Challenger in the 118th?

From StopNEPACorruption:

Yesterday we received an email via our contact form denoting a rumored candidate in the PA 118 legislative race:

Apparently local Republican Art Bobbouine is circulating nominating petitions for the 118th district….More info to follow.

In 2006 Bobbouine lost the Republican nomination for the district to Maureen Tatu. On election night it appeared that he was the winner but a recount put Tatu on top. She went on to a blowout loss to incumbent Democrat Mike Carroll. I guess Art needs a job since the new Sheriff Mike Savokinas fired him from his job as chief deputy under Barry Stankus and he's been unsuccessful in passing the bar exam.

118th District debate

A couple of less than comprehensive write-ups in the papers about the 118th District State Rep candidates debate held at Pittston HS last night. The 118th includes parts of Luzerne and Monroe Counties. James Spinola had the best lines of the night according to both the CV and TL.

YATESVILLE — James Spinola's best line left the audience speechless.

"I think the pay raise was great," the state House candidate said of the repealed legislative pay hike that sparked a voters' rebellion last summer. The auditorium at Pittston Area High School felt silent before Spinola finished his thought. "I think it woke up the voters," he said. "They were testing our short-term memory."......Mike Carroll, a Democrat and chief of staff for state Rep. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, said he learned how to navigate Harrisburg when he worked under former Gov. Robert Casey and about constituent service in his current job.
In his closing remarks, he highlighted an endorsement from the incumbent Tigue, which could both help and hurt Carroll during the May 16 primary election. That dual effect was apparent in the response from Spinola, who spoke next. "This race shouldn't be about who the candidate knows. … The issues are too important to make this a popularity contest."

The worst quote came from Art Bobbouine, a Republican and the Luzerne County chief deputy sheriff, wants to use his law enforcement background to make fighting crime and drug use a top priority in the area. He called for mandatory minimum sentences for repeat drug offenders.

We have been doing that for 50 years Art and the drug problem is worse than ever.

The Democrats in the race are Mike Carroll of Avoca and Terry Best and James O'Brien of Pittston. O'Brien and Best are Pittston Area School directors. Republicans include Spinola, an architect from Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County; Bobbouine of Pittston, and Chestnuthill Supervisor Maureen Tatu.

Carolee will not go quietly into the night

To the surprise of no one former Prothonotary Carolee Medico Olenginski is threatening to sue Luzerne County because she was fired by county manager Bob Lawton for obstructing the transition of her office to the new records division mandated by the home rule charter. She got into a turf war with deputy Art Bobbouine and called Lawton a "dictator." That wasn't the only insult she hurled at Lawton.

Now she is threatening to sue claiming age discrimination and her lawyer claimed that Bobbouine stabbed her in the back. She opposed the charter and sued to try to keep her job. In the past she a problem with the carpeting in her office and took legal action about filing cabinets in her first stint as Prothonotary. I actually voted for Carolee in 2009 after Jill Moran proved to be such a disaster and the Dems nominated the wife of a corrupt WVW School Board member.

Betty has the play by play at Pure Bunkum

He Said. She Said

 The papers have the story

 Ex-official fighting dismissal

Axed prothonotary says ageism behind ouster

 

There is a legal question about whether or not the County Manager can dismiss an elected official even if she continues to be paid. Does the the new charter trump the 3rd class county code? Carolee will probably take this to the Supreme Court. 

Luzerne County GOP picnic

David Freed

About 50 people attended the  Luzerne County Republican Party Pre-Convention Rally / BBQ at the family farm of Chairman Bill Urbanski in Mountaintop. Going down the road to place I was glad I drive an SUV with 4 wheel drive. Many candidates and staff are in Tampa for the convention like Lou Barletta and Aaron Kaufman. They should have sent a surrogate.



Bill said he promised a hurricane free picnic and he delivered. You have to hear him sing.
 
The only statewide candidate to make it was Attorney General hopeful David Freed who dismissed the naysayers who think Mitt Romney can't win Pennsylvania because there are more Romney signs in SW PA than Obama signs. Talking to rank and file I was surprised by the pessimism of winning the Presidential race and down right hostility to Mitt Romney. I won't name names. 

17th Congressional District candidate Laureen Cummings complained about Obamacare then told me that the NRCC polled the district and thinks she has a good chance of beating Matt Cartwright. 

