Comments

Blogger recently decided to use the captcha system to verify and annoy commenter's on this site and the rest of the world of scribes that uses Blogger. It is commonly used on many commercial sites such as Ticketmaster that has frustrated me when I'm trying to buy something. Please don't tell Dan Mueser that I buy things online. The regulars over at LuLac are bitching about it and I have received remarks on why this used to be such a great forum for discussion but has slacked off lately so that may part of it. The old word verification worked just fine in my opinion in keeping the spammers away. Occasionally one or two spam comments would slip through but was immediately deleted as soon as I spotted it.

In the past I have taken the word verification off but then got swamped by the spammers. So you have live with it my dears readers and would be commenter's like the new Facebook Timeline requirement that makes it harder to read your friends updates.

Change is not always good but it is the only constant.

The alternative the Yonk came up with

It appears my blogger set up is asking for multiple verifications. Sometimes this can be frustrating. I tried it the other day on Gort 42 and gave up. If you are having a posting problem, e mail me through the blog, or at my e mail address yonkstur@aol.com or my Facebook Page. Here’s the link:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1612355787 Just put in the message line or Facebook message: “For LuLac posting”. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I also got shot down on LuLac so you can always email me at gort42@yahoo.com or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/gort.fortytwo#!/gort.fortytwo

Death to spammers.

Free Ride

Looking over the candidate roster for the upcoming State Senate and House elections I was struck by how many incumbents will not face a challenger in the primary or general. That might change as the independents and 3rd party candidates have until August 1st to circulate petitions so a handful of Greens and Libertarians may still make the race. I always want a choice in an election but I realize it is a big decision to run for office and put up with the aggravation of press scrutiny, unfair attacks and snarky bloggers.

Capitol Ideas did the math

It'll Be A Lonely Primary For A Lot Of Lawmakers This Year.

if we're counting correctly, it would appear that seven of 25 state senators up for re-election this year are running without primary or general election opposition...In the House,at least 69 of 203 members are running without primary or general election opposition.

Locally it looks like that Karen Boback (R-117) and Mike Carroll (D-118) will have a free ride but that could change in the 117th.

Jim explains how the Supreme Court decision threw a monkey wrench into the process.

As to uncontested races... I think the redistricting fiasco played a part in this. I have to wonder how many people simply decided not to run due to the uncertainty about what district they were going to be in. I'm still waiting to see where we folks in Plains end up: the 121st or the 118th. Redistricting added a whole layer of complication to this year's petition season.

Idiot Watch

Michelle sent this

PLAINS TWP. – Township police reported a groom punched his bride in the face Wednesday morning at the Woodlands Inn and Resort. The couple was married Tuesday.
Joseph Forgach, 42, of Wyomissing was arrested and charged with simple assault and harassment. He also was under the influence of alcohol. Forgach was arraigned by District Judge Diana Malast and committed to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $5,000 bail. His wife Susan did not require medical treatment.

PA State Represenative candidates in Luzerne County

The candidate roster can found at the PA Department of State.

Mike Carroll (D-118) and Karen Boback (R-117) will not have an opponent in the upcoming primary and general elections. Like most political junkies I hate uncontested elections because the people should always have a choice plus you never know if the incumbent might have something blow up on them. It looks looks like Duke started too late to get the 300 signatures needed in the 117th.

The big news is assistant Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney Frank McCabe is running in the Democratic primary trying to unseat my 3rd favorite State Rep Phyllis Mundy in the 120th HD.
A resident of the district said "Nice, a stealth undercover petition signing. He must know people to get all of those signatures with no one spilling the beans. Now its getting fun." I don't think that Mundy hasn't has had a primary challenger since she won the election in 1990 taking the seat from Republican incumbent Scott Dietterick who was found guilty of insurance fraud just before the election. The Yonk will correct me if I'm wrong. What Democrat could have a beef with Phyllis? Young Republican Aaron Kaufer is the GOP candidate.



The other matchups include Ransom Young (D) taking on freshman Tarah Toohil (R) in the Hazleton area 116th HD. Rick Arnold (R) has a rematch with Gerald Mullery (D) in the 119th. Pete Mailloux (R) is taking on incumbent Eddie Day Pashinski (D) in the 121st HD for now but all this could change depending on the mapmakers response to the Supreme Court.

The Santorum surge

After his 3 state sweep former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum (R-VA) is now leading in the national tracking polls and in Michigan and Ohio. I'm not sure this is a affirmation of Santorum as much as a rejection of Mitt Romney.

Fact That No One Likes Him May Be Hurting Romney

"Despite his superb organization, funding, and ground game, Mitt Romney is having trouble overcoming the perception among voters that he is a ginormous dick.... I would rather vote for a random doofus I’ve never heard of who goes around in sweater vests.”

Mitt Romney Soon to Be America's Most Hated Man

If the Republican primary lasts another few months, he's going to be about as popular as your average dinnertime telemarketer.

Dogs Against Romney

I don't know if people know about this story about the time Romney strapped his dog on top of his car then drove 10 or 12 hours to a vacation house. The dog was litterly scared shitless.

My friend LuLac is predicting that Rick will be the VP choice of Romney then takes a shot at me

"bloggers might still want to put funny pictures up of Santorum eating a corn dog." To set the record straight I have never posted a picture of Rick eating a corn dog, it was a an ice cream cone.

GDAC 2nd Annual Concert Fundraiser

Steve Urban is not running for Congress

Former Republican Luzerne County Commissioner now Democratic Luzerne County Council member was circulating petitions for a possible run in the newfangled 17th Congressional district but it looks like he either decided not to file or more probably didn't get at least 1000 Democrats to sign them. Urban has run for Congress before as a Republican and for Lt. Governor and State Senator. After his last race that he lost to John Yudichak he got miffed and switched party's because the local Republicans wouldn't sign on or help him financially in his long shot State Senate bid. The local Republicans put their efforts into winning the Congressional race and the Governor's contest that paid off. Urban has never been able to raise much money for his campaigns and probably won as the 3rd wheel of county government in past contests and rode his name recognition to a seat on the new county council.

That leaves sort of incumbent Tim Holden who is trying to introduce himself to most of the people of the new 17th Congressional District versus Democrat Matt Cartwright from Moosic.

The only Republican to make the ballot is Laureen Cummings who started off running for US Senate.

10th CD candidates

No surprise that Tom Marino is running for reelection. His Democratic opponent will be Phil Scollo in the fall. Moran didn't make the ballot.

