A boring upcoming election

Most of the PA legislature seats in Luzerne County are uncontested. John Yudichak and Lisa Baker may get a third party challenge but will cruise to reelection to the state Senate. Eddie Day, Mike Carroll, Jerry Mullery and my favorite party girl Tarah Toohil don't have an opponent for state rep in the fall.

The most interesting races are Karen Boback being challenged by Laura Dickson and the open seat being vacated by Phyliis Mundy's retirement.  Eilleen Cipriani is the hands down favorite to succeed one of my favorite state reps although Aaron Kaufer has been working very hard.

The most interesting race is the 117th District which has been redrawn to include Wyoming County and local official Laura Dickson is looking to work the home field. I don't know what it is but the local Republicans out there have a thing for making Karen Boback's life misarable. Davis Haire took her on in the primary this time and James May went after her earlier. I think Dickson's best chance is a depressed GOP turnout because Tom Corbett has pissed off just about everybody on both sides of the aisle. 
 

Dairy issues may be a key

Bridge to Nowhere

James May and PennDOT are off the hook.

I'm not the only one frustrated by the lack of progress on the 1st Street bridge in Plains Twp.

This is what it looked like 2 weeks ago.

Today the only difference is some orange spray paint. Although the road on both sides of it has been paved.

Plains Twp. Commissioner says don't blame us.

PLAINS TWP. -- Board of Commissioners Chairman Ronald Filippini announced Thursday night that the First Street Bridge, in the Hudson section, is scheduled to reopen on Oct. 30.
The bridge, which crosses over Mill Creek on one of the main streets that connects the township with Wilkes-Barre, has been closed for more than a month, despite initial Luzerne County engineering estimates that the bridge would be closed for only one week.
Several residents complained about the paving and repair project at the township’s regular September meeting. Filippini acknowledged their frustration and said the township has little control over the county project.

So if this a county project how do you explain this sign?

Road Rage

As I pointed out in a post last weekend First Street is closed in the Hudson section of Plains but the repairs to the RR crossing in Laflin is complete so I'm not trapped despite the efforts of that evil PennDoT government  bureaucrat James May who wants to restrict my freedom.

The First Street sidewalk repairs are done then they moved on to fixing the bridge over Gardner's Creek but there has not been much progress.


Here is a picture of the bridge last weekend.

This is a picture of the bridge today.

Nothing has happened in a weeks time.

These people are taking credit for this project.

Liz Sichler busted

Until she resigned as the the Vice-Chair of the Luzerne County Republican Party in 2008 Sichler was best known for her hard nosed approach to politics with a particular talent for challenging the nominating petitions of candidates that she opposed.

According to the TL story she was running a Bernie Madoff type ponzi scheme until it unravelled and is now accused of embezzling $2 million from her title search company and the people who trusted her to do the paperwork to buy a new home.

She was a top operative of State Representative Karen Boback before all of this and succeeded in getting James May kicked off the the ballot in 2006. In 2008 she was one of the leaders of the Boback campaign that turned back May's primary challenge then quit politics a few days after the primary after the news broke that the Secret Service was investigating her activities.

Liz was a big contributor to various Republican candidates before she ran out of other peoples money to throw around. She tossed $825 to Karen Boback before the 2008 election and in the 2008 federal elections she dropped 8 grand to her favs including $4600 for Lou Barletta and $3200 to Dan Meusers losing effort.

Note: I'm back

Victory Party

If you want to celebrate with your candidate tonight here is where to find them.

Dan Meuser

Ramada Inn- Clarks Summit
820 Northern Blvd.
Clarks Summit , PA. 18411

The party will begin at 8 PM


Chris Hackett

Grotto's Pizza (Rte 415, Harveys Lake) 8PM-Midnight


Karen Boback

Harveys Lake American Legion located along RT 415 1/8 mile ahead of the entrance shortly after 9:00 PM.

James May


James May Election Headquarters 130 North Memorial Highway
Dallas, Pa 18612

117th State Rep

This should be the most interesting race of the night. Karen Boback has endured one after another assault from James May. She's on TV but he doesn't have the money to do it. He has a good ground game and may just pull an upset.