State Rep Karen Boback bragged the she secured both nominations and asked for support. I hate uncontested elections, The back mountain Dems need to get their shit together and get a candidate in 2014.

I finally got to meet assistant deputy dog of some county department Art Bobbouine. Try to pronounce that  last name. My pal Jim O'Meara dragged Laureen off to another event, he is her campaign manager. A real pleasure was meeting Jason Fitzgerald of Penn Strategies. He helped Marino win in 1010 and is now working for Freed and other candidates.Lynette Villano was taking the money and selling the chances for the prizes as she always does. She told me of her frustrations with lone wolf Steve Urban (R to D)when she was county chair.  I think I saw Norton the Blogger lurking about but there wasn't a  VW  micro bus parked  or any sign of Buzz let alone a Univac 3000.


On my way out I told David Freed that I thought the AG's office would be in good hands whoever won. He said he felt the same way after the primary. He respects his opponent.

Where was everybody, the turnout was less than I expected. Speaking of low turnout Alex is having a Mitt Romney Acceptance Speech Watch Party. 



More pictures at this link

PJ Best for State Represenative

The mad batter of Pittston has a primary challenger and he, incumbent Freshman Democrat Mike Carroll, is not happy about it. Art Bobbouine is one thing but a primary challenge is quite another.

.

From Best's website:

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So as expected, Mike is overreacting. He’s been overheard saying “I won this seat fair and square in 2006.” My response to this: You’re right Mike. You did win fair and square in 2006. That entitles you to TWO YEARS in the General Assembly. Just because the Good Ol’ Boys like Tom Tigue and your former boss have been given de facto life appointments doesn’t mean that 118 will be giving one to you. We still live in a democracy unless I missed something. The people will decide if you get another two years. I feel that a representative should be elected to represent the people and not represent themselves.

So Mike, if you did a good job you have nothing to worry about. But of course, we know that the reason you’re scared is because you didn’t do a good job. You’re worried that the people will realize that they can do better. And the truth is that they can.

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Update: Here is his official announcement

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PJ BEST TO RUN FOR DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR STATE LEGISLATURE IN DISTRICT 118.

Pittston, PA- PJ Best, lifelong resident of Pittston, PA, officially announced his bid for the office of Legislative Representative in Pennsylvania district 118. Best is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Public Policy, and feels that he can give the government back to the people.

“I’ve lived here my whole life. I love NEPA. I love everything about it: the people, the scenery, the character. I truly believe I live in the greatest place in America. This hometown pride that I have really focuses me on the direction we’re taking. We need a representative that knows where we want to go and how we need to get there. I can say whole-heartedly that this representative is me.”

PJ recognizes the need for change in North Eastern Pennsylvania as well as in Harrisburg: “I am not a political insider. I am not a politician. I am a regular guy from NEPA that wants to see the wishes of other regular people in NEPA granted. I feel my education has trained me to do this and my ambition will allow me to achieve this. I would sooner cut my own pay than see another fruitless tax increase.”

PJ will oppose incumbent Mike Carroll D-Avoca, who was elected to his first term of office in November, 2006.

Additional information about Candidate Best can be found on his website, http://www.pjbest.org/.

Early returns

From the Luzerne County website



Representative in Congress 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Vote for not more than 1
(WITH 13 OF 154 PRECINCTS COUNTED 8.44%)
Paul E. Kanjorski. . . . . . . . 1,207 53.01 1,207 0
Brian Kelly. . . . . . . . . . 572 25.12 572 0
Corey D. O'Brien . . . . . . . . 493 21.65 493 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 5 .22 5 0
Total . . . . . . . . . 2,277 2,277 0


Senator in the General Assembly 14TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT
Vote for not more than 1
(WITH 15 OF 121 PRECINCTS COUNTED 12.40%)
John T. Yudichak . . . . . . . . 1,662 64.57 1,662 0
Tom Leighton . . . . . . . . . 901 35.00 901 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 11 .43 11 0
Total . . . . . . . . . 2,574 2,574 0


Representative in the General Assembly
119TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Vote for not more than 1
(WITH 6 OF 36 PRECINCTS COUNTED 16.67%)
Gary Zingaretti . . . . . . . . 387 55.13 387 0
Gerald J. Mullery. . . . . . . . 189 26.92 189 0
Bob Morgan . . . . . . . . . . 126 17.95 126 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0
Total . . . . . . . . . 702 702 0


