This Stuff Just Writes Itself...The Continuing Saga of Ethics and The Commissioners

I couldn't write this any better than The Times Herald's Keith Phucus:

COURTHOUSE — Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel, who wants to appeal a recent court decision that invalidated the county’s authority to prohibit employees from political activities, may be surprised to win support from the ban’s chief opponent.

Hoeffel, the leading advocate for the ethics ordinance that he helped author in the 1990s, voted for its approval in April along with commissioner James R. Matthews. Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., who voted against the measure, routinely disparaged the new rules as a political ploy.

The ethics policy prohibited about 120 county employees from politicking during working hours — or on their own time — as long as they held their government jobs; however, District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman and Sheriff John P. Durante filed lawsuits challenging the rules and won.

In October, county Judge William T. Nicholas ruled the measure “invalid” as it applied to any employee under supervision of the DA or sheriff.

At a press conference Tuesday in the county courthouse, Hoeffel said he would urge Matthews and Castor today to go along with an appeal of the decision that he “fundamentally” disagreed with.

“The decision would throw out 150 years of precedent that allow commissioners to set rules for county employees,” he said.

He also expressed fears the ruling could undercut enforcement of employment policy contained in the county’s Employee Handbook.

“I think it goes too far and threatens to imperil the (handbook’s rules),” he said.

Hoeffel, who is a gubernatorial candidate, planned to discuss a possible appeal with Matthews and Castor today. He believes rules needs to be in place to protect employees from a “rogue row officer” boss who might pressure them into campaigning or raising money for their election.

Castor, who has criticized the ethics policy as nothing more than Hoeffel’s attempt to exert undue authority over more county workers, said he would support filing an appeal, because he’s confident a higher court would uphold the decision.

“I’m going to agree to the appeal, because I don’t want any other pair of commissioners (in the state) pulling this kind of nonsense,” he said. “I want Hoeffel and Matthews forever to be known as the two commissioners who thought they could do anything they wanted until they got spanked by a state court.”

Following last week’s commissioners meeting, Matthews said he suggested including the DA’s Office in the political ban to get even with Castor for trying to include Matthews’ friends in county government in the ordinance.

When Hoeffel was asked if the policy had been used as retribution against Castor, he said no.

“That would be a bad motivation to get back at anybody,” he said. (ed. note: I guess Jimbo forgot to let his new BFF in on the secret.)

Ferman said she sued the commissioners over the ordinance because she saw the policy as a violation of the law.

“We’re fighting for the rule of law and the integrity and independence of the DA’s Office,” she said.

Matthews did not return a phone call soliciting comment for this article.

And the beat goes on...more taxpayer dollars spent to find out what they already know...that the commissioners have no say on setting policy within the offices of duly-elected row officers.

Seems to me to be a political stunt stemmed by Jo-Jo Huffin-stuf's desire to run for Governor.

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Sightings:XXVII, or "They'll Never Think to Look For Us Here".

Last evening, I dined with a couple of friends at Capone's restaurant, in East Norriton. As we left the establishment, who did I see enjoying a cozy, candlelight dinner for two?

Jimbo and his BFF, Barry Miller. My guess is they were scheming a new way to "get back at Castor", now that their ethics policy fell through the floor.

Looks like they've picked a new "hangout" now that the Blue Horse (in Blue Bell) has closed down...see ya there soon, Jimbo!



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Republican Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr. Responds to "The Intelligencer"

Commissioner Castor responds to the Intelligencer editorial, "No More Free Health Care"...

Click here to see the original article.

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Jim Matthews Gives Joe Hoeffel His Wish:

Attack the employees, drive them to a union.

(click image to enlarge)

Thanks, Jim.


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Q. How Can You Tell Jimbo is Lying?

A. His lips are moving.

On Thursday, the Intelligencer's own Margaret Gibbons reported on Judge Nicholas' ruling that the ethics policy doesn't apply to elected row officers or their staff, because they operate independently of the Board of Commissioners.

RINO Commissioner Chairman Jimbo Matthews gave the following quotes to Ms. Gibbons concerning the failed attempt of his bad policy:

Matthews said that one of the major reasons he worked to include the district attorney’s office in the ethics legislation was to get back at Castor, his former running mate, because of Castor’s attempt to use the same legislation to go after his friends in county government. This would include long time Matthews ally, county Solicitor Barry M. Miller who worked on various Matthews political campaigns.

“I wanted him (Castor) to hurt, to feel the pain,” said Matthews. “He (Castor) was directing all his efforts at my friends so they could not be in politics, so I figured we could throw in the DA’s office and see if he likes that.”

Matthews said he will seek the repeal of the ethics legislation now that Nicholas has ruled that it does not apply to the personnel in the row offices, claiming it is not fair to other employees to have restrictions while row office employees have none.

Read that last paragraph again, friends:

Matthews said he will seek the repeal of the ethics legislation now that Nicholas has ruled that it does not apply to the personnel in the row offices, claiming it is not fair to other employees to have restrictions while row office employees have none.

Matthews gave interviews to more than one paper that day...here's what was reported by Derrick Nunnaly of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

County Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews said yesterday that he would request that other row offices file their own court petitions to clarify whether the policy can apply to them.

(click on the red link below to read the Inquirer article:)


Judge sets exemptions to Montco ethics rules
By Derrick Nunnally
Inquirer Staff Writer

An employee ethics policy that Montgomery County passed in April does not apply to workers in the sheriff's and District Attorney's Offices, a judge ruled yesterday.
Common Pleas Court Judge William T. Nicholas ruled that county commissioners "lack the authority to impose regulation on either the on-duty or off-duty conduct" of workers in the row offices.

The ethics policy barred county employees in influential jobs from running for office, managing campaigns, or conducting political fund-raising. The sheriff and district attorney sued the county separately, saying their employees' rights were unfairly imposed upon.

