The LuLac Edition #1108, Feb. 28th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: JAMES O'MEARA, SENIOR GOP CANDIDATE IN THE 121st.

O'MEARA IN

James O'Meara is going to be running for the State Legislature in the 121st district. That district encompasses Wilkes-Barre City, Wilkes-Barre Township, Ashley Borough, Plains Township and Hanover Township's 2nd Ward. The seat has been held by Eddie Day Pashinski, prior to that by Kevin Blaum and even further down the time line by the late Bernie O'Brien. They were all Democrats. O'Meara is making the run because he believes strongly in the two party system. Like most of the Democratic incumbents around here, Pashinski will be hard to beat because of his popularity, his laser bean attention to his constituents and his health care plan that is a huge portion of common sense on the issue. That said, O'Meara is a tenacious organizer, is tireless in helping to rebuild the local GOP and is a sincere guy. I first met O'Meara when he e mailed me after reading this blog for a year. We met and talked politics for three hours one afternoon in 2007. We agreed on some things, on many things we did not. But I came away with the feeling that this was a guy who really cared about the future of this country, state and town. My advice to O'Meara is the same I've given to all the GOP challengers:

1. Run against Rendell.

2. Point out how late it took to get a budget.

3. Ask where the money is from gambling in terms of individual homeowner propriety tax relief.

4. Promise not to take per Diems.

Pashinski, even after two terms is regarded as a giant. But the local GOP is hoping O'Meara can become a David in his pursuit for the seat in the 121st.

HOLIER-THAN-THOU

Today in the Times Leader, Jamie Lake formerly of LPL Financial submitted to an interview where he expressed remorse for swindling customers of his financial advising business. He even seems to be taking those victims to task for not checking up on him and believing everything and every promise he made. Every time I talked to this guy he'd tell me how much God loves me and hoped I had a blessed day and repeatedly said "God Bless you". This goes back to what my father always told me, "If somebody tells you how much they love God, put your hand on your wallet".

THE NEW BISHOP

I think the appointment of a new Bishop, Joseph Bambera is a good thing. I have a passing familiarity with him from people I know in the mid valley. But I was struck by the little party they had at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston yesterday. Right across the street lay the ruins of what was once St. John the Baptist Church and School. Oh but don't worry, you could buy a video of the last Mass to ease your pain. That'll make it all better!