The LuLac Edition #5, 816, November 5th, 2026

 

RANDOM ELECTION 2026 THOUGHTS

WHEN YOU KICK SOMEBODY AROUND ALL THE TME…

THEY KICK BACK

The polling and the pundits missed one elementary thought. In addition to being betrayed by the lies and the rich getting richer, Americans were sick and tired of being taken for granted. Kicked around. In 2024 Trump painted such a gloomy picture of the Biden administration that the decent President’s character was assassinated by the Trump hate and the American impatience. Trump promised that on Day 1 that he was going to end a war, not start one, and bring high prices down. He got a grace period for at least a year. But he threw in those faces his ball room, his jewel plated office, the reckless spending on renovations, the money being spent on projects that did not bring inflation down. He never talked to them with empathy. The war in Iran which he has not ended added major pain for gas and goods.   Despite Democrats having a lower approval rating, America took a chance on an almost entire slate of Democrats.

THE HISPANIC VOTE

The Hispanic community went for  Trump in 2024. But when they saw the ugliness and their OWN people being abused, it became a reality that the immigration thugs were not going after the 7% already in prison but after people who looked different. It became a realization that this President didn’t care. The Hispanic vote is the most pliable one in the country because unlike poor white MAGAs, they saw the writing on the wall and voted for their own interest.

THE INDEPENDENTS

Make no mistake about it, the Dems could not have done this without the independent vote.  This group had a major say in why red states went blue. A contributing factor of course was that many Republicans stayed home. But the thinking independents were just as angry, even more so than the blues. That recipe was made for an incredible takeover.

THE UNSELFISH SHAPIRO

Josh Shapiro did something no other Governor in the state did for a long time. Not worrying about his voting percentage, he traveled the state to buttress candidates in red districts. While his coattails did not extend to the 117^th, 119^th and 120^th district, his hard work gave us a Democratic Senate for the first time since 1994. This will enable the Democratic administration to do things like raise the minimum wage, getting a plan for medical/recreational marijuana and do other things that were blocked by a resistant Senate. Plus, the years of a late budget deadline being missed will be over.

WHO’S TO BLAME FOR THE LEGISLATIVE LOSSES IN THE LU?

Not the candidates in the 117^th, 119^th and 120^th. Benscoter, McGary and Leard were not defeated by themselves, their campaigns or their energy. If the Democratic Legislative arm of the State party had only give them more funding, they might have pulled it through. The margins were very close and with some infusion of added cash, you might have seen a different outcome. The Democrats here always shoot themselves in the foot, even on a nationwide basis. Imagine if they added more money in Florida.

But getting back to the local races, one has to wonder why some money wasn’t given to these worthy candidates who had credentials. AND WITH MONEY……….A CHANCE.

THE 120^TH RACE

Fern Leard was viciously attacked by Brenda Pugh who was on the ropes. Apparently, there are Republicans in that district not happy with her. Her campaign spread lies about Leard pulling out the MAGA bullshit about her left leaning views, accusations of Communism, getting their nose out of joint when Leard allegedly made a wisecrack and attacking her campaign manager who is in recovery from drug abuse and sober for decades. Yet the Pugh campaign via Walter Grifith brought up legal things about her past. Quite rich since Walter got jammed up for wiretapping. Pugh’s campaign was desperate, mean and below the standards of the norm. But there are disciples of Trump and follow his lead.

 

WHERE DO THE DEMOCRATS GO FROM HERE?

The Congress has to stay united in an agenda. A few leadership changes might be in order. When they get sworn into Congress on day 1 they need to have a plan.

a.  Codify things that the Trump administration and that twerp Johnson took away.  Women’s choice is one thing.

b.  Get out of the Iran war as soon as possible and get aid to Ukraine to protect that country.

c.  Hold hearings regarding corruption at the federal level. If someone ignores a subpoena, ARREST THEM ON THE SPOT.

d.   Pass legislation that requires companies to have price guidelines.

e.  Work out an agricultural program for farmers.

f.    Ban inside trading and if a member has stocks, put them in a blind trust.

g.  After a bill is passed, promote the hell out of it.

h.  Don’t trust Trump. At all. He needs to be made irrelevant.

i.     Build a bridge with GOP members who can’t stand Trump.

j.     Reorganize ICE and put sane guidelines in place.

k.  Work out an immigration plan that will be FAIR.

l.     Expand the Supreme Court.  That needs fixing.

m.                Impeach Pete Hedgfeith. This will be the only way to restore the military to its former self.

n.  Finally in terms of impeaching Trump, DO IT NOW. There are plenty f Republicans who lost their seat BECAUSE OF HIM.  But after that, let him implode on his own.