Businessman Phil Scollo Files to Face Rep. Marino

Dingman Township, PA - Pike County businessman Phil Scollo filed his nominating petitions in Harrisburg today and is expected to face U.S. Representative Tom Marino in the November general election. No other Democratic candidates are expected to file.

"For too long, we’ve seen a system that is rigged against the little guy," said Scollo. "I'm in this race because we need someone in Washington fighting for the rest of us. Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike are angry at Washington."

"I'm running for Congress to represent the seniors who live on limited incomes and the families who work hard to make ends meet. The system hasn't been working for most Americans—regardless of political party—for far too long."

A Pike County businessman, Phil Scollo lives in Dingman Township with his wife, Karen, and their three children. After a long career in the insurance industry, Scollo now owns and operates a business-consulting firm in Milford, PA. A summa cum laude graduate of St. John’s University, he holds a B.S. in Government and Politics.
Please sign-up for more information at http://www.scollocongress.com/


MARINO ANNOUNCES FOR SECOND TERM

Williamsport, PA – Congressman Tom Marino announced today that he will seek a second term as United States Representative for the 10th Congressional District. Marino issued the following statement:

“When I ran for Congress in 2010, I make a commitment to do my part to cut government spending, repeal the President's so-called "Affordable Care Act," downsize Washington , DC , and keep taxes low. I have kept my promises, but the simple truth is that there is much more work to do.

I voted to cut more than 31 billion dollars in total discretionary spending, introduced legislation to freeze federal government employment, and cut my own office budget by 5 percent. I have consistently supported legislation to reduce bureaucratic red tape and fought to keep taxes low. I have also co-sponsored a bill to prohibit tax dollars from being used on abortion and supported legislation to eliminate taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.

The people of Pennsylvania 's 10th Congressional District deserve a Representative who will continue to fight for hardworking taxpayers. Our nation faces great challenges at home and abroad. I will continue to fight for common sense solutions that will maintain a strong national defense, reduce the debt and deficit, eliminate job-destroying regulations, and keep the commitment we have made to senior citizens and our veterans.”

In Congress, Tom Marino serves on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. Tom Marino and his wife, Edie, have two children, Chloe, 16 and Victor, 12. They live in Cogan Station, Lycoming County .

Don't be my Valentine

WOMEN SHOULD HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS WITH MEN---ON VALENTINES DAY!!!!!

A Valentines message from Mean Old Man

Well, here we go again with the stupid, made up holiday, Valentine’s Day. Damn!!!!!

Each year poor schmuck guys have to go out and pay ten times the normal price for a dozen roses, five times the price for a box of candy and to top it off (depending on the timeline of the relationship), spring for an expensive restaurant dinner. My own two loser sons, Harlan and Clay made the unusual gesture of coming over for Sunday dinner this past weekend. Not that they were foolin’ me; I knew what they were up to.

Right after a hearty meal of breaded possum (with a side of Owl Soup---topped off with Thelma Jean’s champion biscuits), my boys asked me if they could see me in my hunting den (it used to Harlan’s bedroom, but I converted it to a den after I threw him out on his 18th birthday). I thought this was unusual since these prissies were afraid to come within ten feet of a shotgun, let alone hold one in their puny arms. But then, it hit me.

“Hey Pops, I really am in a bind this week and Valentine’s day is coming” Clay started. “Do you think you could spot me a C note until next payday?” Before I even got to refuse him dumb Harlan interjected, “Boy Pops, it’s the same with me too. I could use a hundred also. How about it?” I became so red and angry that you would have swore that Nancy Pelosi was in my sacred den. I told the dimwits that it was never too late to grow up and that they better grow a pair and be men!!!!
Guys today are such wimps when it comes to their relationships with their wives. These two yokels of mine care as much about Valentine’s Day as I do; but there is one difference. They are scared to ignore the holiday because their wives will give ‘em each a shiner if they don’t buy them something. Boy, how men have become feminized.

In my day, we had Valentine’s Day, too. But we didn’t make a big deal out of it. You see, back then only UNMARRIED people celebrated it!!!!!

When Pops courted Mom, he would bring her fresh cut pine tree parts from the woods. HE would wrap a red bow around them and she was on top of the world. Once they were married it stopped, because there was no reason to put on an act when you already got the girl to wear the wedding band. God, things were so much easier then!!! I remember on Valentine’s Day when I was about 10 and our wacky neighbor Joe brought his wife some flowers. I remember the look on my wonderful Mom’s face when Mrs. Roberts showed her them. That night, when Pops came in from a rough day at the colliery, Mom seemed miffed that she didn’t get anything. Pop’s told her that a woman like her should be happy to have bagged a husband in the first place and that was gift enough for Valentine’s day. He also told her that we were out of beer and to head on down to the corner bar and get some! Good ol’ Pops. When they made him, they broke the mold. I miss him a lot.

And there’s no doubt that some Commie came up with this dumbbell holiday in order to raise funds for the Kremlin. Well, I’ll tell you—there ain’t no way that this patriotic American is going to donate to the party of Lenin and Stalin and Cho En lai!!!!!!!!!!! Sadly, even my good ol’ pals Creep and Gummo have been pulled in by this balderdash!!! God help them if they don’t take their wives out to eat on that day. Anyways, my other pal Birch and me have a good ol’ time razzing those two henpecked bozos at the VFW the next afternoon over a few cold Stegs. Despite their sometimes wimpiness, Creep and Gummo are good guys. I would rather be in a fox hole with those two than a hundred of today’s wimpy men.

Instead of trying to repeal the government health program called Obama care (which by the way is cutting deep into my Medicare and Social Security) why not just repeal Valentine’s Day??? Or, better yet, make it a law that the women have to buy the men something on that day. I could sure use a new Remington that’s for sure!! For once, I would be on the side of equal rights for women and government interference if this happened. Sign the law, MR. President!!!

So, all you wimpy guys have a nice Valentine’s Day. Make sure you spend a lot of your dough on flowers and candy and dinner. The Kremlin is waiting on your funds. As for me, I’ll be in my living room after feasting on some of my missus’s Woodchuck stew, lighting a lucky, and listening to the soothing sounds of Frank Sinatra singing “MY Funny Valentine”. Now there’s an Italian that could sing!!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day
Go to Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Young Republicans to meet

The Luzerne County Young Republicans (“LCYRs”) will be holding its monthly meeting on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 7pm at the Waterfront Bar and Grill on N. River Street in Wilkes-Barre.

