Redistricting of PA Congressional seats

This is the latest look of what NEPA Congressional Districts might look like according to a story by Borys in the Scranton Times today. It looks a lot different than the one that was floated in the spring and will probably be adjusted again before the final Gerrymandering is done by the Harrisburg Republicans.

This configuration has some pluses and many minuses. I like that all of Luzerne County would be in the same district and Scranton would have a different Congressman than Wilkes-Barre.

The first problem is Scranton would be in the wrong district. Until the last chop up Scranton was the anchor of the 10th CD and was ably represented for many years by Republican Joe McDade who today would be considered a RINO but in the old parlance was called a Rockefeller Republican . In today's atmosphere a guy like McDade would face a primary challenge.

This map makes the 17th CD look like a snake slithering through 5 counties with Scranton being the rattle at the end. It takes most of Carbon and Monroe counties out of the 11th but keeps most of the 10th CD counties intact except for Lackawanna.

The thing that really is annoying is that many districts don't make sense geographically. The proposed 17th CD doesn't have an entire county in it's boundaries which will create confusion. The redistricing process should be removed from the legislature and given to a committee of some grand poobahs then voted on by our salons. A hand full of states have commissions that draw the lines but I won't hold my breath waiting for Pennsylvania to adopt a fair system.

See Redistricting in America

Shawn Kelly, a spokesman for Mr. Barletta, said the congressman "is not focused on redistricting."

Renita Fennick, a spokeswoman for Mr. Marino, said he had no comment on the map.

11th CD Democratic challenger Bill Vinsko told me:

"I am committed to serving the people of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania regardless of
the exact location of the 11th Congressional District boundaries. It's time to get things done for the
people. What I said when I announced remains true: I'm not running only as a Democrat or Republican, I am running as an American. Political map makers cannot control the people no matter how hard they try. You either get the job done or you don't. I'm going to get the job done."

Bill Vinsko has finally added some content to his website. Check it out

Bill Vinsko for Congress

Pa 10th CD debate tonight

Chris Hackett and Dan Meuser will hold a public debate at 7 tonight at Tunkhannock Area Middle School.

In other 10th CD news the Meuser camp is saying the INS documents about the fine Pride Mobility paid for hiring illegal immigrants have gone the way of some White House emails.

Pride Mobility’s lawyer says the records were deleted as part of a routine file-clearing

According to the FEC Dan Meuser dropped another $250,000 of his own money into the race bringing the total to $849600.

On this subject I just got an email from Chris Carney's campaign:


As of this week, both of our opponents have triggered the millionaire's amendment. This means they are each financing their campaigns with hundreds of thousands of dollars from their personal fortunes.


Congressman Chris Carney has been adamant that Pennsylvania's 10th District is not for sale, and he is committed to being an honest and independent leader for our district. But we are competing against corporate millionaires who are trying to out-spend each other for a vanity run at Congress...with your help we will send a clear message that our votes and our values are not for sale.


Vote magnet Rick Santorum was stumping for Meuser in Willamsport yesterday and he got another big "endorsement."


The Mean Old Man backs Meuser


I'm happier than Bill Clinton on a speaking tour without Hillary that our Sainted Sen. Santorum has endorsed the fine young Mr. Meuser for the congressional seat now held by the insurgent Carney!!! I just wish that I could live in the 10th district so that I could cast my vote for this patriot entepreneur but that's okay since I will be able to cast my ballot in the 11th for the great Mr. Barletta!! Just in case the heathens who read this commie rag are expecting me to say something bad about Mr. Meuser's opponent Mr. Hackett--don't hold your breath!!!
.
These are two fine young and wealthy men, who earned their money the old fashioned way--providing jobs to the community and gaining experience at the same time!!! And don't be telling me about the hiring of the illegal aliens either! Hey, I don't like it anymore than the next guy-but I'm sure that Mr. Meuser had a good reason. Maybe the lazy democrats in the area didn't want to work--probably too busy collecting a welfare check courtesy of LBJ!!! And it was only 3 workers anyway so if Carney wants to prove it was more put up or shut up!!!
.
I realize that Carney is afraid of running against Meuser in the fall, but why does he have to stoop so low as to blame all of his attacks on Dan on Mr. Hackett?!?!?!
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We wouldn't even be in this mess if the subversives hadn't framed a wonderful and moral leader like Mr. Sherwood and managed to steal his congressional seat as well as his reputation. We all know that that blondie was straight out of Hollywood central casting c/o Oliver Stone anyway!!! Damn!!!!
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And look at the way they set up our great Senator Santorum--a great career ruined by false innuendos from the likes of the conniving Gort and his blogging buddies. Double Damn!!!
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So I call on all great Americans to support Mr. Meuser for the GOP nod so that we can go forward in the Fall and restore the 10th district seat to a man of morality, humility, integrity, and character (just like when Mr.Sherwood had held it). We blew it two years ago, but let's do our Sainted Senator a good turn and Vote Meuser!!!!