Of the 126 workers governed by the policy when it was implemented, one was a sheriff's employee and 45 were in the District Attorney's Office.
In an 11-page opinion, Nicholas wrote that writing employee rules was the responsibility of row officers. The ruling did not cover the seven county row offices that did not sue over the policy.

District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said the policy interfered with her authority to supervise her employees.

"It stunk of politics from the beginning, and that is why I chose to fight it," Ferman said.

County Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews said yesterday that he would request that other row offices file their own court petitions to clarify whether the policy can apply to them.

County solicitor Barry Miller said he wanted to review the ruling before recommending whether to appeal. Read Full Text/Comments

Jimbo, Huffin-Stuff Won't "Budge" on Budget...

The two Montgomery County Commissioners introduced a budget for 2010 that will leave us with an $11 million shortfall. They are placing the burden of closing that gap firmly on the backs of the row officers and department heads, telling them to cut spending by at least 5 %.

They are also re-paying the county employees, who keep this squeaky wheel greased, by freezing their wages and making them pay what amounts to "dues" to work for the county now, in the form of payroll contributions toward their health care.

Some people may say "it's about time that county workers had to shoulder the burden"...but did you know that Montgomery County employees are paid considerably less than their counterparts in Philly and the surrounding counties, that the benefits package was incentive enough to take a low paying job in order to provide health care, without cost, to their families?

Looks like Matthews and Hoeffel are, in fact "Huffin-Stuff".

Every employer who is worth their salt looks for other ways to cut a budget before taking it to their employees to shoulder the burden. This county was operating with a surplus when Jimbo and Jo-Jo formed their unholy alliance, and have run that well dry in the less than two years they have been working together to effectively ruin Montgomery County. Shades of 1991, here we go again!

Jo-Jo- and JimTurd are also proposing that the county self-insure, stating that Blue Cross refuses to underwrite the county employees because of a $6 million loss last year...$6 million in one year? That's the risk insurance companies take.

The lone dissenter, Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr., proposed that the county "exhaust other options before taking it to the employees", according to the Times Herald:

Also, he suggested changing the resolution’s language dealing with proposed benefits from “Whereas, this self insurance plan will include a modest and appropriate employee contribution for health care costs” to “may include” a worker contribution.

But citing a Jan. 1 deadline for workers to consider the Keystone HMO/Flex plan before enrolling, Matthews resisted putting off the vote.

“It seems to me you’re short-circuiting the process by not hearing the options,” Castor said.

Human Resources director Eleanor Schneider (who until this year was JimTurds secretary...no patronage here, huh?) told the commissioners employees will need December to consider the benefits plan before the end of the year.

“If we don’t have hard figures, then we can’t have open enrollment meetings,” she said.

No hard figures, but the employees have to shoulder the burden? Sounds a little short-sighted for Jimbo and Huffin-Stuff to be making the egregious suggestions without the "hard figures" in front of them, doesn't it?

Once again, it's bad governance, brought to you by a tax and spend democrat and a traitor...1991 all over again!

Read the entire Times Herald article here.


And here is the rest of it. Read Full Text/Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Times Herald article on the Ethics Policy

Click here for Keith Phucas' take on the court decision.


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Matthew's Hatred For Castor Has "Jumped The Shark"

For those of you who don't know the origin of that phrase, "jumped the shark" is a reference to the sitcom "Happy Days", where, in the last season, Fonzie water skis and jumps over a vicious maneater...the ratings were suffering and this was pretty much the proverbial icing on the cake.

The show had gone form a reasonably funny period (1950's-60's) show to "jumping the shark", which has become a pop culture phrase for something that has become so utterly ridiculous, so over the top, that it's totally unbelievable.

Which brings me to this...Jimbo, JimTurd, KJIII, El Rey Trejo de Mierda has finally "jumped the shark".

The Intelligencer has posted an article today reporting on the failed ethics policy that King James and Jo-Jo Huffin-Stuff recently, in their unholy alliance, passed and made county policy. This policy named 126 county jobs where the employee was forbidden from being involved in politics. The "offender" could be fired, according to the Turd-Huffin Stuff doctrine.

Fortunately, two of our county row officers, Sheriff John Durante and District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman filed suit against the commissioners (who voted 2-1 to pass, with Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr., the sole dissenter) to squash this egregious policy.

Judge William T. Nicholas found in favor of the DA and the Sheriff, citing that

"The county commissioners have no legal authority to hire, fire or supervise the employees of county row officers [...]".

District Attorney Ferman had this to add,

"From the beginning, this has been a fight for the independence of the district attorney’s office...It was very troubling to me when two of the county commissioners took an action that was clearly designed to control the district attorney’s office and regulate the employees of an independently elected row officer.

There is nothing more important to me than the ethics and integrity of the district attorney’s office but the regulation of our employees comes from us, not from other people with other agendas"

And what was said agenda you may ask? Well, your humble blogger knew this all along, but JimTurd's world is crumbling around him...from "The Intelligencer":

Matthews said that one of the major reasons he worked to include the district attorney’s office in the ethics legislation was to get back at Castor, his former running mate, because of Castor’s attempt to use the same legislation to go after his friends in county government. This would include long time Matthews ally, county Solicitor Barry M. Miller who worked on various Matthews political campaigns.

“I wanted him (Castor) to hurt, to feel the pain,” said Matthews. “He (Castor) was directing all his efforts at my friends so they could not be in politics, so I figured we could throw in the DA’s office and see if he likes that.”

Matthews said he will seek the repeal of the ethics legislation now that Nicholas has ruled that it does not apply to the personnel in the row offices, claiming it is not fair to other employees to have restrictions while row office employees have none.

Jimbo is certainly beginning a major melt down. To use his office and public funds to further a personal vendetta is both insipid and egregious. It's also downright mad to actually admit to doing so in the newspaper.

.

We need to send Jim Matthews a message...that we, the voters and citizens of Montgomery County will not stand by and watch him or his crony Hoeffel waste our tax dollars on personal grudges. But how?

