Gene Fischi takes a well deserved retirement

I haven't been a fan of the Luzerne County early retirement schemes* but maybe this time it has done some good.

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WILKES-BARRE – Luzerne County Prison Warden Gene Fischi has opted to accept the early retirement incentive being offered by the county after efforts to secure a contract that would guarantee his job failed.

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After all the fun and games that have gone on at the prison the last few years Fischi and Deputy Warden Sam Hyder asked for 5 year contracts that the prison board ignored. So he quit, good for him. I wasn't aware that senior county managers even had contracts. I was under the impression that the top administrators were "at will" employees of the Commissioners like all political appointees. Mr. Fischi is still a young man so I'm sure he will find another government position after he "retires" ala Bill Brace.

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*The original "Life Transition Plan" in 2006 was supposed to save $2 million over 15 years by floating a bond to finance the plan that will cost $23 million over 15 years. I have yet to see an accounting or progress report that documents any money that has been saved. Another feature of this scheme was to hire back many of the people who took the golden parachute through a temp agency owned by PA-10th Congressional GOP candidate Chris Hackett who gave his first campaign contribution ever to the Democratic Luzerne County Commissioner candidates Vondy and Skrep.

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I've been asking Chris Hackett for an interview but he has been reluctant. The last time I asked him about it he gave me the weather report for Hades. Saying I will get a sit down when the weather down there turns unseasonably cool. I thought our last chat went very well. He wants to debate Chris Carney but he won't debate Gort? I've also asked Carney for some time but his campaign has yet to get back to me. He won't debate Hackett and he won't debate Gort?

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Well, not a debate, I would just like to ask them both some similar questions about budgets, spending and taxes. And a few other things.

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Gene Fischi's greatest hits.

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The Prison violated the county purchasing policy and possibly state law.

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His Deputy, Sam Hyder, travels the world on the county dime and has not still payed back his personal expenses incurred during his visit to a strip club. Bad eyesite.

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And we became a laughing stock of the country when Hugo Selenski used bed sheets to escape from the lockup on Water Street. It was a cliche from a bad old campy Movie.

Hillary and Sarah on SNL

PALIN: You know, Hillary and I don’t agree on everything…

CLINTON: Anything…I believe that diplomacy should be the cornerstone of any foreign policy.

PALIN: And I can see Russia from my house.

CLINTON: I believe global warming is caused by man…

PALIN: And I believe it’s just God huggin’ us closer.

CLINTON: I don’t agree with the Bush Doctrine…

PALIN: And I don’t know what that is.


SNL: Sarah Palin & Hillary Clinton (Tina Fey & Amy Poehler)

The map 2008 President

YouTube weekend

Hurricane Ike is slamming into the Texas coast and I hope that everyone that is in harms way stays safe. The cable news networks are showing the ususal images of reporters on beach being blown around by the wind and getting soaked by the rain. Weather is always a big story and around here the local channels always go into overdrive when we have a big snowstorm or just a prediction of one.


Neil Young - Like a Hurricane

YouTube weekend

The Hazleton immigration ordinance is back in the news which reminded me of this Cheech & Chong diddy.

Mexican Americans love education so they go to night school and take Spanish and get a B...


Mexican Americans & Beaners





Remember when people liked Mexicans?

Pennsylvania Attorney General

With all the attention on the Presidential race and 2 of the hottest contests for Congress in the country I haven't paid much attention to the statewide offices.

Incumbent Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett has been making news with the indictment of 10 Democratic PA State House staffers and 2 state reps in the Bonusgate scandal. Some Republicans are also accused of being involved in similar misconduct but won't be charged until after the election to avoid undue influence on the balloting. Whatever.

He also makes the local news occasionally when there is a sweep of street level drug dealers in the area. The lede in the papers and the TV news always report that it's part of Operation Futility or some other military style name. So they arrest some kids who sell drugs to their friends and tell us that the dangerous druggies have been taken off the streets. The next day somebody else takes their place and the poison is still available to those who want it. The tough nut to crack is how to convince people not to take drugs in the first place. The United States has locked up more and more people because of drug offenses over the last 40 years and it hasn't decreased the demand.

His challenger, Democratic candidate District Attorney John Morganelli of Northampton County,
thinks that Corbett dropped the ball on the Bonusgate investigation. He wants a bunch of debates just like every challenger.

Campaign websites:


John Morganelli


Tom Corbett

A moment of silence

8:46

I remember where I was that day.

Rangel to host fundraiser for Kanjorski

From Politicker.com


WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Nanticoke) is set to be the beneficiary of a Sept. 24 fundraiser featuring Charlie Rangel, the embattled chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.
The event, scheduled to take place at The Monocle restaurant on Capitol Hill, will help fill Kanjorski’s campaign coffers as he prepares to face off against Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta.


Charlie has some issues and Kanjo doesn't have any problem raising money so why is he giving ammo to the other side?

“Birds of a feather flock together. This is just more damning evidence in the case against Paul Kanjorski,” said Ken Spain, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. “Maybe Charlie Rangel and Paul Kanjorski can vacation in Punta Cana together after they are thrown out of office for ethical misconduct.”

Ed Mitchell punches back:

“When Lou Barletta gives back the thousands of dollars he received the convicted and jailed drug dealer and his brother in Hazleton, and when he gives back the thousands of dollars he received from landfill operators who are also under indictment, and when he gives back the money he has received from indicted U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, we’ll give some thought to cancelling our fundraiser with Charlie Rangel."

Luzerne County reassessment

Lawyers, lawyers everywhere and ...............they will make money.


Reassessment opponents to hire lawyer


Pa. court weighs state's property tax assessments


They may tie it up for a while but in the end we will pay more in property taxes and the esquires will be better off.