10th CD poll

SurveyUSA for Roll Call (8/23-25, 623 likely voters):

Chris Carney (D-inc): 49

Chris Hackett (R): 45

(MoE: ±4.0%)

Carney was viewed favorably by 40 percent of those surveyed and unfavorably by 23 percent. 30 percent were neutral and 6 percent said they had no opinion.

Hackett had a 36 percent to 23 percent favorable/unfavorable rating; 31 percent of voters were neutral, while 11 percent said they had no opinion.

10th CD voters prefer a candidate who touts alternative sources of energy over one who advocates increased offshore drilling by a 54-36 margin and 40% of voters in the 10th blame the oil companies for the high cost of gasoline.


Bush has a 32% approval rating, while 61% of voters disapproved.

John McCain leads Barack Obama by 50-41 in the 10th District. Bush won the district 60-40 in 2004.

Update: Reaction from the Hackett camp


"We're very pleased. After more than a month of TV ads trying to promote his paper-thin record in Congress, Chris Carney is still being rejected by voters. We fully expect Carney and his liberal Washington allies to ramp up their negative message now."-Mark Harris


Update 2: Vince Rongione speaking for the Carney campaign


“These polls confirm what we already know. Congressman Carney has very strong support across party lines and across the district. We will continue to fight for every vote and focus on the issues that really matter. It is very encouraging to see that our positive message -- lowering taxes, fighting for veterans, lowering gas prices, and helping to create jobs right here in America is connecting with voters in every corner of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. Clearly folks are already tired of our challenger’s constant mudslinging and personal attacks.”

Petitions

So who's running for what? I think it's a sure bet that our local incumbent state reps will be on the the ballot but the question is who is willing to take them on.

In the 117th freshman Karen Boback is facing a primary challenge from fellow Republican James May but so far that is the only definite challenger to emerge in any race. I've heard that a Kingston Republican with a very similar name is mulling a run against Phyllis Mundy in the 120th but I haven't been able to confirm it yet. Todd Eachus has announced he will run for a sixth term in the 116th district centered on Hazleton. Look for an opponent of the proposed Cargo Airport to take him on. I haven't heard of any serious rumblings of an opponent to Mike Carroll in the 118th or Eddy Day Pashinski in the 121st but it's early.

John Yudichak can probably have the 119th seat for life and he's toyed with the idea of taking on Kanjorski for Congress but this is not the year to do that. And speaking of Kanjo the question is will Lou Barletta take him on?

Help me out people. Let me know in the comments or send me an email if you know of anyone circulating nominating petitions.

In the 10th CD race I'm sure that Carney, Meuser and Hackett will be able to get the 1,000 required signature but we will see if Haire and Swiderski have good enough organizations to get on the ballot. And there is always a chance of a surprise candidate in this district like Kathy Scott in 2006.

Speaking of the 10th CD the CV has this item about something we have been discussing for months on this site:

The Democratic campaign committee for Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid received campaign contributions in 2006 from Dan Meuser and Chris Hackett — two Republicans currently running for Congress.

Hackett and Meuser are competing for the Republican nomination to challenge Chris Carney, the Democratic representative of the 10th Congressional District.Hackett and Meuser love touting their conservative Republican credentials in their campaign ads.

You don’t hear much about their 2006 contributions to the Democratic duo then in charge of the county.

The fact of the matter is ...Nancy Pelosi is a liberal

I should have run a drinking contest for people who watched the 10th CD debate tonight. Every time Chris Hackett mentioned liberal or Nancy Pelosi you take a slug and every time you heard Carney say 'the fact of the matter is'... take another belt. The problem is Hackett mentioned liberal/ Pelosi at least 18 times and Carney said the "fact of the matter is"...at least 24 times and I'm sure I under counted. So if you took my advice you would have been under the table after a half hour.


I will have a serious write up of the 10th CD debate and a prediction tomorrow.

New PA 10th CD poll

Lycoming College


Chris Carney (D-inc): 50%


Chris Hackett (R): 35%


Undecided: 15%


(MoE: ±4.7%) 441 likely voters interviewed Oct. 19-23


Carney has a favorable rating of 54 percent and an unfavorable rating of 24 percent. Hackett has a 35 percent approval rating and 40 percent unfavorable.


Our friend Local Values has been keeping track of all the 10th CD polls and like RCP has been averaging them.

LOCAL VALUES AVERAGE: Carney – 48% Hackett – 34% Undecided – 18%



I've never seen a challenger win an election with higher negatives than positives. Hackett's line of attack of yelling liberal, taxes and he wears Nancy Pelosi's underwear doesn't seem to be working. An added factor is the left over hard feelings from the primary in which he trashed Dan Meuser and Pride Mobility making it difficult to unite the local GOP. Now after the Pat Toomey outfit, the Club for Growth, has sunk time and money into the race on his behalf he runs an ad starring Senator Arlen Specter. In 2004 Specter defeated Toomey in a bitter primary and the spot strikes me as a slap in the face of Toomey. What a great way to treat your friends.


Carney's campaign has been a mix of touting a positive message of his accomplishments and going for Hackett's throat. The 2 issues about Hackett that people in the district have told me that resonate with them is Hackett didn't pay his taxes on time and he employed a housekeeper who was an illegal immigrant. The Zoey Baird problem. And he doesn't apologize for getting earmarks, people like pork.