Don't support the bastard. Don't go to his fundraisers. Don't invite him to yours. He's been formally censured by the Montgomery County Republican Committee...if he seeks re-election or pursues further office, let him be Marcel Groen's problem.

Read the entire "Intelligencer" article, byMargaret Gibbons, here

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!





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Sheriff Sounds off on County's Proposed Health Care Changes

(re-printed from the Intelligencer...Margaret Gibbons reported this well enough that I need not comment)

Sheriff blasts moves to cut Montco benefits

Requiring Montgomery County government employees to pick up part of the tab for their health care benefits, freezing their salaries and instituting payless holidays could jeopardize public safety, according to county Sheriff John P. Durante.

"I will say for the record that these proposed changes in next year's budget will affect public safety in a big way," said Durante, an independently elected row officer, in a letter he fired off to the three county commissioners Tuesday.

"When an emergency occurs, we will no longer be able to reach personnel because they will be away working part-time jobs to pay for their benefits and to support their families," said Durante, adding that he is opposed to all three measures.

At least one commissioner, Republican Bruce L. Castor Jr., is inclined to agree with Durante.

"I think John is probably right," said Castor. "All employees on the lower pay scales likely will have to take second jobs and they might not be available if an emergency comes up and they are needed by the sheriff's office or the district attorney's office."

"I, personally, am reluctant to fiddle at all with health insurance," said Castor.

The commissioners are struggling to close a projected $53.5 million funding gap in 2010 without having to increase taxes.

They have already agreed to slow down the pace of spending for the county's popular municipal open space preservation grant program and terminated four middle managers in the parks and historical sites department.

Other belt-tightening measures under discussion are freezing salaries, not paying employees for seven of the 13 holidays they have and passing on the higher costs of health insurance to employees who previously did not have to pay for health insurance for themselves or their immediate family members.

No final decisions have been made on any of these proposals that impact county employees, the commissioners have repeatedly emphasized.

However, the commissioners have been deluged with e-mails from irate county employees after sending out a memo last week with projected health care insurance costs.

For example, employees earning under $30,000 would have to pay $15 from their biweekly paychecks next year for insurance for themselves. The cost would go up to $50 a paycheck for employees wanting health insurance for themselves and two or more family members.

This is also based on a new health insurance plan that provides less coverage and also requires higher co-payments.

"We shouldn't be paying for our uncontrolled spending with employee's blood," said Castor.

Instead, Castor said, the commissioners should terminate Democratic Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel's "high-paid cronies who were brought on board two years ago."

Also, the county should put the county's new economic development program, spearheaded by Hoeffel, on hold until the economy turns around, said Castor.

"Let's look at everything before we look to our employees," said Castor, who is the odd man out in the bipartisan government controlled by Republican Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews and Hoeffel.

The newspaper could not reach Hoeffel for this story.

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Nothing Is Forever...

...nothing is forever. I was thinking of that this morning and truer words have never been spoken.

This weekend, two of my very close friends each lost a parent. One lost his mom and one lost his dad, both after long illnesses. For each, this was their sole remaining parent.

I couldn't begin to fathom the grief either one are suffering right now. Both of my parents are still alive and in relatively good health. I know I feel a tremendous amount of empathy for both, and because of my relationship and friendship with each of them, their pain is also shared by me.

My friends, may you find comfort in knowing that each of your parents is not suffering anymore, and that they are now dwelling in a place that G-d has put aside for them in His house.

To my friends, know that you don't have to bear this alone...If you need anything, just call.

B.



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Fundraiser for Casey Taylor

Now that the election is over, I'd like to re-post this and ask if you'll contact me for tickets and try to attend this event...it's a worthy cause for a little baby girl who needed a liver transplant:

A while back, I posted a link and a story about a baby girl who was in desperate need of a liver transplant.

This special little girl, Casey, is the daughter of my childhood friend, "Mat" Taylor, and has a twin sister, Megan, who has thus far been healthy.

"Casey Bear" was born with a disease called "biliary atresia", which is a blockage in the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder. Casey needed an operation to clear these ducts before she was 6 months old.

Casey had the surgery, but it was unsuccessful, and she was put on a list for transplant.

After several months, Casey's outlook was getting more and more bleak. No matches were found and they started testing family members. Casey's dad was a perfect match.

Mat gave Casey part of his liver on May 21st 2009 and immediately improvements were seen. She had a few rough spots during recovery, but today, Casey is healthy and thriving and trying to catch up with her sister, Megan.

The family has racked up some serious debt between traveling to the Pittsburgh Children's Hospital for her surgery, the family traveling back and forth to stay with Casey during her recovery, the lost wages, etc. It's been a huge financial burden on them and here's why I am reporting this to you: A committee consisting of her Uncle, myself and several family friends from the Philly area have decided to plan and throw a fundraiser to raise money to offset these huge bills.

Paired with COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association), we've hammered out all of the details and are pleased to announce that a fundraiser has been scheduled and booked for Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at McFadden's Restaurant at Citizen's Bank Park. I've attached a flyer with all of the details to this post (at the bottom). There will be a DJ for dancing, door prizes and an opportunity to win some wonderful gift baskets at the event.

Email me for tickets and more information about the event.

tickets4caseyt@gmail.com


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Montco Voters Elect 6 of 7 Republican Judges...

...and Jimbo had absolutely nothing to do with their victory.

Congratulations to MCRC Chairman Bob Kerns for his stalwart leadership in bringing 6 of his "Magnificent 7" judge candidates across the finish line.



Winning on the Republican ticket were (in no particular order): Kelly Wall, Carolyn Carluccio, Gary Silow, Pat Coonahan, Garrett Page, and Wendy Demchick-Alloy. Congratulations, Your Honors!

Congratulations to Joanna Cruz for fighting the "good fight" and working hard with the team. Hold your head high, Joanna, there is no shame in defeat. You worked just as hard as the rest of the magnificent candidates and should be very proud of yourself.

The lone democrat winner was that woman who ran several failed races trying to pick off Jim Gerlach's congressional seat...Lois something or other...

