingles including State Farm, Pepsi, Dr Pepper and KFC.

 


Thanks to Michelle for the McD story and Pope George Ringo for pointing out the happenings in the Peoples Republic of Laflin.

DB Echo sends this classic:

McDonald's is your kind of place

throw french fries in your face

hamburgers up your nose

onion rings between your toes

and don't forget those special shakes

they're made from poisoned lakes

McDonald's is your kind of place!

(Or something like that.)

Bridge to Nowhere

James May and PennDOT are off the hook.

I'm not the only one frustrated by the lack of progress on the 1st Street bridge in Plains Twp.

This is what it looked like 2 weeks ago.

Today the only difference is some orange spray paint. Although the road on both sides of it has been paved.

Plains Twp. Commissioner says don't blame us.

PLAINS TWP. -- Board of Commissioners Chairman Ronald Filippini announced Thursday night that the First Street Bridge, in the Hudson section, is scheduled to reopen on Oct. 30.
The bridge, which crosses over Mill Creek on one of the main streets that connects the township with Wilkes-Barre, has been closed for more than a month, despite initial Luzerne County engineering estimates that the bridge would be closed for only one week.
Several residents complained about the paving and repair project at the township’s regular September meeting. Filippini acknowledged their frustration and said the township has little control over the county project.

So if this a county project how do you explain this sign?

YouTube weekend

Listening to Sue Henry on WRKC. I asked her to play this song.




Lyrics 


I got bored so I'm making my millions
When you're conservative you get a better break
You're always on the right side
When you're conservative

Upcoming events

Tonight is the Wilkes-Barre Township Fall Picnic at the American Legion, 54 Chestnut St, W-B Twp from 6-10PM.

Tomorrow you can catch Joe Valenti of Pittston Politics on Joe Holden's Sunday morning show along with Kristen Cook, Editor of the Wilkes University Newspaper, The Beacon and Sue Henry of WILK. It'll air Sunday morning on WBRE at 11:00AM and WYOU at 11:30.




Blogcon was a big success and the Fearsome Foursome are planning next year's event join them on Wednesday at

Rodano's

53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania starting at 6PM.

NEPA Blogcon Meetup 2: Electric Boogaloo


It's a meet up! Hang out, have some drinks, network, tweet about stuff, maybe even some hugs!!  pants required. Squirrels with light sabers will be there.

We can discuss NEPA BlogCon 2012, what we liked, disliked, and what we hope to see next year.


Conservative Voter Rally  

Saturday, October 20, 2012  11:30am until 3:30pm

 

 

Genetti Ballrooms Inn & Suites

1341 N Church St, Hazleton, Pennsylvania

 

Special guest speakers include: Lou Barletta (U.S. Congressman), Sam Rohrer (Pres., PA Pastors Network), Tarah Toohil (PA House of Representatives), David Madeira (The David Madeira Show), Bob Zaruta (Pres., Luzerne Co. Young Republicans), and Laureen Cummings (Candidate for U.S. Congress).

Organizations supporting & participating in the event: God in Government, Luzerne County Young Republicans, PA Pastors Network, 94.3FM "The Talker," First District Republicans, Victory Bible Church, The Voice of John (pro-life movie), Citizens Alliance of PA, and Tea Party Patriots.

Tiffany Cloud (Host of Storm Politics on WYLN-TV) will serve as Emcee for the event. Pastor Ron Radtke (Victory Bible Church) will lead the gathering in prayer.

 

Youth in Politics Sunday October 21st 5-8PM

The Luzerne County Young Republicans will be hosting our second annual Youth in Politics event! Youth in Politics is a celebration of the accomplishments of young people in politics. Last year's event was a huge success and we anticipate this year being bigger and better.

This year we will present the Young Republican of the Year Award to District Attorney, Stefanie Salavantis. The award will be presented by last year's winner, State Rep. Tarah Toohil.

We will also be presenting the first annual P.J. Stebbins Award. P.J. Stebbins was one of the founding members of Luzerne County Young Republicans. He passed away earlier this year and the YRs plan to honor him on a yearly basis by presenting an award in his name to a young person who has shown dedication not only in the political arena, but also in his or her community. This year's award will be given to fellow Young Republican, Aaron Kaufer.

