Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Former DA says Meuser's numbers don't add up

SERIOUS QUESTIONS RAISED ABOUT MEUSER’S STORY ON HIRING ILLEGAL ALIENS


Ex-Wayne County DA casts doubt on Meuser claims;
Research documents show far broader and intentional violation of immigration laws;
Meuser called upon to release legal documents


Dallas, PA – Today, former Wayne County District Attorney Mark Zimmer, raised serious questions about the account Dan Meuser gave of his company’s violations of immigration law in a recent Scranton Times article.

In the March 7, 2008 article entitled “Meuser firm fined in ’97 over illegals,” Dan Meuser is quoted as claiming that the hirings were “unintentional” and the result of “phony identification,” and limited to only three illegal aliens. Meuser repeated those claims in a debate that took place yesterday (see CitizensVoice.Com, “First Meuser-Hackett debate focuses on conservative values,” March 18, 2008).

In a letter to Meuser (attached), District Attorney Zimmer outlined two salient points about immigration law. First, employers can only be fined if they knowingly hire illegals. Second, at the time, the fine for a first offense was limited to a maximum of $2,000 per illegal alien. Meuser’s company was fined $41,000, suggesting significantly more than three illegal hirings.

In his letter, Zimmer went on to cite a report by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) about the case against Meuser’s company. The CIS report indicates that Meuser’s business was fined for 58 instances of continued violations of immigration laws, which is defined as “The continued employment of an unauthorized worker after the worker’s unauthorized status came to the attention of the employer.”

This degree of pervasive violation of the law would represent 39% of the entire workforce of Meuser’s company at the time; and indeed, the $41,000 fine is the second largest illegal alien employment fine on record for a Pennsylvania manufacturing company. Zimmer concludes his letter by asking Meuser to release all legal documents pertaining to this case.



CIS sanctions database has the details.

Meet the candidate

Congressman Paul Kanjorski (PA-11) and staff from his office will provide assistance to senior citizens and disabled veterans throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania who have questions about receiving payments from the economic stimulus package.
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Wednesday, March 19 –
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wilkes-Barre Senior Citizens Center
5 East Market Street (just off of Public Square)
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
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Thursday, March 20 –
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hazleton Senior Citizens Center
24 E. Broad Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
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Chris Hackett has a meet and greet in Wayne County tonight.

Tue Mar 18 7pm – 9pm South Canaan Twp building on Rte 296
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Congressman Chris Carney has announced his next Listening Tour Town Hall Meeting at 5:00PM on Wednesday, March 19th at the Clarks Summit Fire Station at 321 Bedford St.

Carney slams opponents

From a press release:

CARNEY SAYS HACKETT AND MEUSER OFFER PHONY LEADERSHIP ON IMMIGRATION


Clarks Summit, PA—Congressman Chris Carney is setting the record straight after Dan Meuser sought to distort Rep. Carney's record and position on illegal immigration in the Sunbury Daily Item (3/16):


"Dan Meuser is flat out lying about my position on immigration and my record securing the border. My opponents can talk about border security, but I've been to the border, I've been on patrol with border guards.


"These attacks are negative distortions on my record were a vain attempt to hide my potential opponents' hypocrisy on immigration. Just last week, I stood up to House Leadership and joined over 170 of my colleagues to push for action on the SAVE Act, so we can provide nearly 8,000 new border patrol agents.


"Leadership does matter, as my opponents like to say. But the people in this district judge leadership by the consistency of actions, not just words on the campaign trail. Dan Meuser's company was fined $41,000 for his hiring of illegal immigrants, one of the biggest fines in Pennsylvania history, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. Meuser should be ashamed, trying to spin his own company's actions breaking the law into his soapbox for illegal immigration. By his own admission, Chris Hackett's company sponsored the president of Mexico to come to Pennsylvania, but then also publicly campaigned against the visit.


"Like the Administration, my opponents only pay lip-service to border security and immigration reform. I've lead hearings to ask the tough questions about why the Administration has failed to secure our borders—and we've taken action to assure taxpayer dollars are not wasted on technology that doesn't make our borders any more secure.


"My opponents talk tough, but their actions suggest phony leadership. The people of the district tell me they want to see illegal immigration stopped, and I'm working hard to make that happen.

Barack Obama in Scranton

What a charmer he is.

Obama speech in Scranton, St. Patrick's Day.


Pennsylvania 10th CD Republican debate

I missed the latest version of Lincoln/Douglas tonight but I was able to listen to it courtesy of WKOK. The beginning and end suggested it was well attended. If you were there give me some feedback. How many people were there? Your take on the candidates? Were there any fights?



I listened to the replay and thought both gentlemen did well. Dan Meuser started out sounding a bit nervous and tripped over his words by talking too fast just like any New Yorker. Chris Hackett said some things that require another listen to be sure that is what he meant.

The Susquhanna U College Republicans did a great job of putting this event together. I've asked them and the Daily Item, WKOK and the campaigns for a transcript before I critique it. I always want to be fair and balanced. Dittos. Plus I don't want to have to listen to it 5 more times to get it right.