All in all, a great night for Montco Republicans, with Abington retaining it's 6 incumbent commissioners, picking up a few seats county wide, at least three District Justices, and personally, we won our first contested constable race right here in Whitemarsh (at least since I've been involved in local politics...Congrats Constable-elect Nancy Walter!

It's 2:52 am, and time for me to finally get to bed (I've been up for the past 21 hours and a little bit tired). Good Morning, to all and have a pleasant day!



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And it Came to Pass...

A cartoon from the 1/4/2009 Sunday funnies:


(click image to enlarge)


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I Guess Jimbo "Had Some 'Splainin' To Do?

Not that anyone in Montco cares (now that he's "officially out"), but Jimbo has decided to tell Margaret Gibbons (of the Intelligencer) his tale of woe.

It seems that JimTurd is too old to run for Lt. Governor.

By his own reasoning, he's not willing to play second fiddle to the governor at his age, citing

"When you are in your 50s or 40s, any intelligent person who looks at the lieutenant governorship looks at it as a path, a bridge to another destination"..."When you are in your 60s, you have to look at it as a destination and I have to tell you that, as a lieutenant governor, there is not a whole lot to do."

He goes on to say that he's not willing to sit back and just nod to the governor (in more or less words) at his age...

"would drive me nuts being gagged as a lieutenant governor because you have to always defer to the governor."

As for getting the support of 10 county chairmen? Maybe so...but to not have the support in your home county speaks volumes state-wide. King James' censure last year still resonates around the state because of Jimbo's willingness to defer to the Democrat, Joe Hoeffel, in all decisions that benefit democrats in Montgomery County.

Because of this unholy alliance, Jo-Ho is now poised to become the dems candidate for the governor's mansion.

But, this self-imposed "age-ism" is not such a bad thing. The lesser of two evils is that he stay right here in Montco where we can keep an eye on his antics a bit more closely. At the end of the day, if this is the excuse he needs to stay out of the fray, I'll take it.

Whatever it takes to convince yourself, El Rey...whatever it takes. I'm just taking comfort in the fact that come 2011, you'll be out of sight, out of mind.

[Conspiratorially speaking, this may just be a ruse to keep the press off his back prior to a "late season" announcement that he has reconsidered and is, in fact, running, although I'm convinced that neither Corbett nor Gerlach would have him (and to that, we'll just have to wait and see).]

B.


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"Just When I Thought I was Out..."

"...they sucked me back in."

Or so we thought when King James declared earlier this month that he was, indeed, running for Lt. Governor.

Now, on the heels of a post by myself and on PAWatercooler.com, JimTurd turns 180º and is now out again. Kind of gives me the feeling of "I was for it before I was against it", ala John Kerry.

Don't play with us, Jimbo, we just can't take too much more of your douchebaggery.

On second thought, keep showing the good people of Montgomery County that you both can't commit to anything and that you are constantly second-guessing your decisions. It'll make for a better 2012 for all of us.

Rumors that neither Gerlach nor Corbett would run with him (which are turning up on message boards around the state) probably prompted his pull-out from the Lt. Gubernatorial race. I wonder why he wouldn't take the hint when he decided to run for re-election as county commissioner?

I guess we'll never know the answer to that one, but I' still wonder if Jo-Ho has photos of Jimbo in a compromising position.


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For The Record...

...Yes, I do.


(h/t to Al Bowman)


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Jimbo Lied...Again

Jim Matthews officially threw his hat into the ring–again– and is now a candidate for Lt. Governor. This was after Jim had said he would not be seeking the position again...that, in fact, he was going to concentrate on being Montgomery County Commissioner. Obviously, Jim lied...again.

Well, Jimbo, I'll be expecting your resignation from the election board in the morning. Oh, and don't expect a Montco Republican endorsement for this one...even though this blogger'd be glad to be rid of you, I can't say that I'd be at all for some power sharing agreement on the statewide level.

So, why not flip and run as Jo-Ho's running mate? Then there will not be any awkward moments on the campaign trail, when you're playing footsie under the table with Mr. Potato Head while hanging on your running mate's every word.

JimTurd for Lt. Governor? Jo-Ho for Governor? As much as I'd not like to admit it, I'd feel so much better if both of them were still county commissioners this time next year, But that's just this humble blogger's position.

B.

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Mensch Wins Special Election

With less than 13% of the electorate bothering to show up, Mensch handily beats both of his opponents convincingly, winning with 68% of the vote, a 2(+) to 1 margin over the democrat, Scheuring.

Seever wasn't even in the race.

Oh, and today is the anniversary of James Dean's untimely death. He went from 55 mph to zero when he abruptly stopped after hitting a 1950 Ford Custom Tudor Coupe.



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***REMINDER***

There is a special election today, September 29th in the 24th senatorial district of PA.

Republican Bob Mensch is squaring off against a democratic third-stringer in Anne Scheuring (a member of Lansdale Borough Council), and Barbara Steever, a Libertarian from Upper Hanover.

Scheuring has refused to debate Mensch and Steever. Both Mensch and Scheuring have received extensive support from their respective parties in the form of contributions and volunteers.

If you read this and live in the district, please be sure to vote.

I predict a lackluster turnout with a Mensch victory delivered by Republican 4/4 voters and (former) Wonderling supporters determining the outcome.


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Jo-Ho Steps Down from Election Board Post

Although Hoeffel states in the article that Kern's press release didn't influence his decision, it does seem kind of ironic that he stepped down before the end of the same day the press release came out.

I guess Jo-Ho is just one of those "ethical" guys that get into politics to serve the people, not to get all of his friends and cronies jobs...oh,wait, check that. He and Matthews made an agreement to share the power so they could give jobs to their friends and cronies.

Hopefully, president judge, Judge Richard J. Hodgson, will appoint the right person for the job, and the election board will no longer be under Marcel Groen's control, vis a vis Hoeffel.