The Carney camp put out a press release today saying that they have raised over $2 million:


“We’ve exceeded all of our finance goals, and are proud of having raised over two million dollars this election cycle,” said Aren Platt, Congressman Carney’s Finance Director. “Congressman Carney has a strong base of support, which includes over 1300 grassroots supporters from our 2008 cycle.”


That compares to Hackett's $2.9 million of which $1.58 million came out of his own pocket. Then they got into the usual squabble over where the money is coming from and accusations of pay to play.

I think that the amount of money spent on election campaigns is obscene and a better way to fund them has to be found. But that is a subject for another post.


Rock Solid

10th CD debate recap

Tom Marino said Nancy Pelosi is a liberal and kept calling Chris Carney a liar although he couldn't say what he was lying about. Carney went after him about his letter of reference for Louis DeNaples when he was seeking a Casino license and when Borys asked him about it Marino simply refused to answer the question and changed the subject. Carney asked him to answer the question and Marino kept calling him a liar about his health care vote. He lied when he said Carney voted for TARP or just doesn't know his voting record. They both accused each other of running negative ads and Carney pointed out that Marino hasn't run one positive spot.

They were both disappointing with their responses about Marcellus Shale drilling. Carney asked Marino about his stance about the Frac Act but Marino didn't answer that either.

Carney said one the biggest obstacle to progress in the 10th CD is the political extremes and touted his ability to work across the aisle saying his Congressional staff is half Dems and half Reps. It's about working together.

Marino then riped into the stimulus and attacked Nancy Pelosi yet again. Carney asked him wanted what projects he wanted to take back. No response.

Marino said he wanted to eliminate the Department of Education (or maybe not) and Carney responded by criticizing No Child Left Behind because of it's emphasise on standardized tests the don't teach kids critical thinking.


Answering a question about the Susquehanna River Marino said we have the same amount of water that we have as we had a few billion years ago. I wonder how that will play with the fundy/creationist crowd.


Carney recounted how he got substandard military helmets previously made by prisoners are now made by companies in NEPA.

Marino went on another 91% voting with Pelosi, cut taxes, etc. rant that Carney rebutted by Carney saying that his opponent can only repeat talking points that he memorized from the internet and talks in platitudes.

Carney defended the health care bill after Marino said it was jammed down our throats by Pelosi and Reid. Carney said it was vote of conscience being a cancer survivor that realizes that everyone deserves the care he received and said he was lucky because he had insurance. Someone without insurance will eventually end up in the emergency room when it it's too late and will cost the rest of us much more than if it was treated from the beginning. The CBO estimates that the bill will save $1 trillion+ in the future.

Video at WVIA

Carney and Marino duke it out on WVIA

Carney focuses on DeNaples link

Carney, Marino argue their cases before voters

Campaign reactions.

Well, it looks like only one campaign is sending me press releases now. What's up Jason? I always published your stuff.



Marino dodges questions during debate

Pressed for answers from panel at WVIA debate, Marino goes silent, again



CLARKS SUMMIT -- Pressed by panelists about why he provided a casino reference for a felon when he was a U.S. attorney, Tom Marino continued to repeatedly ducked the question, denying the voters of the 10th District an answer about his years as a public official, first as district attorney and then as a U.S. attorney. Yet even as he remained silent on his controversial past, he claimed he was a “straight-shooter.”

“I’m a straight-shooter,” he told the public. “The truth is out there.”

Campaign spokesman Josh Drobnyk made the following statement: "Was he a straight-shooter when he said he had permission to give the reference for his felon friend, or when he said later that he never had permission to begin with? The fact is that Tom Marino is anything but a straight-shooter. He's willing to say anything to get elected."

Marino continued to falsely accuse Congressman Carney of voting to expand TARP. Congressman Carney voted against that measure. Marino also continued to changed his positions. Asked why he has advocated eliminating the Department of Education, Marino denied the charge.

“I said I would do away with education the way it exists now,” he said. Yet in May, he was quoted in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette as calling “for the elimination of the federal Department of Education."

"This debate continued to highlight the clear choice that voters face on Nov. 2. There is only one candidate in this race who has a grasp of the issues and vision for the future of the 10th District and that is Chris Carney."

Fact Check: Marino continues to lie about TARP expansion vote

Even after admitting "mistake," he repeatedly makes false claims at debate about Congressman Carney's votes

CLARKS SUMMIT -- Tom Marino's pattern of lying has not ended with his own career. He repeatedly lied at Wednesday's debate about Congressman Carney's voting record, even after publicly admitting that he had made a "mistake" in his claim that Congressman Carney voted for the Wall Street Bailout. In fact, Congressman Carney opposed the Wall Street Bailout every time the bill came to the floor -- against the wishes of Republican and Democratic Party leaders. Congressman Carney voted AGAINST the expansion of TARP, contrary to Marino's false claims.


"The information that I received said that he finally ended up supporting that. If he didn’t then that is my mistake," Marino told WKOK radio in Sunbury on Aug. 25.

