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Monday, May 31, 2010

Judicial Watch on Joe Sestak Scandal

The non-partisan government watchdog group Judicial Watch is concerned about the pattern of ethical violations by the Obama Administration, leading up to the Joe Sestak bribe offer.

Judicial Watch is demanding the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate the matter.

The group released the following statement:
This latest bribery allegation reflects a disturbing pattern by the Obama White House. We still don't have all the details about involvement of Obama administration officials in the sale of Obama's former Illinois U.S. Senate seat by Rod Blagojevich. And we still don't have answers about the charge that Obama Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina offered a federal job to Colorado Democratic Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff to keep him out of the Senate race. There is also the report that President Obama tried to push disgruntled White House Counsel Greg Craig out of the White House by offering a federal judgeship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. And now we have Joe Sestak.
Read the full statement at the link below:

Judicial Watch Statement on Sestak Scandal

GOP policy site nets wacky ideas

GOP policy site nets wacky ideas - Marin Cogan - POLITICO.com

The worst campaigns of 2010

What's that smell? The worst campaigns of 2010 - Alexander Burns and Jonathan Martin - POLITICO.com

Michigan Considering Law To License Journalists

And So It Begins: Michigan Considering Law To License Journalists | NewsBusters.org

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

The True Meaning of Memorial Day | NewsBusters.org

Rep. Joe Pitts: A Memorial Day Reminder

A Memorial Day Reminder

By Congressman Joe Pitts

In the past year, there have been stark reminders of why our Armed Forces are engaged in foreign battles and why many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

The Christmas Day bomber nearly killed hundreds in the sky over Detroit. Just a few weeks ago, a terrorist trained in Pakistan tried to detonate a car bomb in Times Square. These attempts make it clear that terrorists are still plotting to use civilians around in the world and in the U.S. as targets. They hate free societies, and especially our own, the most free and prosperous nation in the world.

Indeed, today's battlefield is even being fought on American shores. Sadly, in the past year, we lost 13 of our fighting men and women and one unborn baby in an attack by a deranged Army officer who had embraced a radical Islamic ideology.

Those who lost their lives had come together from across the country to serve in our Armed Forces and for the cause of liberty. Their hometowns ranged from Spokane to Pittsburgh and they were both officers and enlisted personnel. Some were on their way to the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, and others had just returned from overseas.

Unfortunately, Major Nidal Hasan chose to make Fort Hood, Texas, a battlefield. His attack was cowardly as none of his victims were armed. Despite having no weapon to defend himself, Capt. John Gaffaney charged Hasan during the shooting spree but was mortally wounded. All 13 American soldiers died as heroes, even though they certainly did not expect to fight within their own home base.

The terrorist attacks and attempts here at home reinforce the need for our military to root out our enemies overseas. It reminds us why our soldiers are fighting al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
From their bases in Afghanistan, with the full support of the Taliban government, al Qaeda was able to plan and execute the attacks on September 11, 2001. These attacks are not ancient history, but we must not forget what a dedicated terrorist organization can do when they have safe haven and the tacit support of a government.

In the coming weeks, our troops will undertake a campaign to root out the Taliban from Kandahar, the site of the Taliban's first successful military campaign in 1994. As their virtual capital, Kandahar serves as a major stronghold for the Taliban. This is expected to be the most difficult phase of the new strategy in Afghanistan.

Some question the need for our fight in Afghanistan and, instead, call for negotiation with the Taliban. I believe it is dangerous for us to consider withdrawal or compromise as long as the Taliban embrace international terrorism.

Our success during the surge in Iraq went hand-in-hand with the Anbar Awakening, a movement in which domestic Iraqi groups chose to disassociate from al Qaeda in Iraq. Only after their rejection of terrorism, were we able to work with the Anbar groups to work toward a more peaceful society.

I visited Afghanistan shortly after U.S. forces initially secured the country in 2002. I met with women and children who were brutally oppressed by the Taliban. I witnessed girls eagerly attending school for the first time, delighted by the opportunity to learn and flourish in a freer society. It is my firm belief that we should not abandon the people of Afghanistan to the terrorists who brutalized the country for many years.

The Taliban hope that our resistance to their rule will crumble, but I know that we have dedicated men and women who will stay until we have achieved security for the people of Afghanistan and for our families here at home. They have strong examples of American troops gone before them who fought against persistent and stubborn enemies and returned home victorious.

This Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy freedom. We also think about those who are in harm’s way and pray for their safety and for their families here at home. For those families who lost loved ones the war never ends. We will enjoy that freedom with barbeques and swimming pools, but we must also take the time to honor those who have given the full measure so that we can enjoy the fruits of liberty.