Read Margaret Gibbons report from "The Intelligencer"



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GOP Chairman Kerns Demands Jo-Ho's Resignation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOP CHAIRMAN
CALLS ON JOE HOEFFEL TO STEP DOWN
FROM ELECTION BOARD

“Elections should be free and fair. Hoeffel needs to step aside immediately to ensure he’s not setting the table for himself”


Bob Kerns, Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee, called on Democrat County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel to step down from the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

“Joe Hoeffel chairs the Montgomery County Board of Elections and can act in that capacity to advantage his candidacy for Governor. He needs to step down immediately and allow for an alternate to be appointed in his place,” Kerns said.

“This has been the tradition in the past when County Commissioners have run for office and I think Hoeffel needs to step down now,” Kerns said.

““Elections should be free and fair. Hoeffel needs to step aside immediately to ensure he’s not setting the table for himself,” Kerns said, noting that Hoeffel remained on the Board of Elections when he was a candidate in a contested election to be a Hillary Clinton delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

The President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas has the legal authority to appoint a replacement to the Board of Elections once Hoeffel steps aside.

Hoeffel announced on Sunday that he would be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania Governor in 2010.


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Hoeffel Announces

"Jo-Ho" announced today that he will, indeed, be running for governor.

It surprises me that he hasn't announced a running mate-I guess he's waiting for Jimbo to either flip or announce the first *bi-partisan* gubernatorial ticket in the history of Montgomery County.

Funny, but if not for Jim-Turd empowering Hoeffel a year and a half or so ago, this may very well not have catapulted Jo-Ho to the statewide (if not national) stardom he now has...Thanks, KJIII, you selfless bastard. Thanks.





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Is "Racist" the new "Communist"?

During the McCarthy era, we had a run of people trying to "out" communists, to the point that it's overuse caused it to become less of a stigma to be called one. Is the current administration doing the same to the word "Racist"?

We very well may be going down that road. The video below is a great example of how "racism" is no longer a broad stroke of bigotry, but simply a case of both non- whites and "guilty" whites stating "white people hate everyone who isn't like them". The video is about an hour, but is well worth the time spent watching.




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Joe Hoeffel a Strong Possibility For Governor's Race

It looks like Joe Hoeffel will be seeking yet another position that will keep him on the public's payroll, if successful.

In a recent poll, Jo-jo garnered 30% of the support, should he decide to run against likely candidates. Unfortunately, Jim Matthews was not named as a likely running mate for Joe...bummer, considering how well they have worked together over the past year and a half.

Hopefully, as close as he and Jimbo have been, he will be a likely recipient of a huge dose of the "Matthews Effect"...one can only hope.

Read more about it here.

B.




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Facebook, today

"Friend" Jim Matthews? Ummmm...I think I'll pass!



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Congratulations are in Order

Congratulations to William (Will) Morgan, Boy Scout from Troop 140, on being honored this evening at the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors meeting. Will was my son Jesse's very first patrol leader when Jesse 'bridged over" from Cub Scouts.

Will has earned the rank of Eagle Scout and the township is publicly honoring him for this great achievement.

Nationwide, less than 2% of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle.

Will and his parents should be very proud. As a member of the Troop 140 committee, I sure am.



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The Bogeyman's Gonna Getcha!

I'm getting tired of the whole "Bogeyman's gonna getcha" tactics that BHO is using to stir up the waters of this health care issue.

The problem with the whole "health care reform" debate is that, in fact, the health care system isn't broken. It's not a health care issue, it's an insurance issue.

Everybody has access to health care...just look at the hospital emergency rooms, full of people with the flu and ingrown toenails. Hospitals are not allowed, by law, to turn them away without being seen. It comes down to who is paying for health care.

I'm currently unemployed, and my wife works...she gets health insurance through her employer. For those who do not, unfortunately, they have to pay, just as I do for homeowners, life and car insurance.

Do I want the federal gov't. meddling in those insurances, just because Joe Citizen can't afford full coverage, like I can? No!

This whole debate isn't about access to health care, it's about access to insurance. If one goes to work, even at a fast food joint, they have access to health insurance. One has to be willing to give up that Blackberry, the extra premium channels on their cable tv, and maybe the $35.00+ a week cigarette habit they have.

I'm out of work and we've cut back. People can afford insurance, but, if the gov't. keeps telling them "we'll take care of you", where's the incentive?

This is all smoke and mirrors, anyway. BHO thinks he can "scare" the American public into believing that the healthcare crisis is a "bogeyman" so to speak, but remember...after 8 years of Clinton failure on this topic, and 8 years of Bush not doing anything (b/c nothing needed to be done) the fact is, 16+ years have gone by and nobody is lining up to die because there lacks a national health care system.





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The President Explains Why Healthcare will fail...

...all the while trying to convince us that it will not!

H/T to "Republican Study Committee" on Facebook.

President Obama's defense of government-run health care: "If you think about it, UPS and FedEx are doing just fine… It’s the post office that’s always having problems."

Thank you, Mr. President for explaining to us that National, single provider health care will not work!


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It's like riding a bike...

I got an email today concerning our Former Senator, Rick Santorum, and the content of it pissed me off.

The person who wrote it flamed the former senator at face value, but did so without any substance..."flinging poo" so to speak. He also flamed someone who used to work for the senator, again, without substance, only for the sake of being insulting.

While the Dems accept ALL sorts of Dems just because they are Dems, we continue to kill our party by not accepting all of our Republicans into the "Big Tent" we continuously tout that we embrace. We use terms like "I held my nose and pulled the lever" or “I didn't vote for that guy at all" to show our distaste. This is one of the reasons there is a President Obama (instead of maybe a President Clinton or President McCain)

I don't get it...while the Democrats are organizing and becoming a force to be reckoned with, we have continually splintered as a party because "he's not conservative enough" or "she's not anti-abortion" or "he's an extremist", etc. We implode, rather than embrace someone who is fiscally or socially moderate. (for the record, I am both fiscally and socially überconservative...)

