Pointing fingers

"We need somebody in the Republican party that’s going to work for the Republicans ...she is controlled by the Democrats. She is the wrong person for the job. She has done nothing to help the party with fundraising. All of the candidates are forced to fend for themselves.”-
MINORITY COMMISSIONER Steve Urban

It seems like I do this post after every local election.

This time Steve Urban called for Villano's head and last year it was State Rep loser John Cordora saying “There was no backing from the local Republican party. The one thing the Luzerne County Republican Party needs to do is to get rid of Lynette Villano or there’s not going to be a Republican Party here in this county.”

From what I hear the local GOP organization resembles a collection of nerdy high school cliques that are getting bullied by the cool kids and will take whatever crumbs fall off the table. The TL has Bruce Phillips and John Rodgers pointing out that the party doesn’t have its act together. They can't raise money even though wealthy Republicans in the county regularly give to state and federal candidates. But many of them also contribute to the local Dems because they are smart business people who know that there isn't much chance of a Republican winning anything and want to influence the decision makers. At the GOP dinner the hostility to Urban and Walter Griffiths wasn't even masked and I've been told that Christine Katsock was working the polls for Tom Leighton. What a bunch.

The 6th District Republicans (W-B and surroundings) have a website that has a fundraiser listed and also asks that you take your aluminum cans to Bielecki's junkyard and donate the proceeds to the cause. They can have the money from my cans if they pick them up and cash them in, I'm not dealing with the zoo at the junkyard and I would just like to get rid of them. I think it's a creative fundraising technique, maybe next they will ask for people to donate their leftover food stamps.

“I think everybody should calm down. I don’t think we should make decisions in frustration or anger” -Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano

The future of the Luzerne County GOP

“There was no backing from the local Republican party. The one thing the Luzerne County Republican Party needs to do is to get rid of Lynette Villano or there’s not going to be a Republican Party here in this county.”- John Cordora

I could dismiss Cordora's comment as sour grapes from a candidate that just got clobbered if I hadn't heard it before. Just as I think it's unhealthy for one party to control the national government it's not good that the local Republican Party is so inept. It's not only that they can't recruit candidates for many elections but when a good person decides to run for office they're on their own. It seems that the local Republicans are so used to losing to the Democrats that they don't even try. When one party controls the levers of government for a long time without serious challenge it's just asking for trouble. Yes, I'm a Democrat but before that I'm a citizen that wants good government. An effective opposition is essential at all levels of government. It's not fair to blame years of incompetence on one person but after reading Villano's comment below I think Cordora may have a point.

“I think people would settle back, enjoy the holidays, eat turkey and then start focusing. Two years is a political lifetime.”-Lynette Villano, chairwoman of the Luzerne County Republican Party, said she isn’t thinking that far ahead.

Plus ça change

The Democrats swept the Luzerne County row offices and all 7 elections in the city of Wilkes-Barre. The results in the city was predicted by just about everyone and I saw the county wave building in the last week or so. Sometimes I hate being right.


I was off about the order of finish in the Commissioners race with Petrilla topping the ballot but the result is the same with the 2 Dems in the majority and Steve Urban will continue to howl in the wilderness. In one of the races that was competitive had 2 term incumbent Sheriff Barry Stankus getting hit with the jinx associated with that office like previous Sheriff Carl "watch out for that dog" Zawatski. In both cases the perception was they were trying to cover up something. The theft in the Recorder of Deeds office sank Republican Mary Dysleski as Red O'Brien smelled blood in the water and hammered her hard about it. Urban blames Republican Party Chairwoman Lynette Villano for the loss of Stankus and Dysleski.

“I think it’s a reflection on her leadership,” Urban said. “Next year we have party elections, and I think Lynette Villano should seriously consider stepping aside and letting someone else come in and try to rebuild the party.”

Sorry Steve, it was a Democratic year and nobody has ever accused you of promoting party unity.

Luzerne County Republicans

My friend Zen left this comment on an earlier thread:

Please Luzerne County voters, I beg of you, keep voting straight democrat. It will ensure that we have something to write about.

I read similar comments on the Times-Leader website all the time. I would be more than happy to vote for Republicans (sometimes I do) in the county if they would actually field some candidates.