The early review from our friend kar said Mueser carried the day. Imagine that.

The CV write-up.

The Daily Item.

Monday, March 17, 2008

President Clinton coming to Wilkes-Barre

Former President Bill Clinton will visit W-B on Wednesday, 3:45-6:45pm at the Coughlin High School, 80 N Washington St.

Pennsylvania 10th CD debate tonight

The Susquehanna University College Republicans will host the 10th Congressional District Debate between candidates Chris Hackett and Dan Meuser tonight at 7:30pm.

If you can't make it to Selinsgrove you can still listen. Just click on WKOK.

Patrick Murphy for O'Bama




I read your blog.-Congressman Patrick Murphy





Chants of "Obama-08, Be part of something great" filled the air outside the Wilkes-Barre HQ of the Barrack Obama Presidential campaign before yesterday's St. Patrick's Day parade. At least 100 volunteers buzzed in and out of the building handing out balloons and green O'Bama stickers to passers by. U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy made a short speech pointing out that nobody gave him a chance of winning his seat in 2006 and many felt the same way about Obama last summer which inspired the crowd to respond with a round of "yes we can."

He spoke of his time in Iraq as an Army Captain.

TL: He is an Iraq War veteran who served in Iraq often patrolling an area in Baghdad known as “Ambush Alley.”
“As a former captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, I know that he has what it takes to be our commander-in-chief. As a congressman, I know he has the legislative chops to make the positive change that we need in our country, both at home and abroad.”


He challenged the Wilkes students in the room to catch up with the turnout from Kings College. He's a Kings alumnus and brother of W-B City administrator J.J. Murphy. He said that this is the year that is proving the old lament that young people don't vote wrong.
When I introduced myself as a local blogger he asked what site? When I told him he replied "I read your blog. It keeps me up to date on what is going on in Luzerne County." I guess I'm more popular than I thought.


The cardboard cutout of Obama was popular with picture takers. Here's one with Obama delegates Steve Rothstein and Rita Boyle.


There was much smaller contingent of Hillary supports and they were just as enthusiastic




I've posted more photos on my Facebook page.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

YouTube weekend

Chaos Theory

Bob Patterson over at the Smirking Chimp has a suggestion for Limbaugh’s “Operation Chaos,” It doesn’t have a theme song, our disk jockey will make his suggestion by playing the Beatle’s “Helter Skelter” (dedicated to a guy named Charlie). While he’s doing that, we’ll head out and go searching for romantic adventures to describe in the next column. Have an “Indiana Jones” type week.



the beatles - HELTER SKELTER


Capitalist Pig

I've been very leery of putting ads on the site. I have a few objections to it including pleas for money from one candidate or another which won't work. I think you're are just as cheap as I am. Ever since I started to read newspapers and magazines I trained myself to ignore the propaganda on the side of the page and the same goes for websites.


What my fellow bloggers tell me that do it is they get a check every 6 months for 10 or 12 dollars. A new outfit has come along promising a better return that is not based on a click thru just space and traffic. They promise a good return based on the fact that 300-500 people drop by each day. I don't know. The thing I like about the pitch is I get to approve anything before it appears on Gort42.

A few bucks will help offset the cost of gasoline (soon to to be $4 a gallon) as I travel around covering various political events.

Tell me what you think.

YouTube weekend

Happy St Pat's

Dropkick Murphys- The Spicy McHaggis Jig

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Wilkes-Barre Obama HQ opens tomorrow


TL: U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Bucks County, will be in Wilkes-Barre around 1 p.m. Sunday to speak at the official grand opening of the Obama’s Wilkes-Barre office, 41 S. Main St. Murphy also will appear in Wilkes-Barre’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday. He will sign copies of his book, “Taking the Hill: from Philly to Baghdad to United States Congress” at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Public Square.


The first and only Iraq War veteran serving in Congress, Murphy is the brother of Wilkes-Barre Administrator J.J. Murphy.



Hillary was in Scranton for the parade today and O'Bama will be speaking to Society of Irish Women dinner at the Radisson in downtown Scranton at 7 p.m. Monday and will appear at an event sponsored by MTV News at Whistle’s Pub & Eatery on Franklin Avenue before that. Both events are by invitation only. WTF? Note to Obama campaign; rent the Wachovia Arena in W-B Twp. because I'm sure you can fill it.

YouTube weekend

The Bishop of Scranton has been in the news this week and some local bloggers have writing about the teachers union controversy. Zen wonders why the coverage has been one sided and Right Winger is reminded of a game show on MTV called Beat the Bishop.

A new NEPA blog has more. The Rockin' Traddy

RW's post brought this Monty Python sketch to mind.