Update: There is an ad in today's Times-Leader written by someone named James May attacking James May. Kind of reminds me of the "Real Bob Casey" thing a few years ago. And according to this sign the good Doctor thinks she has already won.

New twist in the 117th State Rep race

The race between incumbent Karen Boback and challenger James May has centered around teachers strikes. May has attacked her for taking at least $9200 from the PSEA implying she supports the right of teachers to go on strike. Boback has denied that pointing out she wrote legislation to prevent teacher strikes (HR562, 1/23/2008).

A few days ago the PSEA PAC sent out a voters guide type mailer to the district endorsing Boback. One of the reasons they endorsed her is circled. It says they endorse candidates that "Oppose legislation that would eliminate the right to strike by public school employees."

117th State Rep debate not set

I think this mailer (above) is pretty funny. It was the first of 3 0r 4 from Karen Boback that says her opponent is running a dirty campaign. Unless I missed something I haven't seen or heard a personal attack by James May on his opponent, he has been slamming her on issues but has never questioned her integrity. Her ads in the papers have been positive touting her endorsements from Lisa Baker, Charlie Lemmond and a bunch of Republican groups but the direct mail has not been so positive. I understand why she is worried after winning the 2006 primary by 108 votes taking only 25% in a crowded race.

The CV and the TL have rundowns of the race today.

Some choice quotes:

“There are times when you see her standing with the most liberal Republicans siding with the Democrats,” May said.

“I am proud of every one of my votes,” Boback said. “I vote my constituency. I vote my district. Health care is not a partisan issue.”

“I am a less-government, less-tax, less-spending conservative,” May said. “Rep. Boback is on the side of big government, big spending with (Gov.) Ed Rendell and Hillary Clinton.”

The goal is to find real solutions to teachers strikes and the negotiating process,” she said. “Having been a teacher, I know children need regular schedules to be able to learn.”Boback said her legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania School Board Association.“It’s a common-sense solution to a problem that affects us all. It would be fair and equitable to everyone involved,” she said.

“I think it’s important to always point out there already a lot of professions that are not allowed to go on strike … doctors, firefighters, police officers, paramedics,” May said.

The only time you go negative in an election is when you think you are behind or you are just plain stupid. In the 2006 10th CD Republican primary Don Sherwood sent out a mailer attacking Kathy Scott by name when most people didn't even know he had an opponent. That was stupid.

Karen Boback is well educated person who is very sharp so she must be worried. She has refused to debate her opponent so far citing her tight schedule. May has said he will meet her anytime, anywhere.

Below we see Boback debating dairy issues with some constituents.

Karen Boback calls James May a liar

The Pennsylvania 117th State House Republican primary has heated up. A few weeks ago freshman incumbent Karen Boback had a $200 a pop fund raiser at a supporter's house and challenger James May countered with a $2 a plate dinner of hot dogs and burgers for his backers. I don't know where he got the the idea but I thought it was a brilliant contrast. They even had somebody in a duck outfit that attended both events to call attention to Boback's refusal to debate him.

On the front page of her website Boback rips into her opponent.


James May is running a campaign of lies! Enough is enough!


May's Lies: May says Representative Karen Boback inserted controversial words into House Bill 302. May is lying.

The FACTS: Representative Karen Boback voted on the floor of the House of Representatives to REMOVE the words "sexual orientation" from this legislation. (HB302, 6/11/2007)

May's Lies: May says Representative Karen Boback is for teacher strikes. May is lying.

The FACTS: Representative Karen Boback wrote legislation to prevent teacher strikes. Today her legislation is supported by the PA School Board Association. (HR562, 1/23/2008)

May's Lies: May says Representative Karen Boback voted against open records.May is lying.

The FACTS: Representative Karen Boback proudly voted for Pennsylvania's new Open Records Law - just like she promised. (SB1, 2/11/2008)

More charges are here.