I paid our property taxes today and we got a $211 reduction from the slots revenue. That is good but why is only half of this money is dedicated to property tax relief? The other half is to go to "economic development projects" that the rest of us call Corporate Welfare.

Some examples:

The new hockey arena in Pittsburgh

A fantasy Airport in Hazleton

Part of the money is "EARMARKED" to help the host towns deal with the problems that arise from having one of these money pits such as traffic control, wear and tear on the roads plus the anticipated increase in crime. From what I see the Mohegan Sun Casino hasn't had many negative effects on my little hamlet of Plains Township. We have actually benefited from the place because more than 20 streets have been paved since the cash started flowing in. The best benefit for me and my neighbors is that the cost of a case of trash bags was reduced from $75 for a case of 50 to $25.


Thanks Suckers

A worthy cause

Party Unity My Ass

Lou Barletta is now branding himself as a Maverick.


Barletta won’t support McCain


“I’m not endorsing anybody. I’m running my own race right now,” Hazleton’s mayor said. “This isn’t about John McCain versus Barack Obama. This is about Lou Barletta versus Paul Kanjorski, and that’s what I’m working on.”

“I don’t need a personal relationship with a president,” he said. “I need a relationship with the people I represent so that I can go to Washington and stand up to them and not be a puppet and become a puppet of the party.”

More debates about debates

The latest dustup in the Pennsylvania 10th CD race is about GOP challenger Chris Hackett's latest ad with Hackett saying " “I’ve challenged Chris Carney to numerous debates, but unfortunately he refuses.” The Carney camp objected and fired out a press release saying that claim is false because there is a debate scheduled for October 30th on WVIA. Like all challengers Chris Hackett wants as many debates as he can get and like most incumbents Chris Carney wants a few as he can get away with. I'm with Hackett on this one. I think there should be at least 3 debates but now that Hackett has decided to make it a campaign issue the chance of that happening are zilch.


I think the spot is a mistake by the Hackett campaign. You don't want to get off the issues and start arguing about process. It tells me that Hackett thinks that he is behind and wants to change the conversation, too bad he can't pick a running mate that knows how to shoot a moose.




Debate





I've asked both candidates for an interview. If they can't agree to debate each other they should at least agree to answer a few questions from a concerned citizen.

Who's running for President?

With the media all agog over Sarah Palin it's hard to remember that the GOP nominee is John McCain. More information keeps dripping out and some of the more outrageous claims have been debunked by Newsweek.

False Internet claims and rumors fly about McCain's running mate.

But that left wing rag, The Wall Street Journal, calls her out her lie about stopping the Bridge to Nowhere.

Record Contradicts Palin's 'Bridge' Claims

Gov. Palin, who John McCain named as his running mate less than two weeks ago, quickly adopted a stump line bragging about her opposition to the pork-barrel project Sen. McCain routinely decries. But Gov. Palin's claim comes with a serious caveat. She endorsed the multimillion dollar project during her gubernatorial race in 2006. And while she did take part in stopping the project after it became a national scandal, she did not return the federal money. She just allocated it elsewhere.

Palin has attracted a lot of fans among my Republican friends including our old pal KAR:


John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate is starting to look like a brilliant move. Democrats constantly harp about how they are the champions of diversity, yet a closer examination of the recent record reveals that republicans actually provide opportunity as opposed to just talking about it.

· First female Supreme Court Justice? Sandra Day O’Connor, appointed during the Reagan Administration.
· First African -American Secretary of State? Colin Powell, appointed during George W. Bush’s administration.
· First African -American Female Secretary of State? Condi Rice also appointed during the current republican administration.
· Second African -American Supreme Court Justice? Clarence Thomas, appointed during George H.W. Bush’s administration.

Democrats will tell you that none of these people actually count because they are conservative, that they actually setback the cause of women’s right and civil rights due to their conservative viewpoints…come again?

Apparently to democrats it doesn’t count unless you’re liberal, unless you buy into the whole victim mentality, achievement doesn’t matter, continuing the “struggle”, and establishing a mind set that allows the “struggle” to continue is of paramount importance.

Now we have Sarah Palin, a genuine human being if ever there was one. A working mother with 5 children, a “god-fearing”, gun toting, hunting and fishing, breath of fresh air. If this is the type of person Obama was referring to when he described rural folks as clinging to their guns and religion then please let’s get more of them running for office, it would be a refreshing change.

Palin must be a good choice, listen to the level of attacks against her by the democrats. Paul Begala questioned McCain’s sanity, nice of them to be so concerned, but Palin starts to look better every day. I thought it was amusing that Palin was criticized for not writing her acceptance speech and using a tele-prompter. Joe Biden knows a thing or two about using the words of others, and I’m quite sure both he & Obama have used tele-prompters.

I believe that a lot of American women are looking at Palin and thinking that they have a lot more in common with her than the likes of Hillary Clinton or Nancy Pelosi. Palin, I believe, has struck a chord with main stream women, women from both parties.

Look at the candidates, judge them by their actions, and decide for yourself which party has a proven record of inclusion. I believe that many people, including democrats, are looking at McCain/Palin and thinking that they are the ticket that represents change, genuine change.

And Dr. Joe has a series of posts backing her.

PA 11th CD update

The Hazleton immigration ordinance will go through it's 2nd round in Federal Court on October 31st. The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to have the appeal heard by a three-judge panel. The publicity from the oral arguments will be a boon to Lou Barletta right before the election but in the end it will probably be shot down again. A small town in Pennsylvania cannot make immigration policy. Judge Munley cited the Supremacy clause of the Constitution (page 92 of the decision) to strike down the Illegal Immigration Relief Act. Hazleton is on the hook for $2 million for legal fees so far and they are talking about floating a bond over 20 years to pay it off.