HATEFUL SOCIAL MEDIA

This campaign brought out the worst in social media. I am convinced that this country is full of ignorant, hateful keyboard thugs that are ingrate delusional mean-spirited people who should go away.

 

THE 8^th, 9^th and 10^th

 Paige Cognetti ran a great campaign and was the perfect candidate to oppose Rob Bresnehan. She had a record to run on and did well in the debate. That stated, Bresnehan in any other year with a normal President might have breezed in. The hard work done by his district and he and his wife was hampered by the albatross around his neck which was the Trump comedy of errors and incompetence. He has a future.

In the 9^th, Dan Meuser’s prediction of “the farmers are going to vote for me anyway” came true. Rachel Walace ran a hell of a campaign but Meuser prevailed. I’ve been tough on Dan but my advice to him is to run for Minority Leader.

The 10^th made me very happy. Scott Perry, who was part of the insurrection, begged for a pardon, violated his oath as a soldier and lawmakers deserved to get beat.

MAGA REPUBLICANS

You had you say, now get the fuck out of the way.

THE DELUSIONAL DON

Trump said that if he was on the ballot, the GOP would have won. It’s time and here’s the theme song for him.

  

BRESNAHAN PUSHES FOR PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM IN CONGRESS

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) announced that he cosponsored several pieces of legislation targeted at improving accountability from insurance companies and protect patients from unnecessary delays in care.

“Insurance companies have a responsibility to manage healthcare costs, but that should never mean putting profits ahead of patients,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Families pay their premiums every month and shouldn’t have to fight with an insurance company to get the care their doctor says they need. We need reforms that cut red tape, hold insurance companies accountable, and make sure medical decisions are driven by doctors and patients, not the bottom line.”

Prior authorization is intended to help insurers manage costs and ensure certain treatments meet coverage requirements, but the process has led to significant administrative and access challenges. In a 2024 American Medical Association survey, 94% of physicians said prior authorization delays access to necessary care, while physicians reporting spending an average of 12 hours per week completing prior authorization requests. Additionally, a 2022 HHS Office of Inspector General review found that 13% of sampled Medicare Advantage prior authorization denials met Medicare coverage rules, meaning those services likely would have been approved under traditional Medicare.

“Insurance companies operate in a multibillion-dollar market, but patients are not dollar signs,” continued Rep. Bresnahan. “Doctors should not have to spend hours fighting with insurers over treatments they have already determined are medically necessary. We can protect taxpayer and premium dollars without letting insurance companies put profits ahead of care. Prior authorization reform is about putting patients first and giving doctors the ability to do their jobs.”

To combat the delays in necessary care, contributions to patients abandoning recommended treatment, and added time from doctors and their staff, Rep. Bresnahan cosponsored:

H.R. 3514, Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, which establishes requirements for prior authorization in Medicare Advantage, including electronic prior authorization, faster decision timelines, transparency requirements, and greater accountability for MA plans.

H.R. 2433, Reducing Medically Unnecessary Delays in Care Act of 2025, which establishes stricter federal standards for prior authorization decisions made by Medicare contractors and private Medicare plans. This bill mandates that coverage denials must be based on clear, evidence-based clinical criteria developed with input from practicing physicians. Furthermore, it requires plans to post their authorization rules online, provide advance notice of changes, and publicly report approval and denial statistics. Finally, all final denials of care must be reviewed and issued by a qualified, board-certified physician.

H.R. 9396, Prior Authorization Accountability Act, which requires insurers that use prior authorization to publicly disclose approval and denial rates, appeal volumes and outcomes, average and median decision times, and the percentage of decisions made using AI or other specified technology.

H.R. 9734, Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act, which establishes requirements for the use of artificial intelligence in prior authorization denials by Medicare Advantage organizations.

H.R. 9192, Prior Authorization Reform for Autoimmune and Blood Disorders Act, which addresses insurance coverage and prior authorization barriers involving drugs for autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders.

 

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION INVESTS $2 MILLION IN RESEARCH AND MARKETING TO GROW PENNSYLVANIA'S WINE INDUSTRY

Pa Secretary Russell Redding announces $2 million in investments to increase sales, production, and quality of Pennsylvania wines, at Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford, PA on October 23, 2026.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that the Shapiro Administration has invested $2 million in Wine Marketing and Research Grants to increase sales, production, and quality of Pennsylvania wines. He made the announcement in celebration of Wine Month from Penns Woods Winery, a PA Preferred® member, and the first Pennsylvania winery nominated for American Winery of the Year in the 2026 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.