It's a pity. I pull straight lever, every time, because I want Republicans to win, and, we can win...we just don't really want to bad enough. There is no “perfect world” and there are no perfect Republicans. We must accept and embrace this to win elections.

I'm freakin' back.

B.




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well, well, well

This is strange, as I'm blogging for the first time in over 2 months. Things haven't been going as well as I thought they'd be by now, and I'd kind of lost my motivation to write.

As a lot of you know, I was laid off from my job back in November. The financial hardship notwithstanding, I've been experiencing a bit of lethargy (?) maybe in a lot of my life.

Backing up a bit, the ability to find a job over the last 7 -8 months has been terrible. My former "career" now only pays what the owner of the company wants to pay, it's become an "employer's market" in my chosen field. I called to inquire about a job in my field a month ago, they're paying half of what I was making in November, and-get this-required a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience...for a job that most people learned "on the job", in an apprenticeship!

That, coupled with a bit of health related issues, has chased my "muse" (so to speak) giving me no inspiration or desire to write anything. I've also been tied up with a bathroom remodel (now that I've got the spare time on my hands) that eats up a tremendous amount of what little energy I have.

So there it is, my loyal readers. No excuses, just explanations. Hopefully, this lone post will inspire me to get "back on the horse" or, I'll find that my "muse" has left me and I've written all I was supposed to.

Either way, it's been a great ride and I appreciate those of you who have been supportive of me (as well as those of you who choose to anonymously "jeer" me via the "comments" button).

Will I be back? Time will tell. Do I want to be back? More than ever.

Until then, bear with me...like all of G-d's creatures, I'm a work in progress, and I'm certain he's not through with me yet.

Have a peaceful day,

B.



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Fascism We Can Believe In - The Political Jungle

Fascism We Can Believe In - The Political Jungle

It's going on right under our noses, and we're letting it happen.

B. Read Full Text/Comments

Friends of the Forgotten

(Waiting to leave Norristown High School!)

Yesterday, I rode in my very first motorcycle "run", the Friends of the Forgotten Ride for Freedom, which honors POW/MIA's and their families.

I've watched this "run" from the sidelines, every year, since I've lived in this area. This time I was a (more than) willing participant. To say it was fun is an understatement.

The ride started at Norristown High School at 8 am for registration. The actual "heel's up" ride commenced at 11:30 sharp. My riding partner, George, and I arrived at about 11:10, registered and saddled up in plenty of time to get going. We were somewhere in the middle of the "pack" of near 1500 motorcycles, trikes and (a few) scooters.

We left at approximately 11:45 and arrived in Conshohocken about 12 noon. We then proceeded through Conshohocken to the Schuylkill Expressway, onto Rte 422, and ended at Valley Forge Park Visitor's Center. The total "parade" was about 25 minutes long, and averaged about 30-40 mph (counting highway travel).

When I exited Rte 422, I happened to look down the expressway, from the overpass, and could not see the end of the procession. I was really in awe of what I was part of. In past years, I had told my wife, Karen, that if I ever had the opportunity to do "that" I would. This year I was fortunate enough to achieve out one of my personal goals, to ride in the Ride for Freedom...a group I have watched for 17 years pass my "corner"...always wanting in, but never quite getting there.

Needless to say, I will strive to participate in this event every year from now on.

After the ride, I spent about a half an hour picking bugs from between my teeth...the sure sign of a "happy biker". I should have pics and some video later today.


The photo below is my friend, George, who invited me to tag along with him this year...thanks, George, I had a blast! (Photo was taken at the end, in Valley Forge Park)



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The Race Heats Up For The 24th

There's a new buzz in Montgomery County politics. Senator Wonderling's departure to join the private sector has opened the door for his seat in the 24th PA Senatorial district to become a hotbed of activity over the past few days. Three well-known local pols have been mentioned by the big three local papers, The Times Herald, The Inquirer and the Intelligencer.

The "three" possible candidates? State Rep Bob Mensch has declared, democrat Jim Maza is considering the possibility, and lastly, none other than Republican County Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr. has shown some interest in running for the open seat. This all hinges on whether or not Senate President Pro-Tempore, Joseph Scarnati III decides whether to hold a special election or leave the seat vacant until the 2011 election.

Amongst all of the hoopla concerning the "race" for the vacant Wonderling seat is one underlying factor...who will replace Bruce Castor in Norristown, if he decides to run and wins? We'll get to that later...

Castor had this to say to Keith Phucas in today's Times Herald:

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and that’s why I worked in the district attorney’s office,” he said. “I’m most satisfied when I’m solving people’s problems, but I’m unable to have an effect because of my minority commissioner status.”

With a Republican majority in the state Senate, Castor thinks his fiscally conservative views would find favor. He called the current Senate the “last bastion” against Gov. Rendell and the growing number of Democrats in the state Legislature.

“I’d like to be a part of the Senate, if the (Republican) party deems me the appropriate candidate,” he said.

As for Castor's replacement (should he run and win) I'm sure Matthews and Hoeffel are looking for a doormat, but who does the party choose?

Unfortunately, that's putting the cart before the horse and I'll cover that in a later post. Of course, The Turd is totally behind Castor (officially) entering the race. He is quoted in today's Inquirer (at Philly.com):

Yesterday, Matthews said he believed Castor would have "an excellent chance" of maintaining Republican control of Wonderling's Senate seat.

"That would be very, very good for the party," Matthews said.

Should Castor leave for the Senate, Matthews said, he likely would continue his bipartisan agreement with Hoeffel.

"There's a greater potential for more unanimous votes," Matthews said.

Right. Matthews backing Castor. And I have some swampland in Florida and a bridge in Brooklyn that I'd like to sell you...

But would this give Jimbo the opportunity to strengthen his ties with Hoeffel and garner more "unanimous votes"? I doubt it. Of course, that depends on two things...that Bruce Castor is actually running and who the nod goes to to replace Commissioner Castor.

