The LuLac Edition #1186, May 19th, 2010
PHOTO INDEX: OUR ELECTION NIGHT LOGO.
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE....
This election of 2010 for all of its bluster and blarney about "throwing the bums out" and making a change turned into one big win for the party establishment. The exception to that is of course the unseating of Senator Arlen Specter. As a few wags said, "The only Democrat that in the end can defeat Arlen Specter...is Arlen Specter." Opponent Joe Sestak beat Specter who in 5 past Senate elections won. Sestak squares off against Pat Toomey in the fall. You can bet Toomey will ask hard questions about Sestak's mercurial reputation as an admiral but also as a Congressional office holder that ran through staff like Southern barbecue enthusiasts run through napkins. The National GOP will be pouring money into this race. Other than the Senate race, it seemed like the old reliables won.
GOVERNOR'S RACE
Dan Onorato spent a lot of money, Jack Wagner who is perhaps the most qualified to be Governor did not. Wagner proved that old school politics doesn't work without a serious infusion of cash. Anthony Williams made an impression and may be the future of the Dems in years to come.
On the GOP side, Tom Corbett won handily. Sam Rohrer had a decent showing but where was the sound and fury of the Tea Party people? Like the Howard Dean phenomena of 2004, the movement didn't translate into votes.
11th CONGRESSIONAL
Corey O'Brien had me convinced. O'Brien said he had a wining strategy that would put Paul Kanjorski away for good. And there were ancillary things to back him up. Anger about Wall Street, an anti incumbent mood sure to sweep Kanjo from his perch. Nope, like the sleepy tortoise Kanjorski shut his moiuth, kept his head down, went about his business and prevailed. In a future edition I'll visually depict for you tone of the reasons why O'Brien lost. Lou Barletta awaits Round 3 and you can be sure that Kanjorski staffers and his media guru Ed Mitchell are doing research on the good Mayor.
10th CONGRESSIONAL
Despite a lackluster campaign, Tom Marino beat Malcolm Derk and David Madiera for the chance to run against Chris Carney in the fall. Carney's seat is one the GOP has an eye on. Marino better run a better effort in the fall if he is to challenge Carney.
22d SENATORIAL
John Blake was the quiet man in this race. He touted his career as a public servant distinguishing himself from the other candidates, Doherty, Corcoran, Volpe and Wansacz. I can't help but think the long arm and reach of both Ed Rendell and Bob Mellow had something to do with this win. Frank Scavo will have his hands full in the fall.
14th SENATORIAL
It appears that people in LuLac land want their Mayors to stay Mayor. Going back to the time of Wilkes Barre Mayor Frank Slattery (who ran for Judge and State Rep) and Scranton's Jimmy Connors (who ran for Congress) we tend to like our mayors to stay put. Tom Leighton found that out on Election Night when he lost to John Yudichak. Yudichak clobbered the Mayor and made this race very competitive by doing a lot of grassroots campaigning. Many people, particularly in the Greater Pittston Area changed their mind after meeting Yudichak because of his charisma and honest attitude. He never shied away from the per diem issue and deflected it. Leighton made a good impression but didn't light any crowds on fire. Like Mayor Doherty, Mayor Leighton ran on the good points of his record but also on the unfulfilled accomplishment that come with being a Mayor. Steve Urban will have his work cut out for him in the Fall.
THE 119th
Gerald Mullery outlast Gary Zingaretti and Bob Morgan to replace Yudichak. Morgan ran TV and radio ads, touted himself as "The Real Democrat" but apparently the barrister Mullery had some support no one could foresee.
THE 112TH
Representative Ken Smith proves my point about people and change. First off love the guy's restaurant and think he is a nice man. But he had tax problems that have been an ongoing issue for most of his terms. But Smith prevailed over a group of candidates that couldn't seem to get out of their own way.
CONCLUSION
The people who are advancing to the General Election contest are seasoned veterans of politics and government. If there were any change agents in Election 2010, I'm not seeing them. Like the old adage goes, "The more things change, the more they stay the same". That said, I congratulate the winners and to the losers, I applaud you for putting yourselves out there. Next to government service in the armed services, a citizen running for office is performing a patriotic duty.
posted by David Yonki @ 12:32 AM
15 comments
15 Comments:
In Luzerne County, the idiots voted for a guy who all but stole taxpayer money via BS per diems and looked past a guy who capped his own mayor's salary and refused a personal car.
OBrien lost because people saw thru him and his message. You fell for his sure fire way to win but others did not. What has he done for Lackawanna County but talk? Youve gotta stay at it awhile not be elected to one office and almost immediately go after another. I wouldnt be surprised if Lacka County turns him out next chance if we can scare up a decent candidate. The guys a campaigner not a public servant whose accomplishments are zero.