The Bishop


Lou Barletta has an Attention Deficit

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta has been out of the news since he announced he was running for Congress against Paul Kanjorski. No Lou Dobbs or Hannity GOPTV appearances, it must be killing him. So with the eyes of the nation on the Pennsylvania Primary he is trying get in on the act. He sent a letter to the three presidential candidates inviting them to come to Hazleton to discuss illegal immigration. I doubt if Hillary, Obama or McCain will even bother to read it or even know it was sent. A snowball in July has a better chance than any of the Prez candidates getting anywhere near this guy and he knows it. Lou is very good at self publicity but I don't know how that will translate into being a good minority back bench Congressman.

Here is the the Letter:

Estimados Senadores Clinton, McCain y Obama:

En nombre de los ciudadanos y los representantes políticos de Hazleton, Pennsylvania, respetuosamente le invitamos a venir a nuestra gran ciudad para debatir la cuestión de la inmigración ilegal en los Estados Unidos.

Hazleton ha estado en la primera línea de esta cuestión. Hemos pasado algunas de las más duras leyes de inmigración ilegal en el país. Nuestra lucha para proteger a nuestros ciudadanos ha hecho su camino en el primer plano nacional y en los tribunales federales. No importa cuál sea su posición o voto acta sobre la inmigración ilegal, queremos que se vienen a Hazleton para reunirse con los ciudadanos y hablar con nuestros primeros en responder, la aplicación de la ley, profesionales de la medicina y de los funcionarios electos.

La cuestión de la inmigración ilegal afecta casi todos los aspectos de nuestras vidas: la seguridad nacional y local, el costo de la asistencia sanitaria, la disminución de los salarios de nuestros trabajadores, añadió sobre nuestros sistemas educativos y de nuestra calidad de vida en general.

Y, de acuerdo a los 60 minutos, "La verdadera batalla sobre la inmigración ilegal no está en la frontera con México, es en las pequeñas ciudades como Hazleton, PA." (Nov. 17, 2006)

Hazleton congratula de los inmigrantes legales con los brazos abiertos. Esta ciudad y esta región se construyeron sobre la espalda de la trabajadora, temerosos de Dios y respetuosos de la ley los inmigrantes, sin embargo esta ciudad ha hecho de una posición contra la inmigración ilegal y los problemas relacionados con la cuestión.

Si usted está interesado en la solución del problema de la inmigración ilegal entonces usted debe venir a nuestra ciudad para escuchar nuestras historias y aprender cómo la cooperación y el liderazgo eficaz puede trabajar para corregir el problema y cómo fuerzas externas - principalmente en Washington, DC - seguir trabajando contra Nuestros ciudadanos.

Le damos la bienvenida a un debate, una reunión de la ciudad, un paseo de nuestra ciudad o algún otro formato que desees. Ven como grupo o como individuo Senadores. Espero que se le gasto un poco de tiempo en esta maravillosa Comunidad en los próximos seis semanas. Les imploro que dejar de lado la política partidista y elecciones primarias y venir visite nuestra gran ciudad.

Si se toma en serio la relación con la cuestión de la inmigración ilegal y me gustaría tener en mi oferta, póngase en contacto conmigo directamente en mi teléfono celular personal. El número es 570-XXX-XXXX.

Atentamente,

Lou (s) Alcalde Lou Barletta

The latest outrage in Luzerne County

But nobody seems to pay attention. No wonder why Tim gave up.

Two commissioners urge probe into whether bidding laws were violated

Prison violated state law in grocery purchases, according to records

Adding to a long list and nothing will change. I don't know why I even post it anymore.

Shimkus bounced from ballot

TT: Saying he intended to deceive voters about his address, a Commonwealth Court judge threw state Rep. Frank Shimkus off the Democratic ballot for state representative in the April 22 primary election.
'The decision leaves former City Councilman Kevin Murphy as the only candidate on the Democratic ballot for the post, and gives him a leg up on winning the job in the November election. Mr. Shimkus said he would appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court.


I don't know if this will end his chances for reelection. Remember Bob Cordaro was on and off the ballot last year like a yo-yo.

Friday, March 14, 2008

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.






Thursday, March 13, 2008

Meet the candidate

Tonight you can find 118th State Rep Candidate PJ Best at the Hughestown Hose Company, 30 Center St., Hughestown, PA 18640.

10th CD Republican candidate Chris Hackett is busy the next few days. Tonight at 7PM he will be at Grotto's Pizza at Harveys Lake on Rte 415. Tomorrow he will attend the Lycoming Grange Candidate Forum 5:30pm – 7:30pm at the Lycova Grange Hall . (map) On Saturday you can find him at the Sayre VFW Post #1536, 932 West Lockhart Street. 3pm-6pm.

Pennsylvania 10th CD debates set

On March 17, 2008, the Susquehanna University College Republicans will host the 10th Congressional District Debate between candidates Chris Hackett and Dan Meuser. The debate will be moderated by a representative from WKOK, the Daily Item, and the SU College Republicans. The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Isaacs Auditorium located in Seibert Hall.


Other scheduled debates are:

March 26 at 7 p.m., Tunkhannock Area Middle School, Wyoming County.