Thus far, Castor hasn't tipped his hand as to whether or not he's running for the seat. He's "considering the possibility" but hasn't made a firm decision as of this post.

So, who else is vying for this seat? The first to declare was State Representative Bob Mensch, who represents the 147th district here in Montgomery County. Also interested is Democrat Jim Maza, who now holds the post of deputy chief operating officer, a position that gives him great power in Montgomery County, thanks to JimTurd's alliance with Hoeffle.

In an interview with The Intelligencer's Margaret Gibbons, Maza had this to say:

I have always been interested in the state Senate and will continue with the discussions but I really like the job I have now," said Maza. "I have always wanted to be a public servant who makes a difference and both of these jobs allow me to do that.

Boring. (State Rep Robert Freeman of Easton has also expressed interest, so Maza may have a challenge on the "d" side)

Of the three papers reporting this morning, only Keith Phucas (of the Times Herald) reported on Mensch this morning:

Mensch, 63, is serving his third term in the state House. The Pennsburg native has lived in Marlborough Township since 1975. He worked at AT&T for 28 years before entering politics.

For more than 25 years he’s been a member of the Upper Montgomery Republican Club, which he served as chairman.

Mensch believes becoming a senator would help advance his legislative priorities of job creation, economic development, health care reform and tax code simplification.

“I see an opportunity to expand on what I’ve done,” he said.

In the past, the state politician supported Castor, but is now ready to take him on in the 24th District race.

“I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t expect to win,” Mensch said.

So, the questions that are left hanging are this...will Castor run, will Maza run, and will there be a contested Republican race for this seat? I'm sure that all three questions will be answered before this week comes to a close.

I, for one, am excited that another dimension has been added to the ballot for November's general election. Judges, municipal races and now this special election...We'll sure be a busy lot over the next few months.

Gentlemen, enjoy the ride. Friends, judicial races notwithstanding, this'll be the one to watch.

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Will Castor Run for the 24th Senatorial District?

STATEMENT FROM MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRUCE L. CASTOR, JR.
REGARDING PENNSYLVANIA’S 24th SENATE DISTRICT

“Over the las t twenty four hours I have been humbled by contact from many Republican Party leaders and citizens from Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties encouraging me to seek the nomination to replace Senator Robert Wonderling in Pennsylvania’s 24th Senate District.

I have had the pleasure of serving Montgomery County residents as an Assistant District Attorney, the District Attorney and now as County Commissioner.

As D.A., I saw laws written and strengthened with my input that helped make streets safer and close loopholes used by criminals to subvert the justice system. As a County Commissioner I know the important role Harrisburg plays in delivering funding and legislation that improve our roads and bridges and make life better for residents in our county.

I am weighing all of these factors and considering whether my experience in government and in the judicial system would offer the best representation to residents of the 24th Senate District. I am continuing to discuss this decision with citizens, Republican Party leaders and my family.

The most important factor in my decision is whether I think I can do more good in Harrisburg then I can in Norristown.”

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Sightings: XXVI or Something Fishy in Somer's Point

Yeah, it's like that...Jimbo and his bride were spotted at Smith's Marina (aka "Smitty's, Smith's Clam Bar", or "That Clam Place"), in Somer's Point, NJ.

Not much else to report, except that JimTurd happened to be the passenger in his car, the "Mrs." was driving...maybe I could speculate that El Tercero was half in the....well, let's say he was, more likely than not, "too tired" to drive on a weekend evening, wink, wink.

As long as Jimbo's down the shore, no harm can come to the people of Montgomery County, so enjoy the rest of your weekend, friends.


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Why Crossfile?

What is "crossfiling"? Crossfiling is basically ballot access on both the Republican and Democratic ticket for certain offices.

Judges and school directors are allowed equal ballot access on both tickets. Some people do not like this, such as primary loser Sherry Marcus Milano, who ran for a district justice seat in Plymouth Meeting against incumbent Frank Bernhardt. Milano did not take advantage of crossfiling and now is boo-hoo-hooing because she lost.

But the law is the law. She admits she knew the law and refused to take advantage because of "integrity"? Give me a break. If she had crossfiled and won, the video would show her dancing around her kitchen, saying "F*&K-Yeah!"

By the way, Republican District Judges picked up no less than three seats this primary season, Bernhardt (of Plymouth Township) won both the Republican and democratic primary, as did Cathleen Kelly Rebar of Collegeville and Edward Kropp of the Pottstown area. All three will be sworn in this coming January and will not have to compete on the November ballot.

Watch the video:





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In Remembrance of Those Who Laid Down Their Lives For Our Freedom

(this is a re-run of last year's Memorial Day column, which I wouldn't dream of trying to top this year)

Today is Memorial Day. It is the unofficial beginning of the summer picnic season, as we usually break out the grills and cook-out for the first time.

While we are all chomping down on burgers and ribs on Monday, please take time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, the most noble of sacrifices, so we can continue to live free. Say a special prayer for our servicemen and women overseas, that they will be here next year to celebrate with their families and friends.

I'll leave you with this, a poem that I heard countless times while spending Memorial Day with my grandparents, doling out hot dogs and pumping pitchers of birch beer at Elm Tree Post #88, American Legion, in Fishtown.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

— John McCrae

Have a peaceful day.

Related: Memorial Day (pawatercooler.com)

B.

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Obama Track Record So Far...

...is less than stellar. Looks like his administration is one faux pas after another...imagine:

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Tony Blair a set of inexpensive and useless (to Tony Blair's UK video formatting) DVDs, when Tony Blair had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current on their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10 years, would you have approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in less than 6 months--- so you'll have 3 years and 6 months to come up with an answer.

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My Dad Speaks Out

From: (My Philthy-delphia, my dad's blog...my comments in bold)

my state of the union

Since I retired last year, I have become much more interested in politics, both national and local. This blog was started so I could get some things off my chest.

Guess what, it isn't working!

