The LuLac Edition #5, 276, March 20th, 2025

 

TRUMP’S HOT FOR HILLARY DISEASE IS NOW A PROBLEM FOR ESTEEMED LAW FIRMS

 

We all know Donald Trump is a sick, pathetic man who sees enemies everywhere. I’ve always maintained that Trump must have the hots for Hillary Clinton because he can’t seem to stop mentioning her name. During the ’16 campaign he seemed to be like the 5^th grade boy being teased by playmates about a girl he liked. Can’t stop thinking about her, jealous of her but yet denies his feelings. Now that misfunction has been transferred to the lawyers that represented her campaign.

Newsweek reports that on March 6, Trump canceled federal clearance for Perkins Coie law firm employees and ordered federal agencies to cancel contracts with the firm. The effects of the security clearance suspension and whether the firms' lawyers will be allowed to enter federal buildings are unknown. The suspension may be purely symbolic.

Newsweek reached out to Perkins Coie law firm and Attorney General Pam Bondi via email for comment.

Trump's order cited the law firm's links to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The dishonest and dangerous activity of the law firm Perkins Coie LLP ('Perkins Coie') has affected this country for decades. Notably, in 2016 while representing failed Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS, which then manufactured a false 'dossier' designed to steal an election," the executive order said.

President Donald Trump has suspended the security clearances for a firm that worked for his 2016 election rival, Hillary Clinton.

Trump has repeatedly blocked security clearances for lawyers who worked for his perceived enemies.

In October 2024, two weeks before the presidential election, NPR catalogued over 100 threats of revenge Trump had made to his political rivals in the two previous years.

In June 2023, for example, he told supporters in New Jersey: "I will appoint a real special prosecutor to go after the most corrupt president in the history of the United States of America, Joe Biden and the entire Biden crime family and all others involved with the destruction of our elections, our borders, and our country itself."

On March 6, Trump canceled federal clearance for Perkins Coie law firm employees and ordered federal agencies to cancel contracts with the firm. The effects of the security clearance suspension and whether the firms' lawyers will be allowed to enter federal buildings are unknown. The suspension may be purely symbolic.

Trump's order cited the law firm's links to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The dishonest and dangerous activity of the law firm Perkins Coie LLP ('Perkins Coie') has affected this country for decades. Notably, in 2016 while representing failed Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Perkins Coie hired Fusion GPS, which then manufactured a false 'dossier' designed to steal an election," the executive order said.

"This egregious activity is part of a pattern. Perkins Coie has worked with activist donors including George Soros to judicially overturn popular, necessary, and democratically enacted election laws, including those requiring voter identification.

"In one such case, a court was forced to sanction Perkins Coie attorneys for an unethical lack of candor before the court," the order claims.

Perkins Coie racially discriminates against its own attorneys and staff, and against applicants," the order said. "Perkins Coie publicly announced percentage quotas in 2019 for hiring and promotion on the basis of race and other categories prohibited by civil rights laws," states.

In February, Trump signed an executive order targeting another law firm that assisted special counsel Jack Smith.

Smith had taken two cases against Trump, one for alleged illegal interference in the 2020 election and one for allegedly hoarding presidential records in Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Both cases were dropped when Trump was elected president.=

On February 25, Trump signed a memo suspending the federal building security clearances of employees at the Covington & Burling law firm in Washington, D.C.

Trump’s sickness is real. He is now making it uncomfortable for lawyers and their firms who take a case to maybe think twice about taking it to court if I involve him. What this boils down to is intimidation of the justice system. I mean this grievance of this man child is 9 YEARS OLD. Hillary Clinton is in retirement with grandchildren and rarely even thinks of that campaign. The ;lawyers who worked the case have gone on to other things. But once more  this guy is using Presidential power to settle scores, even ones in his imagination.

This is bad.

Punishing lawyers who take on politically disfavored clients threatens to make legal representation far less accessible for his opponents.

Yet this assault on the practice of law has met with a shocking silence from US major law firms. Many have attributed this silence to cowardice and fear of losing money, but the truth is likely both more complicated and more frightening.

Lawyers have long recognized a responsibility to represent unpopular clients, even in the face of significant risk. When President John Adams famously defended the British soldiers charged in the Boston Massacre trial, he wrote that his wife Abigail would, each night, “burst into a flood of Tears, … sensible of all the Danger to her and to our Children as well as to me.”

