The LuLac Edition #265, July 16th, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: SENATORS McCAIN AND CLINTON, SCRANTON MAYOR CHRIS DOHERTY AND AL GORE.

McCAIN FIGHTS ON!

With his 2008 campaign bankrupt, Senator John McCain now faces a challenge to reinvigorate a sagging effort that has been characterized as everything from a flip flop on issues to the fact that he's old news. Perhaps the mismanagement of the campaign will free McCain to be the candidate he once was in 2000. McCain has carved out a politically dangerous position on the war, but if he can reinvent "The Straight Talk Express" with the belief imposed on primary voters that "he'd rather be right than President", well who knows. The only trouble with that factor is that so many people are against the war now, McCain would have to get support from diehard GOPers on other issues and this is a group he's never won over.

HOT FOR HILL!!!!!!!

There's a YOU TUBE Video on line that was released two weeks ago. It was performed and produced by a former American Idol (proud to say I never saw the show and never was in Alabama!) contestant. It is a hoot. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sudw4ghVe8

STILL THERE'S GORE!

People are still plugging for former Vice President Al Gore. Gore so far has said no to a bid but interest groups are putting on the pressure. Take a look at this: http://www.draftgore.com/. And of course there's an original song called "Run Al Run".

DOHERTY FOR CONGRESS

There are hot rumors going around that Chris Doherty is going to run for the Congressional seat in the 11th District. Doherty, a hot property who barely survived a primary in 2005 against Gary DeBelio for Mayor but won in the fall against the same guy has been mentioned for the job of State Treasurer

too. But the Congressional role fits like a glove. Here's why:

1. The current Congressman, Mr. Kanjorski is ripe for a challenge given the revelations about the business dealings he's had with family members. (Oh to be a nephew of Paul's, where do I forge the adoption papers??)

2. Kanjorski has never had a major intra party challenge. He may not be prepared for it, no matter how long he's been there.

3. In the Democratic primary, a Scranton area candidate can count on portions of Lackawanna County (especially the important Mid Valley area) to vote as a block. Despite regionalism, provincialism when it comes to politics, is not dead. If it were, Luzerne County would not have 78 municipal governments.

4. Doherty can count on media support from the Scranton Times empire. They like to have a Congressman at arm's length. I remember vividly the day Joe McDade was acquitted, (I was at Rock 107 then) and word spread through the building as if a family member beat the rap. Doherty has had support from the Times and in a Congressional race, the addition of the Citizen's Voice will help. Doherty on his own can charm the Times Leader. During the 206 Congressional race, the Times Leader was the only paper that brought up the business dealings with the nephews and gave GOPer Joe Leonardi some press.

5. The inflatable dam! Doherty's folks would have a field day with that.

6. Doherty and Kanorski are a study in contrasts. Young, vigorous family man with a self made business vs. older, seasoned, gentlemen who has had dubious business connections supported by taxpayer monies.

The only mystery here is which candidate will Ed Mitchell support? Mitchell handled Doherty's first term race but then was replaced by Team Doherty in the second race. Mitchell will go with his long time client and you can bet he'll pull out all the stops if this race ever takes place. So far there is a lot of talk bubbling under the surface and no is confirming. But neither are they denying!