The LCYRs are pleased to announce that Republican State Representative candidates, Rick Arnold (119th), Aaron Kaufer (120th) and Pete Mailloux (121st) will be in attendance and address the group.


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Partisan politics play too big a role in reapportionment
By Aaron Kaufer

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The recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision should teach us one thing about the reapportionment process: there is too much party control. Redistricting is supposed to be based on census data and population changes to help balance out uneven districts. Instead, it has become a political tool for the majority party to gain an upper-hand over its opposition.
This year the Republicans used it to their advantage. They sought to manipulate districts in order to strengthen Republican re-election bids and challenge vulnerable Democrats. To do this, many Democratic towns got reapportioned out of these districts and placed into one heavily Democratic territory where Republicans have already conceded victory. This political chess match results in partisan districts, partisan politicians, and partisan stalemate. We need to reform this system.
As a Republican candidate, I would like to praise the leadership of Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Bethlehem, and parts of Senate Bill 650, co-sponsored by Sen. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township.
The bill includes five considerations by which a district will be created: ideal population, municipal boundaries, contiguous territory, compactness, and communities of interest. It would also prohibit reapportionment based on the address of incumbent legislators, previous election results, and most importantly, party affiliation. Lastly, the bill calls for a full-time Legislative Reapportionment Bureau in hopes of fixing the partisan nature of this issue.
Although I agree with most of this bill, I do not believe a separate full-time Legislative Reapportionment Bureau is necessary for a job that is done only once a decade. Instead, we should look to other models that have had success. In Iowa, a separate non-legislative staff draws the map and the legislature votes on it. In California, a panel of state residents picked by the state auditor handles the map-drawing. Both models have been lauded by numerous independent agencies.
It is important to note that these changes in Iowa and California only happened due to mounting public pressure. Finally that same pressure exists in Pennsylvania and we must make the necessary changes for a better governmental model.
My father once told me that it's better to agree for the common good than to disagree for no good. Politicians should heed that advice. The reapportionment process is a perfect example, but only one of the many examples of partisan politics that permeates our system. We need a voice to stand up to the political culture of Harrisburg. I hope to be that voice.

You Tube weekend

SuperPacs are bad

Great Headlines from the past week

Noted Democrat-Turned-Republican Endorses Democrat-Turned-Republican Over Democrat-Turned-Republican for U.S. Senate




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No Constant But Change: No Decision On #Redistricting Appeal; Primary Still Set For April 24 -- Until It Isn't.

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I predict that Keegan Gibson and John Micek will be entertaining job offers from the NY Post in the near future.

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Duke from Dallas for State Represenative

Yesterday I got an email from a reluctant Democratic Committeeman from Nanticoke about another subject that included this tidbit
"Duke from Dallas is running for something or other, I didn't quite catch what - against Karen Boback, maybe? He just got drafted for it shortly before the meeting."




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That got my wheels turning so I asked Duke if he was running but he didn't give me a straight answer so I asked the 2nd District Chairman who gave me an Apparatchik type answer "I have no comment at this time. Please expect an official Democratic Party press release regarding the 117th State Representative seat following the submission of the nominating petitions."


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Surfing around social media (Facebook) it was easy to confirm that he is circulating petitions.
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From Duke's page
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my PA Rep Karen Boback voted to put the value of my residence & quality of our neighborhoods a FISCAL RISK. Dallas Twp spent about $150,000 & 2 years' work on Zoning only to have Rep Boback turn her back on LOCAL DEMOCRACY. If she doesn't read or can't understand the bills she votes on that let Foreign & out of state CORPORATIONS trump local citizens' rights to clean air & water it might be time for a CHANGE
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Home Rule Disaster: Pennsylvania Residents May Be Forced to Live Within 300 Feet of A Frack Well Pa
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Below we see Karen Boback discussing the impact of fracking on the dairy industry with a constituent.
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Another Dem running in the 10th CD

"I'm not Chris Carney. I won't run as a Republican."-John R. Moran

John Moran of Williamsport joins Phil Scollo in the race to be the Democratic nominee to oppose Republican Tom Marino in the 10th Congressional District.

The Daily Review and the Daily Item have profiles of him.

He is a retired union guy running as an unapologetic Democrat who is opposed to fracking.

Moran said Marino has lacked accomplishments in Congress and he criticized him for co-sponsoring a bill that would "end Medicare as we know it." ...In fact, Moran said he thinks Medicare should be expanded, so that anyone who had the money to pay the premiums could participate in it...Moran said he opposes giving private companies the power of eminent domain, which is occurring locally in the natural gas industry in the installation of gas transmission pipelines.

Looking at Marino's Congressional record made him laugh, Moran said. "What's he done? He has authored a bill, as yet unpassed, that would outlaw earmarks. One issue per bill. That's the best he can do, with our deficits and job losses in the region?"

It all comes down to fairness, he explained.

"I've been lucky in my life," Moran said. "I pay 30 percent of my income in taxes. The Republican front-runner is paying 14 percent and he's a multi-millionaire. The tax code has to be made more equitable and if I get to Congress, I'll fight for that."

PENNSYLVANIA YOUNG DEMOCRATS ENDORSE MURPHY

State Young Democrats Stand Firm with the Former Prosecutor and Iraq War Veteran


On behalf of over half-a-million young Democrats in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Young Democrats have overwhelmingly voted to endorse Patrick Murphy as their choice for Attorney General of Pennsylvania.

“Patrick Murphy has distinguished himself as a unique leader capable of executing the duties of Pennsylvania Attorney General” said PAYD president W. Anthony Youngblood, “due to his extraordinary record of honorable achievement in both law and public service we believe Patrick Murphy is the candidate best suited to deliver a win for Democrats this November.”

In response to the PAYD endorsement, Murphy said “It’s very simple. The youth vote will determine the outcome of the 2012 elections here in Pennsylvania.”

Murphy went on to say that “without a strong youth vote, we have no chance of stopping the Republican extremists from continuing their destructive agenda in Harrisburg.”

“That’s why I’m so honored to earn the support of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats. Their passion and dedication has helped galvanize young voters who increasingly understand what’s at stake in these elections, thanks to the hard work of PAYD.”


The Pennsylvania Young Democrats is the official youth-branch of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

Note to candidates

Please send me your press releases as a Word Doc or in the body of the email. I just spent half an hour trying to convert a PDF and format it for Blogger without success. I have an early appointment in the morning, see you tomorrow.