The American Civil Liberties Union defended the Nazi Party’s right to march through Skokie, Ill., even while its office was attacked by the Jewish Defense League and the lead lawyer on the case was forced to temporarily relocate his family. And lawyers challenging segregation during the Civil Rights Movement faced house bombings and death threats.

Lawyers take pride in standing up to these attacks. Adams, for instance, described his work on the Boston Massacre trial as “one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested actions of my whole Life, and one of the best pieces of service I ever rendered my country.”

Trump’s executive orders attacking Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss represent an equally if not more serious assault on the legal profession than these historical threats of mob violence. He’s using the power of the federal government to target these firms explicitly because they once represented clients and causes he doesn’t like.

The executive orders inflict shockingly broad punishment for representing Trump’s political adversaries. They threaten to prevent any company with a federal contract from hiring the firms and two of them bar any firm attorney from accessing a federal government building, including, potentially, the federal courts.

Instead of supporting the targeted firms, however, their peers have left them isolated. Numerous Big Law partners and associates have posted statements on social media supporting Covington, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss. But the law firms themselves have been stunningly silent; to our knowledge, not a single firm has publicly issued a statement of solidarity.

This silence continues in the face of growing criticism of Big Law inaction. Given the number of millionaires at major law firms, it’s easy to see why some attribute this silence to cowardice and greed. The reality is likely more complicated—and more troubling.

Will they, for instance, refuse to take on cases challenging his administration’s policies or defending his political adversaries?

Given the role that the biggest firms have played in taking on high-profile cases adverse to presidential administrations of all political persuasions, the idea that these firms would simply roll over is a chilling thought.

It’s hard to believe this silence will last. As Trump becomes more confident and attacks more law firms, it will become clear that silence isn’t an option and that firms must band together to defend the profession.

Trump wants to attack the law firms, threaten their ability to make money and deny representation to American citizens who want representation. He is neither Judge nor jury but thinks he is. Trump’s actions against these law firms is a perversion of justice. Not to sound too alarmist about this matter, but it smacks of Germany in the 1930 where German barrister’s hands were tied by the edicts of ‘Dolph himself. The complicity of silence has to stop. (Newsweek, Loyola university Marymount, LuLac)

 

THE MISSING McCORMICK

That appears to be a rant that has not stopped regarding our new so called Senator Dave McCormick. What startles me more than anything else is why after spending millions of dollars of his own money and the MAGA backs, has this guy not showed up in his state offices? I know the commute from Connecticut and be a bear but really? I guess when you have sooooooooooooooooooo much money, you can treat a Senate seat like a new toy. Maybe a cabin cruiser, a fleet of cars, “two, treee houses” or buying a baseball team? But all those things others only dream of ARE NOT SENATE SEATS THAT REPRESENT AN ENTIRE STATE OF 13 million people!

The Scranton branch of Action Together gave McCormick “what for” in droves the other day. WVIA FM reports that Constituents from around the region asked a stuffed chicken questions about major social issues outside U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick's Scranton office Monday afternoon.

The plush yellow toy was a stand-in for the Republican senator and his staff, who demonstrators say have not been answering the phones at McCormick's offices around Pennsylvania.

“Does that seem okay to everybody?” asked Jessica Brittain, Action Together NEPA's communications director.

"No!" the crowd of over 100 shouted back.

Action Together NEPA, a progressive nonprofit, brought the chicken during a mock town hall along Lackawanna Avenue.

People lining the sidewalk asked if the Republican senator will support Social Security and people with disabilities, how he plans to address taxing millionaires and billionaires, and if he supports cutting jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.

"You're a constituent, you're a constituent, you're a constituent, you're a constituent, you're all his constituents,” Brittain said. “So, it's really important to be asking those questions.”

McCormick’s office reported that the Missing McCormick was in his Allentown office this week. But as much as I love A-town, it is not Scranton or LuLac land. Allentown to Scranton is 77 miles away but to “Missing McCormick” it might as well be 600 miles.

HADDOCK ON TOP OF HEALTH CARE FOR PENNSYLVANIANS

 

Representative Jim Haddock (Photo: LuLac archives)

 In a pivotal moment for health insurance reform, the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee, chaired by state Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, reported out of committee four significant bills that safeguard health insurance in Pennsylvania in the event the federal government repeals protections of the Affordable Care Act.

House Bill 404, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, would allow parents to keep adult children on their health insurance plans until they turn 26. Before the Affordable Care Act became law, many kids turned 18 and were dropped from their parent’s insurance plan. Losing health insurance coverage led to many young health individuals leaving the health insurance market entirely. Because of the lack of healthy individuals to balance out the high-need policyholders, insurance premiums became unaffordable for many young people.

