13 hours ago
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Judy Herschel for Congress
Judy Herschell had a rally tonight that attracted an overflow crowd and did not mince her words.
She said that healthcare is a basic human right and blasted the profit driven health care system and endorsed Medicare for All.She said she would not sell out to Pharmaceutical companies. Unions are essential and teaching is a noble profession.
She also addressed the mechanics of the race. She needs a bunch of money and many volunteers. It will be hard to beat Tom Marino.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Municipal Races 2017- Part Deux
Walter Mitchell |
Walter Mitchell (R) 84
Write-In 1
Hazelton City Council
The incumbents were not reelected. Jack Mundie and Professor Obvious finished last in a six person race for 3 seats. My guy just missed. John Keegan and I are joined together as fellow bloggers who will argue about about everything then go for a drink. He is really good at research and would be an asset to any organization. Allison Barletta won a seat, where I have heard that name?
David Sosar (DEM) | 880 | |||
Tony Colombo (DEM) | 1,243 | |||
Jack Mundie (DEM) | 831 | |||
Allison Barletta (REP) | 1,439 | |||
Jim Perry (REP) | 1,139 | |||
John Keegan (REP) | 1,031 | |||
WRITE-IN | 46 |
Plains Township | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Plains is a good place to live. We have first class fire and ambulance service and the road Department always responds to me in a day or 2. Trash bags are 50 cents. No wonder that all the incumbents won. 4 Year Commissioner
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Saturday, November 11, 2017
Election results 2017- Municipal races
Some selected results from some down ballot races that I had an interest in because friends of mine were in the running. Spoiler alert, most of them lost. Sometimes I feel like the black cat of politics.
Longtime Kingston resident John Cordora ran for for Mayor of Luzerne as a Democrat. John has been a Republican candidate for State Rep and Mayor of Kingston. I always found him to one of the more entertaining people on the local political scene. He was always a good sport taking my snark in stride even when I said he resembles Vincent Price.
James Keller (R) 280
John Cordora (D) 235
Luzerne County Young Republican Prez John Lombardo made his first run for elective office as a candidate for the Pittston Area School Board. It was just a matter of time before we saw his name on the ballot and it won't be the last. He's been a guest blogger on Gort42. John is a lot like the young Gort becoming a political junkie at a young age. He ran a great race and came close.
Keep an eye on what goes on in Kingston Township in the near future. I predict they are heading for all sorts of legal challenges involving sunshine law violations and of conflicts of interest. The winning candidate is the son of of one of the present Supervisors who works for the township road
Department.
Liz Martin has been a hard working public servant who deserved reelection.
Robert Wagner (R) 841
Liz Martin (D) 774
John Cordora at Blogfest |
Longtime Kingston resident John Cordora ran for for Mayor of Luzerne as a Democrat. John has been a Republican candidate for State Rep and Mayor of Kingston. I always found him to one of the more entertaining people on the local political scene. He was always a good sport taking my snark in stride even when I said he resembles Vincent Price.
James Keller (R) 280
John Cordora (D) 235
Luzerne County Young Republican Prez John Lombardo made his first run for elective office as a candidate for the Pittston Area School Board. It was just a matter of time before we saw his name on the ballot and it won't be the last. He's been a guest blogger on Gort42. John is a lot like the young Gort becoming a political junkie at a young age. He ran a great race and came close.
Joseph Salvo (DEM) | 2,714 | |||||||||||||||||||
John Lombardo (REP) | 2,384 |
Keep an eye on what goes on in Kingston Township in the near future. I predict they are heading for all sorts of legal challenges involving sunshine law violations and of conflicts of interest. The winning candidate is the son of of one of the present Supervisors who works for the township road
Department.
Liz Martin has been a hard working public servant who deserved reelection.
Robert Wagner (R) 841
Liz Martin (D) 774
Labels:
John Cordora,
John Lombardo,
Kingston,
Liz Martin,
Luzerne
Thursday, November 09, 2017
2017 Election Results- Luzerne County Council
Matt Vough and Chris Perry |
My candidate came up a bit short but I am very proud of the race Wendy Cominsky ran. She is someone without money or powerful friends who just wanted to make a difference. She offered solutions to the problems the county faces and worked as hard as any candidate I've ever met. I'm grateful for her friendship and trust. She came darn close and somehow I feel I let her down.