Santorum wins a three way

Missouri

Santorum 55% Romney 25% Paul 12%

Minnesota

Santorum 45% Paul 27% Romney 17% Gingrich 11%

Colorado

Santorum 40% Romney 35% Gingrich 13% Paul 12%

Rick Santorum was smart to bail out on the expensive race in Florida that turned into a Newt/Mitt slugfest that Romney was able to tear Gingrich to pieces with paid media. Instead he headed to states that would have lower voter turnout that was more receptive to his "true conservative" message and it paid off. He didn't win any delegates in these races but the optics are good. Missouri was a primary that the other candidates ignored because the delegates will be selected later but a win is a win and Ricky won every county. Minnesota was a caucus with lower turnout than 2008 that Rick and Ron Paul did well. The most interesting result of the night was Colorado, Mitt Romney pulled 60% last time but lost by 5 points and Gingrich got buried everywhere.

Maybe the Tea Party is not dead after all according to the Denver Post:

"This harkens back to 2010, when the Tea Party essentially upset the established Republican candidates for the Colorado governor and Senate races, and it clearly demonstrates that the grass roots of the party remains very conservative and is unwilling to unite behind the presumptive front-runner,"

I'm not sure that this is an affirmation of Rick Santorum as it is a rejection of Mitt Romney. The guy is such an obvious phony as many of my local Republican friends tell me. He will say anything to win an election.

Santorum now has some wind in his sails but we can now expect the whirlwind. Just like dealing with Newt the Romney camp and others will go after Rick on policy and personally.

I'm sure the oppo research staff of the Romney campaign will be able to go after Santorum but I will give them a few helpfull hints.

Santorum favors caps on malpractice awards but his wife got a big settlement

Lawsuit Abuse Critic Explains Suit

On serving our country in the Armed Forces

What I'm asking all of you tonight is not to put on a uniform. Put on a bumper sticker. Is it that much to ask? Is it that much to ask to step up and serve your country?"

Not supporting our veterans

Santorum and veterans

Ripping off the taxpayers of the Penn Hills School District

Santorum flap puts light on cyberschools

Earmarks!

And God said 'Let there be pork' Plus he dissed New Jersey

Santorum's "charity"

Santorum charity for the poor spent most of its money on management, political friends

His mortgage deal that you and me can't get

Santorum's mortgage raises interest

And the just plain wierd

“As the hobbits are going up Mount Doom, the Eye of Mordor is being drawn somewhere else,”



I have more, Call me Mitt.

Phyllis reacts to Gov. Cabot's budget

Corbett budget puts corporations before Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 –State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, said Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget forces working families and vulnerable citizens to make more sacrifices and fails to require large corporations pay their fair share.

"How ironic that on the same day the governor wants to slash even more funding from critical health and safety programs for children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians we are poised to vote on a ridiculously low Marcellus Shale impact fee?" Mundy asked.

Mundy said residents across the state are still reeling from local tax increases, tuition hikes, program cuts and layoffs caused by Republicans' 2011-12 state budget, and his proposal continues the commonwealth on that path.

Mundy said Corbett and the Republicans cut Medicaid and other critical health and safety programs by $1 billion in this year's budget, and they want to cut health and safety programs that help women, children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities by at least another $700 million.

She added that Corbett is continuing his assault on public education by eliminating the $100 million Accountability Block Grant program less than a year after he and the Republicans cut $900 million from basic education funding. The Accountability Block Grant program helps schools provide pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten programs and reduce class size in early grades.

Corbett also proposed cutting funding for state-related universities, such as Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg, by 20 percent, and state-related universities by 30 percent. That comes on the heels of budget cuts that that forced state owned universities to increase tuition by 7.5 percent for this school year.

"The governor himself said in the budget address that Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce, yet he continues to slash funding for basic and higher education," Mundy said. "His actions do not match his words."

Mundy said the governor is failing to lead by asking many Pennsylvanians to make sacrifices while refusing to require that natural gas drilling companies to pay a modest severance tax and closing the Delaware Loophole that allows big, multi-state companies to dodge paying the state's corporate net income tax.

PA to collect sales tax for online purchases

First they went after the smokers
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Online cigarette buyers hit with taxes

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As if your tax returns weren't complicated enough. Now the PA Dept of Revenue added a line on the PA40 so you can declare what you bought online last year and pay the 6% sales tax.
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State to put hammer down on online sales taxes
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There's a new line on that form for the 2011 tax year, for consumers to self-report -- and pay -- the state's sales tax on online purchases...It's called the use tax, and although it's been on the books since 1953, the state is making a new push to collect it, starting with purchases made in 2011. The reason? As the popularity of online and mail-order retail services grow, the state wants to protect its brick-and-mortar retailers. It also wants to make sure it gets its share of the pie..."It's a matter of fairness," state Department of Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser said in a statement.


Call me cynic but I think this has less to do with protecting local retailers than pulling in more tax revenue for the state. If I have to pay the sales tax on things I buy online that's life but don't expect me and you to retroactively produce receipts and figure out how much we owe.

In instances when they find consumers haven't paid the tax, revenue officials will pursue the tax owed, plus penalties and interest. And they'll identify those not reporting the tax through audits, complaints, investigations and checks of purchase lists made with out-of-state companies.

The onus should be on the companies that sold us the products to do the accounting. If I owe the the tax I'll pay it but not penalties and interest. Although the law has been on the books for a long time the enforcement smells of ex post facto.

Readers of this blog will remember Dan Mueser from his 2008 run for the Republican nomination in the PA 10th Congressional District that he lost to Chris Hackett who then was bested by Democrat Chris Carney in the General Election. Too bad they didn't hold their powder until the 2010 wave election so the people of the 10th CD would have a House member that really represents them instead of Louis DeNaples.

Kane is Able to back McCain

The news in the Pennsylvania Attorney General race is about the money the Democratic candidates have raised.

PoliticsPA: Kane’s husband helps to run his family’s business, Kane Trucking in Scranton. He loaned $1.75 million to his wife’s campaign, reports PhillyClout, and contributed $500,000. The former Lackawanna County assistant District Attorney currently has $2,009,911 on hand.
Murphy, meanwhile, did it the old fashioned way. He raised around $1.4 million in 2011 and begins 2012 with $1,043,016 on hand. He boasts over 2,500 individual donors.

Patrick Murphy and Kathleen Kane have both released internal polls that the campaigns are spinning but both show Murphy in the lead.