“Ensuring young Pennsylvanians can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until 26 will provide them with stability and peace of mind should the Republican Congressional majority repeal the Affordable Care Act,” Pashinski said. “That stability means they can begin pursuing their careers and building their lives without worrying about having the insurance needed to stay healthy and help in an emergency at a critical time in their lives.”

House Bill 618, sponsored by Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, would prohibit health insurers from denying or excluding coverage for preexisting conditions. This critical measure would protect individuals from being denied health insurance or facing higher premiums due to their medical history, ensuring that everyone has access to health care.

“Before the federal ACA became law, it was common for people with things like cancer or heart conditions to be denied health insurance coverage because of having a pre-existing condition. These exclusions meant that many Pennsylvanians could not access essential medical care without unnecessary burdens on their finances and health,” Haddock said. “We don’t want to go back to those policies of the past, so we need to give people peace of mind that their insurance coverage will continue, no matter what happens at the federal level.”

House Bill 535, sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, would prohibit health insurance policies from establishing annual or lifetime dollar limits on essential health care, such as emergency care, maternity and newborn care, and mental health services. By removing these caps, the legislation would ensure that Pennsylvanians will have comprehensive and uninterrupted coverage for essential health services.

“With Republicans in Washington taking a chainsaw to the social safety net, we need to move fast to protect Pennsylvanians’ health care,” said Frankel, majority chair of the House Health Committee. “This package makes sure the quality coverage our residents have counted on since the ACA became law isn’t going anywhere.”

House Bill 755, sponsored by Warren, would protect access to preventive health care. A case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court could end access to such preventive health care as cancer screenings for millions of Americans. This legislation would make sure Pennsylvanians can continue to access preventive health care without having to pay an expensive co-pay, co-insurance or deductible.

Warren expressed his enthusiasm about the passage of these bills, stating, “These bills show that Pennsylvania lawmakers are committed to making sure that health insurance works for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of what happens in Washington, D.C

The proposals now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

 

 

BRESNAHAN ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE LOCATIONS

Congressman Rob Bresnehan (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced four office locations in Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District. The four offices, located in Forty Fort, Scranton, Hazleton, and Scotrun, will be open Monday – Friday to serve constituents.

“It is important that our team is accessible to those who need assistance with the federal government, and I am proud to announce four separate offices that will be open daily for constituents who need our help,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Navigating federal agencies can be complex and frustrating, and it is our responsibility to provide guidance, cut through red tape, and help individuals and families receive the services they deserve.”

All four district offices are open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM. Constituent services include but are not limited to:

1.      Casework (assistance with federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security, the Department of State, USPS, etc.)

2.      Identifying federal government resources

3.      Letters of support for federal grant applications

4.      Commemorations and Recognitions

5.      U.S. Service Academy Nominations

6.      Assisting with visits to Washington, D.C.

The four district offices are located in Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Monroe Counties, but all offices are open to constituents from any county, including Pike and Wayne Counties. In addition, Rep. Bresnahan will have office hours by appointment at locations in Pike and Wayne Counties, and he will have a mobile office that will bring these services directly to constituents across PA-08. More information about the mobile office will be announced at a later date.

The locations and phone numbers of the permanent offices are as follows:

 

Forty Fort Office

900 Rutter Avenue

Bldg. B, 1st Fl, Suite C, Box 23

Forty Fort, PA 18704

PH: 570-763-6120

 

Scranton Office

116 N. Washington Ave

Suite 101

Scranton, PA 18503

PH: 570-906-6850

 

Hazleton Office

145 E Broad Street

Suite 3

Hazleton, PA 18201

PH: 570-710-6830

 

Scotrun Office

2398 Rt 611

Suite 101

Scotrun, PA 18355

PH: 570-534-6220

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO LAUNCHES BROAD COALITION PUSH FOR COMMONSENSE ENERGY PLAN AND ANNOUNCES NEW MILESTONE IN EFFORTS TO PLUG METHANE-LEAKING ABANDONED WELLS

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

his week, Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted his Administration’s leadership on energy issues in Pennsylvania – creating jobs, lowering energy costs for Pennsylvanians, and securing Pennsylvania’s future as a national energy leader.