The top 3 vote getters was not a surprise. Incumbents Linda Houck(D) and Harry Haas(R) ran their record and the people rewarded them with another term. Sheila Saidman was top of the poll in the primary and it carried over.
The surprises of the night were Matt Vough (D) and Chris Perry (R). They also worked their tails off and I saw them just about everywhere.
The great thing about this election was the lack of acrimony. For the most part the candidates seemed to genuinely like each other and want to work together regardless of party
I want to congratulate all the candidates for offering themselves for public office. It takes guts to run and put up with the nonsense like the anonymous cowards who comment on the local newspaper websites.
x Sheila Saidman (DEM) | 21,406 | |||
x Linda McClosky Houck (DEM) | 20,369 | |||
Wendy Cominsky (DEM) | 19,365 | |||
x Matthew Vough (DEM) | 20,386 | |||
John Gadomski (DEM) | 18,342 | |||
x Harry Haas (REP) | 20,319 | |||
x Chris R. Perry (REP) | 20,125 | |||
Marc Dixon (REP) | 19,115 | |||
Stephen J. Urban (REP) | 19,758 | |||
Gregory S. Wolovich Jr. (REP) | 16,620 | |||
Wednesday, November 08, 2017
2017 Election results-Luzerne County Controller
The top race in Luzerne County was for the Controller position between incumbent Michelle Bednar (D) and former Controller Walter Griffith (R). I was surprised that no other Republican ran in the primary considering Walter's baggage about the wiretap thing and his aggressive style.
In an interview with the Citizens Voice he promised to be a kinder, gentler Walter. Yeah right, the Walter I know is at his at his best when he is being a pain in the ass. I mean that in a good way. The message from his campaign was that he would be a watchdog, not a lapdog. So much for the kinder thing.
Michelle ran the campaign on her accomplishments without running to the press every time she found a problem but worked for a solution. She refused to criticize her opponent when given the chance. From the CV: Bednar declined to offer an opinion on Griffith, who resigned as controller in 2013 as part of a plea agreement in a wiretapping case.
“I would leave that to the voters,” she said. “That’s their choice.”
The Result:
Bednar 24,458 54%
Griffith 20,609 46%
Saturday, November 04, 2017
Wendy Cominsky for County Council
In my many years of politics I have been able to sort out the people who want to be someone verses the people who want to do something.
Wendy Cominsky is someone who want's to do something. She has all sorts of ideas to improve Luzerne County. I may not agree with all of them all but let's put them out for discussion.
Her platform is on the website:
Wendy Cominsky is someone who want's to do something. She has all sorts of ideas to improve Luzerne County. I may not agree with all of them all but let's put them out for discussion.
Her platform is on the website:
A snippet:
Alternative Energy
We also should be considering alternative energy as well as protecting what is left of our natural resources. Apparently some people did not learn their lesson from the coal companies. Tunkhannock is seeing a dramatic drop in local business since the gas drilling craze is fading. When we run out of gas, like the coal mines, those companies will be gone and many people will be without jobs and many businesses without customers. This can cause economic collapse and we need to prevent it. Everybody was sold on gas because it would bring jobs to the area and lower energy costs. Here’s the exciting news: so will the development of renewable energy sources! By shifting our focus to renewable energy, we will lower costs and still have fossil fuel energy to rely on in times of crisis. Environmentally speaking, I believe that clean water will become more valuable than gold in the not so distant future. We absolutely need to protect our natural springs as if they were our children, because frankly, our children will pay the price if we don’t.Monday, October 23, 2017
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.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Denny Wolff for Congress
Another Democrat has joined the race to succeed Lou Barletta (R) in the PA 11th CD. He joins USAF vet Alan Howe on the Democratic side.
Wolff was PA Agriculture Secretary under Governor Ed Rendell. He was appointed by President Clinton and held over by Dubya on the WTO Agriculture Technical Committee.