I'm seeing all the corruption, mismanagement, overspending and overtaxation that is only making me sick to my stomach. This is occurring from the top down, from Obama to Rendell to Nutter, judges, senators, congressmen, down to the lowly committee person, seems like everyone of them has their hand out for a kickback, a favor or a cushy job.

I long ago came to the conclusion that my one little vote will never make a difference. You could argue that I'm wrong but come on, when even our elected officials won't stand with their party affiliations (Matthews, Specter), our president, governor and mayor won't live up to their campaign promises, everyone scrambling to get their "little piece of the action"...Instead of staying lean, they are adding every bit of pork that they can get away with.

And who is there to stop them from doing this ? ME? with my ONE little insignificant vote?.......................I don't think so

Read more of my dad's posts at My Philthy-delphia


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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you "moms" who has given birth to, adopted or raised children in your home.

Special "props" go out to my mom, who guided me towards self-providence, and to my wife, who gave me two incredible children to love and pass our family values on to.

Today is your day...Enjoy it!

Happy Mother's Day!

B.


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More Specter "Flip" Fallout

Yes, my friends, the drama has not ended yet. This time, it's much more local, from the King's dominion of Lower Merion.

It seems that Former RINO Arlen Specter's daughter-in-law, Tracey, is adding to the drama that is Benedict Arlen.

You see, it is rumored that Senator Specter decided to switch parties and run in the next Senatorial race as a democrat after a lengthy discussion at his son and daughter-in-law's dinner table the night before his big announcement.

Mrs. Specter is the current Republican Area Leader for the Lower Merion and Narberth voting districts. After first conceding that she should probably step down, Specter switched gears and now plans to hold on to her position until the 2010 primary and local reorganization.

According to Bradley Vasoli, reporter for the Bulletin, Tracey Specter had this to say:

“I remain a Republican and remain chair of the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth,” she said via e-mail. “The election for the U.S. Senate is a year and half away and currently I am focused on our important local elections this year. The feedback I have received from my committee and many in the community is very supportive of my remaining as chair.

Of course, the Republican Party, most of us who held our collective noses when voting for Mr. "I invoked Scottish Law", doesn't agree with Mrs. Specter.

Chairman of the Republican Party of Montgomery County, Bob Kerns, said to Vasoli:

...he (Kerns) thinks the Senate race “will begin in earnest after this primary”, and, “I think it puts Tracey Specter in an uncomfortable position when that happens.”

When asked his position, Republican County Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr., surmised:

“It would be very hard to convince party leaders that Tracy would be working for the party candidate,”...He said his own “grave concerns” led him to believe she should step down. (Other county committee members who did not wish to be named, made similar comments about Mrs. Specter.)

Well, I, Frankly have my own ideas as to what really went on...I know people think he's my bogeyman, but word out of Lower Merion is Tracey Specter reversed gears after being implored to do so by GOP turncoat Commissioner Jim Matthews. [Lower Merion's leadership (though not their committee) has remained firmly supportive of Matthews despite his deal w/ Democrat Joe Hoeffel (go figure).]

Lets face facts...everybody whose ever dealt with Tracey knows that her sole overriding interest in GOP politics was her father in law's political well being.
and for her to ask the rest of the county organization and her own committepeople to believe that she can suddenly switch that off is not only unreasonable but it's not fair to the committee members in Lower Merion.

In true Matthews form she's going to hurt our party while insisting that she's not...and expect everyone to swallow this garbage, all the while setting up her own committee as a divisive presence pitting Lower Merion against the rest of the county organization. This is happening at the precise time where Bob Kerns has managed to pull the entire county organization together.

Specter's last Republican supporter wants to splinter it apart for her own self interest.

Do the right thing Tracey, and resign.



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A Thought About the Montco Judicial Races

As many of you know two weeks from today is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania.

The major races in our region are statewide and county judicial candidates.

After a protracted Republican endorsement process the seven endorsed candidates have been working their tails off to deliver a victory in the primary and prepare for the General Election.

But I don't want to talk about those seven today. I want to talk about the other dozen or so candidates who peppered me with letters and meetings and were at just about every Republican function for the last two years.

Where did you go?

It's sad that so many who pledged to do "whatever they could" to help elect our team of judges "whether I'm endorsed as a candidate or not" have suddenly disappeared. I don't see them at events, I don't see them helping the team. What I mostly see (and hear) is a lot of sulking.

I'd have a lot more respect for former and future judge candidates who pitch in as though they're a member of the team this time. It will go a long way to impressing upon a committeeman like me that you deserve my support next time.

I know I'm not alone in this observation.



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Sightings: XXV

For our twenty-fifth sighting, we have a little surprise...three sightings in 2 weeks!

Lower Providence GOP Fundraiser two Fridays ago
Lower Gwynedd GOP fundraiser
East Norriton GOP fundraiser on Sunday

At the Lower Gwynedd fundraiser The Turd was asked by Whitpain Committeewoman Christine Fisher when he'd be following Arlen to the Democratic Party.

He didn't answer.

Later in the same conversation KJIII proclaimed "Toomey will not get 25% of the vote against Specter". Fisher, a Toomey supporter, and JimTurd shook on a $25 bet that Toomey would get more than 25% of the vote in an election against Specter.

Jim Matthews: Betting against Republican candidates.

I'll go you one further Jimbo. Writemarsh bets you $25 that if Toomey is our candidate he gets more votes then you did on your Lt. Governor campaign Swann/Matthews against Rendell/Knoll.

But, since the "incident" last year, we'll not shake on it, for obvious reasons.



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Specter a Democrat!

Thank goodness, we (Republicans) no longer have to apologize for his actions! Good riddance, former RINO...You'll lose the dem primary and we'll have that seat back anyway (heh...like it's really been a "Republican" seat for the past 2+ decades).

The big question is this...will Specter return all of the Republican money he collected over the past 6 years? NOT!

Here's the MSNBC story: Specter a Democrat

Read more at the PA Watercooler...the stories are coming in one after another.


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