The May campaign responds with this Press Release:


Is Karen Boback Acting Like Hillary Clinton By Misspeaking to Voters or Does She Not Understand the Legislative Process?

May Calls on Incumbent To Be Honest With Voters on Teacher Strike Issue

Today James May, Republican candidate for State Representative, criticized State Representative Karen Boback for trying to mislead voters regarding her so-called opposition to teacher strikes. May called upon the incumbent to tell voters the truth.

In both an electronic call to voters today and a newspaper ad, Boback claims to be for a “resolution” for ending teachers strikes. There are several major problems with her statement. First, a resolution is not a bill. It cannot become law nor change our laws. It is worthless document with no teeth. Second, the resolution she supports is a mere study for considering to end teacher strikes. It does not call for an end to the strike!

“Either the incumbent does not understand the basic difference between a resolution and a bill or she is trying to mislead voters,” stated May. “If she does not understand the legislative process may be she should go back to the classroom to learn. On the other hand if she is attempting to mislead voters, which I suspect, shame on her.”

May strongly believes that Boback is trying to mislead voters in the same style of Hillary Clinton. Boback has refused to debate May, but has been available for fundraising in the district.

“She has time to hold high-dollar fundraisers in the district, but no time to debate. I think we can do better than a person who hides behind misleading advertising and refuses to defend her liberal record. Clearly she is in the back pocket of the teachers union and the facts are not on her side,” said May.

May has pledged to work to pass legislation, not a phony resolution, to end teacher strikes. “As a father, I don’t want my children’s education jeopardized by a union,” added May.

Meet the candidate

Friends of Karen Boback announce that the first April work session for all volunteers will be held at Campaign Headquarters on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 PM. Supporters are invited to attend. Campaign volunteer work schedules will be confirmed as well as distribution of campaign related materials. Light refreshments. Friends of Karen Boback headquarters is located at 217 Memorial Hwy, Route 309, Dallas, 1/8 mile south of Dallas Shopping Center on the same side of the highway.


MEET AND GREET with James May Conservative Candidate for the 117 District

When: Thursday April 10th

Where: Grotto Harvey's Lake

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Food and Drinks will be provided by the Friends of James May

Meet the candidate

James May will host a press conference condemning teacher strikes tomorrow:

In attendance will be Northwest Area School Board members; Kathryn English, President of the PA Club for Growth; community leaders; and affected parents and students.

WHERE: Directly across the street from teachers' strike in Shickshinny, PA

WHEN: Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 9:00 AM

No word if the Boback Duck will be there

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.

Debating debates

In the Pennsylvania 117th State Rep race incumbent freshman Karen Boback has said she is too busy to debate her Republican primary opponent James May. The League of Women Voters (LWV) offered some dates and Boback said she couldn't make it because the House was in session on those days and said she was too busy on every other day in the next month to face her opponent. The LWV President Jane Manganella offered to schedule the debate on any day that Boback could fit it in and I'm sure that May would agree to it. Boback suggested the League of Women Voters give candidates more notice about scheduling debates.

A TL editorial asks:

... it’s hard to imagine that Boback – a freshman legislator – couldn’t pull herself away early on one of those days to make the trip home from Harrisburg for an evening debate.
Somehow, U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama manage to crisscross the nation to campaign and discuss issues, yet the federal government continues to function in their absence.

Why not do it on a weekend? According to Boback's website she has only 2 weekend campaign events on the schedule. Saturday March 29th she is having dinner and Sunday April 6th you can join her for cocktails. I was hoping to make the latter event but missed the RSVP date.

So that leaves open 3/30, 4/5, and every other weekend after that.

I was looking at the invitation to Boback's dinner on her website and wondered if you can use the official logo of PA House of Represenatives on a campaign fundraiser invitation. I don't know if this allowed but I'm not an election lawyer. It probably is OK since the only campaign laws in PA deal with keeping third party's off the ballot and there are no contribution limits in PA but at least they have to disclose it.