In this upcoming election for the the state house races in the county the 5 Democratic incumbents don't even have a GOP opponent.

In last year's local elections there was no Republican candidate for Judge or District Attorney and the R candidate for Coroner was Dem that won on a write-in after losing the Democratic nomination.

The Commissioner candidates, Steve Urban and Bill Jones, wouldn't even talk to each other and after the election Jones switched to the Dems. The GOP nominee for Clerk of Courts had no money to defeat a 20+ year office holder and the Treasurer hopeful not only had no money she said the only change she would make is requiring licenses for cats.

It's hard to take this bunch seriously.

After the last shutout in 2007 people blamed the debacle on Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano and they blamed her for the dismal showing in the election before that.

This is what I wrote last year:

From what I hear the local GOP organization resembles a collection of nerdy high school cliques that are getting bullied by the cool kids and will take whatever crumbs fall off the table. ..They can't raise money even though wealthy Republicans in the county regularly give to state and federal candidates. But many of them also contribute to the local Dems because they are smart business people who know that there isn't much chance of a Republican winning anything and want to influence the decision makers.

A new county Republican Chair is supposedly on the way, we''ll see. But Villano is not the whole problem. When I look at FEC and state finance reports I see that there is plenty of local GOP money but the people who donate to state and federal races skip the local ones or donate to the Dems. I find it hard to believe that the local Republicans can't find attractive candidates for local offices and back them financially.

Bill Jones becomes a Democrat

Talk about bad timing. The local Dems are embroiled in the biggest local scandal to ever become public and he decides to join them.

.

Still smarting from his loss in the Luzerne County Commissioners race, Jones decided to take his ball and go home. Jones finished last of the four candidates 3,770 votes behind Steve Urban, who won re-election as the Republican minority commissioner. He explains his switch by explaining that the local Republican party is “in total disarray. Everyone basically is doing their own thing, and that is exactly why Republicans can’t win.” If he didn't know that before he got into the race he deserved to lose. He takes some shots at Urban saying it's his fault that county party is almost nonexistent. I bet they didn't exchange Christmas Cards this year. Urban shot back, "Maybe he has more in common with the Democratic majority than he has with the Republican Party.”

.

Both papers said that Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano did not return phone calls to comment on this earth shattering event. I've been passing on the criticism of Villano for a few years now but I think it's unfair to blame her for all the ineptitude/infighting/cliques/ etc. of the local GOP. Where are the big money people who host events for national or congressional candidates? I'm sure that there are local business and professional people who are registered Republican that would be very attractive candidates but they don't want to get mixed up with this dysfunctional bunch.

.

Our ever expanding list of local scribes have some things to say about this turn of events. The West Side Republican says "so long Sore Loser, don't let the door hit you on the way out. " The Angry Republican tells us that "We all know that the county party is a joke and the laughing stock of the state. Following a close second is Lackawanna's."

.

Then there is the Yonksterist Manifesto.

Talking Heads - Road To Nowhere

Villano out

The TL confirms what I reported a few months ago. Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano is not seeking re-election because she wants to spend more time with her family. Given the results of the last few elections that's a wise choice.

The new Chairman will be Terry Casey, a vice president at M&T Bank. I wish him luck because the lack of an effective opposition in the county hurts us all.

Lynette is not going away and will be serving as the Wyoming Valley coordinator for Lou Barletta in his uphill race to unseat Congressman Paul Kanjorski. I hope she is as successful in her efforts for Mayor Lou as she has been for the county GOP.

Luzerne County Republicans

It looks like Lynette Villano, chairwoman of the Luzerne County Republican Party, has enjoyed her holidays and is ready to get down to the business of losing another election.

County Republicans, meanwhile, appear to be taking a different approach.

Lynette Villano said the leadership is leaning against endorsements, though she will announce for sure at the party’s meeting on Wednesday.

“We’re trying to build our party and encourage new people to come forward. We want people to think they have a chance,” she said.

Republican minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban plans to seek re-election. Three other Republicans have said that they will run for commissioner: Crestwood School Board member Bill Jones, Hanover Area School Board member David Shipula and contractor Bill James.