Murphy picked up support from Philadelphia politico's after Dan McCaffery dropped out.

In interesting twist the comment threads on PoliticsPA say that that Kane went the PUMA route after Hillary Clinton lost the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama in 2008 and supported John McCain for President.

Local Clinton backers, McCain adviser meet

Laureen Cummings for Congress

I don't know if this is for real as I'm going on 1 sentence in a TL story about campaign fundraising. The one Republican to confirm she has entered the race is Tea Party activist Laureen Cummings of Old Forge, who recently dropped her bid to run for U.S. Senate.

The photo on the left is from the Fall 2010 Blogfest. Her Facebook page doesn't mention anything about a run for Congress. She was running for US Senate but dropped out and endorsed Tim Burns. The Pennsylvania Republican Party endorsed Steve Welch after some arm twisting by Governor Tom Corbett.

Speaking of Blogfest we will gathering at Rooney's Irish Pub on March 30th for what many people say is their favorite political event. You can RSVP at our Facebook Event page.

Mark Harris for Delegate

Anyone who is running for delegate to the Republican or Democratic Conventions is welcome to send along their announcement and I will publish it. I ask that you don't send PDF files (hard to work with) but a Word document or put it in the body of an email.

Mark J. Harris a CONSISTENT CONSERVATIVE, is seeking Delegate to the National
Republican Convention.

Mark J. Harris, A resident of Snyder County and in the 10th Congressional District, has announced his intention to seek the position of delegate to the Republican National Convention. 2012 promises to be a historic year in Republican politics. Mark said, “Some political pundits say the possibility exists that if no one candidate wins a majority of delegates, a vote to determine the nominee may come to the floor of the national convention. This is the year we Republicans need a consistent conservative to represent the voters of the 10th Congressional
district.” Mark has been a constant advocate for the protection of life, sanctity of marriage and the family, for second amendment freedoms and for smaller, less intrusive and transparent government

Mark is a small business owner residing in Snyder County, PA. Mark has held various positions within the Republican Party; serving as county chairman and as a coordinator on numerous campaigns. Most recently he has served as Agricultural Coalition Regional Advisor to Elect Tom Corbett Governor.

For more information visit his website at http://www.friendstoelectharris.com/

Phil Scollo for Congress

A former Carney staffer dropped this into my inbox:
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SCOLLO FOR CONGRESS

.Phil Scollo, 56, a resident of Dingman Township, Pike County, announces his intention to seek the Democratic Party nomination to run for Congress in the 10th District. The decision comes on the heels of last week’s Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that quashed proposed redistricting and, with it, Mr. Scollo’s plan to run for the Pennsylvania Assembly, in the 139th District, against a heretofore unchallenged incumbent. “Opportunity often follows disappointment in life”, Mr. Scollo observed. “In these unprecedented times, the residents of the 10th Congressional District certainly deserve a choice.”

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Mr. Scollo, a native New Yorker, moved to the Milord area, with wife, Karen and two of his three children in 1998. A summa cum laude graduate of St. John’s University, he holds a B.S. in Government and Politics. A former insurance industry executive and currently a management consultant, Mr. Scollo believes his business experience and problem solving skills will transfer neatly to public service. Before the April Primary, he vows to visit every county of Pennsylvania’s largest Congressional District, meet with the residents and listen to truly understand their concerns.

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“With the Pennsylvania economy in shambles and so many hurting, I promise to work singularly and tirelessly, and without concern for the divisive partisanship that has rendered government impotent in the eyes of most people,” Mr. Scollo exclaimed.

Romney cleans up in Florida

Florida - 6545 of 6796 Precincts Reporting - 96%

Romney , Mitt 763,848 46%

Gingrich , Newt 524,741 32%

Santorum , Rick 219,634 13%

Paul , Ron 115,271 7%

Newt Gingrich said he is in it to the end but that could change tomorrow. He also brought up President Obama's singing and blew the food stamp dog whistle again. Mitt Romney read a speech off a teleprompter saying the President is an appeaser and apologist in foreign policy. Tell that to the terrorists that have been blown up by a drone attack or got a bullet in the head like Osama Bin Laden. Rick Santorum mentioned his ill daughter then paid tribute to his opponents and the way they make their money. Ron Paul is coming across as the happy warrior of this contest.

David Decoteau, candidate for Delegate in the New 11th Congressional District.

From Nothington Post:

I’m a registered Republican, and I’m ashamed of the GOP


Since Pennsylvania makes me choose a party in order to participate in our electoral system, I chose Republican because in the old, and classic definition of the word; I’m a conservative. Conservative used to mean you wanted sound money. Conservative used to mean balanced budgets and spending within our means. Conservative used to mean you didn’t care what people did in their bedrooms; because it is none of your damn business. Conservative used to mean pro-small business. Conservative used to mean a foreign policy of non-interventionism. In other words, “Trade with all and entangling alliances with none” as our Founders intended....If you are a Republican (like me) that thinks the GOP is out of touch with the people; send me to Tampa Bay to tell them for you. I’ll tell them to get back to the traditional Conservative platform. I’ll pay my own way. No tax payer expense will be incurred.

Lou Barletta wants more LIHEAP money

The last few press releases I got from Congressman Lou Barletta have me confused. He votes for a Balanced Budget Amendment that would gut what is called discretionary spending ending just about every social program that the federal government funds.

In his response to President Obama's State of the Union address he decried that "Since the president took office, a record number of Americans are receiving food stamps."

Barletta brags that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the buyouts of residential properties in Plymouth Township, Shickshinny and Benton Township. He proudly announced that local fire companies are recipients of DOH grants. He took credit for $40 million in highway repair funds to fix our roads that were damaged by the summer hurricanes. He announced that the Delaware Water Gap will get 1/2 mil to study traffic. Farmers will get help according to this Barletta press release.

If the Balanced Budget Amendment was passed none of these projects would have happened.

He did get a post office renamed and announced that the Shickshinny Post Office should reopen within 60 days.

Food stamps are bad but warm in the winter is good. Cold and hungry is bad. Warm and hungry is OK.