April 15 at 8 p.m., WVIA-TV, Jenkins Township.

New radio ads.

Hackett has been running an ad the last few days attacking Chris Carney's fundraiser with Charlie Rangel and inviting people to Grotto Pizza tonight for free. The tag line is amusing "and it won't cost you 5 thousand bucks either."

Meuser's ad has Rick Santorum on what sounds like a cell phone endorsing him. When my dog heard Santorum's voice he ran and hid behind the couch.

Also, they each have new TV spots up.

Hackett's new spot is called "Best" and features a picture of Hillary Clinton with voice over using liberal as a pejorative. Jennifer found this a little odd. "Why is there a picture of Hillary Clinton there?" Last time I checked, Hackett wasn't running for president and Clinton wasn't running for a congressional seat in PA.

It seems that Hillary has replaced Ted Kennedy as the favorite Republican boogeyman.





The Meuser campaign new entry is "Reagan & The Pledge" . There must be a rule that says any Republican running for office has to invoke the memory of Saint Ronny. It has the usual shots of him walking through Pride claiming he has the knowledge to create "good paying jobs." It closes with him saying he signed the pledge never to vote for a tax increase. Why raise taxes to pay for a war or rebuild a major city wiped out in a hurricane when you can borrow the money from China?






I notice that Meuser's Securing Our Borders ad has stopped airing and the PA Democratic Party weighs in with this bit of mischief:

WILL LOU BARLETTA RESCIND HIS ENDORSEMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT EMPLOYER DAN MEUSER?

HARRISBURG: On Friday, March 14, the Scranton Times reported that the Republican candidate for Congress, Dan Meuser’s company had hired multiple illegal immigrants and was fined $23,000 for having broken the law.

This news came out just days after he aired a misleading and hypocritical television ad touting a strong positing on immigration. In January, Lou Barletta announced his endorsement of Dan Meuser stating “Dan Meuser will fight to secure our borders, and will oppose any and all attempts at amnesty” [release, 1/10/08].

“Will Lou Barletta rescind his endorsement of illegal immigrant employer Dan Mesuer or will he flip flop on the one issue he says matters the most to Americans?” asked Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney. “This is the true test, if Lou Barletta refuses to renounce his support of Dan Mesuer, how can we trust anything he says?

“Perhaps Lou Barletta believes the he and his friends are above the law.”


The Independent, Conservative, Common Sense Oasis points out:

From President Nixon to Congressman Sherwood the lesson that no one in politics ever seems to learn is — that the cover-up is worse than either an actual or perceived scandal. Right now the perception is that Dan Meuser, while not actively covering it up, hoped that no one would have learned about this — which again reeks of amateurism.


If you are going to claim the mantle of immigration enforcer, common sense would have told you this was going to come out.

Who is advising Mr. Meuser? Dan, whoever it is — fire them.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Tim Grier drops bond challenge

From a press release:

As of this morning, I have contacted Attorney Cowger and asked that he file the appropriate paperwork to withdraw my appeal of the DCED's decision.

My reasoning is as follows:

First and foremost, the efforts by Commissioner Skrepenak, Mr. Moses and others to discredit or defame me with their disparaging remarks is more than I and my family should have to endure. While they have clearly shown a penchant for abusing the system we entrusted them to protect, I have only attempted to hold them accountable, something they obviously are unused to and unwilling to accept. Their comments about me and my actions have only served to confuse the community and damage my reputation - an interesting tactic considering the recent notorious behavior of Commissioner Skrepenak and his associates at the courthouse.

Second, other than my attorney, I have absolutely no faith in the Pennsylvania courts or its officers. Pennsylvania courts, from Luzerne County to Harrisburg, have a history of making political decisions on behalf of those in power rather than just decisions on behalf of those whose grievances are legitimate.

Additionally, this effort to right some egregious wrongs has taken away from my time to study and also be with my family. While I can't get back the time that I have spent on this effort to stop the wanton and wasteful spending, I can certainly budget my time better in the future to ensure future success.

I have always said that I try to act not just in my own best interests, but also with the best interests of the community in mind as well. That is exactly how I approached this matter from the beginning, and it is how I approach it today. It is important though that I maintain a proper balance. Continuing this fight while so many in the community, through their silence, have made it clear they do not support it would not, in my opinion, be the right thing to do. Thousands have spoken up in support of my actions, but hundreds of thousands have said and done nothing. I interpret the silence of the majority to mean that they were fine with the current state of affairs. I have no doubt that by withdrawing this appeal Luzerne County will quickly return to such a state, and that a new PR consultant will let us all know what a fabulous state it is.

Obama wins Mississippi

From MSNBC:

Obama 251,204 61% 15 delegates
Clinton 154,373 37% 12 delegates

According to the Mississippi exit polls he scores across the board again and adds to his delegate lead.

But all eyes are on Pennsylvania. The Clinton campaign has done a good job in this area so far with her visit to Scranton stressing her local connections. She likes Old Forge pizza like the rest of us.