Member of the Democratic State Committee
Vote for not more than 7
(WITH 17 OF 189 PRECINCTS COUNTED 8.99%)
Paul J. Maher (M). . . . . . . . 1,453 12.92 1,453 0
Thomas M. Shubilla (M) . . . . . . 1,394 12.40 1,394 0
Michael J. Cefalo (M) . . . . . . 1,276 11.35 1,276 0
Lesa Gelb (F) . . . . . . . . . 1,097 9.76 1,097 0
Cassandra I. Coleman (F) . . . . . 973 8.65 973 0
John Bolin (M). . . . . . . . . 963 8.57 963 0
Rebecca Sammon (F) . . . . . . . 838 7.45 838 0
Sabrina A. McLaughlin (F) . . . . . 785 6.98 785 0
Jane Waitkus (F) . . . . . . . . 727 6.47 727 0
Lucille Maziarz (F) . . . . . . . 718 6.39 718 0
David J. Popiak Sr. (M). . . . . . 493 4.38 493 0
Michele Mahovich (F). . . . . . . 490 4.36 490 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 36 .32 36 0
Total . . . . . . . . . 11,243 11,243 0


Representative in Congress 10TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Vote for not more than 1
(WITH 4 OF 35 PRECINCTS COUNTED 11.43%)
David Madeira . . . . . . . . . 258 75.22 258 0
Thomas A. Marino . . . . . . . . 63 18.37 63 0
Malcolm L. Derk . . . . . . . . 21 6.12 21 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 1 .29 1 0
Total . . . . . . . . . 343 343 0

Member of the Republican State Committee
Vote for not more than 6
(WITH 17 OF 189 PRECINCTS COUNTED 8.99%)
Stephen J. Urban (M). . . . . . . 621 14.68 621 0
Linda J. Urban (F) . . . . . . . 519 12.27 519 0
Renita Fennick (F) . . . . . . . 478 11.30 478 0
Frank J. Mazza III (M) . . . . . . 427 10.09 427 0
Harry Haas (M). . . . . . . . . 387 9.15 387 0
Margaret E. Phillips (F) . . . . . 369 8.72 369 0
Kathleen M. Dobash (F) . . . . . . 299 7.07 299 0
Bill Lewis (M). . . . . . . . . 274 6.48 274 0
T. Lynette Villano (F) . . . . . . 260 6.15 260 0
David Baloga (M) . . . . . . . . 242 5.72 242 0
Moderno Rossi (M). . . . . . . . 195 4.61 195 0
Art Bobbouine (M). . . . . . . . 118 2.79 118 0
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 41 .97 41 0
Total . . . . . . . . . 4,230 4,230 0

Weekend events

Me and Mrs. G will be attending a wedding on Saturday then leave for Rehoboth Beach on Sunday so we will not be able to attend these events with our friends.

BTW, can anyone recommend a good beach read? I'm looking for a funny novel.


GOP Family Picnic

Harteis Farm, Dallas Township

The outing is to be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Harteis Farm in Dallas Township....This is a great chance to meet the candidates, catch up with friends and enjoy a summer day at a beautiful site. Gerry Harteis has again graciously offered his lovely horse farm for this annual event.

I attended last year and enjoyed it very much. I hope Moses is still around to greet the guests. It would be interesting to see if Prothonotary Carollee Medico-Oligarchy and Art Bobbouine make an appearance.

Update: Bob Sypniewski informed me today that Moses passed away. He also had some choice words about Carolee. I will be talking to him after I get back from the beach and will give you a full report.

On Sunday NEPA PrideFest 2010 will be held at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre


Sunday · 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Location F.M. Kirby Park
301 Northampton Street
Kingston, PA

NEPA PrideFest brings together the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community with supporters and allies from the Greater Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Poconos region of Pennsylvania.

I would like to see who attends both events.

State Committee results

5 of the 9 people who provided their pitch to the readers of Gort42 won a spot on the Dem and GOP State Committees and the other 4 came darn close to winning.

I attribute it to the Gort Bounce.

The top 3 male and female vote getters get to attend the meetings and spend their own money for the privilege. Winners in bold.