In ther news Mayor Lou opened an office in Wilkes-Barre.

Congressman Paul Kanjorski has been busy doing what he does best.

He gets all wonky about the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac crises. I'm still trying to figure it out and would be interested in hearing Barletta's views.

He keeps bringing home the bacon for the W-B/Scranton Airport, the National Heritage Corridor, Helping to Open a New Business and so much more.

Kanjo introduced the Democratic nominee to the audience at Schott Glass in Duryea and was spotted at the Plymouth Kielbossa Festival.

PA 10th CD update

The big news is that the TL is reporting that Laura Bush will be in Moosic for a fundraiser to help out Republican challenger Chris Hackett. No details yet but I expect it to be an invitation only affair with lots of coverage by the local TV stations. I'll keep an eye out for my invite. Too bad Jenna or not Jenna don't do political gigs, I would pay to see that.


This past week Congressman Chris Carney put out 2 new TV ads that the Hackett camp critiqued here.


Coupons





"Kids"





This 2nd spot I think is effective. Who favors lead paint in toys or child pornography? It also play up his bipartisanship pointing out that the bill passed 416 to 0.

Eagles pre-game live

I'm watching the pre-game show and they did yet another feature about some fans tailgating before the game. The revelers sent some omelets over to the crew and before Michael Brakann even got done with the thank yous Rapid Edward had already scarfed his down. Later they did a bit with Andy Reid giving the injury report saying the Guv sustained 3 mustard stains on a new jacket in the 3rd quarter. I haven't seen it myself but I've been told is that when you're at an event you don't want to get between Rendell and the buffet table.

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Now about that property tax reform.

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All the prognosticators are picking the Eagles to win the NFC but I find it hard to predict pro football. A couple of key injuries and your season is in the toilet.

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The Eagles just took the kickoff and marched right down the field with Westbrook scoring from the 1 on a shovel pass.

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2 drives 2 TDs. After forcing a punt on the Rams first touch they score again on a pass from McNabb to TE LJ Smith. 14-0

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Mrs G is on the porch watching her favorite team, the Stillers, and they're up 21-0. I just heard that Tom Bady is hurt and out of the game.

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In other news the Phillies are playing the Mets in the 1st game of a doubleheader. Pedro was always a fastball pitcher but now he is now throwing slop. He's up against the King of Slop, Jamie Moyer and the Phils lead 2-0 in the 2nd.

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90 yard TD pass McNabb to Baskett. 21-0.

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Another Birds TD. PSU alum Tony Hunt punches it in. 28-0.

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A big punt return by Jackson leads to a Aikers FG 31-0.

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Dobbs smacked it out. Phils 5-0 in the 4th. Pedro is out of the game.

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Stillers are up 35-10.

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Another TD for Westbrook. 38-0.

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Finals

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Eagles 38-3

Stillers 38-17

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Phils win 6-2.

YouTube weekend

Recently 2 of my blog buddies sent their daughters off to college. This is for Judi of Truth, Justice & Peace and Dana of Common Sense Political Thought.


The Beatles - She's Leaving Home

YouTube weekend

How John McCain picked Sarah Palin with a 3PM phone call. This is funny and not safe for work.


Is McCain Palin's Bitch?





More Sarah stuff and Andrew adds to the speculation. Plus I got this in the inbox.

YouTube weekend

Oops, they did it again.


The Republicans have run into more trouble this time using a song introducing their celebrity VP candidate.

Republicans Lack Heart!


Ann and Nancy Wilson are pissed at the Republican Party and have fired off a cease and desist letter to the McCain/Palin campaign. Specifically, the Heart women are upset that the GOP has used their classic "Barracuda" as a theme song for Sarah Palin. TMZ obtained a statement from Heart's rep, who says "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission."



Heart - Barracuda (Remastered) (HQ)

Barack Obama in Wilkes-Barre Friday Sept. 5

Or close by.

He will be in Duryea at the Schott Glass plant today at noon. It's invitation only according to Bill O'Boyle in the TL. It's a photo op with the workers at the place. No rally? He could fill the Arena even up here in the Alabama of the north.


Update:

Local blogger Tony was there.

That's How I See It


http://www.cspan.org/


If you scroll down to the Recent Program section there is a link to watch the video of Barack's speech in Duryea. It was a private event. People in attendance where volunteers, elected officials, and plant workers. I lead the Pledge of Allegiance for the event and sat in the front row to the left side. At the very end of the video you can see me when Barack comes over to shake our hands. I'm wearing a yellow dress shirt and at the end I face towards the camera because I am talking to the gentleman next to me. It was a fantastic speech and I felt he did well.


It is something else to standing next to someone like Barack Obama who can be the next president and especially to have shook his hand twice.

McCain makes it official

Yeah, but what about the issues?

Barry and Bill O

Bill O'Reilly interviews (argues with) Barack Obama.

Pet Blogging

I haven't done one of these in a while.

My blog buddy Dana sent his daughter off to college and replaced her with a cat so now he is asking for some help coming up with a name.

Common Sense Political Thought

I was busily typing away at the computer, minding everyone else’s my own business, when Mrs Pico arrived home from work at about 9:00 this evening; in her arms she had a dark grey male, six-week-old kitten, with white paws. Said kitten has yet to be named, so I’m asking everybody to contribute a name suggestion for said kitten. The winner will get a free subscription to Common Sense Political Thought.

I'm in:

Please don’t name him whiskers or socks.

I like political/historical names.

The Egyptians worshiped cats so our guy is named Ptolemy. Ptolemy was General in the army of Alexander the Great who declared himself Pharaoh of Egypt after Alexander’s death and founded a dynasty that lasted until Cleopatra VII had a fling with Julius Caesar.