From his website :In addition to his farm work and public service, Denny is the proud founder of Camp Victory, a camp for children with special needs that’s adjacent to his farm. The camp today hosts over 1,500 children and their families from across the country each summer. Denny was inspired to start Camp Victory after his youngest son, Nicholas, was born with a life-threatening liver disease and spent most of the first two years of his life in hospitals until he received a lifesaving liver transplant when he was eighteen months old.
Website: Denny Wolff for Congress
Facebook page: Denny Wolff for Congress
Wolff was PA Agriculture Secretary under Governor Ed Rendell. He was appointed by President Clinton and held over by Dubya on the WTO Agriculture Technical Committee.
From his website :In addition to his farm work and public service, Denny is the proud founder of Camp Victory, a camp for children with special needs that’s adjacent to his farm. The camp today hosts over 1,500 children and their families from across the country each summer. Denny was inspired to start Camp Victory after his youngest son, Nicholas, was born with a life-threatening liver disease and spent most of the first two years of his life in hospitals until he received a lifesaving liver transplant when he was eighteen months old.
Website: Denny Wolff for Congress
Facebook page: Denny Wolff for Congress
The crowded field that is the race for the 11th congressional district
Six people so far have announced they are candidates for the 11th
Congressional District seat, now held by Lou Barletta. They are, Dan Meuser, Stephen Bloom, Robert Alan Howe, and Denny Wolff, Andrew Shecktor and Andrew Lewis.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Marino the Drug Czar
Lou Barletta and Tom Marino |
This report in the WaPo is shocking but not surprising. PA 10th CD Congressman Tom Marino (R) took $150,000+ from pharmaceutical companies then wrote a law to get the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) off their backs.
For years, some drug distributors were fined for repeatedly ignoring warnings from the DEA to shut down suspicious sales of hundreds of millions of pills, while they racked up billions of dollars in sales.
The new law makes it virtually impossible for the DEA to freeze suspicious narcotic shipments from the companies
This tells you every thing you need to know about Marino. He called the cops when reporters wanted to interview him. Marino declined repeated requests for comment. Marino’s staff called the U.S. Capitol Police when The Post and “60 Minutes” tried to interview the congressman at his office on Sept. 12.
This is nothing new. He has helped drug dealers in the past.
By Michael R. Sisak / Staff Writer
A prominent central Pennsylvania car dealer once described as a “friend” by former U.S. Attorney Tom Marino has racked up an extensive rap sheet since leaning on Marino to have a cocaine dealing conviction cleared from his record more than a decade ago, court documents obtained by The Citizens’ Voice show.
Jay W. Kilheeney, an admitted drug addict and alcoholic, has been busted three times since Marino clumsily and unsuccessfully interceded in the drug case, in June 1998, and has been accused in protection from abuse petitions of leading a violent, vagabond home life.
His lies about his relationship with Louis DeNaples and permission letter from the DOJ.
Marino changes story
Tom Marino, Republican candidate for Congress, has changed his story six months after he told a Wilkes-Barre talk radio reporter that he had gotten permission from his superiors in the U.S. Department of Justice before lending his name as a reference for a convicted felon who was seeking a casino license...He also denied that he had ever claimed that he received, or could provide, written authorization from the Justice Department allowing him to give a personal reference to former casino operator Louis DeNaples.
Even the Bush Administration thought he was incompetent
Marino almost got fired before he quit
Marino's effectiveness questioned
A senior Justice Department official
recommended firing Marino in September 2006, saying he "perceived that
Marino was not leading his office," according to the report, which has
taken on fresh relevance as the Republican challenges Democratic
incumbent Chris Carney in the 10th Congressional District.
D. Kyle Sampson, the chief of staff to then-Attorney General Alberto
Gonzales, subsequently placed Marino's name on a list of U.S. Attorneys
he said the department, "should consider pushing out," based on
"problems" he learned about in summer 2006, according to the report.
You can read the report at this link.
The only thing that saved his tail was the Justice Department didn't want to piss off Senator Arlen Specter.
And he is such a charmer with the voters
Labels:
10th CD 2018,
11th CD 2018,
2018 PA Senate,
Donald Trump,
Lou Barletta,
Tom Marino
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Blogfest Fall 2017
The Bloggers and the Blogcon Squirrels |
Another great Blogfest was held at the River Grille in Plains. In addition to the political types NEPA Blogcon joined us for their after party. There is always a prize for the person who traveled the farthest and this time it goes to PA Lt. Governor candidate Aryanna Berringer who came all the way from Pittsburgh. Aryanna is no stranger to our area, she lived in W-B a few years ago.
