RIP Charlie Lemmond 1929-2012

CV:  Former state Sen. Charles D. Lemmond Jr. has died.
The 82-year-old Republican from the Back Mountain area represented the 20th Senatorial District from 1985 through 2006. Lemmond was a former Luzerne County judge and first assistant district attorney.


The last time I had the pleasure of speaking with Senator Lemmond was at an event for Walter Griffith in 2009.  It would be accurate to say he stole the show. He wasn't planning to speak but the crowd demanded it.You could feel the respect and affection that people had for him.

Here are some of his legislative highlights:

1985 Won a special election to fill the vacancy left by outgoing Sen. FrankO'Connell Jr.

1986 Won his first general election against Democrat Joseph Bilbow

1989 Only Luzerne County lawmaker to vote against a law that imposed new restrictions on abortions in Pennsylvania

1991 Led Pennsylvania's redistricting effort after the 1990 census

1992 Helped write Pennsylvania's living-will law, called the Advance Directive for Health Care Act of 1992.

1995 Sponsored law to allow judges to consider an adult defendant's juvenile record in determining bail.

2001 Again helped redraw Pennsylvania's congressional districts after the 2000 census.

2004 Voted against Act 71, which expanded gambling in Pennsylvania by legalizing slot machines at 14 locations around the state.

I guess the best description of him is that he is a Rockefeller Republican. An endangered species these days.

He was instrumental in helping Lisa Baker succeed him.  Her statement:

"Charlie Lemmond was a positive force in my life in so many ways – friend, mentor, advisor, role model. As a former judge, prosecutor and legislator, he had incredible respect for the power and purpose of law, properly crafted and wisely applied.
"His 21 years as a well-respected state Senator were marked by his standard of integrity, his pursuit of justice, and his desire to do what was right for the people and the communities he served. He wanted to never disappoint those who trusted him and had confidence in his ability. He was willing to bridge party lines and political philosophies. Through his constant and active involvement in a wide range of community groups, Charlie touched many lives, gave a sense of direction and responsibility to numerous improvement projects and served as an inspiration to countless individuals,"


Congressman Lou Barletta:

“A native son of Hazleton, Charlie Lemmond was the consummate public servant. For more than 20 years, he served the people of the 20^th Senatorial District of Pennsylvania with integrity and honor. Before that, he was a judge and a prosecutor, and he had a deep understanding of the law and its impacts. Charlie always offered wise counsel based on his long years of experience. He was quick to offer a kind word or friendly advice. He will be missed,” Rep. Barletta said. “My family and I would like to extend our condolences to his wife, Barbara; his children, Chuck, Judy, John, and David; and their families.”

Radio Dave

My friend David Madeira has the first local based show on the new conservative talk radio station 94.3 FM. He describes himself as a recovering politician that wants to save the country from liberalism. That hasn't worked out well so far and I'm of the opinion that many people are rhetorically conservative but functionally liberal. More on that in a future post.

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Madeira recently lost the Republican nomination for Congress in the PA 10th Congressional District to Tom Marino. In 2008 he was instrumental in helping Chris Hackett go down in flames against Congressman Chris Carney and before that he came in 2nd in the 2006 GOP primary for the 20th PA State Senate seat, losing to Lisa Baker.

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I talked with Madeira yesterday on the telephone and asked him how he got this gig and he explained that he pitched it to WILK first but they blew him off but the people at The Talker decided to give him a chance. Talk radio is a natural forum for David as anybody who has ever been in the same room as Dave knows the most dangerous place to be is between him and a microphone.

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The interview:

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Let me ask a question off the record

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I don't have to do that anymore so ask me me anything you want. I'm having more fun being a talk show host than being a candidate. I no longer have to worry about offending anyone. I can be like you pajama clad bloggers.

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You have great website for the show, who put it together?

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My 14 year old son

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You got such a great time slot. There must be dozens of people listening at 8AM on a Saturday

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It's just a reflection of the owners confidence in my ability.

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Can Marino win

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I do. I think that the anti-incumbent and anti-Democratic mood has been underestimated. It will be a tough race because Carney will try to eviscerate Marino as he did to Hackett over the flat tax issue.

A podcast of his show is available at this link

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David Madeira show

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Dave told me he is hoping to move on to a bigger audience and I wish him well. The right wing airwaves are just about saturated so I will give him some unsolicited advice. Talk about local issues, build an audience and get a better time slot.