Yet he continues to lie. He claimed in Wednesday's debate that Congressman Carney voted to expand TARP. Congressman Carney opposed the Wall Street bailout twice and voted against expanding TARP. He needs to get his facts correct once and for all.

"Tom Marino has demonstrated that he has no problem lying not only about his own career but about Congressman Carney's record as well," said Josh Drobnyk, campaign spokesman for Congressman Carney. "When will he learn to tell the truth?"

VOTES:


HR 3997
failed 205-228 on 9/29/2008
Roll #674 (http://bit.ly/bPFre9)
Congressman Carney voted against


HR 1424
passed 263-171 on 10/3/2008
Roll #681 (http://bit.ly/9KXzBg)
Congressman Carney voted against


HJRes 3 (Resolution PREVENTING expansion of TARP)
passed 270-155
Roll #27 (http://bit.ly/97Hvqt)
Congressman Carney voted in favor

10th CD update

The big news in the race today is that Dan Meuser still hasn't moved into his new house in Harveys lake.

Meuser still lives in 11th District, not 10th, petitions show

His explanation: “After doing a little research, we learned that this address needed to reflect where my family spends the predominance of their time,” Meuser said. “Therefore, as my renovations are taking a little longer than expected at Harveys Lake, we decided to use the old address on the petition to fully comply both with the letter and the spirit of the law.”Meuser said he hopes to move “in the near future” and would vote in Harveys Lake in the April 22 primary election.

This has raised a number of questions and Davis Haire’s campaign manager pounced on the news:

“There aren’t too many people in this district who can afford a second house for half a million dollars, especially one purchased for the sole purpose of trying to legitimize a candidacy for Congress,” Whitehead said. “At the end of the day, Davis Haire is the only one who’s actually grown up in this district, the only rural conservative Republican in the race, and the only Republican candidate who can win the general election.”

A local politico had this reaction:

I find the whole situation a little suspicious. While you don't have to live in the district, just in the state, to run, people who circulate petitions for a candidate must reside in the district, just as someone signing. So in Meuser's case he technically could not sign his own petition, nor could he circulate his own petition. There is a place on the bottom for the person who circulates must sign and the signature must be notarized.

I find it odd that someone who is running farmed out his entire petition circulating duties... I wonder if he circulated the petitions himself at all, or is he just paying people off to do it? If he circulated any himself did he sign at the bottom? And what kind of message does it send to those that signed, that the candidate couldn't sign his own petition?

I don't care where he lives because the Constitution says you only have to be a resident of the state that you represent. But you have to wonder how long the renovations of the new house are going to take. Maybe they will be finished sometime in November if he is successful and if not he has a nice remodeled house with a swanky address to put on the market. And who pays $500,000 for a fixer-upper?

Until 2002 all of Luzerne County was part of the 11th CD and you wonder why this good Republican wouldn't run against Kanjorski if he really wanted to make a change. It's not like he gave money to him or anything?

Another question is can he vote in Harveys Lake if he doesn't actually live there? I remember a case from a few years ago when someone was appointed to the Wyoming Valley West School Board but was disqualified because he was using his father's address in Wilkes-Barre to vote. He had to pay a fine for falsifying his voter registration.

Chris Hackett's campaign declined to comment on the residency issue but picked up the support of a former rival:

Congressional Candidate Paul Swiderski Endorses Chris Hackett

DALLAS, PA – Today, Paul Swiderski, former congressional candidate for the 10th district, endorsed Chris Hackett to continue his battle to bring a principled grassroots conservative voice to Washington.

"Throughout my campaign, I was impressed with Chris Hackett and his principled stands on issues. His emphasis on bringing jobs to our region, securing the border, and ending wasteful spending is exactly what we need in Washington," said Swiderski.

"As an accountant, I am acutely aware of the plight of the hard working families of the 10th district. They work overtime, they cut expenses, in an effort to make ends meet, but the government takes such a large portion of their income. I know Chris will be a fighter for lower taxes and lower spending and that's a major reason for my endorsement."
"I am honored to have the endorsement of Paul Swiderski," said Chris Hackett, "He is a proud and principled Republican who I am sure will continue to work hard for our party, our region, and our country."

PA 10th CD news

Senator Rick Santorum Endorses Dan Meuser for Congress

Former United States Senator Supports Conservative Businessman

Former United States Senator Rick Santorum today endorsed Dan Meuser for Congress
in Pennsylvania’s 10th District.

In a letter to Republican activists throughout the 10th Congressional District, Rick
Santorum praised Dan Meuser’s conservative values and his leadership on conservative
issues.

“Today, our party finds itself at a crossroads. We need to elect conservative leaders who
can go to Washington D.C. and stand up for our values. We need leaders who will stand
tall in the war against radical Islamists, stand up for the rights of the unborn, fight to
make tax relief a priority for our nation, cut wasteful spending, and protect our borders,”
Senator Santorum said. “The people of the 10th District will have the opportunity to elect
such a leader, and that is why I am proud to endorse Dan Meuser for Congress. “
Senator Santorum praised Dan’s position on the War on Terror and his support for our
brave men and women in uniform.