The latest poll from SurveyUSA shows Hillary up 55% to 36% in PA and they have been the most accurate of the primary season. But the trend in every previous contest has had Hillary starting with a big lead then Obama coming on strong as election day nears. Right now I don't think Barry can win PA, that could change, but if he keeps it close he goes on to North Carolina with a bunch of delegates up for grabs and the other remaining states and wins most of them it will be hard to deny him the nomination.

I haven't been this excited about a PA Presidential primary since 1976 and my fellow Pennsylvania's agree.

From KP: Pennsylvania Democrats have added more than 65,000 voters to their rolls since last fall, a reflection of the high level of interest in the contested race for the party’s presidential nomination and the state’s April 22 primary.

Jane points out a new online poll at the state Democratic party website. Like the last one Obama is winning big. That's interesting since just about every elected/party official has come out for Hillary.



On the local front the Obama campaign has opened an office in Wilkes-Barre at 41 S. Main St. in the Midtown Village and will have its grand opening on Sunday. Chelsea Clinton was in Scranton yesterday and will be at Wilkes U today at 10:15AM at the Henry Student Center, 1st floor, 84 W. South St. in Wilkes-Barre. Yesterday she had the pleasure of meeting Another Monkey at the office in Scranton.




The Clinton campaign has done a great job of Blogger outreach but I have yet to hear from Obama's people. Get on the stick Barrack.

The Presidential race is drowning out the contests for Congress and State Rep along with Treasurer, Attorney General and Auditor General. The fawning coverage of Hillary in the local media is starting to get annoying. The Corbett show on WILK has turned into a 4 hour Hillary infomercial.


Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Chelsea Clinton in Scranton today


The Clinton campaign today announced Chelsea Clinton will campaign in Scranton , Pennsylvania , today, March 11, meeting and thanking volunteers at the campaign’s Scranton office opening.

Tuesday, March 11
Scranton, PA

5:30 p.m. EDT
Scranton Office Opening
Clinton Campaign Scranton Office
222 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA
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Hillary and Rapid Edward will be back in the Electric City on Saturday for the St Patrick's Day Parade. Remember the bars don't open until 9AM this year so make sure you get your supplies the night before.
..
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Presidential Candidates schedules from the Post-Gazette via GrassrootsPA:
Tuesday, March 11

Hillary Clinton attends a rally at noon The Forum Corner of 5th and Walnut Harrisburg, PA

Hillary Clinton attends a rally at 6 p.m. Temple University McGonigle Arena 1800 Broad Street Philadelphia, PA

President Clinton attends an event at 12:30 p.m. Washington and Jefferson College, Henry Gymnasium 60 South Lincoln Street (on the corner of Chestnut)Washington, PA

President Clinton meets with voters at 2 p.m. Canonsburg Area Senior Center 30 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA

President Clinton attends an event at 4:45 p.m.Center High School 160 Baker Road Center Township, PA

Barack Obama tours Games a Wind Turbines at 1:30 p.m. Keystone Industrial Port Complex Fairless Hills The tour is for pooled press only.

Barack Obama holds a town meeting at 2 p.m. with workers at the Games a Wind Turbines. Event is by invitation only.
Wednesday, March 12

President Clinton will be at a rally at East High School, 1001 Atkins Street, Erie, at 11:30 a.m.

President Clinton will be at a rally at Greater Johnstown Senior High School, 222 Central Ave., Johnstown at 3 p.m.

Grier Applies For Luzerne County job

Grier’s PR job application takes jab


Wilkes-Barre activist Tim Grier has facetiously applied for a Luzerne County public relations consultant position. In a lengthy application submitted to Chief Clerk/Manager Doug Pape, Grier outlined his experience monitoring government and working on campaigns.


“You seek assistance in message strategy – rather than wait for you to hire me, I will give you my trade secret -- BE HONEST AND FORTHRIGHT WITH THE CITIZENS OF LUZERNE COUNTY,” Grier wrote in his application. “In all honesty, I believe that is exactly what the county needs to get back on track.”

Big Dan has the entire letter.


Of course he is wasting his time but it might be a good idea to give him the job. As Lyndon Johnson once said: Better to have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside pissing in.

But as usual the fix is in. My sources in the courthouse inform me that this guy has been promised the position.



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.

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Hillary in Scranton tomorrow

She will probably win the Pennsylvania primary and kicking off the campaign in Scranton is a good move. Her dad was born and buried here.

The Clinton campaign has done a great job of reaching out to us bloggers. I was offered Press Credentials for this event and I have yet to hear from the Obama people.

Right now I think Hillary will win PA big.

There is a bunch of stuff I want to write about

But it will not happen tonight. There are certain physical laws that even apply to the Internet:

Blogging Energy Units

More video:


The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott Heron


YouTube weekend

According to noted Internet Psychoanalyst Another Monkey this weekend YouTube thing is now a meme. He gives me credit for starting it locally but it's been around on the big boys/girls for a while. He chimes in with this. Mark has his Video Flapdoodle and Jennifer has been doing it as long as i can remember. Jacq always has a way of bringing back some great memories. And one of these days the Yonk will figure out how to embed a video.