If Boback and May can free up their schedules I would be happy to organize a debate on any weekend. We could get the fair and balanced Yonk to moderate and a few of our local excellent political reporters to ask some questions. Your Humble Narrator would of course decline to be part of the panel.

Boback ducks debates

From a PR:



This afternoon the James May Campaign was informed that Karen Boback has rejected a request by the non-partisan League of Women Voters to debate the issues important to the voters of the 117th District. The League had proposed the dates of April 7, 8, or 9 as possible options. ... James had agreed to any one of the three days. Boback could not attend on those days, but then rejected any and all further dates for a debate due to "a previously-booked heavy campaign schedule".

Pennsylvania Club for Growth backs James May

Before a crowd of business leaders and supporters PA Club for Growth President Kathryn English said that this is the first time the group has ever endorsed a candidate from Northeastern PA and only will back a few candidates this year.

The Club's priorities are lower taxes, less spending, right to work and school choice. They are also pushing the Taxpayer Protection Act that wants to limit the growth of state government using a formula involving inflation and population growth.

She said that many Republican candidates sound good but get "Susquehanna Fever" and forget what they ran on once elected. She said that Gov. Ed Rendell once called her an "imbecile." She sounded proud of that.

When May took the podium he shared some of his experiences as an Army Chaplin in Iraq, Walter Reed and presiding at funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. Then he stated that he thought that the government should just get out of the way of business. He pointed out that you can't cut taxes unless you first reign in spending and advocates school choice alleging some districts spend $14K per pupil. Someone in the audience said you could send a kid to Wyoming Seminary for that kind of money. He railed against the $6 million a year that the legislature spends on nice glossy mailers to inform constituents of their activities as an example of government waste. May wants PA to become a Right to Work state objecting workers being "forced" into joining a union. He finished with his opposition to teacher's strikes making an analogy to some occupations that are too important to allow to strike such as the Army, Police and Doctors.

He started with a quote of Ronald Reagan from 1976 telling the crowd he will be a Republican“in bold, unmistakable colors, rather than pastel shades.” And finished by saying “I love teachers – I married a teacher.”

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Bill O'Boyle of the TL was there and has this write up and GrassrootsPA has the press release. I also posted some pictures of the event on Facebook.

Meet the candidate

From the CV: Friends of Karen Boback are sponsoring a breakfast on Saturday, March 15, starting at 10 a.m. in the dining room of Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club, 260 Country Club Drive, Mountain Top. State Rep. Karen Boback, R-Harveys Lake, will be present.

Your Humble Narrator has been asking the Boback campaign (and others) for her public schedule for months. At least I can read it in the papers.

Her opponent in the 117th District Republican primary James May has a heavy hitter coming to town on Thursday. From a press release:

Kathryn English, President of the PA Club for Growth, will be appearing for him at:


Irem Temple Country Club
397 Country Club Road, Dallas
Thursday, March 13, 2008
11:00 AM -12:30 PM, Press Conference will be held at 12:30 PM

In the 10th CD race I still don't know where to find Dan Meuser (see above) but Chris Hackett is having a free event at the Grotto's Pizza in Harveys Lake 7PM on Thursday, March 13th. He also pokes fun at Chris Carney for having a big bucks shindig with Charlie Rangel in Washington on the same day. I'm shocked that a Republican would criticize another candidate for having a high priced fundraiser.

On the plus side we have all agreed in the comments that the Grotto at the lake is a great place for pizza and beer. Bottoms up.

Puppys and massages

Here is a link to the controversial Karen Boback mailer. I agree that this sort of thing should not be allowed right before an election and this came from her official website and the mail.

The Pennsylvania 117th State Rep race has James May taking her on in the Republican Primary and Russ Bigus waiting for her/him in the fall.

Bigus gave money to Boback

I was searching through the PA Campaign Finance Reports for the candidates in the Pennsyvania 117th District State Represenative race and I spotted this interesting contribution to incumbent Republican freshman Karen Boback.