Rep. Barletta calls on President Obama to increase LIHEAP funding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, PA-11, again called on President Obama to increase or at least continue at the current level the funding for home heating assistance for veterans and seniors through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“Many veterans who might be eligible for LIHEAP don’t know they can take advantage of the program, but they absolutely can. We need to help our veterans and seniors stay warm in the winter. We can’t let them slip through the cracks. We need to fund LIHEAP,” Rep. Barletta said. “Many in Northeastern Pennsylvania struggle to pay for their heat. They have to make the difficult choice between paying for food and keeping warm, and that just isn’t acceptable. More and more Americans are hurting, so it’s incredibly important that President Obama keep LIHEAP funded at current levels, if not increase that funding.”
A January 26 letter coauthored by Rep. Barletta and Rep. Edward Markey (D, MA-7) calls on the president to request at least $4.7 billion for LIHEAP in Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13). More than 100 House members – Republicans and Democrats – signed the letter.
Because of the efforts of Rep. Barletta and others in Congress, LIHEAP funding this fiscal year topped $3.4 billion – almost $1 billion more than President Obama had requested for FY12. Of that, almost $210 million is allocated for the Pennsylvania program. [Source: Campaign for Home Energy Assistance]
LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their heating bills through a cash grant sent directly to the utility company or as a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat.
The number of households with at least one military veteran receiving LIHEAP assistance swelled from 700,000 in FY 2008 to 1.78 million in FY 2011. This is an increase of over 150 percent during the past four years, according to a survey by the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA). The bulk of energy aid recipients who served in the military are over 60. Almost half are disabled. Of the veterans who received help, 12 percent served in Iraq and Afghanistan; about seven percent are on active duty.
LIHEAP provided vital heating assistance to 8.9 million households in 2011 – an increase of 54 percent since 2008.

PA Attorney General race news

No candidate was able to muster the two thirds vote necessary to get the Pennsylvania Democratic Party endorsement last weekend,The Next Stage gives the play by play. Since then Dan McCaffery decided he didn't have enough support and dropped out of the race. That leaves former Congressman Patrick Murphy and Lackawanna County Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Kane vieing for the Democratic nomination. The winner will take on Republican David Freed.

Murphy is a King's College Wilkes-Barre grad and friend of the blog who keeps racking up endorsements. The latest is from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter:

“We need a tough Attorney General who is smart on crime, who understands that consumers need to be protected, that seniors need to be protected, that all of us need the protection of a strong, independent Attorney General. He has been a great champion for this city, this region, and of course, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Mayor Nutter. “His military career and his service to the nation as a military officer and as a lawyer in the military again demonstrate his true commitment to public service. What I really like about Patrick, my friend, is that he will defend our rights while at the same time make sure we are all safe.”

Add this to the list. A bunch of Allegheny County politicos and labor leaders signed on and my 2nd favorite member of Congress Allyson Schwatrz, who should run for the Senate, backed him earlier.

The Luzerne County Democratic Party endorsed him .

The list of pols local and otherwise that is on his side

Murphy for PA Endorsements

Elected Officials

Ed Rendell, Pennsylvania Governor
Tim Holden, U.S. Rep.
Allyson Schwartz,
U.S. RepRon Klink, Former U.S. Rep.
Paul Kanjorski, Former U.S. Rep.
Harris Wofford, Former U.S. Senator
Dan Onorato, Former Allegheny County Executive
Seth Williams, Philadelphia District Attorney
John Hanger, Former Secretary of PA Department of Environmental Protection
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Dwight Evans, State Rep.
Mike Carroll, State. Rep.
Phillys Mundy, State Rep.
Eddie Day Pashinski, State Rep.
Jennifer Mann, State Rep.
TJ Rooney, Former Chair, PA Dems
Chair
Kathy Kane, Luzerne County


Issue Advocacy Groups

The Human Rights Campaign

VoteVets

PA 17th Congressional District update

Matt Cartwright announced Tuesday that he take on Tim Holden for the Democratic nomination for the the newfangled 17th CD.

His announcement speech was music to a lot of Democrats ears (via DWT) saying "But when a handful of representatives from the Democratic Party turn their backs on the middle class, and start voting like Wall Street Republicans, something is really wrong. Something even more fundamental is broken.What’s broken is their promise to protect the middle class instead of the profits of big banks…or the oil & gas companies… or Wall Street. What’s broken is their promise to vote for bills that benefit the middle class and not loopholes that benefit special interests. What’s broken is their pledge to make decisions based on what’s best for the average family and not what’s best for the lobbyists contributing to their campaign funds...As a Congressman I won’t need campaign donations from special interest groups to know what the right thing to do is. I will already know what the right thing to do is....As a Congressman I will not apologize for being a Democrat. As a Congressman I will not forget that the Democratic Party is the party of Franklin Delano Roosevelt....Let’s elect a Democratic congressman who votes like a Democrat. Let’s elect a Democratic Congressman from the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party."

Contrast that statement with the press release Tim Holden sent out last March.

REP. HOLDEN RANKED 14th MOST CONSERVATIVE CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRAT IN 2010

Rep. Holden was ranked the 187th most conservative member in all of Congress, fourth most conservative remaining Democrat after the 2010 midterm elections.

More from Howie: 2010 was a conservative year and Holden won. Since then, he has voted (on crucial roll calls) with the Democrats 31.96% of the time. That's right-- Holden has backed the right-wing agenda espoused by Cantor and Boehner 68% of the time.

I was wondering if any Republican would get into the race, none so far , then we get this from PoliticsPA

Luzerne County Councilman Stephen Urban, who made headlines last year when he switched from Republican to Democrat, is circulating nominating petitions for U.S. Congress. He would face incumbent Rep. Tim Holden and Democratic primary challenger Matt Cartwright, an attorney from Scranton....If Urban enters the race, it would be a big boon to Holden. He would likely split the Lackawanna-Luzerne bloc that is key to Cartwright’s campaign.

I don't know how much of an impact Urban would have on the the race as his fundraising for his past campaigns for Congress, State Senator, Lt. Governor, etc. (as a Repuplican) has always been anemic. He rode his name recognition to a seat on the new Luzerne County Council then left a poison pill budget as outgoing Commissioner under the old system that the new bunch can't reconcile because it just doesn't add up. I have always liked Steve but lately he has been acting like a jerk. Not taking the oath of office with the rest of our new councilors and abstaining on the vote for the Manager because he applied for the position. Now this.

Chris Carney is not running

This story in the The Daily Item about a petition party for candidates in Union County caught my eye.
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Committee Chairman Rick Thomas said "We haven't heard if Carney is going to run again," Thomas said of former Democratic Rep. Chris Carney, who lost his seat in Congress to Marino in 2010. It's been widely reported that Carney planned to challenge Marino in the next election, but Thomas said there's been no news of late."If no one decides to declare at this point, it's possible we won't have a challenger on the ballot."
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There was also speculation that Carney might run in the 11thCD. He teased that he would run again but wouldn't answer the telephone calls of reporters or bloggers. There is a Draft Chris Carney Facebook page that is now dead and the Act Blue account has been deleted.
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Chris Carney landed a job with a defense contractor in Virginia and the redistricting probably put his old district out of reach. I posted in September that he was unlikley to run. Too bad, I'll take a blue dog in a Republican district over a tea bagger any day.