As suggested in the comments:


GARY PUCKETT and the union gap "Young Girl"






The Dave Clark Five- Glad All Over


Barletta Campaign threatens blogger

An update. In one of the understatements of the year Barletta campaign opperative John Keegan responded to my previous post saying "Against my better judgment I am going to answer this person."

The Pennsylvania Progressive has the exchange.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Obama wins Wyoming


The cartoon was pointed out by Truth, Justice & Peace.
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CNN projects that Barry Obama will win the Wyoming caucuses increasing his lead in pledged delegates. He will win the Mississippi primary Tuesday adding to that lead.
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Pennsylvania will be fun and I'm looking forward to it but everyone expects Hillary to win here. She has to win PA but Obama doesn't, North Carolina has a bunch of delegates that he might win. Many of us think that Obama will hold on, except for this guy.

Chris Carney for Congress


Last night me and Mrs. G attended a campaign event for Pennsylvania 10th District Congressman Chris Carney. Don't worry folks I haven't sold out because I received a press pass courtesy of his ace press secretary Rebecca Gale. I'm too cheap to part with 50 bucks that will go to any politician. Actually I think that the money being spent on these campaigns is obscene but that's another post.
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He asked me for my assessment of the race and I told him that I think he is in good shape. I'll repeat it again; Challengers don't win elections, Incumbents lose them. He hasn't done anything to lose this thing.
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The crowd was overflowing. I counted 300+ chairs set up around the tables and we couldn't find a seat. When he spoke the tables were full and another 200 or more people were standing to the side.
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His speech was mercifully short. He pointed to his accomplishments, working with Senator Casey, to extend the Army college education program for Iraq/Afghanistan national guard/reserve veterans. The benefits used to end when someone separated from the service but now can be used for 10 years after discharge. He wrote that bill so don't tell me freshman can't get things done. He also took some shots at the oil industry and the incompetence of DHS trying to build a virtual fence along the southern border.
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The best thing he said is that he is willing to work with any member of Congress, regardless of party, to find solutions to our country's problems.
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I've posted some pictures from the event on my Facebook site if you're interested.

YouTube weekend

Mrs G's pick


Neil Young: Let's Impeach The President

YouTube weekend

Toccata & Fugue in d minor (BACH, J.S.)

I like classical music.



Friday, March 07, 2008

Take me out to the ballgame

“I would never solicit tickets. It would feel like it’s graft.They’re asking for things for their personal use.”-Commissioner Steve Urban



TL: Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak and former chief clerk/manager Sam Guesto solicited tickets to sporting events from at least one vendor that does business with the county.


Larry Bickford, of L. Robert Kimball and Associates, said Thursday that his company, which is working on a proposed new county prison design, has purchased tickets for Guesto and/or Skrepenak several times over the last few years...


The county has paid Kimball $2.35 million to date for prison design.

If anyone out there can get me good seats to the Phillies-Red Sox series in June I promise to write nice things about you.

Barletta Campaign threatens blogger

In what will go down as another boneheaded move the Lou Barletta campaign threatened blog buddy The Pennsylvania Progressive with legal action. You would think that one of the high priced out of town consultants that Mayor Lou has hired would know better than to try to silence criticism and instill some discipline.

Barletta Campaign: "Pull Down Your Blog"

I'm still waiting for the lawsuit Lou Barletta's Congressional campaign threatened me with two weeks ago. Are process servers on strike? Did someone in Hazleton realize how stupid this was? I wrote this article after press reports that Lou Barletta, running in the 11th Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Paul Kanjorski, declared the loan listed on his FEC reports for six years was personal and not a campaign debt...


John Keegan identified himself as "Lou Barletta's Lower Luzerne County Chairman for Lou Barletta For Congress Committee" (sic). This means he was speaking, officially, for the Lou Barletta For Congress Committee. He then quoted some comments I made about blogging in an online interview and said this:



That post demonstrates to me that you are aware of the consequences of posting false, inflammatory, and potentially libelous statements. Before this issue becomes more than it needs to me I cannot impress upon you enough to contact me to get the FACTS. My contact information is below. In the meantime I ask that you pull this blog immediately. I assure you that after you talk to me you will understand my demand. Thanks for taking the time to read this communication.


John D. Keegan R. Ph.


What sort of campaign engages in such behavior? Is this the kind of press/communications outreach Lou Barletta is engaging in? This is utterly irresponsible and reckless conduct and a symptom of acute Castoritis. What on earth possessed them to think they could demand I pull down my blog? This tells me several things: these people are exceptionally thin skinned and they have no discipline on their campaign regarding press contacts and official statements. The idea Lou Barletta can represent the people of the 11th District better than Paul Kanjorski, after reading these emails, is laughable.