My last one was Idira Gandhi. The only explanation for it was she was too pretty to call Margaret Thatcher.

Our Golden Retriever is named Humphrey after the Vice President. Although Mrs. G disputes that and claims the name came from the Disney cartoons. My last guy was called Gorby because when I was living in England I spotted a tabloid that nicknamed Mikhail Gorbachev that just after he came to power. I said to myself…that doesn’t sound like the name of a President, it sounds like the name of a dog. So I got a dog and named him Gorby.

Pharaoh is not a bad name for a male cat or use a name of one of the Pharaohs.

Cheops

Seti

Ramesses

A list is here:

http://www.touregypt.net/kings.htm

NEPA Blogs

Me and DB Echo with the help of our newest team member Michelle have listed some links to our new local scribes at NEPA Blogs .

Some deal with politics:

The Really Pissed Off Republican

The Empire of the Mind

Right Wing Wiz Kid

Pa GOP Insider


Some don't:


590 FOREVER WARM RADIO

Harold Says

Crazy Chris's Woodshed

Dr. Glenn Czulada

Inspired by the Susquehanna

Cultural Council of Luzerne County

NEPA Power

NEPA Miners Football & Entertainment

Northeastern PA Mortgages Blog

JasonGaylord.com

PA on the Go Weblog

GayNEPA.com

Sarah Palin accepts the nomination for Vice President

"We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco."


The VP nominee is supposed to be an attack dog and she sure sounded like one.


"the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull."
"Lipstick," said Palin.

Home Rule back on the radar

I hope this takes off.


Luzerne Home Rule


If you are dissatisfied with the way Luzerne County has been operating you are in the right place.

There is a long and difficult road ahead, but we are motivated by democracy. We can no longer stand aside and watch those in Government strip us of everything while they line their own pockets with our tax dollars.

Neither the law nor ethics can stop these greedy, corrupt officials. The only way to finally end their reign is to unite as citizens and take the back the government - return it to where it belongs - the hands of the people.

Barack Obama in Wilkes-Barre Friday?

I'm getting a handful of hits from this google search:

obama sept 5 wilkes-barre


It's probably nothing but if he is coming to town you heard it here first.


Update: I can't get confirmation of this but Obama will be in PA tomorrow.


Sen. Barack Obama will return to Pennsylvania tomorrow for two days of campaigning. On the same day that John McCain accepts the Republican nomination and gives his speech promising more of the same, Barack Obama will speak at Buchanan Park in Lancaster. The event is free and open to the public. He will outline his plans jump start our economy, provide middle class tax relief and get America moving in the right direction again.


Update 2: The TL is reporting Obama will be in the W-B area on Friday. Details to follow.

The speech not given

PA-10th CD candidate Chris Hackett was scheduled to address the GOP convention yesterday but as we all know the activities were curtailed because of Hurricane Gustav.


Below is the remarks he was planning on giving:


Good afternoon. It's a great pleasure to be here.

I bring greetings from Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. My part of Pennsylvania has lots and lots of small towns filled with people who
Barack Obama says are bitter and who cling to things like guns and religion.

Well, I can report to you that Barack Obama is wrong. The people in our
area are hard working, patriotic, optimistic, wonderful people. The only thing that makes us bitter is liberal politicians like Barack Obama who want to raise our taxes, waste our money on pork
spending projects, and refuse to expand American energy supplies. That's what makes us bitter.

Today, we face many difficult challenges as a nation: A soft jobs
market, choking energy prices, Islamic terrorists, and a federal
government that wastes our tax dollars.

But in John McCain, we have a candidate for President who is up to those challenges. In fact, John McCain is uniquely qualified to tackle them.

Not since Dwight Eisenhower has there been a candidate who is more
qualified to serve as Commander in Chief than John McCain. And never has there been a candidate for president with John McCain's track record when it comes to fighting wasteful government spending. In over twenty years in the Congress, John McCain has never asked for a single earmark. That remarkable record gives him the credibility to lead our Party back to its fiscally conservative, pro-taxpayer roots. More importantly, it gives John McCain the ability to lead our country back to a position of financial strength for this generation and the next.

We can succeed in dealing with our challenges, but we need true
leadership that will take us in the right direction, not the left. As a
candidate for Congress, I look forward to serving with John McCain to defend America, stop Washington's out-of-control spending, and bring us true energy independence.

All of that will begin when Pennsylvania provides the 21 Electoral
College votes that put John McCain over the top on November 4th.


God bless you and God bless this great nation.

Fire Fighters Endorse Carney

Forty Fort, PA—The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association will be formally endorsing Congressman Chris Carney’s re-election TODAY, Tuesday, September 2nd at 3:30 PM.

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"Congressman Carney has stood on the frontline with Fire Fighters and has given us steadfast support during his tenure in Congress. Not only for Pennsylvania Fire Fighters, but for all Fire Fighters nationwide. This is why we proudly stand with Congressman Carney and support his bid for re-election." said Art Martynuska, President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association. Mr. Martynuska will be on hand this Tuesday to present Congressman Carney with the official endorsement.

Tom Eagleton

Remimber him? The McGovern campaign had to dump this guy which doomed his already slim chance. It was a desperation choice after Ted et. al. turned him down. John McCain decided to throw a hail mary by picking Alaska Governor Sarah Palin which tells me doesn't think he can win the election. She may not even live through the convention.


Abstinence Only. It really works

Update: This was not a shot at Palin's daughter, I wish her the best, but it calls into question the judgement of her mother and the McCain campaign. How did they not know that this news would create a firestorm. There is a lot more coming out about Palin that suggests that she wasn't properly vetted.