“I know that Dan understands that America is in the midst of a great global conflict, and
that he will stand with our troops in our fight against radical Islamists,” Senator Santorum
said. “Dan will be a Congressman our country can count on to support policies that
protect America and the troops can count on [him] to support them as they advance the
cause of freedom.”

Dan Meuser noted that Senator Santorum’s endorsement was the latest in a string of
conservative endorsements for his campaign.

Meuser said, “Senator Santorum is a national leader whose conservative policies I
embrace and I am excited to have his leadership, vision, and passion on my team.”


Dan Meuser is a conservative businessman who, over the past 20 years, helped transform
a small company into the leading manufacturer in mobility products in the world. The
company now employs more than 1,000 employees in Northeastern PA. His experience
of growing a small business into an international leader coupled with his conservative
values prepares him to deal with the challenges facing our nation. Dan lives in the Back
Mountain region of Luzerne County with his wife Shelley and their three children.

Update: I forgot to mention that one time prospective candidate Joe Peters also has endorsed Meuser.

Former Prosecutor and Homeland Security expert Joe Peters today endorsed Dan Meuser for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 10th District.

“Dan Meuser is the type of leader Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania desperately needs now,” Peters said. “Dan is a conservative who shares the values of the people of the district, including protecting innocent life and the 2nd Amendment and he is the candidate that can win back the 10th Congressional seat.”

Petition Day

Tomorrow we should know who is running for what as March 11th is the day to file petitions for the Republican and Democratic primary to be held May 20th. Independents and 3rd party candidates have a bit longer with higher signature requirements.

 So far there might be contested primaries for the Democratic nomination for Governor, Lt. Guv, PA 11th CD, PA 10th CD,  HD  119th and HD 120th. 2 Republicans are reported  to be interested in taking on Matt Cartwright in the PA 17th CD. I will wait until Tuesday to see if the people threatening to run actually file the paperwork.

Blogfest will be Friday, April 25th at the Red Mill in Pittston starting at 6PM. All statewide and local candidates will be invited.


Details on our FB page

CD update

With 23% in.

Gene Stilp is in the lead!!!!! in the 11th CD

Stilp 68,878  58%

Barletta  48.953  42%

Marino is reelected in the 10th CD

Marino   43,303  65%

Scollo  23.043  35%

Matt Cartwright will be our next Congressman

Cartwright  72,339  68%

Cummings  35,542  32%

A bigger win than I expected

Peters drops 10th CD bid

From GrassrootsPA:


Statement from Joe PetersSept. 12, 2007

“I have decided to end my exploratory efforts for the Republican nomination for the 10th Congressional District seat.

This decision is made even though every important metric along the way led me to conclude that I would win the nomination. From political support to survey research to fundraising ability, my efforts passed every test for a successful candidate.

However, I have concluded the demands of a campaign would cause too much stress on my new business ventures, which have been my main priority for the last few years. As such, I must place family and future first.

I want to thank the people of the 10th District, especially my family and friends who supported me during this process, including countless grassroots Republicans and donors.
In addition to my business interests, I intend to keep my focus on recapturing the 10th Congressional District for the GOP.”

PA 10th CD news

Swiderski makes it official. From a press release:

Local Small Business Owner Officially Announces Candidacy for Congress

EXETER TOWNSHIP, PA - Paul R. Swiderski, MBA, a self-employed accountant and small business consultant has officially announced his candidacy for U.S Representative in the 10th congressional district. I filed the appropriate papers with the Federal Election Commission in October, but I decided to delay the campaign by two months because my wife and I recently had a new baby. My family and I decided that it was best to wait until we were accustomed to our new life changes before kicking off the campaign, said Paul.


I am running to represent the people of the 10th Congressional District. Our elected officials generally don't represent anyone except their own interests, which solves none of the problems we have here in NEPA, elsewhere in the U.S. and overseas. Politics as usual needs to end, and if we are going to make any changes we need to begin electing into office individuals who truly care about the people they are supposed to represent and people who are serious about restoring America and fighting to protect traditional values.

Millionaires trying to buy their way into Congress, large corporate executives, and politicians who have been in office way too long are out of touch with the people they are supposed to represent. They don't live the same way as the voters in the district do. They don't experience the same problems that most people in the district do. They certainly can't relate to the voters and therefore cannot effectively represent the people.

Among the candidates competing for the opportunity to take back the seat lost to Chris Carney last election, only I can relate to, in all respects, the people, values and issues impacting the people of the 10th Congressional District. I am neither a millionaire, corporate executive, nor an experienced politician. I am merely a small business owner in NEPA who has the same concerns as most of the people in the district. The need for affordable quality health insurance, lower gas prices and home heating costs, lower taxes, and accountability in government top the list of concerns.

With an education from Bishop Hoban High School (now Holy Redeemer) and a B.S. degree in accounting from King's College, Paul has his roots grounded firmly in the soil of northeastern Pennsylvania. Aside from being a businessman, Paul enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and foraging. He is also a proud Christian and family man: fortunate to be the husband to the most beautiful wife in the world and blessed with three wonderful children, ages 6, 2, and 5 weeks.

Interview update: I will be meeting with Paul just after the New Year and Dan Meuser the week before. As we get closer I'll put up an open thread for your questions.