Two 11th Congressional District candidates also traveled a bit. Democrat Alan Howe from Carlisle made another appearance in the area and Republican Andrew Shecktor left the wilds of Berwick to
join us.
Many Luzerne County hopefuls were there. Both Controller candidates, incumbent Michelle Bednar (D) and former Controller Walter Griffith (R), worked the crowd. County Council Democratic nominees Wendy Cominsky, Matt Vough mixed it up with Republicans Marc Dixon and Greg Wolovich. Municipal candidates included Luzerne Mayor candidate John Cordara (D?), incumbent Dallas Twp. Supervisor Liz Martin (D) and Plains Twp. Commissioner nominee Barry Kresge (R).
Plus W-B City Councilman Tony Brooks (R) and State Rep Jerry Mullery.
The NEPA Blogcon group were a lot of fun and added energy to the gathering.
Local TV coverage
Bloggers meet political candidates in person
Friday, October 13, 2017
Liz Martin for Dallas Township Supervisor
Liz Martin (D) is running for reelection as Dallas Township Supervisor and met with her supporters tonight to give her pitch.
Since her election in 2011 she lists many accomplishments the most important being putting the town on a sound fiscal footing without raising taxes in the last 3 years. She said the finances were a mess when first elected with the Supervisors juggling accounts just meet payroll. Today Dallas Twp. has a $3 million budget with a $3 million reserve fund. Martin heaped praise on her fellow Supervisor Bill Grant (R) for his cooperation and foresight. Looking to the future her top priorities are relocating the Municipal Building from a garage to a better facility and improving the parks.
It was a bit of a shock when Martin defeated Glenn Howell by 44 votes in 2011.
I don't think a Democrat had won an election out there since Ike was President. Landslide Liz.
Her opponent is Dallas township road department employee Robert Wagner (R). His father happens to be Dallas Twp. Supervisor Frank Wagner (R). I wonder how he got that job? All sorts of conflict of interests questions come to mind. One person at the meeting tonight said people will be voting for Wagner the younger thinking it's Frankie. I know about that kind of name confusion.
Her Facebook page:
Since her election in 2011 she lists many accomplishments the most important being putting the town on a sound fiscal footing without raising taxes in the last 3 years. She said the finances were a mess when first elected with the Supervisors juggling accounts just meet payroll. Today Dallas Twp. has a $3 million budget with a $3 million reserve fund. Martin heaped praise on her fellow Supervisor Bill Grant (R) for his cooperation and foresight. Looking to the future her top priorities are relocating the Municipal Building from a garage to a better facility and improving the parks.
It was a bit of a shock when Martin defeated Glenn Howell by 44 votes in 2011.
I don't think a Democrat had won an election out there since Ike was President. Landslide Liz.
Her opponent is Dallas township road department employee Robert Wagner (R). His father happens to be Dallas Twp. Supervisor Frank Wagner (R). I wonder how he got that job? All sorts of conflict of interests questions come to mind. One person at the meeting tonight said people will be voting for Wagner the younger thinking it's Frankie. I know about that kind of name confusion.
Her Facebook page:
Liz Martin, Dallas Township Supervisor
Labels:
Bill Grant,
Dallas Twp,
Frank Wagner,
Liz Martin,
Robert Wagner
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
1000 Words
Evan Vucci AP |
Trump tossing paper towels at Puerto Rico hurricane victims was vintage populism
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/andres-oppenheimer/article176881196.html#storylink=cpy
Sunday, October 01, 2017
Fall 2017 Blogfest
Saturday, October 14 at 5 PM - 7 PM
|
Since it's inception Blogfest has been described as the best non-political political event of the season. No speeches are allowed and the rule is to agree to disagree but don't be disagreeable. Many local and statewide candidates will be attending. All are welcome, and there is no charge for admission.
Since it's revival in the Spring after a short hiatus people have been asking us to do it again. Started as an informal political mixer it became a networking event for bloggers, voters and political candidates.
