Looking to the fall: State Rep 119th District

This is a rematch between  freshman state rep Gerald Mullery  and Republican Rick Arnold . In 2010 this was an open seat because John Yudichak decided to run for State Senator. Mullery won a 3 way Democratic primary snagging 50% of the vote. In the fall Mullery topped the poll with 8631 votes 52% to Arnold's 7274 44% with Libertarian Brian Bergman getting 741 4%.

Both Rick and Gerry made it to last Blogfest which has become the premier local political event of the election season.





The latest campaign finance report shows that Mullery has $8636 cash on hand but oddly I can't find a report for Arnold for 2012 or 2011. Nothing unusual jumps out on Mullery's reports. He raised money from some unions and most of his individual donors live in his district. Looking at the expenditures he doesn't use his campaign like a personal ATM paying for things like lunch, gasoline, dry cleaning and clothing like some other candidates.

Another oddity is that Mullery's campaign website is blank.

Mullery railed against the latest gerrymander like the one before it and offered a solution.

CV: Mullery offered amendments to the proposed maps that would keep the greater Hazleton area, Luzerne County’s South Valley region, the Mountain Top communities, the Five Mountain region and greater Wilkes-Barre together in their respective legislative districts.

He said splitting them is “unnecessary” and he doesn’t believe the new plans for state maps meet the requirements mandated by the state constitution

Weekend events

NANTICOKE- Rick Arnold, candidate for state representative in Pennsylvania’s 119th District, invites residents to join him on Aug. 20 in recognizing the contributions of those who defend, protect, educate, and serve the needs of their community.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Nanticoke’s West Side Park in the 300 block of West Grand Street.

Republican nominee Arnold is opposed by Democrat Gerald Mullery (who has rarely been heard from since the primary) and Libertarian Brian Bergman.





On Saturday 117th state Rep Democratic challenger Richard Shermanski invites you to breakfast in Drums. He is taking on GOP incumbent Karen Boback.









The big event on Saturday is Gas Stock.


Festival- Rally– Concert
Sat. Aug. 21, 2010 from 10 AM to 6 PM
at the
Luzerne County Fairgrounds
State Route 118 Lehman, PA

Sunday you can meet and greet 120th State House Republican hopeful West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy at Bo Brothers, Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming. Libertarian candidate Tim Mullen plans on knocking on more doors that day. They are taking on Democrat Phyllis Mundy.





Goldy and Phyllis have been debating debates on my last post.





I'm sure you will be able to find some of the politicians mentioned here and many others at the Pittston Tomato Festival.

Update:

Attorney General Tom Corbett, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania Governor will participate in the Pittston Tomato Festival Parade Saturday morning and will make a stop at Luzerne County Republican Headquarters, 41 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, at 2 p.m.

Bergman get's a signature

The local libertarians put out a challenge to the major party candidates for the state legislature a few days ago to sign the petitions of their hopefuls as a show of good faith that they truly believe in the democratic process and that all qualified candidates should be allowed to compete.

As predicted the Republicans declined the invitation.

CV: Steve Urban, a Luzerne County commissioner and 14th Senatorial District candidate, called the move a "ridiculous request" and refused to sign Summers' papers...West Pittston Mayor Goldsworthy also declined to sign Mullen's papers, advocating Mullen join his campaign to usurp 10-term state Rep. Mundy. Goldsworthy said he has a stronger campaign and more name recognition than Mullen but believes in the similar ideals as the Libertarian Party...Rick Arnold brushed off signing papers for Bergman, a potential opponent in the 119th race, for fear of invalidating his own campaign.

Democrats John Yudichak and Phyllis Mundy haven't been heard from yet but Gerald Mullery believes in the small "d.""I would sign it. What the hell? I don't have any problem with thatI've met Brian. He's a nice guy. I welcome him into the race."


The lineup


Senate 14


Steve Urban (R)

John Yudichak (D)

Betsy Summers (L)



State Rep 120th


Phyllis Mundy (D) incumbent

Bill Goldsworthy (R)


Tim Mullen (L)



State Rep 119th


Rick Arnold (R)


Gerald Mullery (D)

Brian Bergman (L)

Libertarians to lend a hand

Libertarians cleaning up the garbage

Local Candidates Join July 5th Cleanup

Wilkes-Barre, PA— Libertarians are all about saving tax dollars. So on July 5th, local Libertarian candidates Betsy Summers, Tim Mullen, and Brian Bergman, along with members of the Northeastern PA Libertarian Party will be helping with the Kirby Park cleanup. “Once again Libertarians will be putting their backs into reducing Wilkes-Barre’s cleanup costs by picking up the trash that covers the park after the 4th of July festivities” states Betsy Summers the cleanup organizer and candidate for Pennsylvania’s 14th senatorial seat.


Summers added, “We will be meeting in Kirby Park’s Pavilion #3 at 8 am and will finish up with a lunch BBQ. Anyone that wishes to join in the cleanup with a great group of fun loving individuals, citizen politicians, and community activists, will be welcome. The more helping hands we have the sooner we can sit, relax, and eat!”


“Libertarians believe in people working together to get things done, not the government taking care of our every need, as one of the ideals our Country was founded on” said Tim Mullen candidate for Pennsylvania 120th Representative seat while Brian Bergman candidate for the 119th Representative seat said “we are not only looking to clean up the park, but hopefully help clean up our state and local governments.”


Lou Jasikoff Chair for the Northeast Pennsylvania Libertarian Party concluded, “we invite all interested parties to come out and meet our candidates in a relaxed and fun atmosphere while doing a little community service. We will also have literature on hand for those looking to learn a little more about the Libertarian Party along with fresh coffee and donuts!

For more information or interviews, Please visit us at:

www.nepalibertarians.org


www.vote4betsy.com


www.votemullen.com


www.votebergman.com