The LuLac Edition #3859, August 21st, 2018

LU LAC GOP COMES OUT IN FORCE FOR CHRIN

Despite some unexpected drama this week in The Lu, Republicans in Luzerne and Lackawanna County attended a fundraiser for 8th District Congressman John Chrin. Luminaries and regular folks (225 by my count)  from both counties were there expressing support for the newcomer who is attempting to unseat Congressman Matt Cartwright.
It was pointed out by State Representative Aaron Kaufer (introduced by Senator Lisa Baker) who was the MC for the evening that despite the Supreme Court redistricting decision, this district picked up GOP voters. It seems at least to me is that the strategy is to go after areas that trend Democratic and try to chip away a high total for the Dem in the fall.
Chrin has practically lived in Luzerne County and has also been a constant presence in The Lac. Jeez he might even be doing door to door in Glanmaura for all we know.
Chrin addressed an issue that was brought up about still owning a home in Jersey. He told the crowd that his daughter is in her senior year and he doesn’t want to disrupt her last year in school. Makes sense. I worked with a Sales Manager who uprooted his daughter from the West Coast to come HERE. In her Senior Year. Not a good year for dad and daughter especially after the corporate bozos demoted the guy 8 months later, After seeing that,  I see any father’s point after that debacle.
But I digress. The crowd was enthusiastic, raucous in good humor and energized. 

The Fighting 120th was out in full force and they have been driving the effort in Luzerne County. In the Lac, Lance Stange has gotten his troops in line.
The Republican party might be reeling nationally. But in this state and in this county, especially after Trump in ’16, you don’t even have to offer a reasonable alternative to get someone out of office anymore. A few snippets from people in the deli line.
On Barletta and Casey.
“Don’t like Barletta because he licks Trump’s boots but Casey has been in there too long!” Never mind the fact that Casey is only a two term Senator. 
On Chren and Cartwright.
“I don’t care what the President does, I hate him but Cartwright likes Pelosi. She took Ryan’s place, right?”
Two small examples of voters that might not be too educated about politics. But voters who are diehards like the ones I saw last night, and can articulate the reasons why pose a real challenge in this new political time.
On the way home against my better judgement, I tuned in to the late L.A. Tarone’s replacement on WILK. As usual he was reading text messages. I’m glad I didn’t turn him off because after the Manefort conviction, he read four messages in a row for Trump.
This off year election is going to be the test of the “new political order” that has changed Luzerne and Lackawanna County. I’m reminded of lyrics in a song by Lou Rawls which were
"You know, there was a time when, if someone told you to
Do somethin, you did it. Bam! Right on! No questions asked.
It was Yes, sir and Yes, mam. You never said no. You know? Huh.
But, you know, things are changing nowadays. It's a new day,
Babies. Folks want to take their own lives into their hands and
Make their own choices. No longer do they wanna go along with
The program cause everybody say it's right. You know what I mean?
The team are gearing up for ’18 and last night was a notice by the LuLac GOP that they are real and ready. 

John Chrin gave the crowd a short but concise speech. GOP County Commissioner Laureen Cummings is in the audience. She was one of 225 who attended. 

Greg Wolovich and Sue Henry also stopped by. Frank Scavo a candidate for Senate in the 22nd was also on hand along with Justin Behrens who is running in the 119th. 

Front and center at the age of 93 was political icon Pat Solano. You see Bill Lewis there in the background.