This a joint venture of NEPA Blogs, The Lu Lac Political Letter and Gort42.
We are thrilled to announce that NEPA Blogcon will join us by having their after party with us!
Facebook event pagehttps://www.facebook.com/events/689685034556574/
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Michelle Bednar for Controller 2017
Incumbent Democratic Luzerne County Controller had a nice gathering of supporters at Bentley's on Friday. It attracted a nice crowd including a few Republicans including District Attorney Stephanie Salavantis. The Democratic Party heavyweights State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski , Jerry Mullery and State Sen. John Yudichak sang her praises. Her campaign team touted her accomplishments including weeding out incorrect homestead tax breaks wrongly granted to some Luzerne County property owner. Her opponent Walter Griffith had received the break on two homes and an auto repair business he owns.
Democratic County Council candidates Wendy Cominsky, Matt Vough and John Gadomski offered their support and Republican Chris Perry showed up. Perry has been to almost every event D or R I've been to. He is running hard.
Other notables were Judge David Lupas who is up for retention and George Brown who should have been the Mayor of W-B. I asked Judge Lupas about mandatory minimums and he gave me a lawyers answer saying they could act as a deterrent but Judges should be able to fit the punishment to the crime.
Luzerne County sending bills to recipients of incorrect homestead tax break
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Steve Bloom for Congress
There is now a 3rd Republican candidate to replace Lou Barletta in the PA 11th CD with a few more to come. State Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland)joins Dan Meuser and Andrew Shecktor looking to join the swamp in Washington. Alan Howe is the only Dem in the race so far.
He didn't send out a traditional press release or announce his candidacy at a rally but put up a YouTube video.
You can view it at his website: https://actnowcongress.org/
Bill O in the TL sums up his platform
Obamacare bad, secure the border, give the Pentagon more money, bad trade deals
and end taxpayer subsidies for the heartbreaking abortion industry.
Also from his website:
As a husband, parent, and grandparent, I can’t imagine losing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to do good. That’s why I’m running for Congress. It’s time for action.
He didn't send out a traditional press release or announce his candidacy at a rally but put up a YouTube video.
You can view it at his website: https://actnowcongress.org/
Bill O in the TL sums up his platform
Obamacare bad, secure the border, give the Pentagon more money, bad trade deals
and end taxpayer subsidies for the heartbreaking abortion industry.
Also from his website:
As a husband, parent, and grandparent, I can’t imagine losing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to do good. That’s why I’m running for Congress. It’s time for action.
Labels:
2018 11th CD,
Alan Howe,
Andrew Shecktor,
Dan Meuser,
Lou Barletta,
Steve Bloom
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Andrew Shector for Congress
Republican Andrew Shecktor of Berwick has decided to switch gears from a Senate race and will enter the 11th CD GOP primary. He joins Dan Meuser as the only announced candidate with Joe Peters teasing that he will run. Alan Howe is the only Democrat in the race so far. An official announcement will be coming shortly.
From his website:
Andrew Shecktor is a lifelong Pennsylvania resident, born in historical Philadelphia just blocks from the Liberty Bell and raised in Plymouth Meeting. He lives with his wife Jean in Berwick. He is the proud father of 5 grown children, 3 daughters and 2 sons. He is currently a sales manager for the Solid Cactus division of Web.com. Andy was elected to the Berwick Borough Council in 2015. He also sits on the Berwick Planning Commission.
Prior to Web.com Andy worked as an electrical engineer for many years. He is a published author of several books. His most recent is "State of the Economy Failure of Healthcare in the US", the companion book to the lecture he does on the same topic.
He has been a volunteer for various fire departments for 41 years, and is active in emergency services and military communication. He is also a long time ham radio operator.
He was an elected delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2016 and supported our 45th President, Donald Trump. During the election, Andy met 22,000 residents of the 11th Congressional District. This gave him the insight to understand what they expect from an elected official and their frustrations with the current status-quo government. The resounding response was they want their voices heard. Elected officials are elected to represent the people, not the reverse. There needs to be more input from the voters on matters that are voted on in Congress. The rationale for legislation enacted by Congress or by any elected official should be relayed to the public; particularly in instances of controversial legislation. Not everyone will be happy with every decision, but everyone should be able to have their voice heard.