U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District in parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.

Happy Birthday Clint Eastwood




Actor-director Clint Eastwood is 80 today. He's still the man!

On Sestak v. White House: Crime Isn't the only issue

Kevin McCullough : On Sestak v. White House: Crime Isn't the only issue - Townhall.com

'Shrek' better than 'Sex' with $43M at box office

The worst Memorial Day weekend at the box office in years. "Shrek" finished No. 1, but it's still a major disappointment compared to the first three films. "Sex and the City 2" is another underachiever.

Moviegoers will not spend the money for bad sequels.

'Shrek' better than 'Sex' with $43M at box office

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Six Months Late to a Game That's Long Been Over

Six Months Late to a Game That's Long Been Over: NYT, Newsweek Acknowledge ClimateGate's Damage | NewsBusters.org

'I don't want a mosque on the grave of my son'



How quickly we forget. A mother of a 9/11 survivor puts it in perspective: "I don't want a mosque on the grave of my son"

A Love Letter to Sam Rohrer

In case you missed it last week, the editorial board of the Reading Eagle (a very left-leaning newspaper) penned a love letter to one of the most conservative members of the Pennsylvania Legislature, Sam Rohrer, who is ending an 18-year career in the state House.

"Agree with him or not, he served with honor and dignity," the newspaper says of Rohrer, who received 31 percent of the Republican vote in the May 18 primary but lost the GOP nomination for governor to Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett.

From the editorial:
Whether you agreed with Rohrer or not, you always understood exactly where he stood. There was no political double-talk in his public statements, there was no hedging his bet on how he would vote, there was no need to ask GOP leadership where he should stand on a particular issue. He made up his own mind based on his core beliefs, which never wavered.

Rohrer wasn't always successful translating his beliefs from legislation into laws, but he never stopped trying. His signature piece of legislation, which never gained enough support to get it through the Legislature, was his bid to replace the onerous real estate levy with an expanded sales tax. The concept earned him a lot of support in Berks County and a few of the neighboring counties, but it never gained traction in many other parts of the commonwealth, especially west of the Susquehanna River. Despite attempts to tweak the measure, it never came close to becoming law.
The newspaper also speculates Rohrer may challenge longtime Democratic state Sen. Mike O'Pake in 2012.

Read the full editorial at the link below:

Rohrer always remained true to his core principles

Obama Makes Little Headway Among Arabic-Speaking Muslims

Another brilliant idea from Obama that didn't work. It's like having Jimmy Carter in the White House all over again.

Obama Makes Little Headway Among Arabic-Speaking Muslims

Obama Jokes About Gulf Oil Spill

CNN's Henry Sees Obama Moment that Would've Driven Media Mockery of Bush | NewsBusters.org

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Halladay Pitches Perfect Game!!!

While you were watching the Flyers battle the Blackhawks in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals, something amazing happened in Florida.

Phillies ace Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game against the Florida Marlins, winning 1-0. No runs, hot hits, no walks, no errors.

Halladay retired all 27 batters he faced, striking out 11.

It was just the second perfect game in Phillies history (Jim Bunning did it in 1964) and only the 20th in major league history.

The pitching gem came after a horrendous start for Halladay against Boston last Sunday, in which Halladay gave up 7 runs (6 of them earned) and failed to reach the sixth inning for the first time in 17 starts.

There was a lot of speculation after the Boston game that Halladay has pitched too many innings. But who cares now as Halladay enters the record books.

The only thing sweeter will be a World Series ring in October.

For a list of perfect games, click here.

Rich Lowry Has 3 Good Questions About Sestak Scandal

More Sestak Questions - Rich Lowry - The Corner on National Review Online

Video: Weekly GOP Address

The jury gets the final say

A longtime township official in Berks County lost his re-election bid last November primarily because of the publicity surrounding his arrest. A Berks County jury has now acquitted Tom Orth of the most serious charges.

How do you get your reputation back (or the thousands of dollars in legal bills)?

Ex-Lower Alsace supervisor guilty of disorderly conduct, acquitted of assault

Elderly widow visiting cemetery struck, killed by her own car

What a sad story to begin this Memorial Day Weekend:
A woman who had gone to a Sinking Spring cemetery to place Memorial Day flowers on the grave of her husband, a veteran, died after being struck by her own car there at about 12:20 p.m. today, according to the Berks County coroner's office.
Read the full story, "Woman visiting cemetery struck, killed by her own car," at the Reading Eagle Web site.

Honor Our Military Memorial Day Weekend

Honor Our Military Memorial Day Weekend

A mosque near Ground Zero?