Meuser hired illegal aliens

The wheelchair manufacturing company owned by congressional candidate Dan Meuser and his family paid a $23,000 fine in 1997 for employing illegal immigrants.

Remember, leadership can make a difference.

The next thing you know he will be telling us how he used his varmit gun to pick off the Guatemalans on his lawn.

Gort42 special immigration correspondent Pedro de Pacas said:

Cuál es la gran cosa Man.

Los méxico-americanos no tienen educación, por lo que ir a la escuela nocturna, tome español, obtener una B.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Pennsylvania 10th CD debate

SU College Republicans Host 10th Congressional District Debate:

WKOK and Daily Item to Co-Moderate

On March 17, 2008, the SU College Republicans will host the 10th Congressional District Debate between candidates Chris Hackett and Dan Meuser. The debate will be moderated by a representative from WKOK, the Daily Item, and the SU College Republicans. The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Isaacs Auditorium located in Seibert Hall. The debate will last one hour and will cover issues decided on by the three moderators.

"We want to give the community a chance to listen to what each candidate has to say in order to make an educated decision on April 22. This will be an important race in November. Each candidate needs to show the community that he can beat Chris Carney." said Mike Ubbens, Chair of the SU College Republicans.

Each question will be posed by the moderators, giving each moderator an opportunity to ask a question. The questions will be decided on by the moderators and will not be issued to the candidates beforehand.


I have a few questions I would like to ask the candidates and maybe I will get the opportunity soon with a little help from my friends.

A Personal connection to a campaign ad


Four Star General Merrill A. McPeak was my commander when I was assigned to a station near RAF Upper Heyford many moons ago. I will never forget when he told me that we had nuclear weapons ready to go but he never wanted to give that order. He was Bird Colonel then and rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. I can't count how many retired Generals and Admirals think that the 0ccupution of Iraq is a bad idea. War is never good.



Obama Ad - Gulf




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.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Pennsylvania is the next showdown

Hillary won Texas and Ohio so the race goes on. Wyoming and Mississippi will be discounted because Obama will win them then it will come down to the Keystone State. I hope our local candidates have reserved/paid for time on the local news because Hillary and Obama will buy up every second available. More to come.

Chris Hackett on a roll


Pennsylvania Republican 10th CD candidate Chris Hackett got another significant endorsement yesterday. Well, I think it's big because I'm a blogger. The conservative blog RedState has endorsed him over Dan Meuser:

Chris Hackett, unlike his opponent, knows how tax cuts and tax hikes, spending cuts and spending hikes, and regulation and deregulation affect small businesses. We need people with real world experience in Washington. We need people like Chris Hackett in Washington.


RedState is one of the most influential Republican sites and although I don't think it has the influence on the right or the the fund raising ability that DailyKos, ActBlue or MoveOn has on the left it has a dedicated following of my activist conservative friends. It's one of my first reads everyday. This follows the Club for Growth endorsement that means some big bucks will be flowing his way.

Most endorsements are only good for a press release because they come from an obscure group or some has been politician but don't steer money your way or influence the debate. That's why unions are so important to Democratic campaigns. They not only put money into the race and communicate with their members they provide boots on the ground for election day.

He has added another campaign event since my last Meet the Candidate post:

Stevensville Meet and Greet
Sat Mar 8 15:30 – Sat Mar 8 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Stevensville Community Hall (Old School House)

Where the hell is Stevensville?

I looked it up and found that it is in Bradford County between Camptown and Rushville. I hope that helps.

His new radio ad is called "Groundswell"



Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Showdown in Texas


And Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Will the Democratic nomination be settled tonight or will Pennsylvania have a say in this thing? The polling I've been watching suggests that Hillary Clinton will win Rhode Island and may eek out a win in Ohio. Barry Obama has a big lead in Vermont and has taken a lead in Texas. President Clinton and our Governor "Rapid Edward" Rendell have suggested that if she doesn't win both Ohio and Texas she is done. Now the Clinton campaign says that if Obama doesn't win all 4 states she is still alive. I certainly want it to come down to PA for the first time since 1976 but if it's a split tomorrow I think Hillary has to make a graceful exit.



On the Republican side it looks like John McCain will get the delegates he needs to wrap up the nomination ending the Huckaboom.






Thanks to Down With Tyranny for the fun with photoshop above.

Meet the candidate

From the comments. Dan Meuser has a meet and greet next Tuesday:

The Prince Hotel 45, East Tioga St. Tunkhannock, PA. 18657, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM


It's not a candidate event but a voter registration drive will be held at BF J'Eat's Pub in Nanticoke.

Ready, Set, Vote !!!

Friday March 7th, 2008 5:30 to 8pm Free Food ... Free Voter Registration !!!!