Website:
Andrew Shecktor for Congress 2018 11th District, PA
FB page:
Shecktor for Congress, PA 11th Congressional District
Labels:
2018 11th CD,
Alan Howe,
Andrew Shector,
Dan Meuser,
joe Peters
Thursday, September 07, 2017
119th House District- The rematch
Jerry Mullery with Aaron Kaufman at the Spring 2012 Blogfest |
Republican (?) Justin Behrens took on incumbent Democrat Jerry Mullery in 2016 and lost.
MULLERY, GERALD J(DEM) 56.24% Votes: 13,760
BEHRENS, JUSTIN VALERA(REP) 43.76% Votes: 10,707
Both are running again and have golf tournaments coming up.
Come out to support Justin Behrens for State Representative in the 119th District in this special event recognizing our Veterans!
I'm not sure what golf has to do with veterans but that is his angle.
Not to be outdone Mullery has his own fundraiser on the links
On
Friday, September 15, 2017, Citizens for Mullery is hosting a golf
tournament fundraiser at Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf, PA. The
tournament promises to be a fun event and a wonderful opportunity to
play one of the regions finest courses, all while supporting a true
advocate for the citizens of the 119th Legislative District, State
Representative Gerald J. Mullery
Both are running again and have golf tournaments coming up.
Come out to support Justin Behrens for State Representative in the 119th District in this special event recognizing our Veterans!
I'm not sure what golf has to do with veterans but that is his angle.
Not to be outdone Mullery has his own fundraiser on the links
Rep. Gerald J. Mullery Golf Tournament
On
Friday, September 15, 2017, Citizens for Mullery is hosting a golf
tournament fundraiser at Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf, PA. The
tournament promises to be a fun event and a wonderful opportunity to
play one of the regions finest courses, all while supporting a true
advocate for the citizens of the 119th Legislative District, State
Representative Gerald J. Mullery
Labels:
119th HD 2018,
Aaron Kaufer,
gerald mullery,
Justin Behrens
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
Dan Meuser for Congress
Dan Meuser with Lisa Baker at the Fall 2010 Blogfest |
To refresh you memory Dan Meuser and Chris Hackett had a knock down, drag out primary fight to oppose Chris Carney. They both spent over $1 million and Hackett won only to lose the general election. There was a lot of bad blood after that election and many Meuser supporters told me they couldn't support Hackett.
His campaign slogan seemed to be Pride Mobility for Congress. So every problem the company had in the past became fair game for his opponent
Some of the controversies:
EXETER: A woman formerly employed at Pride Mobility Products Corp. has filed a wage discrimination lawsuit against the company, alleging she was paid less than male counterparts who performed the same job. She also is alleging sexual harassment and retaliation for complaining about it.
TPM Cafe: Meuser's company has settled a contentious lawsuit over the death of an elderly man using their wheelchair, in which plaintiffs alleged that a defective battery caused a fire. From the Monterey County Herald, January 9, 2007: "Had the case gone to trial, according to court records and statements in court, jurors may have heard evidence that Pride Mobility was aware of at least 18 other fires in its wheelchairs and scooters with identical battery packs since 2002. Ten of those fires destroyed dwellings and five were fatal." (From Nexis).
The Medicare OIG fined Pride $80,000 for a kickback scheme.
And his past political contributions:
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, I wanted to thank you for your kind, past contributions to strong Democrats such as Congressman Paul Kanjorski, Senator Hillary Clinton, Congressman Charlie Rangel and many others. Your contributions have helped Democrats to take back the House and Senate in 2006 and potentially take the White House in 2008.
I have a big basket of this stuff if any other campaign is interested.
Many thanks to Tiffany Cloud for sending this:
Dan Meuser To Run For 11th Congressional District Seat
Businessman and Former Revenue Secretary To Continue Barletta’s Work
Luzerne County Businessman and former Secretary of the Department of
Revenue Dan Meuser announced today that he was entering the race to
represent the 11th District in the United States Congress. Congressman
Lou Barletta announced days ago that he would run for the United States
Senate.