 

S

 

 

 

Biden wins the debate and stops the bleeding

After the President's poor debate performance Joe Biden had to step up and he did. He had command of the facts and rebutted Paul Ryan at every turn. Once he said that  Ryan spews a bunch of malarkey you knew he was on. Now the Republicans are attacking the moderator and Biden's facial expressions. The Dems panned Jim Lerher last time. 

I'm not going to recap it because my readers surely watched it.

At least Sullivan didn't have another nervous breakdown. 

Vote in the poll on the left sidebar.

Vice Presidential Debate Poll

I'll be putting up a poll on the sidebar later tonight.

If you want to watch the debate with some political junkies:

The Luzerne County Republican Party is hosting a Vice-Presidential Debate Watch Party at Rodano's on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. Large screen tv, pizza, cash bar. The event open to the public and admission is FREE! Please join us! Starts at 8PM.

2 weeks ago the Republicans were saying the polls were skewed because they showed Obama opening up a lead. Now they point to the polls because they show Romney catching up. If Obama wins the election get ready for more ACORN stole the election type nonsense. 

I think this poll result is interesting via Taegan Goddard:


A new Esquire/Yahoo! News poll finds that Americans would trust President Obama more to look after their dog when they're out of town than Mitt Romney, 52% to 27%.

I ride inside

Dogs Against Romney

17th Congressional District Debate recap

17th CD candidates Laureen Cummings (R) and Matt Cartwright (D) met at Wilkes University for the first  of at least 3 scheduled meetings.

Cartwight is an accomplished speaker and Cummings not so much and it showed. Right out of the gate Cartwright went after her Tea Party ideas and she latter told me she was not ready for it. He proudly said he was a lawyer that stands up for working families and the middle class. He blasted the Tea Party for being the "party of no".' Cummings said that she was offended as a woman by the treatment of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin in 2008 and objected to the TARP and stimulus.

The first question was about to help small business. Laureen said stop regulating them then went off about cap and trade and said $4 gas was a war on women. Matt brought up something she posted to her Facebook wall in May 2010 that I can't find. She has posted so many nutty memes to her wall it's hard to pick out just one. Cartwright said we need to rebuild our infrastructure and have a fair trade policy. Then he defended regulations because they insure the the health and safety of workers then finished by saying we should be the Nation of YES!

When asked what has has prepared you for office Matt said the usual platitudes then added "I will bring home the bacon." Laureen missed this and defended her Facebook post saying prior to 2010 it was OK to oppose everything because the Dem's ran the show. She then attacked Cartwright because lawyers write bad laws and  contended that being a lawyer is not good training for being a legislator.

On Defense spending and Tobyhanna Cummings said this Administration gave $90 Billion to Solyandra and other green energy projects. Then said peace through strength, Israel and superior firepower.. Cartwright noted that our local GOP Reps (Barletta and Marino) voted to cut spending for Tobyhanna.

Fracking came up and Carwright said you can't stop it (too much money involved) so do it right. Protect the environment and stop the mad rush to frack. Close the Halliburton loophole and tax the extraction. Cummings said drill baby drill. Repeated a lie about giving Brazil $2 Billion to drill offshore and the nonsense about a war on coal.

Poverty was the 5th question and Cummings told a personal story about her kids were kicked off the free/reduced lunch program because she was working 2 jobs that put her over the income limit. Screw the income test, give every kid lunch.

Cartwright said there was a climate of contempt when Republicans talk about poor people and brought up Romney's 47% remark.

On Transportation Cummings won't increase the the gas tax to fix our roads. She says the tax code is a failure ( I agree) and wants to replace it with a Value Added Tax . She contends that that would make under the table workers and illegal immigrants pay taxes . Then spewed off about some prebate program that sounds complicated. Cartwright said that wouldn't work and would result in a 23% Sales tax. He want's more rail and a big investment in infrastructure.