RUSSELL P. & MELANIE A. BIGUS DALLAS, PA 18612
9/6/2007
$175.00


Bigus was a candidate in the 2006 Republican State Senate primary coming in 4th with 13% of the vote. Not bad for a first time candidate without the money or the name recognition of his opponents. Recently he became a Democrat after quiting his day job and is looking to take on the winner of the Republican primary between Boback and James May. Bigus doesn't have a campaign website set up yet and I don't have his email address to ask his version of events. I know you read the blog Russ, please contact me. Silence is deadly.

There are more interesting tidbits in these reports about the race. I'm also looking at the 118th District contest.


James May sent me this :

James May Leads Karen Boback in Campaign Cash

May is more than $18,000 ahead of Boback, whose campaign is in the red

The first campaign finance report of the primary season was recently published, showing that Republican James May has already raised significant funds in his bid to replace Karen Boback as State Representative in the 117th District. Often seen as a marker of early support, May’s campaign committee leads Boback’s in both cash balance and in bottom line figures after debts and obligations.

Boback reported $24,893 in her campaign coffers, while May reported $28,818. Of note, Boback’s committee holds a debt of more than $25,000, largely stemming from an earlier home equity loan she took out for her campaign. This debt leaves her committee $677 in the red. Although May and his wife made a personal loan of $11,201 to his committee, they carry no outside debt. May’s committee netted $17,617—an overall lead in excess of $18,000.

May cautions that an early lead does not necessarily predict success. “While I’m thrilled with the wide grassroots support I’m already seeing in this race, Rep. Boback has some heavy Harrisburg hitters supporting her, including the PSEA teachers’ union. They’re a powerful lobby that bankrolled her campaign with $9,200; they won’t sit idly by and watch,” says May.

May also notes that incumbency has aided Boback in getting her message out. “I have personally gotten multiple high-gloss full-color flyers mailed to my house from Rep. Boback’s office. These mailers, paid for with taxpayer dollars, give Rep. Boback a distinct advantage. It’s a system I certainly would like to reform if I am elected,” May notes.

Boback and May will face off in the April 22 GOP Primary. The winner will take on Democrat Russ Bigus, whose committee was not activated before the reporting deadline and did not file a report.

Online copies of the reports are available at http://www.campaignfinance.state.pa.us.

Pennsylvania 117th state rep district

This looks to be the most interesting state representative race in Luzerne County. Incumbent Karen Boback is facing off with challenger James May in the Republican primary and the winner will will go up against recent Democrat Russ Bigus in the fall.

Bigus braved the recent snow storm to file his petitions in Harrisburg on Tuesday and said “We’re approaching this campaign very seriously and diligently...I plan to win in November.”

Boback will kick off her reelection campaign today in Dallas with the opening of her HQ.

A bunch of people showed up for May's official announcement on Monday in Dallas and he sent me this press release:

James May Kickoff Rally a Huge Success

More than 130 people braved the frigid cold temperatures on Monday night to support James May in the kickoff to his campaign for the Pennsylvania State House. "This would be an incredible turnout under any circumstances", said May, "but considering the weather, this is just stunning!".

May stuck to his conservative themes of lower taxes, less spending and traditional American values. "In 1976, Ronald Reagan called on Republicans to support a platform of 'bold, unmistakable colors, rather than pastel shades'". said May. "When my opponent lives in a state that has more teacher strikes than every other state in the nation combined, yet she refuses to support legislation that would guarantee every child in the state a strike-free education by banning teacher strikes, that is an indication that she is not a Republican of bold unmistakable colors, but rather a Republican of pastel shades", said May.

One individual in attendance was Bob Guzzardi, from the Conservative Reform PAC. May pointed out that when the PSEA Teachers' Union donated $9,200 to Karen Boback's campaign, the Conservative Reform PAC quickly sent him a check as well: for $9,201. Guzzardi received a thunderous standing ovation for his willingness to financially take on the PSEA.

The speaker for the event was Mr. David Barton, senior staffer in the Republican National Committee and the Bush/Cheney Election Team. In 2006, Barton was named by Time Magazine as "The Lesson Planner" for the conservative movement in America. Barton said that James May represents the conservative principles envisioned by our founding fathers. "I want to elect a person that I don't have to lobby" said Barton. "James May is such a person".