At Voith Hydro, one of the world’s largest dedicated hydropower manufacturing facilities, the Governor launched a legislative push for his commonsense energy plan. Legislators are now circulating co-sponsorship memos on each piece of the “Lightning Plan” – which will create jobs, lower costs for consumers, speed up permitting, and protect Pennsylvania from global instability by building more energy generation in the Commonwealth. The Lightning Plan includes a proposal – supported by both Republicans and Democrats in the General Assembly – to update the EDGE Tax Credit, which was established in 2022, but hasn’t been used, leaving billions in potential economic development untapped.

Independent studies(opens in a new tab) confirm that Governor Shapiro’s plan will save Pennsylvanians money on their electricity bills, create energy jobs, and lead to billions in new investment in power plants and energy infrastructure.

Governor Shapiro also announced the Commonwealth has plugged its 300th abandoned well – fixing harmful methane-leaking wells in our communities and creating energy jobs in the process. The Shapiro Administration has surpassed the number of wells plugged in the previous decade in just two years – the latest historic milestone under Governor Shapiro’s leadership to protect public health and create jobs by aggressively plugging these wells all across Western Pennsylvania.

Bipartisan Legislators from the General Assembly, Union Labor, Environmental Advocates, and Industry Leaders Across Pennsylvania All Praised the Governor’s Work on Energy:

“With the efforts of Governor Shapiro, his administration, and DEP, we have been able to get non-producing wells plugged prior to them becoming an environmental concern,” said Bryan Treese, Operations Manager for Penn Mechanical Group. “These feats could not be achieved without a good working relationship.”

“Demand for electricity in the US is growing, and hydro power stands out as one of the most reliable and sustainable renewable energy sources available, not only for generating electricity, but also for storing energy – an often overlooked but essential resource to maintain a stable energy grid,” said Stanley Kocon, President & CEO of Voith Hydro North America. “We wholeheartedly support the Governor’s plan to lower electricity costs and to build and upgrade more power plants to ensure clean, reliable and affordable energy for Pennsylvania's future.”

“We’re long overdue to unite behind a strategy that encourages energy production, lowers costs for energy consumers, creates good paying union jobs that offer family sustaining wages, and at the same time is mindful of the planet that we will leave behind for our kids and our grandkids,” said Jim Enders, President of the Central Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council. “These are common sense goals that we should all be able to agree on. Organized labor is encouraged by the Governor’s leadership on an energy plan that creates thousands of good paying union jobs and puts Pennsylvania energy at the forefront.”

“The Lightning Plan’s impact on communities like York – where manufacturing is not just an industry but a way of life – will be transformative,” said Kevin Schreiber, President & CEO, York County Economic Alliance. “The plan will attract new investments and stimulate job creation by prioritizing sustainable energy production and modernizing tax and other incentives, ensuring that advanced manufacturing remains a cornerstone of local economies. It will also empower manufacturers, such as VOITH HYRDO, to continue to expand operations and lead global energy innovation.”

“It's not just enough for us as a Commonwealth to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure. It's important for us to boost the amount of renewable energy here in the state. It's important for us to realize the benefits to air quality, to water quality, to build those things,” said Patrick McDonnell, President & CEO of PennFuture. “The lightning plan is a real, concrete way for us to reduce energy costs for consumers and to make sure we're putting the people of Pennsylvania to work.”

“As a major energy-producing state, Pennsylvania is in a unique position to lead on sustainable energy sources that can reduce electric costs for families, bring new jobs to our communities, and help secure our right to clean air and pure water,” said Senator Carolyn Comitta. “PACER and the Governor’s “Lightning Plan” are the way forward to cleaner air, better economic opportunities, and consumer savings on electricity bills,” said Comitta, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “I thank Governor Shapiro, Rep. Abney, and our legislative partners and co-sponsors for coming together to prioritize Pennsylvania’s future.”

“PACER is a win-win for the environment and Pennsylvanians,” said Representative Aerion Abney. “The program is a tremendous boost to economies across the state by creating many new jobs in the energy sector and reinvests crucial funds in the protection of our planet’s health for generations to come.”

“The current qualifications for a business to claim the Semiconductor tax credits are unattainable,” said Representative Steve Samuelson. “Not only do they leave out worthy businesses making great strides in manufacturing a key component of our electronic devices, but the credits have gone unused for the past two years. My bill would make the credits more attainable, ultimately achieving the goal of spurring economic development.”