Guest speaker; Tim Grier

Join us as we discuss voting regulations

YOU CAN NOT VOTE IF ..........You are registered as an Independent, a non partisan or any party out side of the two prominent parties.Voters registration forms and Absentee Ballots will be available. Learn your constitutional rights. Do your civic duty ! Use your voice !!! Sponsored by ...B.F. J'Eat "non smoking pub"306 front st at oak st(hanover section)nanticoke pa 18634

Sunday, March 02, 2008

YouTube weekend

Mark of Wilkes-Barre Online is having some fun posting the greatest hits of some of our local notables. He calls it Video Flapdoodle. Last week's entry included one of my favs, Devo, performing a live and robotic version of Blockhead. He also has his own version of the video dedicated to Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepnak. This week he leads off with The Dead Kennedys then shows us some fun from Scranton City Council and pays tribute to Voice of the People for their defense of the first amendment.


But he forgot this display of support for free speech and tolerance when the group gathered outside the Kirby Center to welcome former Mexican President Vicente Fox.







The woman yelling into the megaphone reminded me of this for some reason.

This Facebook thing is popular

Damn you Michelle.

Michelle signed me us as a friend a few hours ago and now some of my blog buddies have got into the act.


Gort and Bernie O'Hare are now friends.

Gort and Eric Schmeltzer are now friends


Gort and David Slavick are now friends.


Gort and Chris Lilik are now friends

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=596312576&ref=mf

There is no way I'm going to be able to keep up with this.

A guest post

From an email about the Pennsylvania 118th State rep race:

I have lived in Duryea for quite a while now, and I just received a"Capitol Update" from State Representative Mike Carroll. I feel the timing of this "public service announcement" is rather suspicious considering that it's primary season and Carroll has an opponent in his election, when he probably assumed he would not.


This is OBVIOUSLY more of a campaign newsletter than anything but it is funded by the taxpayers(comes from Harrisburg, not from Mike's campaign).


Previously I have been skeptical of Mike, and thought that at best his first year in the house could be described as mediocre. Now I am quite upset. Wasting taxpayer money attempting to legislate baseball bats is one thing, wasting it for election year pandering is completely different!

If Carroll wants to campaign he should do it on his own time with his own money, not with ours. So representatives have spent over $100,000a year on these letters which amount to no more than campaigning with our money. This must stop, and I feel that this must be addressed on a public forum!

Thanks for your time.

Corey

An angered taxpayer

Meet the candidate

118th District candidate PJ Best can be found Thursday , March 13, 7pm – 9pm at the Hughestown Hose Company 30 Center St. Hughestown, PA.


If you have any events coming up Mike please let me know so I can pass it along. And you should update the campaign website.

Chris Hackett will be in Sayre Saturday, March 15, 3pm – 6pm at the Sayre VFW Post #1536, 932 West Lockhart Street.

If anyone knows where to find Dan Meuser without an invitation please let me know.

This Friday Congressman Chris Carney has a campaign event in Dickson City. Kiss the Blarney with Congressman Carney, Friday, March 7, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Genetti’s • 1505 Main Street • Dickson City. And he has yet another town hall meeting in Sayre at 10:00AM on Saturday, March 8th at the Skiff Bower Post 1536 VFW. Sayre is a popular destination.


Again, a message to all campaigns. Let me know where to find your guy/girl and I will be happy to pass it along.

YouTube weekend

Cher & Cyndi Lauper - If I Could Turn Back Time





Saturday, March 01, 2008

Kiss the Blarney with Congressman Carney


March 7, 2008, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Join us for food, drinks and the luck of the Irish as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with our Congressman, Chris Carney.

Click here for details

Genetti's
1505 Main StreetDickson City, PA
Google Maps

If you can make it you may run into a local blogger or two.

A note to my friends in the Luzerne County Democratic party

A few days ago I had an unpleasant conversation with someone who accused me of personally attacking some local elected officials. I have NEVER made a personal attack on any of our local elected or appointed officials. Check my archives and prove me wrong. I certainly disagree with some of the decisions that have been made by our local leaders but I never dragged their spouse or kids into a policy dispute . I'm a citizen like the rest of you and I'm free to criticise my government at all levels.

Sam Diaz moves on

TL: Luzerne County Budget/Finance Chief Sam Diaz submitted his resignation Friday because he has accepted a job at the proposed medical school in Scranton.

The hard nosed number crunching guy has had a flair for fiction the last few years writing what is supposed to be the Luzerne County budget. He also is responsible for the generically written bond issues that are in contention now. I know he was limited by his political masters when he put together the last budget that was supposed to be balanced by more aggressive tax collection and revenue from land sales that didn't happen and I'm sure that he knew that wouldn't work out. The debit card mess that he was in the middle of has to be another incentive to get out of the public eye.

Let's hope the Commissioners hire a non-political CPA type to replace him.

YouTube weekend

Watching the cable news shows all week I'm convinced that we are surrounded by


Psycho Killers



YouTube weekend

Dr. Hook...Cover Of The Rolling Stone

It used to be a big thing to make the cover. Lately the RS is making news for it's political coverage. Dr. Hook was Mrs. G's first concert at the Paramount Theater in Wilkes-Barre. It's now the Kirby Center and we can expect some Dr. Hook tribute band to entertain us. More grey hair.