Other Republicans considering running for commissioner are chiropractor Dave Madeira, former West Hazleton Mayor Carl Puschauver and Northwest Area School Board member Randy Tomasacci.

I've always liked Steve Urban. The Bond brothers have cut him out of all decision making so now he is getting to be known as Dr. No for opposing some of their schemes such as juggling the books to give the illusion of balancing the budget. Bill Jones says the right things but hired Skrep as Crestwood's football coach and was rewarded by having a family member hired by the county. Tomasacci had the brilliant idea of getting the NW Area school board sued for teaching Intelligent Design after the Dover decision. Madeira thinks that gay marriage is a problem and wrote a stupid letter attacking Chris Carney for voting for the leader of his party for Speaker of the House. And everybody loves Bill James.

A night with the Republicans

Alex put together a great event last night to watch Mitt Romney accept the Republican Party nomination to be President. About 60 people came and went before Romney took the stage but only 20 or so actually hung around for his acceptance speech.

Before we joined the fun at Mulligans Irish Bar I popped into Boscov's to buy a new blazer for Blogfest. It was great to see all the businesses open  in downtown Wilkes-Barre. A few years ago Public Square was a ghost town after 5PM.

The first person I ran into was my 2nd favorite back cracker, recovering politician turned radio talk show host Dr. David Madeira. You can catch his act weekdays 6-9AM on 94.3FM. Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffth told me he loves his job despite being shorthanded because of budget cuts and spoke highly of county manager Bob Lawton. He said he will definitely be running for reelection next year. It was good to see past candidates Gina Nevenglosky and Joyce Gebhardt. Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty said he suggested one of the names for the AAA baseball team, the Blast. It was great to meet the Right Wing Fringey guy.

I asked some people in crowd what they liked about Romney. Lynette Villano said he has the business experience that will help turn the economy around. She is planning a big luzerne/Lackawanna County GOP dinner and is looking for a headliner. I suggested Rick Santorum. Lori Vandermark also cited Romney's business experience and added that he managed a successful Olympics. Luzerne County GOP chair Bill Urbansky said he was an American success story. Walter Griffith said "I have to hold my nose to vote for either of them" but he likes Paul Ryan. Host Alex Milanes critiqed his party on several issues saying "I think the Republican's are on the wrong side of history on gay rights." He thinks if the party loses this election it needs to reinvent itself and he won't jump ship but will try to build bridges.

Bill Wellock covered the event for the CV and Steve Mocarsky quoted me in his write up for the TL. I was expecting to see Andrew Seder but Bill told me he works bankers hours.

County GOP viewing party lures undecideds

Pick of Romney buoys local GOP

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

Blogfest is a good time

A very big Thank You to the staff of The Red Mill for the outstanding service they provided to the 8th semiannual Blogfest. Our glasses were always filled and the food was great.

The bloggers and candidates filled up the place early and then the regular Friday night crowd rolled in. In 35+  years if politics I saw something tonight that only happens every once in a very while. A  young lady not connected to any of us wandered into our scrum and started talking to the various candidates. She told me that she had never voted before but will this time because she liked a few of the candidates.She had plenty of candidates to choose from.

Add caption

Controller candidate Carolee Medico Olenginsk (R) was the first in the door and bought pizza for the crowd. The question I kept getting is "where is Walter?" Former Controller Walter Griffith was always one of the first to arrive and the last to leave at our last events. I can't say I'm shocked he skipped this one. Dem nominee for Controller Michelle Bednar arrived later and charmed the crowd.

Most of the Luzerne County Council candidates attended. Eileen Sorokas (D) has been to everything  and Rick is a lot of fun. The Accountability Ticket of Mike Giamber, Renee Taffera  and Kick Heffron arrived together. Republican candidates Paul Defabo and Sue Rossi and Independent Rick Williams are all working hard to get votes and Blogfest was a natural stop.

Bob Morgan represented Cong. Matt Cartwright who has made every Blogfest since he got into the public spotlight. Cong. Lou Barletta did not send a surrogate as he usually does. They are both stuck in Washington dealing with the latest  manufactured crises.  

State  Rep Mike Carroll knows his back yard but the Mayor didn't make it.. 

Phyllis Mundy  was awol. I just might have to vote for Mike in the next election.