From TPM:


* The news that Palin once backed the Bridge to Nowhere went national.
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* It emerged that Palin has links to the bizarro Alaska Independence Party, which harbors the goal of seceding from the union that McCain and Palin seek to lead.
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* The news broke that as governor, Palin relied on an earmark system she now opposes. Taken along with the Bridge to Nowhere stuff, this threatens to undercut her reformist image, something that was key to her selection as McCain's Veep candidate.
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* It came out that Republican lawyers are up in Alaska vetting Palin -- now, more than 72 hours after it was announced that she'd been picked.
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* Palin lawyered up in relation to the trooper-gate probe in Alaska -- a move that ensures far more serious attention to the story from the major news orgs.









Thanks to Judi for the cartoon.

I'm painting my fence

So I'm skippnig the news. For now.

Joe Biden in Scranton today

The only announced event is a invitation only discussion on jobs and the economy with local residents at the house where he grew up. There is speculation that he will attend La Festa Italiana at Courthouse Square today but that has not been confirmed. It looks like both campaigns will be be low key for the next few days because of Hurricane Gustav.


"Scranton" TV Ad

Workers of the World Unite

A guest post.



TO HELL WITH LABOR DAY---AND JERRY LEWIS TOO!!!!


A Labor Day Message by Mean Old Man


I'm angrier than a hippy in a bathtub that every September I have to be bothered with a bunch of lazy know nothing layabouts who gather to celebrate the commie created holiday of Labor Day!!! And to add insult to injury I have to be subjected to watching that old leftist comedian (?) Jerry Lewis on the ol'TV'er pleading for money for his 'kids' when I'd rather be watching Judge Judy (now there's one tough little lady!). But I guess the brains at channel 16 would prefer a spy for the French government on TV instead of a patriotic no nonsense judge. Well, at least it happens only on Bolshevik Labor Day (too much of a coincidence if you ask me). But of course, I have to come across those stupid Jerry Lewis movies all year long. Whatever happened to the good old time comedians like Georgie Jessell and Jack Benny, not to mention Amos and Andy--those boys used to crack me up!!! Watching Jerry Lewis only strengthens my belief that the commies have completely taken over our good ol' American culture.


But getting back to my main point; kids today don't know nothing about work. In my day we knew the value of a good job and we didn't complain about it either. If you worked fifteen or sixteen hours a day you wouldn't go home and whine about it--you were happy to have the strength to make it up to bed!!! And so what if your boss got on your back? He was nice enough to give you a job so you kept your mouth shut!!! And back then it was just the man who did the hard work. The little woman stayed at home and relaxed--not like the women today who cart their offspring off to daycare so they can go out and find themselves. Thanks Oprah!! Give my best to Barack and Stedman.


That's why kids today are so messed up; they get home and Mom is still at work and so is Dad, so what do they do??? They take drugs and listen to that Beatles music, that's what they do!! And then when it comes time for them to go out and stake a claim in the real world they don't know their butts from a hole in the ground. So they just decide to live at home and stay a kid forever!!! A special thanks to my two runts Harlan and Clay who graced my walls with their carcasses until they were well past 30. Damn!!!!!


And all the stupid holiday is about is promoting the subversive unions that destroyed our country. Think about how great things would be if you could take home your paycheck and not have union dues deducted along with all the other taxes that grease the palms of the liberals. We'd all be living high off the hog. But, of course we can't have that. We have to make sure that the special programs for all the spineless people are funded, don't we? Horse feathers!!!!
In old Herbert Hoover's day we didn't need unions. And we didn't have to worry about the handicapped being serenaded by a washed up teary eyed comedian; they were kept in the attic or the basement where they belonged!! We could ignore them and there weren't any problems.
And we didn't take a day off every September to celebrate anarchy!!!


So, all you liberals enjoy your Labor Day and don't forget to get out your credit cards (Jerry is waiting on your call, no doubt pre paid by the men in the Kremlin and Peking). As for me, I'll be out putting a new roof on the old barn and afterwards I'll pop open a Steg, relax in my easy chair, and put a little Dean Martin on the ol' victrola---take that Jerry!!! I hate you all!!!!!

One debate in the PA 11th CD

There will be one debate between incumbent Democratic Congressman Paul Kanjorski and Republican challenger Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta October 29, on WVIA-TV.

The Barletta camp wanted at least 5 meetings but Kanjo won't agree to that and they are fuming.

"Mr. Kanjorski is either afraid to debate Lou Barletta face-to-face or he knows his record is simply indefensible and he would rather hide than face voters in northeastern Pennsylvania," said. Barletta campaign manager Vince Galko. "In either case, it clearly shows that Paul Kanjorski does not deserve another term representing the great people of the 11th Congressional District."


Kanjorski spokesman Ed Mitchell said the busy congressional schedule at the end of the session will not allow time for any other debates. But with this one, the editorial board interviews, and individual meetings where constituents can meet with the Congressman and ask any questions they have, the voters will know by Election Day where each candidate stands.


“The Congressman has a job to do in September in the capital and he’s going to continue to fully represent the people of the 11th, despite the time demands of the campaign. We simply have too many commitments in October after Congress adjourns to fit in any other debates,” Mitchell said.

YouTube weekend

In honor of Sarah Palin from the frozen tundra of Alaska.



Frank Zappa - Don't Eat the Yellow Snow

Are you ready for some football?

I'm not. Penn State will open with Coastal Carolina at Noon today and it should be a blowout. I love football but always have mixed emotions when the season starts because it means the end of summer. With all the political news I haven't paid much attention to this year's Nittany Lion team but will catch up with the help of the PennLive PSU blog.

