The LuLac Edition #4, 932, March 14th 2023

LULAC LEADERS MOVING AWAY FROM TRUMP

Trump, Barletta and Marino (Photo: The Daily Item)

Last week former Congressman Lou Barletta and Tom Marino put a join post on Facebook regarding the 2024 Presidential race. The duo had been two of the earliest and potent supporters of Donald Trump in his 2016 race for President. Their early support gave Trump a leap frog lead in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. At the time both were multiple serving Congressmen who used their political clout to make the case for Trump when his success was not guaranteed. In 2020 both stood by Trump again. With this backdrop, you’d think for 2024 both me would be in the former President’s corner.

However it appears that the third time will not be the charm. Both men apparently threw their support to Florida Governor Rick DeSantis. Here’s what they wrote at 9am on March 10th:

More than ever our country needs strong leadership, someone that gets things done & isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. So Tom Marino & I are calling on our former colleague Ron DeSantis to run for president in 2024. Come on Ron, your country needs you! #NeverBackDown.

This is significant. Both of these staunch supporters of the former President have decided to move on. This is a chink in the MAGA armor. Both men were/are political realists. Unlike the Trump-ites who will follow him to the depth of hell, Barletta and Marino can read the tea leaves. Plus, they have nothing to lose or fear retribution.  Both were screwed by their association with Trump. Barletta was left high and dry in terms of fundraising by Trump in his 2018 Senate run against Bob Casey. Then four years late when Barletta had statewide recognition, a track record to run on and the opportunity to reclaim the Governor’s mansion (or make it a close race) Trump picks Doug Mastriano, a little known crazy as a shithouse rat State Senator to endorse. Marino was passed over as a drug czar in his effort to help the administration. I guess they felt a former DA wasn’t qualified to fight drug lords.

At any rate both Barletta and Marino have moved on and are asking a significant amount of their supporters to do likewise.  Loyalty is a two way street and Barletta and Marino certainly get their end of the bargain. Trump of course had no clue as to what appreciation meant.