More good news for Chris Carney

CQ Politics says 10th CD leans Democratic.

CQPolitics.com is changing its rating on the race in Pennsylvania’s 10th District — where scandal-burdened four-term Republican Rep. Don Sherwood is defending his seat — to Leans Democratic from No Clear Favorite.
That ratings change represents CQPolitics.com’s analysis that Sherwood, who has had a tough time living down his admission last year that he had an extramarital affair with a much younger woman, is trailing Democratic challenger Chris Carney, although the contest remains highly competitive.
Carney is a political science professor whose past as a Pentagon adviser on intelligence and terrorism issues has given him added legitimacy in a northeastern Pennsylvania district that has a strong conservative lean, and which votes so regularly Republican that Democrats didn’t even bother to field challengers to Sherwood in 2002 and 2004...

A survey taken Oct. 22-26 by the polling institute at Lycoming College, which is located in the 10th District, showed Carney ahead by 47 percent to 38 percent.
The results were virtually similar to a Keystone Poll taken Oct. 19-23 by Franklin and Marshall College’s Center for Opinion Research in Lancaster, Pa., which had Carney ahead by 50 percent to 38 percent among likely voters.
The Keystone poll showed that 52 percent of respondents had a “not favorable” view of Sherwood — an extremely hazardous level of unpopularity for an incumbent. About one in five voters said Sherwood’s extramarital affair made them more likely to vote against the congressman.
Both surveys were taken after President Bush campaigned for Sherwood in the 10th District on Oct. 19 in an effort to gin up the conservative base vote in a district where 60 percent of voters in 2004 favored Bush’s re-election. But Bush’s numbers are not as robust there as two years ago, in large part because of public skittishness and increasing opposition to the Iraq war.

In the ad wars Carney tells Sherwood to stop lying.

Clarks Summit, PA – Chris Carney called on the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) to pull down a new ad lying about his position on social security. The NRCC has claimed that these lies are based on Carney’s AARP survey answers, yet the AARP stated that the ad “mischaracterizes AARP Voters’ Guide in an effort to mislead voters.”
“With election day less than a week away, Don Sherwood and his Republican cronies continue to lie about my position and scare our seniors. The fact is that I will always keep our promise to our seniors and would never cut Social Security benefits or raise the payroll tax. I also promise to never privatize Social Security, unlike my opponent who is on record saying Social Security should be replaced.”

10th CD debate cancelled

10th Congressional District Debate

Congressman Tom Marino and Phil Scollo

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

Mundy/Cartwright rally rescheduled

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


Kaufer event a go

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

 

 

The money primary

The FEC Pennsylvania 10th CD page has been updated with the raw numbers from the candidates that have filed to date. It doesn't have Paul Swiderski's report yet and Davis Haire is showing he has raised only $450 so far. Chris Hackett and Dan Meuser have about the same amount of cash on hand as of 12/31/07.

Meuser's campaign is happy with the numbers. From a press release:

Momentum for Meuser Continues

Large crowds, major endorsements and fundraising propel Meuser

Today, the Federal Election Commission made available fundraising reports from the Fourth Quarter of 2007. This is the first time the Republican field and the sitting Congressman reported fundraising together. Off the heels of major endorsements and his district wide 2008 Campaign kick-off Tour, Dan Meuser reported over 400k raised in the 4th Quarter.

Meuser out raised Congressman Carney by a 2-1 margin, with the Congressman raising a little over $200,000, and his nearest GOP competitor by over a 5-1 margin, as he raised $70,000 from individuals. Meuser also had 4 times the number of donors as his nearest GOP competitor.

“I am humbled and grateful for the out pouring of support our campaign has received through out the district,” Meuser said. “We will continue work hard and earn the support and trust of voters in the 10th”

Senator Rick Santorum, Mayor Lou Barletta as well as former candidates Ely and Peters have strengthened Dan Meuser’s conservative credentials in his run for the Republican nomination in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. Dan is honored to have General Dan O’Neill, Keith Eckel and Representative Merle Phillips as the Honorary Chairman for our Campaign to win the Republican nomination.

In addition to the fundraising and endorsements, Dan recently traveled the district kicking off the primary campaign. Dan attracted over 1,000 people combined at events in Northumberland, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Bradford, Pike and Wayne Counties.

10th CD candidates

No surprise that Tom Marino is running for reelection. His Democratic opponent will be Phil Scollo in the fall. Moran didn't make the ballot.

Businessman Phil Scollo Files to Face Rep. Marino

Dingman Township, PA - Pike County businessman Phil Scollo filed his nominating petitions in Harrisburg today and is expected to face U.S. Representative Tom Marino in the November general election. No other Democratic candidates are expected to file.

"For too long, we’ve seen a system that is rigged against the little guy," said Scollo. "I'm in this race because we need someone in Washington fighting for the rest of us. Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike are angry at Washington."

"I'm running for Congress to represent the seniors who live on limited incomes and the families who work hard to make ends meet. The system hasn't been working for most Americans—regardless of political party—for far too long."