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The good news is that Comcast and the Big Ten Network have made a deal so I don't have to wander out to find the game on TV. I'm still thinking about getting a dish but Mrs. G has threatened to strangle me with the all the new wires that would be involved.

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A few months ago Comcast told us that to view Turner Classic Movies and Toon Disney we would have to get a box because of a technical problem that forced them to move them to a digital format. When we were on vacation in Delaware both channels were on the basic cable without the need for a box. Somehow I think that that we have been lied to.

McCain-Palin

All the talking heads on TV are shocked that John McCain has picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his VP. Anybody that reads blogs has known for months that she was in the running. My friends at the PAWaterCooler.com have been pushing for her since the winter and are thrilled by the choice. She has some baggage that will come out once the glow wears off but for now I think it helps McCain answer the change and historic meme.

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The first local reaction is from Chris Hackett:

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“Sarah Palin’s strong record of reform and opposition to wasteful spending is a profile in political courage. We need real reformers in Washington like John McCain and Sarah Palin. I could not be more excited to be running on a ticket with them. John McCain has never asked for any earmark pork projects, and Sarah Palin rejected Alaska’s Bridge to Nowhere. I proudly join them in the fight to stop the corrupt and wasteful spending system in Washington.”

The Next President of the United States

And he came out swinging

History

Every Presidential nomination is a piece of history but this one stands out. For the first time someone who doesn't have the same skin pigmentation as me has been nominated for President. I think that is healthy and will exorcise some demons from our national psyche but it's not why I will vote for Barrack Obama.


Some of my friends make the case better than me.

Another Monkey:


I will not vote for Barack Obama on the basis of the color of his skin. I will not vote for him out of some sense of entitlement, or out of some belief that having him in the White House will somehow balance the scales of our national history of racial inequality...I will vote for Barack Obama because I believe he is the better candidate for the job. I will vote for Barack Obama because I believe he will be the better President, the President we need to help us begin our recovery from what will be an eight year long national nightmare.


Lu Lac:

Finally, someone said out loud that if you disagree with the opposition or find the war in Iraq wrong, that doesn’t mean you are unpatriotic...The Illinois Senator brought up the crucial point that the next President will appoint at least 3 new Justices on the Supreme Court. Keep in mind that the Supreme Court handed over the Presidency to George Bush in 2000, allowing him to steal the office.

Another poll in the 10th CD

From a press release:

Clarks Summit, PA—A recent Momentum Analysis poll shows Congressman Carney to be safe from a challenge from businessman Chris Hackett. Carney is more popular than Hackett, and enjoys a 2-to-1 lead over Hackett in the horserace (54-27%).

"These polls confirm what we already know,” said Vincent Rongione, Campaign Manager for Carney for Congress. “Congressman Carney has very strong support across party lines and across the district. We will continue to fight for every vote and focus on the issues that really matter, but it is very encouraging to see that our positive message is connecting with voters in every corner of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania."

A majority of voters (53%) view Congressman Carney favorably (either “very” or “somewhat” favorable), with only 18% viewing him unfavorably (either “very” or “somewhat”). Three times as many (21%) view him “very favorably” as “very unfavorably” (7%). And Carney is popular not just with Democrats (63% favorable, 8% unfavorable) but with Republicans as well (46% favorable, 27% unfavorable).

These results are consistent with polling released in January 2008 by the American Hospital Association, conducted just as Hackett began his advertising for the primary (55% Carney, 21% Hackett). Indeed, these results are also consistent with our October 2006 polling showing Carney with 52% of the vote. Given the incredibly negative Republican primary, statewide and district-wide trends in party registration becoming more Democratic, and Hackett only just resuming his advertising in the last week, it is not surprising to see the horserace largely unchanged.

Momentum Analysis conducted a survey of 400 likely 2008 voters in Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District. Interviews were conducted by telephone, August 19-21, 2008.

Dan Meuser backs Chris Hackett

And he offers up this ringing endorsement of Hackett. From the TL:

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“I will always support good Republicans for office,” Meuser said. “In a choice between Chris Carney and a conservative Republican, I will always choose the conservative Republican.”

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A few days ago Meuser announced that he departing Pride Mobility to pursue a full-time career in public service. He has been on an extended leave of absence from the firm after losing his bid for the Republican nomination in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District in the April primary.

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EXETER, Pa.--

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"I have always had a strong interest in government affairs on the federal, state and local level. My recent venture into politics, combined with my leadership of Pride Mobility’s government affairs initiatives, solidified my desire to pursue community- and government-related endeavors full time,” Meuser said in a press release. “I am grateful to be in a position to pursue my ambitions, and look forward to continuing my active involvement with initiatives that ideally, will benefit the residents in our local communities and beyond.”

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We will hear from Dan again.

The next Vice President of the United States

Joe Biden Speaks At The DNC

A few observations about the Democratric Convention

They skipped through the Roll Call of the states with Hillary asking to suspend the rules and make the nomination by acclimation. Nice touch for the party unity thing but I've been watching political conventions all my life and it's my favorite part. I love the corny speeches as the Governor of the state sings the praises of wheat or brags that the hometown team won the championship.


Where the hell was this guy in 2004? If he made a speech like this the last time he would be President. This is the best speech of the convention so far.

John Kerry Speaks at the DNC

Candidate McCain vs. Senator McCain.

"John McCain should finish the debate with himself."




My second favorite moment. Congressman Patrick Murphy is a Kings College grad and a vet of the 82nd Airborne who served in Iraq.