“I have long said that it’s a false premise to say we must choose between creating jobs OR saving our planet,” said Senator Steve Santarsiero. “I applaud Governor Shapiro for leading the way and bringing together the interests of consumers, labor and the environment to find a solution that works for all of us. To that end, I am proud to introduce legislation to create the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, the next generation of alternative energy portfolio standards for the Commonwealth. PRESS will turbocharge energy build-out in Pennsylvania and create a more diverse mix of energy resources focusing on clean, reliable, and affordable energy.”

“Pennsylvania is at a critical juncture. With energy demand skyrocketing, the PJM capacity markets facing unprecedented price spikes, and our state sorely lagging in clean energy investments, it’s imperative that we act now,” said Representative Danielle Otten. "PRESS, as part of Governor Shapiro's Lightning Plan, will help to diversify our energy sources, reduce emissions, build resiliency into our grid, improve reliability, and lower electricity costs for ratepayers, while creating workforce opportunities and securing Pennsylvania's position as a leader in clean, reliable, and affordable energy for the next 20 years."

"I'm proud to partner with Governor Shapiro to introduce the Community Energy bill, which will help farmers, low-income residents, and communities across Pennsylvania cut energy costs by sharing resources,” said Senator Judy Schwank. “Community Energy will support new energy projects and agricultural innovation by allowing farmers, for example, to come together to invest in methane digesters to power their operations instead of relying on electric companies. This is just one exciting component of the Lightning Plan, Pennsylvania's proposed all-of-the-above approach to energy."

“Clean, renewable energy sources, like solar, geothermal and renewable natural gas help to reduce utility costs and lower the output on the electricity grid, but unfortunately many Pennsylvanians do not have the ability to access them,” said Representative Peter Schweyer. “Community Energy will allow people to subscribe to renewable energy programs which saves them money and ease the amount of energy output on the grid. I applaud Gov. Shapiro’s commitment to Community Energy and look forward to getting it passed and signed into law.”

"Pennsylvania has always been a leader in energy innovation, but red tape has held us back from building the next generation of reliable energy projects," said Senator John I. Kane. "I'm thrilled to see Governor Shapiro taking bold action with the Lightning Plan, and I'm proud to be the prime sponsor of the RESET Board, which will be a key part of that vision. This one-stop shop for energy development will get steel in the ground faster, create good jobs, lower costs for consumers, and ensure Pennsylvania remains an energy powerhouse for decades to come."

“If we are serious, really and truly serious, about supercharging energy development in the state to bring costs down for Pennsylvanians and set us up as a dominant energy leader, we must streamline the process,” said Representative Mandy Steele. “Creating a Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board will speed up the entire process, from permitting to reducing red tape, and supporting new energy projects in a big way. I am happy to be able to work with the governor on getting this proposal through the legislative process and become law.”

"Pennsylvania’s energy future requires a balanced approach, one that prioritizes both supply and demand. Act 129 is a needed but outdated initiative,” said Senator Lisa Boscola. When first introduced, the program helped make households more efficient by changing out inefficient appliances. As demand continues to outpace supply, we need to reimagine the tools used to create efficiencies in our homes and businesses. Reforming this program will give homeowners and businesses the incentives they need to reduce their energy bills by making investments in items that will drive down their energy consumption. By driving down demand, the program helps ensure we have the power we need to keep Pennsylvania running. Act 129 reforms are just one component of a strategic energy policy that includes smart investments in energy efficiency, resiliency, and generation."

“I believe that Gov. Shapiro’s lighting plan is a fruitful step forward for the energy industry in Pennsylvania,” said Representative Kyle Donahue. “This plan will create jobs, lower costs for consumers, protect Pennsylvania from global instability by building next generation power, and position the commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come. I look forward to working with Gov. Shapiro and my colleagues in the state House and Senate to support legislation that will enact this plan.”

“As a lifelong resident of Allegheny County, I know how important it is to deliver good, honest union jobs to our working families, regardless of whether they have a college degree,” said Senator Jay Costa. “I also know the importance of keeping costs down wherever possible, so folks can put their hard-earned money where they want it to go, like their kids’ college funds or family vacation. I am proud to be supporting Governor Shapiro on his plans to do both things at once through his Lightning Energy Plan. By unleashing Pennsylvania’s energy potential, Governor Shapiro will create energy jobs, lower energy costs, protect PA’s energy independence, and position our commonwealth as a leader in the nation.”