Member of the Republican State Committee

(WITH 189 OF 189 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Stephen J. Urban (M). . . . . . . 10,240
Linda J. Urban (F) . . . . . . . 8,018
Margaret E. Phillips (F) . . . . . 7,588
Renita Fennick (F) . . . . . . . 7,066
Kathleen M. Dobash (F) . . . . . . 7,054
David Baloga (M) . . . . . . . . 5,667
Harry Haas (M). . . . . . . . . 5,533
Frank J. Mazza III (M) . . . . . . 5,495
Moderno Rossi (M). . . . . . . . 5,081
Bill Lewis (M). . . . . . . . . 4,884
T. Lynette Villano (F) . . . . . . 4,704
Art Bobbouine (M). . . . . . . . 2,340
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 299




Member of the Democratic State Committee

(WITH 189 OF 189 PRECINCTS COUNTED)
Michael J. Cefalo (M) . . . . . . 15,005
Thomas M. Shubilla (M) . . . . . . 14,489
Paul J. Maher (M). . . . . . . . 14,014
Lesa Gelb (F) . . . . . . . . . 12,477
Rebecca Sammon (F) . . . . . . . 11,649
Cassandra I. Coleman (F) . . . . . 11,618
John Bolin (M). . . . . . . . . 11,400
Sabrina A. McLaughlin (F) . . . . . 11,305
Jane Waitkus (F) . . . . . . . . 10,435
Lucille Maziarz (F) . . . . . . . 10,120
David J. Popiak Sr. (M). . . . . . 8,835
Michele Mahovich (F). . . . . . . 8,454
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 452

118th Legislative District

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

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

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

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

Jim Spinola for State Rep

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

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

Here's his pitch:

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the opportunity to get the word out!

Jim

Tatu

Not that Tatu.

Chestnuthill Township supervisor Maureen Tatu, a Republican running for state representative in the 118th District, announces that she has a new Web site: http://www.tatuforyou.com/index.html.

Debate Wednesday

The League of Women Voters chapter in the Wilkes-Barre area is hosting a debate among candidates for state representative in the 118th district on Wednesday, April 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Pittston High School. Candidates who were invited to participate are: Democrats Mike Carroll of Avoca; Terry Best and James "Red" O’Brien, both of Pittston; and Republicans Art Bobbouine of Pittston; Maureen Tatu and James Spinola, both of Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County.

James Spinola is the the only other candidate that has a website that I know of: http://www.spinolaforstaterep.com/

If the other candidates have a site let me know. Mike Carroll has been the only one on TV and it let's you know he is Yuddy's chief of staff and has had many other public service jobs.

Luzerne County Republican State Committee candidates

Luzerne County Republicans may vote for three men and three women on May 18 to represent them on the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee.

The Luzerne County GOP website has the pitch from almost all the hopefuls. Some of the candidates were good enough to guest post on Gort42. Thank you.


State Committee Candidates
Want Your Vote



Moderno "Butch" Rossi

Lehman Township

I'm running to help Republican candidates win local and state offices.

I am an incumbent Republican State Committee member. I have been elected to three terms as a member of the Lake-Lehman School board, and am the current board president.

I'm a Republican committeeman at the Lake Silkworth poll in Lehman.

My wife Janet and I celebrated our 30th anniversery this year. We have a son Jason, 24.

I'm very proud to have two state elected officials from my district, State Rep. Karen Boback and State Sen. Lisa Baker. With some hard work as state committee members we can add to that list. I would be honored to have your support.

Bill Lewis
Jenkins Township

I ask for your vote to continue to be an independent conservative voice representing the Republican voters of Luzerne County.

For over two decades, I have been your independent voice at the State Party - controlled by no one. I work in the private sector and hold no paid government positions. No member of my family is an elected official - in fact, none work or hold appointed offices in state or local government. I have never sought elected government office. I am completely independent and uncontrolled by any elected official or political boss.

State Committee is an unpaid position - I view it as an opportunity to serve my community and state. Thank you.

Kathleen Dobash

Hazleton


I hope to encourage more citizens to vote and become involved with the political process. I want to restore confidence in our local government leadership. I want to address the issue of the local corruption. The citizens of this county cannot afford to pay for abuse of the system. Property owners pay taxes in good faith. Wasteful spending and deception cannot continue.