“I have always supported Lou Barletta and I plan to continue to support him in his run for the United States Senate,” Dan Meuser said. “Both Lou and I will fight for an agenda that puts America’s interests first and rebuilds the middle class so the economy works for everyone.”
Dan has lived in the area that makes up the 11th District for over 25 years, he and his wife of 27 years raising their family in the district. Dan joined Pride Healthcare, based in Luzerne County and now called Pride Mobility Products, in 1988. Dan became President of Pride Mobility, USA in 2001. Pride has become the leading manufacturer of power mobility and complex rehabdevices in the country, and employs over 800 people in Northeast Pennsylvania.
"I've spent 25 years in the private sector helping create thousands of jobs. During this time my wife and I supported many important causes including the YMCA, local colleges, the Back Mountain Recreation Association and the Wyoming County Children's Association,” Meuser said.
In 2010, Dan was appointed and unanimously confirmed Secretary of the Dept. of Revenue. Dan and his team worked to reform the department, implement customer-first policies, and treat taxpayers like customers. Under Dan’s leadership, the Department was named the most improved Department of Revenue in the country and received a grade improvement from a D+ to an A- from the Council on State Taxation.
“We worked day in and day out to make sure that everyone knew that it was taxpayers who came first at the Department of Revenue,” Meuser said. “Our team reformed the department and turned it into a taxpayer advocacy agency, rather than a mere collector of taxes.”
Dan Meuser is running first and foremost because he loves his country and wants to continue to serve his community. Dan will be a consistent conservative voice in Washington, making sure that he takes the values of the 11th District to Washington every day. Dan will be an advocate for an economy that works for everyone, a healthcare system that provides access and affordability without the heavy handed federal mandates of Obamacare, and a strong military ready to defeat ISIS and any other threat to our nation, and to secure our borders.
“I’m a constitutional conservative who will always put the needs of America first,” Meuser said. “I want to restore our broken political system by always working on behalf of the people of the 11th District.”
Dan also believes that the next Congressman must be accessible to the people he serves.
“I will be very engaged and constituent focused, making sure that I am accessible and transparent,” Meuser said. “That means being involved in resolving issues, large and small, throughout the district.”
Dan will be traveling the 11th District visiting each county over the next 2 weeks.
“I have always supported Lou Barletta and I plan to continue to support him in his run for the United States Senate,” Dan Meuser said. “Both Lou and I will fight for an agenda that puts America’s interests first and rebuilds the middle class so the economy works for everyone.”
Dan has lived in the area that makes up the 11th District for over 25 years, he and his wife of 27 years raising their family in the district. Dan joined Pride Healthcare, based in Luzerne County and now called Pride Mobility Products, in 1988. Dan became President of Pride Mobility, USA in 2001. Pride has become the leading manufacturer of power mobility and complex rehabdevices in the country, and employs over 800 people in Northeast Pennsylvania.
"I've spent 25 years in the private sector helping create thousands of jobs. During this time my wife and I supported many important causes including the YMCA, local colleges, the Back Mountain Recreation Association and the Wyoming County Children's Association,” Meuser said.
In 2010, Dan was appointed and unanimously confirmed Secretary of the Dept. of Revenue. Dan and his team worked to reform the department, implement customer-first policies, and treat taxpayers like customers. Under Dan’s leadership, the Department was named the most improved Department of Revenue in the country and received a grade improvement from a D+ to an A- from the Council on State Taxation.
“We worked day in and day out to make sure that everyone knew that it was taxpayers who came first at the Department of Revenue,” Meuser said. “Our team reformed the department and turned it into a taxpayer advocacy agency, rather than a mere collector of taxes.”
Dan Meuser is running first and foremost because he loves his country and wants to continue to serve his community. Dan will be a consistent conservative voice in Washington, making sure that he takes the values of the 11th District to Washington every day. Dan will be an advocate for an economy that works for everyone, a healthcare system that provides access and affordability without the heavy handed federal mandates of Obamacare, and a strong military ready to defeat ISIS and any other threat to our nation, and to secure our borders.
“I’m a constitutional conservative who will always put the needs of America first,” Meuser said. “I want to restore our broken political system by always working on behalf of the people of the 11th District.”
Dan also believes that the next Congressman must be accessible to the people he serves.