Patrick Murphy Speaking at DNC

If only this could happen in Luzerne County

We might be better off

Board Members Quit, Suspend Government In NY Town


ALBANY (AP) ― Only eight months on the job as supervisor of the small town of Ancram, Thomas Dias finds himself faced not with a crisis in government but no government at all.That's because three of the town's five board members abruptly resigned last week, leaving the town with a government unable to hold its scheduled monthly meeting Thursday or take any action.

The Big Dog Barks

"Barrack Obama is on the right side of history."

10th CD poll

SurveyUSA for Roll Call (8/23-25, 623 likely voters):

Chris Carney (D-inc): 49

Chris Hackett (R): 45

(MoE: ±4.0%)

Carney was viewed favorably by 40 percent of those surveyed and unfavorably by 23 percent. 30 percent were neutral and 6 percent said they had no opinion.

Hackett had a 36 percent to 23 percent favorable/unfavorable rating; 31 percent of voters were neutral, while 11 percent said they had no opinion.

10th CD voters prefer a candidate who touts alternative sources of energy over one who advocates increased offshore drilling by a 54-36 margin and 40% of voters in the 10th blame the oil companies for the high cost of gasoline.


Bush has a 32% approval rating, while 61% of voters disapproved.

John McCain leads Barack Obama by 50-41 in the 10th District. Bush won the district 60-40 in 2004.

Update: Reaction from the Hackett camp


"We're very pleased. After more than a month of TV ads trying to promote his paper-thin record in Congress, Chris Carney is still being rejected by voters. We fully expect Carney and his liberal Washington allies to ramp up their negative message now."-Mark Harris


Update 2: Vince Rongione speaking for the Carney campaign


“These polls confirm what we already know. Congressman Carney has very strong support across party lines and across the district. We will continue to fight for every vote and focus on the issues that really matter. It is very encouraging to see that our positive message -- lowering taxes, fighting for veterans, lowering gas prices, and helping to create jobs right here in America is connecting with voters in every corner of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. Clearly folks are already tired of our challenger’s constant mudslinging and personal attacks.”

Does Biden help in Pennsylvania?

He can't hurt.
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“Chris Carney has forgotten more about national security than Don Sherwood will ever know,” - Sen. Joe Biden.
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Biden said that during a campaign stop in 2006.
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,Rapid Edward was pulling for Biden and Sen Bob Casey was an early supporter. For 30+ years the Philadelphia media market has seen his ads every 6 years.
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The guy is from Scranton and we can be tribal in our corner of the world. Hillary won big in the April primary because the local media kept reminding us that her grandfather was a Scranton native and she spent some time at Lake Winola when she was a kid. Carney is still on active duty so I haven't got a statement from him on the pick but Congressman Kanjorski is excited:
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"I applaud Sen. Barack Obama’s selection of U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden as his choice to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for Vice President..I have campaigned with Joe Biden in Northeastern Pennsylvania numerous times and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail again this year to elect a Democratic president, House and Senate to get America back on the right track again.”...
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A click of the shutter to the The Pennsylvania Progressive for the pic.
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My view is that people don't vote for Vice President. The latest Q Poll has Barry up by 7 in the Keystone state.

No way, No how, No McCain

Hillary said what she had to. It was a good endorsement but I was expecting something a little more. I think she should have spoken more directly to the PUMA crowd telling them to get over it.

Reassessment in Luzerne County gets ugly

Gun threat brings police

Nobody wants to pay more property taxes but you have to keep your emotions in check and not make threats. But the opposition keeps being stoked by the downtrodden people at Harveys Lake and some radio talk show hosts.

From the inbox.

Your House As Seen By:

Yourself...

Your Buyer...

Your Lender...

Your Appraiser...

Your LUZERNE County Tax Assessor...

Democratic Convention video

via CNN

For all his health problems Senator Ted Kennedy will not be denied a spot in this historic event.





All I can say about Michelle Obama's speech is WOW !

10th Pennsyvania CD update

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was at the Chris Hackett HQ in Dallas on Saturdayto stump for him and John McCain. When I arrived the place was a beehive of activity with close to a 100 people manning the phones and milling about.

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Pawlenty praised McCain saying "history calls out leaders." He recapped McCain's bio , energy plan and keeping taxes low. He then ripped into Barrack Obama asking “What have you done, Sen. Obama? What have you run? The answers are not much and nothing.” When asked about Joe Biden as the VP he said he thought that he picked a "mentor." “There’s only one commander-in-chief, a mentor can’t be your vice president.”

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He also praised Chris Hackett calling him "an outstanding candidate for Congress.”

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I put up more photos of the event on Facebook.

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In other campaign news Hackett said he and his wife will be doing a 5 day bicycle tour of the district starting in Milford going up Rte 6 to Hawley and Honesdale. Tonight he will be at the opening of the Luzerne County GOP HQ in the Bicentennial Building on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre at 6PM.

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And the CV has a rundown of Hackett's and Congressman Chris Carney's differences on energy policy.

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Carney, Hackett differ on ways to reduce nation’s energy costs

Convention Blogging

Our very own Luzerne County Obama delegate Rita Boyle will sharing her insight from Denver at unConventionalNEPA. She already has a couple of posts detailing the road to Denver.

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Borys has a profile of the NEPA members of the PA delegation.

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Regional delegates ready for Democratic convention in Denver

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Greg and Rob of Keystone Politics snagged the PA local blogger spot and promise some YouTube reports in addition to their always excellent reporting.

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And the state Democratic Party will keep us updated at the PA Dems Blog.

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Next week Alex of the PAWaterCooler.com will be covering the GOP convention in Minneapolis.

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He will be joined by local photographer Michael Taluto who set up NEPAGOPCONVENTION.BLOGSPOT.COM.

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On a related note one of our local scribes has been selected to be part of The Times Leader’s Community Voter Panel. Congrats to Tony. You can read his thoughts at That's How I See It .