A Pike County businessman, Phil Scollo lives in Dingman Township with his wife, Karen, and their three children. After a long career in the insurance industry, Scollo now owns and operates a business-consulting firm in Milford, PA. A summa cum laude graduate of St. John’s University, he holds a B.S. in Government and Politics.
Please sign-up for more information at http://www.scollocongress.com/


MARINO ANNOUNCES FOR SECOND TERM

Williamsport, PA – Congressman Tom Marino announced today that he will seek a second term as United States Representative for the 10th Congressional District. Marino issued the following statement:

“When I ran for Congress in 2010, I make a commitment to do my part to cut government spending, repeal the President's so-called "Affordable Care Act," downsize Washington , DC , and keep taxes low. I have kept my promises, but the simple truth is that there is much more work to do.

I voted to cut more than 31 billion dollars in total discretionary spending, introduced legislation to freeze federal government employment, and cut my own office budget by 5 percent. I have consistently supported legislation to reduce bureaucratic red tape and fought to keep taxes low. I have also co-sponsored a bill to prohibit tax dollars from being used on abortion and supported legislation to eliminate taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.

The people of Pennsylvania 's 10th Congressional District deserve a Representative who will continue to fight for hardworking taxpayers. Our nation faces great challenges at home and abroad. I will continue to fight for common sense solutions that will maintain a strong national defense, reduce the debt and deficit, eliminate job-destroying regulations, and keep the commitment we have made to senior citizens and our veterans.”

In Congress, Tom Marino serves on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. Tom Marino and his wife, Edie, have two children, Chloe, 16 and Victor, 12. They live in Cogan Station, Lycoming County .

10th CD update

“You can’t be proud of this congressman.” -former Georgia Sen. Max Cleland

CLARKS SUMMIT-Mr. Cleland, a decorated Vietnam veteran who lost his legs and part of an arm in the war, spoke to about 45 people at the Clarks Summit VFW. He endorsed Mr. Carney, of Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, because of his “honor and integrity” and “family values.” He talked about Mr. Carney’s war experience as a lieutenant commander in the Naval Reserve, saying Mr. Carney had a unique perspective on the war in Iraq that could help if he is elected. “We have the chance to get someone better than what we have here,” Mr. Cleland said. “Don Sherwood has not represented this area and its values.”

I picked up something interesting from the vote count in Wyoming County according to the Wyoming County Press Examiner:

In contested races locally, outside of the 20th Senate and 117th House races, there were few surprises, except that a number of observers were surprised at the strength of Kathy Scott in her Republican Primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood's 10th District seat. District wide, Sherwood garnered 56 percent of the vote to Scott's 44 percent. In Wyoming County, Sherwood had 67.8 percent of the Republican vote compared to Scott's 30.5 percent, and the rest given to write-ins.However, the 2,579 votes that Sherwood did receive were down by 863 from the 3,442 votes he received two years ago in the Republican Primary, when he was unopposed. Last week's showing suggested some voter upset over Sherwood's admitted relationship with a woman not his wife that ended last year but led to charges of physical abuse. Those charges were settled last November out of court.

The CV and the Scranton Times had a story about how Kathy Scott almost pulled it off:

She doesn’t think it was an accident. She did not improvise. She had a plan. Seasoned politicos question the role played by Scott’s $12,000, classic grass-roots campaign based out of her Williamsport home, but she said she thinks her hard work and election savvy helped her almost topple a sitting Republican congressman in the sprawling 14-county 10th Congressional District.

I like Kathy Scott. She was almost a giant killer. If she decides to run for office in the future I will consider helping her. She concentrated on the so called super voters. I'm one of them but I don't live in her district. So now the choice is easy:

Click on the image.

10th CD happenings

Dave Madeira's Magical Mystery tour of the district started in Honesdale yesterday and made it to the Pierce Street Deli in Kingston but cut it short because of the predicted snowstorm skipping his last stop in Lewisburg disappointing tens of people awaiting his arrival. What is it about the Pierce Street Deli and Republicans? Tom Marino also made a stop at the place on his announcement tour. Maybe they like the really rare roast beef sandwiches that I enjoy.

Some choice quotes

He predictably called incumbent Chris Carney a "liberal" that is “deceiving the district into thinking he’s a Blue Dog Democrat.”

His message is simple. “I’m running because I believe the time is right for a businessman and not a professional politician to represent the people of this region in Washington,” he said from his home Tuesday night... “I’m making no personal attacks on him, but it’s his record I strongly disagree with. He likes to wave his Blue Dog credentials, but one year ago, he voted for President Obama’s stimulus plan that not only brought no stimulus, but saw unemployment jump to over 10.1 percent. I’m alarmed at the deficit. And Carney has to take responsibility for his votes. Is this who we want representing us?”

He then talks about being inspired by the Tea Bag Movement " It’s a grass-roots movement comprised of independent thinkers, businessmen, doctors, but the common thread in the group is how people feel disconnected with their congressmen. It doesn’t seem like Congress is listening to us. ”

Nice try Dave but you wanted to run for this seat long before the tea parties started.