Common denominators in the district. Cummings had a clever answer For Rent, Foreclosure, For Sale. Cartwright had a sober answer. People count on federal programs such as  Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Benefits, the FAA, the FBI, NOAA, the Border Patrol, National Institute of Health,  Centers for Disease Control, etc.

They both oppose term limits and want transparency in campaign finance.

Cummings approach to the national debt is to repeal Obamacare and regulations and stop over spending. Cartwright wants a balanced approach citing President Clinton raising taxes in 1993 that led to a surplus. He blasted the Tea Party House members for holding the debt ceiling hostage.

When asked about the Middle East Cartwright sang the praises of Israel and said Iran should never get nuclear weapons.  Cummings said he stole her answer then said the administration has weak policies.

Cummings touted the Fair Tax and said Cartwright has been watching too much MSNBC. She stated the Tea Party never forced anybody to sign any tax pledge.  She was right about that, it was Grover Norquist who demands that GOP candidates kiss his ring.

In closing Cummings said the choice was between limited government or big government . She blamed the Obama administration for the 2008 housing crises. Cartwright said his opponent wants to turn the clock back to the time when Wall Street was the wild west and insurance companies could drop your coverage if you get sick. He said he would stand up to the Tea Party and stand up for Social Security, Medicare and Veterans benefits.





 
  

17th CD debate tonight

The Times-Leader is sponsoring a forum with 17 CD candidates Lauren Cummings (R) and Matt Cartwright  (D) tonight at Wilkes University in Room 101 of the Stark Learning Center, 150-180 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Starting at 7PM.


The  meeting will be televised live on WYLN. If you don't get WYLN on your cable you can watch it online.

After the debate 116th HD candidate Ransom Young will be Tiffany Cloud's  guest on Storm Politics also airing on WYLN.

Ransom Young on the air

116th House Democratic candidate has bio spot up showing him working on his farm. You can check out his website and Facebook page. His opponent has a bare bones campaign site and just an official FB page.




With Jerry Sandusky in the news and many questions about then Attorney General Tom Corbett's investigation his camp sent this PR:

BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Yesterday, Representative Tarah Toohil and House Republican leadership fled the chamber in the middle of session and cancelled today’s votes in order to block passage of HR 520, a resolution urging an investigation into Governor Corbett’s handling of the Jerry Sandusky investigation.  Other members remained on the floor in hopes of getting bipartisan support for an independent investigation into Corbett’s misconduct.

This isn’t the first time Tarah Toohil abandoned the children in her district.  After slashing nearly $1 billion from Pennsylvania schools and cutting hundreds of thousands of people from basic health services for children and middle-class families, Toohil demonstrated once again that her priorities are not the children of Pennsylvania.  Over the past two years, Toohil joined with Governor Corbett to close hospitals and schools across the state just to keep big corporations from paying their fair share.

“When Tarah Toohil walked out in the middle of session to protect Governor Corbett, she turned her back on our kids and put partisan politics ahead of Pennsylvania families.  We shouldn’t expect anything more from someone who voted to slash almost $19 million from our schools and cut Medicaid for more than 100,000 kids and families in order to give huge tax breaks to drilling companies,” said Ransom Young, candidate for state representative in the 116 ^th district.  “Tarah Toohil would rather protect a failed governor than protect our children.”

BACKGROUND

House Resolution 520 is a Concurrent Resolution calling on the Attorney General of the United States to appoint a special counsel to investigate the handling by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of minors and to investigate whether that alleged sexual abuse may have violated Federal law < http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0520 >

Ransom got to meet Jill Biden

Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, stumps in Scranton

 

 

1,000 words.

via Daily Intel

11th CD Forum tonight

The Times-Leader is sponsoring a forum with Congressman Lou Barletta (R) and challenger Gene Stilp (D) tonight at Wilkes University in Room 101 of the Stark Learning Center, 150-180 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Starting at 7PM

The TL will also be hosting a forum for  17CD hopefuls Laureen Cummings (R) and Matt Cartwright (D) on Wednesday at the same location at 7PM.

Both meeting will be televised live on WYLN. If you don't get WYLN on your cable you can watch it online.

Stilp and Barletta are also set to square off on WVIA on November 1st. Channel 44 will also be hosting the candidates in the 10th and 17th Congressional Districts.