Obama-Biden

All the cable news channels are saying that Scranton native Delaware Senator Joe Biden will be the next Vice President of the United States. There is no confirmation from the campaign yet and I'm still waiting for a text message. I think it's a solid pick.

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Update: It's official.

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Update 2: Local reaction

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Statement by Congressman Paul Kanjorski, D, PA 11

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“I applaud Sen. Barack Obama’s selection of U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden as his choice to be the nominee of the Democratic Party for Vice President.

“All residents of the 11th District, but particularly those in Lackawanna County and Scranton, can be proud that Sen. Obama has chosen a native son of Northeastern PA to be part of our winning team in this year’s presidential election. Sen. Biden is often referred to as Pennsylvania’s third Senator. He’s a true Democrat.

“As a Super Delegate supporter of Hillary Clinton, I think we can be pleased that two Democrats with roots in our area are playing such a prominent role in this year’s election.

“Sen. Biden’s experience in the Congress, his expertise as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and his progressive record for hardworking middle-class families on domestic matters are perfect complements for Sen. Obama’s leadership skills as our presidential nominee.

“I have campaigned with Joe Biden in Northeastern Pennsylvania numerous times and look forward to joining him on the campaign trail again this year to elect a Democratic president, House and Senate to get America back on the right track again.”

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Barack Obama selects "Pennsylvania's Third Senator"

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Sen. Casey, Scranton and supporters will gather to watch his historic speech today...

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WHO:

Sen. Bob Casey, and other friends and supporters of Sen. Joe Biden

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WHAT:

Will gather to watch his speech from Springfield,IL with Sen. Obama

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WHEN:

TODAY 2:30 PM ET

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WHERE:

Cosgrove's 325 Green Ridge St. Scranton

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Update 3: GOP Senators offer support for Biden today

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Sen. Arlen Specter:

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Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter, a Republican who serves on the Judiciary Committee with Biden and often rides Amtrak with him to Washington, also offered praise. "No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than Sen. Biden," Specter said. "He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control." LINK<http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-23-biden-

profile_N.htm>

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Sen. Chuck Hagel:

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U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel issued the following statement today following Senator Barack Obama's selection of Senator Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic Vice Presidential nominee: "Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America," Hagel said. LINK<http://lugar.senate.gov/press/record.cfm?id=302283&&>

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Sen. Richard Lugar:

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Tbilisi, Georgia - U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar made the following statement today en route to Tbilisi. "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy..." LINK<http://lugar.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=302283&>

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Update 4: From Hillary

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I want to congratulate Joe Biden on becoming the vice presidential nominee. Joe is a friend and colleague, a strong experienced leader and a devoted public servant. I look forward to not only seeing him in Denver next week but on the trail as I work to help Barack Obama and Joe Biden along with many other Democratic candidates campaign this fall.

Meet Tim Pawlenty

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, often mentioned as a possible running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, will be joining 10th CD GOP candidate Chris Hackett today for an an event at his HQ 23 Dallas Shopping Center on Rte 309 Dallas, PA 18612 at 12:30PM.

This is your chance to meet a possible VP nominee on the losing ticket who, if he's picked by McCain, will be a front runner for the Republican nomination the next time.

I like this quote from Pawlenty:

"Say what you will about Barack Obama," the Minnesota Republican told a conservative group, "people gravitate when you have something positive to say." He added that McCain has been positive as well.
"People want to follow hopeful, optimistic, civil, decent leaders," Pawlenty said in a speech to GOPAC, which helps recruit Republican candidates. "They don't want to follow some negative, scornful person."

YouTube weekend

Moon Unit Zappa - Valley Girl

Joe Biden for Vice President

That is the result of the Gort42 poll. Biden got 39% far outpacing Hillary Clinton's 17% and everybody else was in single digits.

I still think the VP will come out of left field (Tom Dachele ) or further.


MyDD

Senator Barack Obama has chosen Klaatu as his running mate. You may know Klaatu from the documentary cleverly disguised as a fictional movie titled "The Day the Earth Stood Still".
Klaatu will be accompanied by his robot friend Gort who is programmed to destroy the earth if we cannot control our violence. Klaatu and Gort have been travelling to our planet for many years.

Thanks Danny

One debate in the 10th CD

I think there should be more.


Carney agrees to one debate

It will be on October 30 for one-hour to be aired on WVIA-TV and simulcast on Pennsylvania Cable News Network .

The Hackett camp is up in arms because they want more which brought this intemperate statement from Chris Hackett spokesman Mark Harris:

“Chris Carney obviously thinks he’s a Washington big shot now. First he abandoned his promise to represent Pennsylvania values by voting with (Speaker of the House) Nancy Pelosi and the liberals 90 percent of the time,” Harris said. “Now he refuses to even show enough respect for voters to defend his record in open and honest debates.

“Carney is a sorry excuse for a congressman, trying to win an election behind negative attacks instead of debates.”

Carney Campaign manager Vince Rongione smacked back:

Rongione called Harris’ comments “typical gutter politics” and pointed out they come at a time Carney is at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for a two-week training commitment with the U.S. Navy Reserves.

“It is reprehensible and completely beyond the pale that our opponent continues to personally attack Congressman Carney while he is serving our country in uniform. ”


Greg at Keystone Politics picks apart Harris' statement:

This is ridiculous – first of all, Carney is hardly a “Nancy Pelosi liberal.” He’s a moderate congressman from a moderate district; good match, no? Second, it’s extraordinarily distasteful to make these accusations while Carney, a Commander in the Naval Reserve, is on active duty. Sorry Hackett, he doesn’t have time to campaign against your constant negative attacks because he’s doing actual work for the people; something you’d know nothing about.