I am an advocate for the elderly and for those who cannot represent themselves.

I was elected Inspector of Elections and Constable for Hazleton City Ward 1. I actively write letters printed in our newspapers to talk about local issues. Vote for me on May 18.

Frank J. Mazza

Kingston

I am running for Republican State Committee because I have a vision for this place I call home. I want to bring the citizens of this county back into the political process and represent their interests in Harrisburg by creating an open and honest environment where citizens can be active and have a choice who represents us at each level of government. Together, let us bring back the trust of the people, the respect and honor that being a resident of Luzerne County brings, and begin a new chapter in the story of Luzerne County.

If you believe that 2010 can be the beginning of a new chapter for this county and believe that 2010 is an exciting time to be a Republican, then on May 18th please go to the polls and vote for me for Republican State Committee. I will not let the citizens down in bringing the right change to our communities.

T. Lynette Villano

West Pittston

I am running for Republican State Committee because I feel it is important to attend and be an active participant in all Caucus and RSC meetings. State Committee members should reflect the Republicans from our county.

I have represented all of Luzerne County Republicans for 10+ years and know
who you are and what you believe in.

The power and authority for the state and national GOP originates from the county and I want to make sure your voice is heard loud and clear!

David Baloga

Lake Township

Lake Township committee member; Second District Vice Chairman, Luzerne County Republican Party; Membership and voter registration committee member.

I am a lifelong Republican and a conservative. I believe in free enterprise and trade, limited government, and states rights. I enjoy the right to own firearms (even though I no longer hunt). I am pro-life. I am loyal but independent. I will not support Democrats. No one can buy my vote.
My passion for Conservative, Republican politics keeps me looking to do more for our party. That is why I would like to represent the good people of the Republican Party of Luzerne County, as their State Committee Representative.

I promise to be available to Republican voters and accountable for my actions taken as State Committee Representative. I humbly ask you to consider supporting me with your vote so I can be your voice on our Republican State Committee.

Harry Haas

Wilkes-Barre City

I am so proud to call myself a Republican during these trying times of local corruption, state mismanagement, and federal arrogance. Before this year I considered the role of state committee insignificant; however, in the wake of this past year's disastrous policies on all levels of government, it has never been more important to endorse true conservative Republicans who can effectively communicate--and act upon--the message of limited government, lower taxes, and personal liberty.

Linda Urban

Wilkes-Barre City

I am a dedicated Luzerne County representative on State Committee for the past four years, an avid voter registration/education volunteer, a past member of the 6th District Republican Committee, and the current Judge of Elections in Wilkes-Barre Ward 2. I am very active in local and state politics and frequently write letters to the editor to express my views on issues affecting our community.

As a State Committee member I helped elect highly qualified judges to the bench at the state level, including Superior Court Judge Cheryl Allen and Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia McCullough. I also helped retain Superior Court Judge Corry Stevens to the bench.

I want to continue representing and serving the voters of Luzerne County and ask for your support at the Primary Election on May 18.

Renita Fennick

Wilkes-Barre Township


I would like to see Luzerne County fully represented at all State Committee meetings and functions.


I would support conservative candidates and weigh the pros and cons of the endorsement process for each situation. I believe state committee members should play an active and supportive role in our county organizations. We need to build a strong foundation for our candidates and the link between the county and state organizations is crucial.

I have long been a strong conservative voice and am not afraid to stand up for what I believe.


Art Bobbouine

Pittston City


I am a lifelong Republican from a city where Republicans are few and far between. I am a Republican committeeman for 16 years, first elected at age 18. I previously served two terms on Republican State Committee during the Ridge years and am looking forward to serving again. I have also served on the Luzerne County Republican Committee for several years having served as Secretary and currently as Vice Chairman of Policies and By-Laws.


I was Chief Deputy Sheriff of Luzerne County under Sheriff Barry Stankus and currently teach Criminal Justice at Fortis institute. I believe that I can represent the Republican Party admirably at State Committee having never missed a meeting or caucus breakfast when I previously served. I was also Treasurer of NECRA Caucus at State Committee. I humbly ask for your support and I know I will never let the Republican voters down.


Margaret Phillips
Dallas Township

(Did Not Participate)



Steven J. Urban

Wilkes-Barre City

(Did Not Participate)

Who won the 118th?

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

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

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


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

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