A debate between the 17th District candidates, Republican Laureen Cummings and Democrat Matthew Cartwright, will be broadcast at 8 p.m. Oct. 17. The Morning Call, PBS39 and partners will air the debate.. 

 

 

On October 23rd we will see a couple of meetups between state house candidates.

 

 In the 120th HD the League of Women's voters will host a forum with incumbent Phyllis Mundy (D) and her challenger Aaron Kaufer (R) at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Wyoming Seminary's Buckingham Performing Arts Center.

 

 

 The League of Women Voters of Susquehanna County has announced that they will hold a "Candidates Forum" on October 23th at 7-9 pm at the Montrose Theatre, 18 Public Ave, Montrose. 111th candidates Jeffrey Dahlander (D)  and incumbent Sandra Major (R) will attend.

 

 

 

Columbus Day

Luzerne County Democratic Picnic

This little girl pictured above doesn't want Mitt Romney to take her Big Bird away.

Congrats to recently installed Luzerne County County Democratic Chair Bob Boyer for putting together a great event that was attended by about 400 people according to my head counter Bob Caruso. Let's do it in the summer next time Bob.

The Luzerne  County GOP picnic had about 50 attend but they have gone back to the old ways of fighting each other. Urbanski won the Chair so the Casey supporters will boycott everything. More on that later in the week.

State Rep Eddie Day Pashinski was the Master of Ceremonies and I highly recommend him to MC your wedding the next time you get married.

 Senator Bob Casey spoke about the 100% of the American people and I blamed him for creating a monster that is Rick Santorum. He beat Ricky by 18 points in the last Senate race only to see Santorum come in 2nd in the Republican Presidential primaries. I predict that Santorum will be the GOP nominee in 2016 because he came in 2nd and the GOP is an orderly party. He will start his run  after he eats Big Bird.

Blast from the recent past Chris Carney who teased us about another run said Romney is not fit to be Commander in Chief. He noted that he is a Catholic war veteran speaking at the Catholic War Vets grove.

One of my favorite state reps Phyllis Mundy said the state GOP is as evil as the Tea Party yahoos on the national stage. She pointed out that 2/3 rd of Medicaid spending goes to people in nursing homes. We can't tax Shale but we can give corporations tax breaks.

State Rep Mike Carroll said the cartographers got it wrong Moosic is part of Luzerne County. Matt Cartwright corrected him  saying Luzerne County is part of Moosic.

Matt Cartwright reminded the crowd that "We are the Democrats" and did a shout out with the crowd  challenging them to stand up for Democratic values.

The thing that really struck me was the diversity of the crowd. This is not the Luzerne County Democratic Party of your father or even 4 years ago when the crooks that have gone to jail ran the show. I wasn't welcome then by Skrep, Lupas, Makowski and Vondy and the rest.

People from Hazleton turned out to support Ransom Young and Gene Stilp. Many of them Hispanic.

When a picture was being taken the shout wasn't cheese

It was HOLA!

YouTube Weekend

 I know, again.

Tom Marino on the air

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





Challenger Phil Scollo responds:

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

The friends of Tom Marino 

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dem Picnic Sunday

The Headliners

The Luzerne County Democratic Committee welcomes you to attend our annual Fall Picnic on Sunday, October 7th beginning at noon. The event will be held at the Catholic War Vets Grove in Ashley, PA. Congressional candidates Matt Cartright and Gene Stilp will speak at the event. Meet Democratic candidates for office and enjoy an old-fashioned fall picnic. The event is FREE and all Democrats are welcome.

Don't let the weather deter you, Bob Boyer says it will under pavilions. Senator Bob Casey will be attending.

RSVP on Facebook

Nurses like Matt

 Most endorsements are good for a press release:

Plains, PA - Democratic Congressional candidate Matt Cartwright has been officially endorsed by both the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Hospital Association. 

“Matt has consistently stood up for the little guy during his years of taking on big business,” said ANA-PAC Chair Faith Jones, MSN, RN, NEA-BC. “His passion for fixing our health care system is something that is closely shared by myself and nurses in Pennsylvania and across the country.”