"As America's 250th year celebrations continue, we're honoring William Penn, who planted the seeds of Pennsylvania's wine industry, and what better place to celebrate than at Penns Woods where his legacy continues," said Secretary Redding. "Pennsylvania's wine industry has grown from transplanted vines in a colonial-era Philadelphia park to the fourth-ranking wine producer in America. Shapiro Administration investments in research and promotion, business planning, infrastructure, and tourism are keeping that success growing."

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA FM  

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

November 1988

Bush Vs. Dukakis

Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 8, 1988. The Republican ticket of incumbent vice president George H. W. Bush and Indiana junior senator Dan Quayle defeated the Democratic ticket of Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis and Texas senior senator Lloyd Bentsen. The election was the third consecutive landslide victory for the Republican Party.

Incumbent President Ronald Reagan was ineligible to run for a third term due to the term limits established by the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution. As a result, it was the first election since 1968 to lack an incumbent president on the ballot. Bush entered the Republican primaries as the front-runner, defeating Kansas senator Bob Dole and televangelist Pat Robertson. He selected Indiana senator Dan Quayle as his running mate. Dukakis, campaigning on his state's record of strong economic growth, won the Democratic primaries after Gary Hart (a prominent "Atari Democrat" representing the party's moderate wing) withdrew and Ted Kennedy (representing the party's traditional liberal wing) declined to run. Dukakis selected Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen as his running mate.

Bush ran an aggressive campaign that concentrated mainly on the strong economy, reduction in crime, and continuance with Reagan's policies. He attacked Dukakis as an elitist "Massachusetts liberal" and soft-on-crime, to which Dukakis ineffectively responded. Despite Dukakis initially leading in the polls, Bush pulled ahead after the Republican National Convention and extended his lead after two strong debate performances. Bush won a decisive victory over Dukakis, winning the Electoral College and the popular vote by sizable margins. Bush is the only sitting vice president to be elected president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. Despite his loss, Dukakis flipped nine states that had voted Republican in 1984: Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Voters 44 years of age or younger (born in 1944 or later) were estimated by the exit poll to comprise 55% of the electorate. As such, Baby boomers and Generation X constituted the majority of the voting public.

As of 2026, this remains the most recent election in which a candidate won over 400 electoral votes, as well as 40 or more states. It is also the most recent open seat election in which the outgoing president's party retained the White House, and the most recent time in which a party won the presidency for a third consecutive term.As of 2026, this is the earliest election in which at least one of the major party nominees for president (Dukakis) or vice president (Quayle) is still alive.

While Bush had long been seen as Reagan's natural successor, there was still a degree of opposition within the party to his candidacy. Historical precedent was not seen to favor Bush's chances, as no incumbent vice president had been elected as president since Martin Van Buren in 1836. Dole attracted support among those who were concerned that Bush, whose electoral experience outside of his campaigns with Reagan was limited to running unsuccessfully for the Senate and twice successfully for the House of Representatives in the 1960s, had not done enough to establish himself as a candidate in his own right. Others who wished to further continue the shift towards social conservatism that had begun during Reagan's presidency supported Robertson.[citation needed]

Bush unexpectedly came in third in the Iowa caucus, which he had won in 1980, behind Dole and Robertson. Dole was also leading in the polls of the New Hampshire primary, and the Bush camp responded by running television commercials portraying Dole as a tax raiser, while Governor John H. Sununu campaigned for Bush. Dole did nothing to counter these ads and Bush won, thereby gaining crucial momentum, which he called "Big Mo". Once the multiple-state primaries such as Super Tuesday began, Bush's organizational strength and fundraising lead were impossible for the other candidates to match, and the nomination was his. The Republican Party convention was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Bush was nominated unanimously and selected U.S. senator Dan Quayle from Indiana as his running mate. In his acceptance speech, Bush made the pledge "Read my lips: No new taxes", which contributed to his loss in 1992 and the number one song in LuLac land and America was “ “Kokomo”  by The Beach Boys.

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 815, November 4th, 2026

 

WRITE ON

WEDNESDAY

Our “Write on Wednesday” logo

I hate Halloween. I neve got into the thrill of disguising myself as something  or someone who I was not or would never be. As a youth my parents bought me a Captain Kangaroo consume that I abhorred. In the 4^th grade, I said to my mom, “No more Haloweening”. She said, “But you’ll get no candy” and I said, “I’ll buy my own candy”.