“I will be very engaged and constituent focused, making sure that I am accessible and transparent,” Meuser said. “That means being involved in resolving issues, large and small, throughout the district.”
Dan will be traveling the 11th District visiting each county over the next 2 weeks.
Labels:
2018 11th CD,
Chris Carney,
Chris Hackett,
Dan Meuser,
Lou Barletta,
Tarah Toohil
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Alan Howe for Congress
At Kirby Park |
Alan Howe is a USAF veteran who rose to the top enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant. That's E-10 for my friends that are vets of the other services. He lives in Carlisle with his wife and dogs and is an avid fly fisherman.
He entered the race as a Democrat a few months ago before Barletta decided he needs a promotion.
From his website:
We must help our local communities grow
Our nation was founded on the idea of equality for all and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To help protect those rights, we formed a Democracy that had as its principle aims: “to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”Your Representative to the US House should be working diligently on these tasks. He or she should be making sure that your government does things for you, not to you. You should see, hear from, and talk to your Representative routinely. You should know that your Representative is doing right by you, your community, and your nation.
Twenty-five years ago, the Air Force asked me to internalize the core values of “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.” You can expect that as your Representative, I will to the right thing always for our district and for our nation, and I will do it as well as it can be done.
As a candidate, I am hard at work traveling throughout the 11th District to hear from as many of you as I can. As your elected Representative, I will continue to work hard to craft and sponsor policies to see that your government does its best for you—just as it should, so you can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with your family and friends.
Facebook page:
Alan Howe for Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Kathi Cozzone for Lt. Governor
Present Lt. Gov of PA Mike Stack is in all sorts of hot water lately. From billing the taxpayers for hotels in Philadelphia, catering bills and mistreating state troopers and other state employees. He owns a house in Philly.
Aryanna Berringer has already announced a challenge and Bradford Mayor John Fetterman is thinking about it.
This dropped into my inbox a few days ago. Someone on her staff must remember my glory days of blogging.
Aryanna Berringer has already announced a challenge and Bradford Mayor John Fetterman is thinking about it.
This dropped into my inbox a few days ago. Someone on her staff must remember my glory days of blogging.
Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone Announces bid for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania
Cozzone
brings government experience, business acumen and a record of
bi-partisan accomplishments to a potential Wolf/Cozzone Ticket
West
Chester, PA – Surrounded by supporters in Chester County, County
Commissioner Kathi Cozzone announced her bid for Lieutenant Governor of
Pennsylvania today at the Historic Courthouse in downtown West Chester.
“Today,
I ask the voters of the Democratic Party of Pennsylvania to support a
new partner for Governor Wolf,” said Cozzone, announcing her bid. “The
Governor needs an accomplished elected official who knows how to work in
a bipartisan manner to produce real results, to serve with him in
Harrisburg. He,
and our Party, need a strong ticket in the fall to ensure our success
at the ballot box and to help advance the Governor’s agenda in the
hearts and minds of Pennsylvanians. I believe I have the skills and the
record to serve on that ticket, and be that partner for Governor Wolf.”
“Like
Governor Wolf, my background before running for public office is in the
business world. I have spent 10 years learning how real-world
principles can be applied to government to improve the lives of our
citizens. I have also learned that governing is a unique skill
requiring experience and practice. That is why I believe my balance of
private and public sector experience will make me an asset to Governor
Wolf’s administration.
Labels:
Aryanna Berringer,
John Fetherman,
Kathi Cozzone,
Lt Gov,
Mike Stack
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Luzerne County Council-The Republicans
A list of the Republican candidates with links.
Marc Dixon
Facebook: Marc Dixon for Luzerne County
No website
Greg Wolovich
Facebook: Greg Wolovich for Luzerne County Council
No website
Harry Haas
Facebook: Haas for Luzerne County Council
Website: Harry Haas
Chris Perry
No FB page or website
Stephen Urban
No FB page or website
Marc Dixon
Facebook: Marc Dixon for Luzerne County
No website
Greg Wolovich
Facebook: Greg Wolovich for Luzerne County Council
No website
Harry Haas
Facebook: Haas for Luzerne County Council
Website: Harry Haas
Chris Perry
No FB page or website
Stephen Urban
No FB page or website
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