Alex Milanes lost his last election and is shopping around for an opportunity to lose another. Bible Buck and Duke from Dallas made it an official event.

The DJ race is the hottest thing in Pittston politics this year. Both hopefuls stopped by tonight and I like both of them. Jerry Macadon and

Alex Kokura have run great campaigns that tell you about their experience but have not ripped into each other.





Fellow bloggers Joe V, Michelle and Harold  helped organize the event and long lost blogger Zen made it as did the Yonk.  County GOP Vice-Chair Lynette Villano and 2032 Presidential hopeful John Lombardo had a good time. Former W. Pittston Mayor and the Governors local point man Bill Goldsworthy kept his consecutive string of appearances alive. 

More pics at

Blogfest Fall 2013

 

Steve Mocarsky of the TL was there

 

 

Politicians, bloggers gather at semiannual event

 

Yawn

I haven't seen a local election in Luzerne County so boring as this one. Not much paid media and even a lack of yard signs. Most of the offices are usually decided in the Democratic primary but even in May there wasn't much doubt that David Lupas would win the nod for Judge and Jackie Mo would be the next District Attorney. The biggest surprise was John Corcoran winning the nomination for Coroner with Jim Desiderio winning a write-in effort for the Republican slot.


The TL is starting it's endorsement inquisitions and Democratic Sheriff candidate Michael Savokinas tried to make some hay over an audit of the office done by Democratic Controller and Commissioner candidate Maryanne Petrilla. Not much there except some suggestions to do things in a more timely manor. He has some ideas for the office to do more and incumbent Republican Barry Stankus responds that's nice, but how are you going to pay for it.

Democrat Mike Morreale is a good bet to best Gina Nevenglosky for another term as Treasurer and Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly will probably defeat Republican Sue Rossi. Even the Recorder of Deeds race has been calm despite the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from the office. You would think that Red O’Brien would be knocking incumbent Republican Mary Dysleski over the head about it. But Dysleski has a defense ready according to the TL: She said she instituted financial controls that detected the theft, and she immediately alerted the district attorney’s office. “We did the right thing and kept everything in the open.”

The Commissioners race is not in doubt but at least it's providing some entertainment with Greg Skrepnak calling Steve Urban a terrorist. And today Skrep asked of Urban "In eight years, what has he done but bitch?" And that great American organization The League of Women Voters will be sponsoring a forum for the Commissioner candidates Oct. 18, which will start at 7 p.m. in the Burke Auditorium at King's College's McGowan School of Business, North River and West Union streets, Wilkes-Barre. Bill Jones said he can't make it but he has missed most of the campaign so far anyway.

Wilkes-Barre Online chimes in on the lack of activity in W-B, Are we holding an election a month from now, or was it secretly postponed? And The Lu Lac Political Letter says It's now or never in the W-B Mayors race and provides links to the candidates websites. The only website for any of the W-B council candidates I have found is for Walter Griffith.

County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano gave another lame excuse for the impending blowout saying she thinks the buzz over the 2008 presidential race is also overshadowing the November election. Sorry Lynette but readers of this site know the real buzz is about the 2008 10th Congressional District race.

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)

Eillen Sorokas for Luzerne County Council

Eileen Sorokas with Mrs. G in the background

Eileen Sorokas had a nice turnout for her kickoff rally in her quest to win a seat on the Luzerne County Council at the Polish Club in beautiful downtown Hudson yesterday. When I walked in the door I thought I was in the wrong place as the first person I spotted was Luzerne County GOP Vice-Chair Lynette Villano. It was then explained that Eileen generously invited all county candidates regardless of party. She's a class act.

The other 4  Democratic Council nominees showed up. Incumbent Linda Houck and the Accountability Ticket of Michael Giamber, Richard (Kick Heffron)   and Renee Zita Ciaruffoli Taffera. They were joined by Republican candidates Kathy Dobash and Paul DeFabo.

Both Controller candidates worked the crowd. Michelle Bednar (D) has already knocked off a big name in the Primary (Urban) and is now facing another one  Carolee Medico-Olenginski (R).

Councilor Ed Brominski and LC Chair Tim McGinley greeted the crowd.

More Photos at this link.