When I was working for a pagan travel company (they even worked on Christmas) we were told we had to wear a costume or else we’d get docked. So I threw on my tux and hug a sign around my neck which read, “I AM SO SORRY”.

I won the blasted contest.

But when I came across this article, well that changed my mind a tad. This WOW features someone who dressed up as an inspiration to young minds. That’s this week’s Write on Wednesday”.

 

WHY I DRESSED UP AS

GLORIA STEINEM FOR

 A HALLOWEEN PARTY

I’m not sure why it took Gloria Steinem’s death for me to really delve into her life. I knew she was a leader of second-wave feminism in the 1960s and a journalist, but I didn’t know much more than that. I was born in 1977, about three years after the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 made it illegal for creditors to discriminate against applicants on the basis of sex or marital status. This allowed women in the United States the right to get credit cards and loans in their own names without a male co-signer. 

When I got my first credit card at 18, my mom told me she was almost 30 when she was given the same right.

Steinem’s death got me thinking a lot about my mom, who died in 2007 at 61 years old. Steinem was more than 10 years older than her, so my mom definitely witnessed her activism. I’d love to ask her what she thought of Steinem. Something tells me she would say mostly good things. Although my mom gave the impression that she was reserved, maybe even conservative, she was a feminist at heart, always encouraging my independent choices — choices she didn’t necessarily have.

When I started playing basketball as a kid, my mom told me she really liked playing basketball, too, but, in her time, girls were allowed to play only half court. When I got my first job as an editor at a medical association in Chicago, she told me to always have a plan to make my own money. When I decided to live on my own and then with my now husband, she supported it. When I told her I was keeping my maiden name after getting married, she said she wasn’t surprised. When I told her I was expecting my first child, a few months before she died, she told me to keep writing while being a mom.

If my mom knew I was being Steinem for Halloween, I bet she’d say, “Go for it.” In fact, this was the sentiment my mother-in-law expressed when I told her. “You’ll make a great Gloria” were her exact words, and then she emphasized I must wear aviator glasses over my hair like Steinem’s signature look.

Since Steinem’s Sept. 2 death, I’ve subscribed to Ms. Magazine, read articles about her, listened to many of her speeches and interviews and watched the documentaries “Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print” and “Gloria: In Her Own Words,” as well as the Netflix interview, “Famous Last Words: Gloria Steinem.” I also read her final memoir, “An Unexpected Life,” which was published 20 days after she passed away.

So many moments in Steinem’s life are worthy of remembering, but what struck me most was her breakout moment in 1963 when she went undercover as a Playboy Bunny waitress at Hugh Hefner’s New York City club. Show magazine published her article “A Bunny’s Tale,” in which she exposed the poor working conditions and underpayment of the women working as bunnies. She also called out a mandatory gynecological exam that the waitresses had to undergo. The story caused tension between her and Hefner. However, he did send a letter to Steinem noting he eliminated the preemployment physical exams, and he eased up on some financial penalties for mistakes made by the bunnies.

Learning all of this inspired me to be Steinem for Halloween. I wanted to celebrate Steinem and introduce her to people who might not know her story. But dressing as her also gave me a way to connect with the generation of women my mother and mother-in-law grew up with.

I was happy when my husband agreed to be Hefner. We met at a Halloween party in 2000 at the former Southport Lanes in Lakeview. Since then, we embrace dressing up together. I decided to emulate the iconic 1970s look Steinem wore to a rally for a female state Senate candidate, and my husband wore recognizable Hefner robe attire. I knew people at the party we attended would know who he was, but I figured I’d have to explain who I was. Like me, many of my peers had heard of Steinem but didn’t know much about her.

Bringing up Steinem led to some interesting conversations. When I ran into someone dressed as Dolly Parton at the party, I thought of a recent episode of “The Daily” that explored the different ways Parton and Steinem championed female empowerment and independence.

I left the party thinking about how important it is to recognize the women of previous generations who helped make life easier and fairer for women today. I felt a strong urge to introduce my 16-year-old daughter and 19-year-old son to these women. Delving into Steinem’s life also made me realize how much we can learn from older generations if we take the time to ask about their lives while they’re still here. I hope to instill that appreciation in my children.

Although my children no longer can ask my mom and dad about their lives, they still have the opportunity to learn from their living grandparents and great aunts and uncles.

 

Cathy Cassata is a freelance writer who specializes in stories about health, mental health, medical news and inspirational people.

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