The Dems react

DCCC: With the official launch of his campaign, this morning David Madeira became the latest candidate to enter the contest for the Republican nomination in Pennsylvania ’s 10th congressional district. With his announcement, however, he is also bringing a heavy dose of irresponsible rhetoric with him, highlighted by his recent call for the expiration of regulations that protect children from dangerous lead toys.



“Dave Madeira's recent call to sunset regulations that ensure children have safe, lead-free toys speaks volumes about how grossly out of touch he is with northeastern Pennsylvania ,” said Shripal Shah , Northeast Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Dave Madeira is seriously mistaken if he thinks voters across the 10th district are going to buy in to these kinds of beliefs.”

From his blog Could we please have our country back now?

Yesterday I featured a clip from Stossel's expose' on Crony Capitalism with the other Carney. In todays clip, Stossel says that Salvation Army says it had to dump $100,000,000 worth of second hand toys and another $100,000,000 worth of second hand clothing to comply with new regulations...Congressman Chris Carney proudly touts his support for these new measures on his website. We need to sunset all regulations so Congress has to review them regularly to make sure that they are counting the cost of all these good intentions.

PA Democratic Party Chairman TJ Rooney:


"Dave Madeira offers more canned partisan rhetoric at a time when Washington needs to come together to solve our nation’s problems. Now is the time to bring the parties together, not separate them further. Congressman Carney is a leader who voters in the 10th District can be proud of, having shown the kind of bipartisanship that has twice ranked him among the most independent members in the House. He is a strong advocate for the needs of his community, having fought to fund area projects and pushed for tax cuts for area families and tax credits for small businesses."

Congressman Chris Carney's camp said:

"Congressman Carney is proud to have fought hard to bring investments to our region that boost employment, provide improvements to our region’s hospitals and infrastructure and enable our community’s law enforcement officers to have the equipment they need to keep us safe. He stands up for the needs of our region every day in Congress and will never stop fighting for the many worthy projects throughout our community."

The other GOP candidates are Steven Solieri and young Ted Yale who not eligible for the office according to the Scranton Public Examiner and Malcolm Derk.

Derk sent out a press release today that said this about the stimulus "Malcolm Derk strongly opposes this type of reckless spending . The Daily Item reports that the Snyder County Commissioners will create a job using, you guessed it, stimulus money.

Update: a dissent from the inbox


Hi Gort,I read your blog frequently and I saw this today about Malcolm Derkwho is running for Congress in PA10:"Derk sent out a press release today that said this about the stimulus"Malcolm Derk strongly opposes this type of reckless spending . TheDaily Item reports that the Snyder County Commissioners will create ajob using, you guessed it, stimulus money."

I think the whole premise of the paragraph is misleading. I'm fromSnyder County and have followed the county government issues closely. My understanding on the matter is that the Snyder County Commissionershaven't yet voted on creating the position- and all of the quotes inthe article come from Joe Kantz (the other snyder countycommissioner). The article only mentions Malcolm Derk in passing.

And personally I think it's different if a Congressman votes against legislation and then later claims credit for the bill's benefits-that's being hypocritical. Congressman have a vote on the house floor, therefore they directly have a say in the matter. Chris Carney has voted against Appropriations bills in the House, but then claims credit for the earmarks in those bills- which annoys me. But Governors, Mayors, and Commissioners don't have a vote in Congress- so they can't determine the amount of federal money that is allocated to their constituents. Similarly, Governors, Mayors, and Commissioners don't get to pick and choose which federal laws tofollow- they have to follow all of them.

Meuser at the Grotto

Tens of people came out to hear former PA Revenue Secretary and unsuccessful 2008 PA 10th CD Republican candidate give his pitch for electing him to the 11th CD seat being vacated by Lou Barletta.

Luzerne County GOP Chair Ron Ferrance did the intro saying we need someone in Congress that will support the President. Other notables in attendance were State Rep. Karen Boback, Bear Creek Village Mayor Walter Mitchell, the next DJ in the back mountain Brian Tupper, Old Forge School Director Frank Scavo and Luzerne County candidate Marc Dixon.

Meuser tied himself firmly to Trump and Barletta.

Meuser said he was a conservative problem solver who wants to get behind the President's Make America Great Again (MAGA)  agenda. Tax reform, repeal Obamacare, strong military, border security, term limits and drain the swamp (DTS) , etc. He said he was urged by Barletta to run for Congress if Lou ran for Senate. The way he explained it was almost like a Quid pro quo. 

I was surprised by how much he discussed the nuts and bolts of the campaign. Everything from yard signs to money. Meuser said he was outworking the other candidates and claimed the support of 8 GOP county chairs. He said he will need $750,000 to win the primary.

He took some shots at Democrats saying the Republicans are the party of the red, white and blue who's favorite holiday is the 4th of July while the Dems celebrate April 15th. Senator Casey has gone extreme left and brought up Nancy Pelosi. 

At the end someone asked him about combating the lies that politicians tell. Meuser said he would give them a pass the first time but would lose his support if they did it again. Then he went on about draining the swamp and MAGA.

Maybe he should read this fake news article:

Trump's Lies



 Updated July 21: The president is still lying, so we've added to this list, and provided links to the facts in each case.