To paraphrase Dean Wermer. Fat, Drunk and Stupid is no way to get beyond being Mayor of Wilkes-Barre.
http://www.crackle.com/video/MediaDetails.aspx?id=1619206
Corey's has probably wanted to be in government since he was a kid. The problem is the path he had chosen. Politicians do NOT make it to higher office from the county commissioners position in NEPA. Yonk would know if it has been done, but I am pretty sure it hasn't been done. Corey should have worked as a staffer for Kanjo or Casey and then made a run when a slot opened somewhere.
There is not an elected experience qualification for Congress. Kanjo did not hold elected office prior, Carney did not. Corey has shot himself in the political foot. The smart thing for him to do would be to not seek re-election and get involved in a PAC or fundraising and then make another run later. Even then I am not sure he would be elected again.
It is amazing. We had an election and Kevin Lynn wasn't around to offer his ****ed up insight and it went off without a hitch.
WILK is much improved since his departure. And last I heard Kevin has been relegated to giving his opinion to an intern at the weekender, the advertising rag he so loved to insult.
Thank you to our friends and supporters across the Commonwealth. We appreciate your hard work and dedication. We will never forget your many contributions to our campaign.
As Auditor General, I will continue to fight for Pennsylvania families and taxpayers and to bring fundamental reforms to state government. I look forward to working with all of you in that effort.
Sincerely,
Jack Wagner
@1:19 the per diems were not illegal and Tommy Boy would have taken them as well. As for capping his salary at $80,000 and not taking a city car, but leasing one through his insurance company and using CITY GAS to make it go doesn't sound like a man worried about the people.
Dave: Looking good on WYLN TV with your buddy Tarone. Love their news. Question: is Tarone that animated or is it an act for tv?
"...If there were any change agents in Election 2010, I'm not seeing them."
Let me help prod the memory, David!
Here's a few change agents from the GOP State House races...
Tarah Toohill (116th)
Bill Goldsworthy (120th)
Terrence O'Connor (118th)
Rick Arnold (119th)
Dan Naylor (114th)
...and some plug-ugly Irish guy from the 121st (umm... that'd be me)
James O'Meara, Sr.
Dear Friends,
I want to thank you for your support in this campaign. We knew from the beginning that this would be a difficult climb, given our time frame. But the issues were so great, speaking to the needs of real people in need of real jobs, better schools, lower taxes and streets safe from illegal gun trafficking, that it was worth the effort.
I'm proudest of the fact that Pennsylvanians from across this great Commonwealth came out, listened, and helped us carry this message forward. While we didn't get enough votes in this race, we know we helped impact the dialogue, and that's a win for everyone in this state.
I want to congratulate Dan Onorato on his victory. The four candidates in this race probably debated more times in the last 60 days than any in recent memory. Pennsylvanians heard a rigorous examination of the issues - something that rarely happens in modern day politics.
I remain committed to serving the people of this state and will continue to fight for their cause. There is much left to do.
With the greatest respect,
Anthony Williams
Jimmy has left a new comment on your post "The LuLac Edition #1186, May 19th, 2010":
"...If there were any change agents in Election 2010, I'm not seeing them."
Let me help prod the memory, David!
Here's a few change agents from the GOP State House races...
Tarah Toohill (116th)
Bill Goldsworthy (120th)
Terrence O'Connor (118th)
Rick Arnold (119th)
Dan Naylor (114th)
...and some plug-ugly Irish guy from the 121st (umm... that'd be me)
James O'Meara, Sr.
...and there's only one 'l' in Toohil (Sorry Tarah!). (Guess I had one too many victory diet sodas last night...)
James O'Meara, Sr.
Dave: You did look good on WYLN and great analysis as usual. By the way, with your Buddy Tarone, I heard him filling in recently on WILK and he sounded great. I thought we’d get to hear him on a regular basis, but nothing since. Any idea what’s goin on? I used to listen to him years ago doing talk on a Hazleton station and he was very good. Probably better than anybody on WILK right now. Though I like him on TV too. How come you guys are such good friends. He’s right of center and you’re left of center.
Anon 7:12 You're right, Yuddi taking the per diems were not illegal BUT...... there is a rule I Harrisburg that if you live within a certain radius of Harrisburg, you are not entitled to per diem. So what about the spirit of the law? Does having your own house right in Harrisburg entitle you to a per diem based on hotel rates? Wasn't it a bit of a slim move to call for per diem reform after you're caught and calling for reform knowing that it will not come close to passing? Wouldn't it have been the honorable thing to take less of a per diem and lead the way to reform by example? He brags about not taking the pay raise (which he does take) so why didn't he just not take the per diem if he wants to do away with it? Will he take a $600+ per month car allowance or will he do the honorable thing? Throw all the stones at Leighton that you want but he was entitled to a car for personal use and did not take it. He voluntarily capped his own salary and he didn't have to. It must really bust your balls that he took on the unions that half the people on these bloggers complain about. He could have taken the easy way out and been a hero to the unions but he did the right thing, not the political thing. The people lost a great opportunity to actually begin Harrisburg reform but many chose to stay home and do nothing and others chose to stay with the same old some old. Too bad for us. Valley with a heart but no brain.
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