Kevin Haggerty for State Represenative

I usually don't cover political happenings in Lackawanna County but my friend and fellow blogger Tom Borthwick of NEPartisan sent this along.
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HAGGERTY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY IN THE 112TH




Dunmore, Pa. -- Kevin Haggerty is pleased to officially announce his candidacy for Pennsylvania's 112th legislative district.
"I believe this district needs somebody who represents their values and so I'm asking for the support of the voters of the 112th," said Haggerty. "The blue collar, hard-working families need a voice. They've been ignored by Harrisburg for too long."
Haggerty's previous experience running for state representative, along with his continued outreach to its residents, lends him insight into the needs and wants of the people of the district, he argued. "People prioritize education, they want to see legislators working to bring in new jobs, and they want to make sure their representatives are accessible and accountable. I hear that message loud and clear."
Kevin has a deep respect for public education. He knows that without adequate investment in education, our future is in jeopardy. As the state has failed to properly fund out schools, local property taxes have risen, teachers and programs have been cut, and students are being shortchanged. Coming from a family who attended public school from K-12, Kevin has a great interest in the public school system and would never vote for cuts to education. Instead, he will work to restore funding to our schools to give our kids the education they deserve and need to compete in the 21st century. Haggerty's opponent, current Representative Ken Smith, voted with Republicans to take vital funds away from education on HB 1330 and has been a supporter of charter expansion.
As a Former Member of the Board of Directors for Penn's Northeast and NEPA Alliance, Kevin has the background and experience needed to create and strengthen regional businesses. Supporting the growth of small business is essential to creating a healthy tax base in our communities. Kevin wants to strengthen programs that invest in family-owned businesses and go after employers who don't pay their fair share or allow unsafe working conditions. Representative Smith has not, in his nearly 6 years as a legislator, co-sponored any pro-union legislation, nor even written or introduced major legislation in the General Assembly. Kevin will be an active legislator who doesn't stay on the sidelines. Additionally, Mr. Smith has never adequately addressed the issues of his failure to pay taxes, his failure repay a government-backed loan, and his failure to pay into Social Security and Unemployment for his workers during the time he owned Smith's Restaurant. Kevin believes our representatives need to be held to a high standard: one of integrity and credibility.
As this is a Democratic Primary, it should be noted that Mr. Smith voted with Republicans to gerrymander the state during the Congressional Redistricting process. Kevin is vehemently opposed to disenfranchising Democrats, particularly since they have a roughly 1.8 million voter registration advantage over Republicans. Mr. Smith guaranteed Republican dominance at the expense of those whose interests he should be guarding.
Kevin hasn't stopped being an active participant in his community and his district. Reaching out to community members through local events and door-to-door, Kevin has made sure to be there to listen to the concerns of residents. That won't stop if elected. "It would be my priviledge to serve as a voice for the citizens of the 112th," Haggerty said. "I'll work tirelessly to be the representative the 112th deserves."
Kevin is a Dunmore resident along with his wife, Jennifer Griglock Haggerty, and his son, Kevin Joseph. Kevin graduated from Villanova University and is a former US Marine.
Visit TalkToKevin.com for more information

PA Supreme Court throws out reapportionment

Pa. high court rejects remapping plan

Wow. This is a surprise given that there are 4 Republicans and 3 Democrats on the court. Chief Justice Ronald Castille sided with the Democrats that the plan for the state legislature chopped up too many towns just to advantage the Republicans.


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Justice Joan Orie Melvin predictably thought that was OK. In a 2009 appearance in Wilkes-Barre she gave a speech that was inappropriately long for a warm up act, Melvin basically said "elect me so Republicans make of the majority of the PA Supreme Court, and we can rig the 2010 reapportionment for the Republicans." She later had a campiagn ad with a Soviet-era hammer-and-sickle inside the "O" in Obama's last name. Now she is the target of a criminal investigation.


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Calls grow for Supreme Court Justice Melvin to resign

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Right now it looks like the old maps wil be used in the upcoming election but that could change once the Supreme Court opinion is released.

Aaron Kaufer for State Representative

Young Republican Aaron Kaufman announced he is a candidate for the 120th State Representative seat presently held by Democrat Phyllis Mundy. It looks like this will be a 2 person race as no Libertarian seems to be interested unlike last time and I haven't heard of another Republican on the west side willing to take on my 4th favorite state legislator.

Kaufer gave a very polished speech saying it's time for a change and cited an old adage about not making waves in politics, he said he wanted to make waves. Then he lamented that "compromise became a dirty word" and promised to work across the aisle.

He hit 4 issues in his talk.

1. The grant system. He doesn't like WAM's

2. Government reform. He is running against the perks of the legislature opposing their pensions, health care, COLA's and the per diems of $163 a day.

3. He said some things about educating our children. We should do it.

4. Economic growth. He is for it.

Without naming his opponent Kaufer asked "are you being adequately represented"? and said "I can do better." Invoking Saint Ronny he declared "our best days are ahead."

After the event I asked Kaufer what the the first bill he would introduce he said it would be about the perks and per diems of the legislature. I asked him how much money that would save but he didn't have a number. He also favors reducing the size of the legislature.

This a great picture below. All the Republicans and a Libertarian wh0 came up short in past elections with the latest GOP candidate in the 120th Discrict.

(Lto R) Bill James, Aaron Kaufer, Rick Arnold, Tim Mullen, Bill Goldsworthy, John Cordara

Phyllis Mundy has been the State Reprensenative of the 120th District since 1991. She will be hard to beat.

Luzerne County Council to hire a manager

The papers are reporting that a guy from California will be offered the job as the first Luzerne County manager under home rule later today. The CV and the TL say the pick is Robert Lawton. I don't know much about him other than what I read in papers but certainly wish him the best. He is walking into a mess of a budget situation left over by former Commissioners Maryanne Petrilla, Steve Urban and the other guy that interim manager Tom Pribula has been trying to address. He keeps proposing a mix of tax increases and budget cuts that the new council keeps shooting down. Sounds a lot like what is going on in Washington.