ANA is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation's 3.1 million registered nurses through its constituent and state nurses associations and its organizational affiliates.

“I am honored by these endorsements. The future of our Nation’s healthcare is a priority of mine and I will continue to fight for the people of the Northeastern Pennsylvania in Congress,” said, Cartwright.

Cartwright, continued, “I have spent my professional career protecting people and small business owners from uncaring insurance companies. In Congress, among my top priorities will be protecting Medicare, Veterans Health Benefits and working to create the best healthcare system in the world.”

Laureen Cummings has been urging people to send a nurse to Congress.  It seems that her peers disagree.

Romney wins the debate

So what.

So did John Kerry and Lloyd Bentson.

Mitt Romney dominated the debate last night taking on the role of moderator in addition to candidate. For some reason President Obama didn't challenge him on much of  the bullshit that came out his mouth. No discussion of the auto industry or what loopholes could be closed to pay for his fantasy tax plan not to mention the 47% comment or Bain Capitol. Sometimes the Prez was looking down at his shoes while Mitt had the famous smirk on his face.

I'll bet that this will not make much difference in the polls. Check the averages on Monday.

A side note. I created a monster. Mrs. G never voted before we hooked up. Tonight she kept yelling at me , the TV and the President.

Presidential debate polls

I don't think the post debate spin about who won or lost will matter much. The real fun is the drinking games people are coming up with.

Zen has his version: Every time Pres. Obama says inherited, previous administration, Bush, uh, or um- you have to take a drink.
Every time Romney comes off looking and or talking like a robot- you have to take a drink.
If you follow those simple rules, you will be annihilated, blotto, wrecked, plowed, murdered, 3 sheets to the wind, bombed etc.

The guy on the left would enjoy this activity. The guy on the right not so much.








I'll be commenting on my Facebook page during the debate. If your not already a friend just send me a request to join in. You can always unfriend me afterwards.  

Phil Scollo on the air

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




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

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

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

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

Borys has the story.

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

I wish both gentlemen and the lady a full recovery.

Karen Scollo explains what they had to deal with.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week's Events

The NEPA TEA Party is hosting a Fire Obama meeting Tuesday October 02, 2012 at The Cafe, 112

0 Highway 315, Plains Township, PA 18705 for 6:30pm.
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 The NEPA Tea Party has secured thousands of yard signs, bumper stickers & hand outs. It is our goal to arm teams & individuals all over Northeastern Pennsylvania with those materials to make the difference necessary to deliver the votes that will carry the rest of the state!
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Yeah, yard signs and bumper stickers will turn the tide.Maybe they will have Tri Corner tin foil hats.
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Details at the FB event page.
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I spotted 3 local debate watch parties. There maybe more.
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 Wilkes University College Republican Debate Watch Party 
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  Starting at 8:30PM

 Henry Student Center
84 W. South St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
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The local Obama For America campaign 
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 What: Debate watch party in Wilkes Barre

Where: 70 South Main Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711

When: Wednesday, October 3rd  9:00 pm
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Across the street my local Republicans friends will gather.

 The Luzerne County Republican Party is sponsoring a Presidential Debate Watch Party. 2 Large Screen TV's, Pizza, Cash Bar. Event is open to the Public. Please join us!

8-11PM

Mulligan's Irish Pub

41 S. Main St, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18701
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Again on Facebook. 
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In the future I gotta get a laptop with wifi  so I can live blog an  event while I hang out. Before then we have to pay for a new roof. 
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This Sunday the Luzerne County Democrats have the annual picnic in Ashley.
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The Luzerne County Democratic Committee welcomes you to attend our annual Fall Picnic on Sunday, October 7th beginning at noon. The event will be held at the Catholic War Vets Grove in Ashley, PA. Congressional candidates Matt Cartright and Gene Stilp will speak at the event. Meet Democratic candidates for office and enjoy an old-fashioned fall picnic. The event is FREE.

.My Republican friends say Obama cool aid will be served.

RSVP on Facebook 
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I noticed that the CV didn't run Political Scene Monday. Maybe I should tell them what is going on or the event organizers could drop them an email.