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

Blogfest post game report

A big thank you to Gene Rooney and staff for the outstanding service as usual.

We walked by the pink bus with long lost blogger Zen to find Pope George Ringo and Forrest Gump had set up a forward observation post at the bar, their natural habitat. Harold and Michelle set up the NEPA Bloggers display. They do a great job promoting the event.

17th PA CD candidate Matt Cartwright came early to work the crowd and was there when Gene Stilp assembled his big Medicare wheelchair. I asked Matt if he had one, he replied "The dog ate it." He left before his opponent Laureen Cummings showed up. Her campaign Manager James O'Meara came early and stayed late.

Luzerne County Controller Walter Griffith had a nice chat with his 2009 opponent Bob Morgan. Bob said he is not looking for a rematch in 2013 despite what Luzerne County Dem Chair Bob Boyer tells me.

A couple of candidates from outside Luzerne County came  because " I know that bloggers are now part of the political conversation and you guys are read by people in in my district."

10th CD candidate Phil Scollo with his campaign manager Will Sherry made it and  are running hard against Tom Marino. Who knows what will happen, that is why we have elections.. In 2006 no one gave Chris Carney a chance then Sherwood was exposed as  the Tunkhanock Strangler. 111th HD candidate Jeff Dalander has an uphill race against long time incumbent Sandra Major in Wyoming County. Good to see him.

My 2nd favorite back cracker turned radio loudmouth Dave Madeira charmed the crowd as did fellow blogger Betty of Pure Bunkem. Blogger Big Dan was there along with health blogger Karin.

The 120th HD candidates Phyllis Mundy and Aaron Kaufer worked worked their magic.  Lou Barletta was stuck in Washington but sent the lovely and talented Renita Fennick to represent him. Tom Marino was somewhere and sent no one.

State Rep Mike Carroll didn't like my baseball bat comments but he is a leader for reform of PA government. Take redistricting away from the politicians and campaign finance reform.

The Young Democrats and Young Republicans were out in force. Tom Shibula and Bob Zaruta are our future leaders that brought along a posse including Alex Milanes, Mike Szu and others.

116th HD candidate Ransom Young told me he wants to run a clean campaign. He was there with his wife and PR person Jana.Tarah Toohil was a no show and didn't send a surrogate. 

GOP Party stalwart Lynette Villano brought a few people.

I'm sure I have missed mentioning some people because there was so many.

 Professor Milburn Cleaver lurking in the shadow smoking a pipe. 

Bible Buck, Karla Porter, Bill Goldsworthy, Justin Vaculla, Angie Fanelli, Jane Waitikus, Bill Urbanski, Terri Stella and many more.

Let me know if  I left you out.

I'm not hotlinking this post because it would days to do it. Blogger is telling me that there are too many labels.


The bloggers report.

Fall 2012 Blogfest another huge success

 The Lu Lac Political Letter 

 Pittston Dispatch

 

NEPA Blogfest packs Rooney's in Pittston

 

Now he thinks he is Boss Tweed

I have to like John Cordora because he is a Blogger's dream. Cordora is like our own local version of Rick Santorum or Michele Bachmann.
If you want someone to say something that is bat shit crazy he is your guy.

In 2006 he won the Republican nomination for State Rep in the 120th District. He ran a stealth campaign and came out ahead of 2 very attractive candidates. In the general election against Phyllis Mundy he got blown out and then blamed his loss on Lynette Villano and the Luzerne County GOP. His top issue was gay marriage.

In a news release, Cordora also attacked Mundy for supporting "abortion on demand, higher taxes, gay marriage and all the other liberal garbage."

In the recent primary election he was a Republican candidate for Mayor of Kingston saying he had a secret plan to prevent crime. It had something to do with putting a large spotlight on top of the new fire station on Wyoming Ave. that projects the image of a winged mammal that calls a Caped Crusader into action. He claimed to have visited thousands of homes in Kingston and found agreement that Jim Haggerty was a lousy Mayor. On election day he got a whopping 254 votes.


Now he is backing the Democrats.

TL: “I’m going to make sure I deliver at least 500 votes to (mayoral candidate Stephen) Radzinski and (council candidates) Barry Adams and Curt Piazza,” said Cordora.