I have been getting beat up in the comments and other blogs for my backing of the new form of government. It's a school board, it won't work, etc. The new charter is not perfect but then what is? I preferred the previous charter with an elected county executive and a mix of distict and at-large elections for the council. That plan was shot down when Skrep and Vondy said "trust us." That worked out well.

This new form of government was passed as a reaction to the Juvie Brothers scandal for sure. The thing I like about it was elimination of most of the row offices that were power centers with no oversight. How many of them went to jail? There is no Democratic or Republican way to perform an autopsy (Coronor) or to register a will. And What the hell is a Prothonotary?

If they hire Lawton and he doesn't back out before February 21st the Yonk has some advice. A couple of my favs

Don’t take it personally if people don’t like you because you’re an outsider. People from Scranton have the same problem.

If someone says you’re a cousin….don’t believe them

Abe’s Hot Dogs, South Main, the original. Don’t settle.

There are two Steve Urbans on the County Council, one has hair, the other doesn’t. Both may seem like the same person so you’ll need to tell them apart.

Ransom Young for State Representative

From the inbox:

Ransom Young announces today that he is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 116th district.

Young, 57, a life-long resident of Butler Township with deep roots in Southern Luzerne County, owns and operates the family farm of four generations that has been enrolled under the Luzerne County Agricultural Preservation Program since 2001.

He is married to Deborah Jones, formerly of West Hazleton.

Young, no stranger to civic involvement has been a member of Butler Township Board of Supervisors for 28 years and was former chairman. Young has been chairman, vice chairman and is currently treasurer of the Luzerne County Association of Elected Officials. He feels his involvement will benefit both his candidacy and the people o the 116th district. "I'm proud of the fact that Butler Township boasts one of the lowest property taxes in Luzerne County. I've worked hard over the years to make sure we've kept taxes low while still providing the services the citizens of the township deserve. Despite our low taxes we've managed to build and maintain a full time police force, provided recreational facilities and maintained good roads and invested 17.7 million dollars to update our sewage treatment plant."

In describing his desire to run, Young states; "This district needs a representative that symbolizes the face of the community, and I am willing to fight for those people. I'm a blue-collar person who will use common sense when facing a problem. I think what is missing in Harrisburg is the common sense approach. As a candidate and State Representative, I promise you, no one will work harder for you than I will. I will surround myself with quality and caring people."

"The Marcellus Shale issue is something that concerns everyone. Once we lose our fresh water source, we lose it forever. We have to make sure that regulations are in place to keep our people and our water safe. We have an amazing opportunity to eliminate our dependency on foreign energy sources, if we manage it correctly. With nearly 8% unemployment in the state we must ensure that the jobs created in the gas industry are for Pennsylvania residents; we have the best skilled and most dedicated workers in America. If the gas industry paid their fair share in a severance tax, the money could go into the general fund so that the gambling revenues would go towards property tax relief as it was originally intended."

"I believe I am the best choice for this office, because I understand the issues and will represent the diverse people of the 116th district, from Huntington Mills to Hazleton. I am a farmer, worked blue-collar jobs and I have balanced budgets in local government. I'm ready to take on this responsibility and I'm asking for your support in April and November.

A Newt fan

This a blast from the past. When I first started blogging one of my regular sparring partners was Dr. Rick. I haven't from him in a while until this popped up in my inbox today.


Newts Authentic Conservatism by Richard R Tennesen

The overwhelming results of the South Carolina primary indicate not necessarily that Newt Gingrich is their (or anyone’s) favorite candidate but that Newts authentic conservatism and representation of the pulse of America is best articulated by him. While accepting the victory, Newt acknowledged this very fact. Let’s be clear: America is not searching for an anti-Romney candidate. America has been searching for a bona fide conservative with the record to back it up and whose views are aligned with their own. They find this in Newt Gingrich.

Newt has an astute mind, possesses poignant debate skills, is focused on issues, continues to attack Obama for failed policy and an abysmal economy, represents American exceptionalism, and has an American Conservatives Union rating higher than any other candidate. Historically speaking, Newt also took on Bill Clinton as Speaker of the House to collaboratively enact entitlement reform, experience job growth with minimal unemployment, and enact four-consecutive balanced budgets which often get accredited to Clinton.

Some claim however, that Newt has too much baggage.

On the contrary, Newt distinguishes himself from the perceived frontrunner Mitt Romney as being the conservative not to have enacted the precursor to Obamacare in Massachusetts. Newt has legislated as a conservative, and despite Romney’s touted experience as an executive in the private sector, he neglects to mention the failures of many of those companies. Are these the kind of issues that you want to see Obama levy at Mitt on the debate stage? Romney has no retort. In fact, Obama might even suggest that the two are quite similar.

Newt Gingrich, on the other hand, would have the President sleepless at night in preparation for their debates. Fearless in confronting media bias, “gotcha” moderators, liberal talking points, and disingenuous competition (Romney), Gingrich appears comfortable at the podium and at times professorial. His media contrived reputation for having a temper and unpredictable nature is (I believe) simply a manifestation of contempt for and opposition to distractions away from the real issues. Why? Because the media knows focusing on issues is a loss for Obama on all accounts.

Some say Newt is unelectable. South Carolina results and exit polls prove otherwise. Strength in debating and command of the issues catapulted Newt to prominence and victory for making these issues forefront: “Jobs, economic growth, balancing the budget, having stable money, energy independence, & producing a modern, lean federal government.” And by contrasting this distinction between himself and the President: “The outlining of the two Americas…the America of the Declaration of Independence - the America of Saul Alinsky, the America of pay checks - America of food stamps, the America of independence - the America of dependence, the America of strength in foreign policy - the America of weakness in foreign policy.” How can one ignore these truths?

Moreover, Newt continues confronting these issues: anti-religious bigotry of media elites and judiciary, that Obama is a radical, a “food stamp” President, and brandishing him as tantamount to Jimmy Carter! Not to mention his candid remarks for the media.

The American connection with Newts is visceral. He appears authentic and speaks from the heart. By contrast, some claim Mitt Romney appears to be too slick in the manner of presentation. I believe that, plus the perception of inevitability makes Americans uncomfortable. Overcoming that hurdle is why many conservatives have been unwilling to embrace Mitt.

The explanation for Newts success is authenticity, optimism, prowess in debates, focus on issues, and clear distinctions from Obama. He is not the anti-Romney candidate. He may be, however, the anti-Obama candidate.