The LuLac Edition #1182, May 16th, 2010

PHOTO INDEX: FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON.

48 HOURS

We’re down to 2 days before Primary Election 2010 and things are going at a very frenetic pace for those politically involved. The amazing thing to me is the fact that more than 60% of the population here and in the State have no clue, no idea, no inclination and no interest in what is going on. I had two people tell me this week they only vote in Presidential elections because they don’t understand the complexities of local candidates. With all due respect to our outgoing Senators Musto and Mellow, complex and complicated is not the first words you thought of when they were first brought to mind. People are taken in by the media hype of a national campaign and the local races where they should be paying attention are pretty much ignored. And that is a shame because a minority of citizens become the majority of voters, especially in a primary. In doing research for our 1966 feature, I was surprised to see that the turnout for that election was 45%. We would kill for that level of interest in an off year election this time around. So this weekend all the political people are doing laps, sprint and last minute somersaults to put their candidate front and center. I wish them luck in trying to get the attention of “The American Idol” constituency. They’ll need it.

PICKS

I was asked to do a pick of some races by blogger Stephen Urbanski. The picks were made last Sunday and not much has happened to change my mind. One thing though, I think you are going to see a late surge by Anthony Williams and that might change the dynamics of the race. But I’m still standing by my picks. Here’s his link: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-32019-Scranton-Public-Policy-Examiner~y2010m5d15-Primary-Election-predictions-from-bloggers-and-a-prominent-GOPer.

THIS JUST IN

Former WYOU TV reporter Kevin Jordan has a brand new look to his blog, “This Just In”. Check out Kevin’s thoughts. http://kevinjjordan.blogspot.com/.

THINGS AT KING’S

Naw not gonna start bashing on the kids again. Check out my friend Father Thom Carten’s daily journal “Things At King’s”. It’ll make you chuckle and calm you down. Here’s his link:
http://northfranklin.blogspot.com/2010/05/annie-sandy-daddy-asp.html

CORBETT IN TOWN

The front runner and by some, the presumed next Governor of Pennsylvania makes a stop in LuLac land tomorrow. Tom Corbett, Republican gubernatorial candidate will join with Scranton area campaign supporters during a “Turning on the Power of Pennsylvania” rally in Allentown Monday morning. Tom Corbett will visit seven Pennsylvania cities in a barnstorming tour of the state in the 24 hours leading up to the primary election. He will rally supporters and continue to spread his vision for the future of Pennsylvania.
WHAT: Tom Corbett for Governor Rally
WHEN: Monday, May 17th, 2010
TIME: 10:30am Doors open
11:00am Rally begins
WHERE: Scranton Airport Wings Restaurant
100 Terminal Drive, 2nd Floor
Avoca, PA 18641

CLINTON ENDORSES DOHERTY

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty garnered a very big endorsement over the weekend. Former president Bill Clinton weighed in on the 22nd District race. (This has to be a first!) Anyway, Clinton said, “Chis Doherty "helped to turn the city [of Scranton] around," and "he'll bring the same energy and dedication to all of Northeast Pennsylvania" as he works to bring good paying jobs into the district and to clean up Harrisburg.”