Let's do the math. He gets 254 votes in a town that is still leading in Republican registration and then promises 500 votes for the Dems after he gets clobbered in the primary.

Everytime I hear someone say our problems in Luzerne County are a result of voting in Democrats all the time I think of him. I agree that one party dominance is not healthy but our local R's have to recruit some serious candidates



More John Cordora fun is in my archives.

It's Rose Tucker

WNEP: Luzerne County has a new commissioner and she is a familiar face.
Former commissioner Rose Tucker was named to the post Monday. Tucker, a Democrat from Nanticoke, takes over for Todd Vonderheid who resigned to take a job with the chamber of commerce.

It's no surprise that Skrep got his pick and Rose has always been a team player. Many people were pulling for former state rep Tom Tigue and the other candidates never had a chance. And speaking of not team players Steve Urban and Bill Jones are running against each other instead of the Democrats.

Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano tries to put a good face on it in a CV story. She points out that the Republicans hold 2 of the row offices and expect to retain them. But they couldn't even find candidates to run for judge, district attorney or coroner. Red O'Brien will give Mary Dysleski a run for the money with 2 long time employees confessing to pocketing large sums of money from The Recorder of Deeds office. But I think Barry Stankus should be reelected as sheriff over Michael Savokinas especially if sore loser George "Nipper" Nowakowski mounts the write-in effort that he is threatening to do.

Bill Jones says the county GOP “is in total disarray.” Hard to dispute that. Most people I talk to blame Lynette for the state of the local Republican Party. That's probably unfair as this bunch has been dysfunctiona lfor a long time. And Urban is floating a conspiracy theory that the Dems are backing Jones to get rid of him calling Jones a RINO.

Draft Lou Barletta

I heard Mayor Lou on Corbett yesterday hemming and hawing about running for Congress again and said he will finally make up his mind Friday. The suspense is killing me. As a local blogger there would be nothing better than to have a race that would shoot right to the top of one of the most watched Congressional contests in the country. This would almost be as good as the 10th CD.

Trying to help him make up his mind some local Republicans have been gathering signatures on nominating petitions. The local papers give us the details:

Barletta petition signing begins

County GOP joins ‘Draft Lou’ drive

Luzerne County Republican Chairwoman Lynette Villano is spearheading the drive. That's good news for Lou because she is such a vote getter.

This should clinch it

Both members of the Luzerne County Republican Committee are backing Karen Boback for reelection as State Rep in the 117th District. This should assure her a primary victory over James May since this bunch has such a stellar track record. In the last county election they were able to lose every single contest.

I keep hearing a rumor that Chairwoman Lynette Villano will be stepping aside soon but I can't confirm who will be taking over this dynamic organization.

Who's running for what?-Mayor of Kingston

The TL has some announcements.

Jim Haggerty is running for reelection saying "The future of our community is as bright as ever.” He will probably cruise to another term in the job that he has held since 1998. He has basics down, the trash is picked up on time and the streets are plowed when it snows. The police force is professionally run and he has partnered with Edwardsville to provide better fire protection and ambulance service.


Haggerty is also running for the Luzerne County Government Study Commission. He told me that he can contribute to the study because he is the Mayor of a home rule municipality and would bring the nuts and bolts experience of governing to the formation of the new charter. He also predicted that Home Rule would win this time.

Mayor Jim has 2 opponents in the GOP primary, Jeanne Shuella and John Cordora. I don't know anything about Shuella but Cordora rings a bell. He said the centerpiece of his campaign will be the lack of crime prevention in Kingston. “I have a common sense, aggressive plan to reduce crime in Kingston and I only want one term as mayor to prove it.” If someone can figure out how to prevent crime they should patent the process and sell it.


Cordora ran for State Rep against Phyllis Mundy in 2006 and got trounced. Then his "centerpiece" was his opposition to gay marriage and the pay raise. For most of the campaign he was the invisible man and when he did raise his head he attacked Mundy for supporting "abortion on demand, higher taxes, gay marriage and all the other liberal garbage." I think he listens to too much talk radio. After the election he blamed his loss on Lynette Villano and the dysfunctional Luzerne County Republican Party.

There are 2 Democrats running for Mayor of Kingston, Curt Piazza and Stephen Radinski.