May announced that the Chairman of his Election Committee was Bob Sypniewski, President of Penn Mortgage in Dallas and the Treasurer was Deborah Cragle, Branch Manager of the Wachovia Bank in Tunkhannock. Deborah's father-in-law, Al Cragle, who was also in attendance, served as the Treasurer for Lisa Baker's 2006 campaign.

"This campaign will be about one thing", said May: "Issues". "If I am fortunate enough to be your next Representative, I will fight for the conservative principles of Ronald Reagan. I will follow Reagan's example and be a Republican of 'bold, unmistakable colors, not a Republican of pastel shades'".


Note to the other campaigns, send me your stuff and I will publish it.

James May for State Representative

I met James may last week and we had a brief discussion about his experiences in Iraq and at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He's an impressive guy and tomorrow he kicks off his campaign to unseat Karen Boback in the 117th District.

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He is running hard on the teacher strike issue and has garnered support from some of the heavy hitters in the state.

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From a press release:

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When: Monday, February 11, 5:30 - 6:30

Where: Twin Stack Center, Natona Room, 1100 North Memorial Highway, Dallas

On Monday, February 11, James May will kickoff his campaign for the Pennsylvania State House, with guest of honor David Barton! David Barton is currently the Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas and was named by Time Magazine as "The Lesson Planner" for President George W. Bush's two Presidential victories. As a senior member of the Republican National Committee and a senior executive on the Bush/Cheney Election Team, he has been called "a hero to millions, including some very powerful politicians".

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I have to admit that I don't know who David Barton is but May is excited about having his support. James invited me to the event but I have to work tomorrow night. This work thing sure screws up a lot of stuff.

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I'm not sure if Capitol Ideas has included this race in his A Is Running For B At C series so it's a reminder if you missed it John.

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And what is Russ Bigus up to.

Meet the candidate

Congressman Paul Kanjorski has a busy Monday planned.

He will be in Monroe County to make an announcement to help homeowners facing potential foreclosures. I received a nice glossy mailer (left) telling us of his concern. The big announcement will be at the Monroe County Administration Building , Public Meeting Room, #203, 1 Quaker Plaza Stroudsburg, PA.

Later in the day he will be talking to some students at Pocono Mountain West High School, Route 940 West, Pocono Summit, PA .

Congressman Chris Carney will be having another town hall meeting at 3:00 PM on Friday, February 22nd at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center in Shamokin. And he will be having a campaign event titled Kiss the Blarney with Congressman Carney at Genetti's, 1505 Main Street, Dickson City, PA on March 7th.

The Republican 10th CD challengers will be out and about.

Paul Swiderski will be at the Woodloch, Hawley, PA on Monday, February 5th. On Saturday, February 9th you can find him at the Muir House102 State Route 2001, Milford, PA. As a public service to both my readers in Lewisburg he will be at At Vic’s Pub (inside the Victoria House), 2167 Old Turnpike Road, Lewisburg, PA on Monday, February 11th.

You can find a list of all of Swiderski's events here.

If you want to show support for Chris Hackett he is having a Petition Signing Party at his HQ, 23 Dallas Shopping Center, Dallas, PA on Tuesday, Feb. 5th. I'm off work that day and just might make it. It's not on the website calendar yet, get on the stick guys, but his campaign manager informed another blogger that he will be having a meet and greet at the Harveys Lake Grotto on on Feb.11th at 7:00 PM. Dave, you're breaking my heart.

The SU College Republicans will be hosting Davis Haire on Feb 12th. They recently had Paul Swiderski in for a chat. And on Feb. 27th they are sponsoring the first GOP Congressional Primary Debate.

State Rep candidate James May will be kicking off his effort to replace Karen Boback in the 117th district on February 11th at the Twin Stack Center, Natona Room, 1100 North Memorial Highway, Dallas.

Again, a note to all campaigns. Tell me where you guy/girl is going to be and I will be happy to pass it along.