“I commend Governor Shapiro for this bold, responsible, forward-looking energy plan, and I am happy to be a prime sponsor in the Senate of the EDGE tax credit programs, designed to attract new investments from businesses in critical manufacturing sectors,” said Senator Nick Pisciottano. “I share the Governor’s commitment to affordable, clean, and reliable energy for every family, business, and community in Pennsylvania. This plan will lower electricity costs, which is a top priority for our residents who are facing rising utility bills. We are excited to introduce a plan that strikes a vital balance between meeting the growing energy demands of our state, while also making sure we are protecting our environment for future generations. By focusing on both innovation and practical solutions, we are setting the stage for Pennsylvania to thrive in the energy sector and compete in the global economy.”

“Pennsylvania energy powered the industrial revolution and Pennsylvania energy will power the technological revolutions of the future – if we make the right investments to support the projects that create jobs today and help create jobs for years to come,” said Representative John Inglis. “I’m proud to be the sponsor of the EDGE tax credits in the Lightning package to help fund energy generation and infrastructure upgrades and a brighter future.”

“Pennsylvania is the crossroads of America for roads, rails, and skies,” said Representative Rob Matzie. “Investing in sustainable aviation fuel production with the Lightning plan helps cut emissions, create good-paying jobs, and support innovation in agriculture.”

“Pennsylvania has lost out because the PA EDGE tax credit program was not utilized as envisioned,” said Representative Tom Mehaffie. “We are overdue to re-energize the tax credits and ensure the Commonwealth – and nation – have sources of PA-produced, reliable power for years to come.”

 

MEDIA MATTERS

 

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

March 1989

 

John Tower was the last Cabinet Secretary who was denied entry into the President’s cabinet. That was in 1989 upon the inauguration of George H.W. Bush.

Born in Houston, Texas, he served in the Pacific Theater of World War II. After the war, he worked as a radio announcer and taught at Midwestern University (now Midwestern State University) in Wichita Falls. He switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in the early 1950s and worked on the 1956 presidential campaign of Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

 

 

Tower lost Texas's 1960 Senate election to Democratic Senator Lyndon B. Johnson but performed relatively well compared to his Republican predecessors. With the Democratic victory in the 1960 presidential election, Johnson vacated his Senate seat to become Vice President of the United States. In the 1961 special election, Tower defeated Johnson's appointed successor, Bill Blakley. He won re-election in 1966, 1972, and 1978.

Upon joining the Senate in 1961, Tower became the first Republican Senator to represent a state in the South since 1913. He was the only Southern Republican in the Senate until Strom Thurmond switched parties in 1964. A political conservative earlier in his career, Tower staunchly opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Starting in 1976 with his support of Gerald Ford rather than Ronald Reagan in the 1976 Republican primaries, Tower began to alienate many fellow conservatives. He became less conservative over time, later voicing support for legal abortion and opposing Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative in 1983.

Tower retired from the Senate in 1985. After leaving Congress, he served as chief negotiator of the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks with the Soviet Union and led the Tower Commission. The commission's report was highly critical of the Reagan administration's relations with Iran and the Contras. In 1989, incoming President George H. W. Bush chose Tower as his nominee for United States Secretary of Defense, but his nomination was rejected by the Senate.

In 1989, Tower was President George H. W. Bush's choice to become Secretary of Defense. In a stunning move, particularly since Tower was himself a former Senate colleague, the Senate rejected his nomination. The largest factors were concern about possible conflicts of interest and Tower's personal life, in particular allegations of alcohol abuse and womanizing. The Senate vote was 47–53,and it marked the first time that the Senate had rejected a Cabinet nominee of a newly elected president.

As The New York Times reported in his obituary, "Mr. Tower's repudiation by his former colleagues, who rejected him as Bush's nominee for Secretary of Defense after public allegations of womanizing and heavy drinking, left a bitterness that could not be assuaged. In the normally clubby Senate, Mr. Tower was regarded by some colleagues as a gut fighter who did not suffer fools gladly, and some lawmakers indicated that they were only too pleased to rebuke him."

In response to the alcohol allegations, Tower told The New York Times in 1990: "Have I ever drunk to excess? Yes. Am I alcohol-dependent? No. Have I always been a good boy? Of course not. But I've never done anything disqualifying. That's the point." The FBI background check indicated that Tower was not an alcoholic but had abused alcohol, albeit with much diminished, sporadic consumption beginning in 1983.

After Tower's defeat, he was named chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. Future Vice President Dick Cheney, then a Representative from Wyoming and the House Minority Whip, was later confirmed as Secretary of Defense.

Tower chaired the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Tower died in the 1991 Atlantic Southeast Airlines Flight 2311 crash  and the number one song this week in LuLac land and the United States was “Straight Up”