Ground Zero Mosque Approved While London Mega Mosque Delayed

Help Build the Flight 93 Memorial

Passengers and Crew of United Flight 93 Changed the World - Help Build Their Memorial

2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide Helps Consumers Find Locally Grown Food, Support Farmers

2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide Helps Consumers Find Locally Grown Food, Support Farmers

Friday, May 28, 2010

Video: Late Night TV Funnies

Michael Steele: An SOS from America's job creators

An SOS from America's job creators - Michael Steele - POLITICO.com

Pennsylvania Lottery Announces Match 6 Lotto Will Return in June

Pennsylvania Lottery Announces Match 6 Lotto Will Return in June

Auditor General Jack Wagner Tells Civil Service Commission to Enforce Veterans Preference Program Provisions

Auditor General Jack Wagner Tells Civil Service Commission to Enforce Veterans Preference Program Provisions

Gov. Rendell Signs Execution Warrant

Gov. Ed Rendell has signed 104 death warrants since becoming governor in January 2003, but nobody has been executed in Pennsylvania during his tenure as governor.

Governor Rendell Signs Execution Warrant for Jermont Cox

Democrat 'Lost'

Newspaper: No provision in law for closed-door meetings on security

School boards in Pennsylvania will continue to routinely violate the Sunshine Law as long as the penalty is a slap on the wrist. Individual school board members (and their solicitor) should be subject to hefty fines to prevent them from violating the law with impunity.

No provision in law for closed-door meetings on security (5/28/10)

10 Questions Rush Would Have Asked Obama at Press Conference

Was that a press conference or an infomercial?

Ten Questions Rush Would Have Asked Obama at Thursday's Press Conference | NewsBusters.org

From the lunatic fringe on the far left ...

PBS's Tavis Smiley: Far More Christian Terrorists Than Muslim Ones, Tea Party Comparable to Jihad | NewsBusters.org

Pelosi, Dems Use Military to Advance Radical Social Agenda, Says Family Research Council

Speaker Pelosi and House Majority Use Military to Advance Radical Social Agenda, Says Family Research Council

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Think Safety When Traveling for Holiday

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Think Safety When Traveling for Holiday

Government Reform Forum at Ursinus College

From the office of Montgomery County state Rep. Mike Vereb:
COLLEGEVILLE — Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) encourages residents of the 150th Legislative District to attend his Government Reform Forum on Tuesday, June 1, at Ursinus College.

"When I was first elected to the House in 2006, it was on wave of voter outrage over the way things were being done in Harrisburg," Vereb said. "As a member of the Speaker’s Reform Commission last session, I worked hard to reform government operations and make state government more transparent. However, there is still much to be done. This forum will provide constituents with a chance to have an open dialogue with our panel to discuss what's next for the reform movement in Harrisburg and throughout the state. I encourage my constituents to come to the forum and let their ideas and opinions be heard."

A panel of local and county government officials, as well as news reporters who cover the different levels of government, will be on hand to give their view on what government reforms need to be enacted and to answer questions from the audience.

The evening's panelists include: Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County district attorney; Jenny Brown, Lower Merion township commissioner; Stan Huskey, Norristown Times-Herald editor; Tony Phyrillas, Pottstown Mercury city editor; Alex Roarty, PoliticsPA correspondent; and Chris Freind, an independent columnist and investigative reporter based in Philadelphia.

This is an interactive event, with residents encouraged to submit questions for the panelists throughout the evening. Residents who are unable to attend are invited to submit questions for the panelists via Rep. Vereb's Web site, www.RepVereb.com

The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Guest should use the Ninth Avenue entrance to enter the Ursinus College campus. Signs will be displayed throughout the campus to direct residents to Kaleidoscope Hall.

Sen. Landrieu: Obama will pay politically for spill

Mary Landrieu: President Obama will pay politically for spill - Manu Raju - POLITICO.com

'Press Wouldn't Cover Sestak Story If Rahm Announced It On Pennsylvania Ave. In A Speedo'

'Press Wouldn't Cover Sestak Story If Rahm Announced It On Pennsylvania Ave. In A Speedo' | NewsBusters.org

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Newspaper: Rendell the Ridiculous

From the editorial pages of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review comes this gem about Pennsylvania's beleaguered governor.
Rendell the Ridiculous

Politicians do say the darnedest things. Witness Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.

Among the many laughable things Fast Eddie told The Wall Street Journal last week was how he'd sell ObamaCare to voters as an incumbent Democrat congressman:

"You know, in my district, I'd find the first child who took advantage to force an insurance company in September (when insurers will be barred from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions). I might even have a press conference with that child."

In other words, exploit for political gain the first suitable child who's handy. How disgusting.

Having given Dems in general such advice, Rendell said he'd shared with U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate, what sounds like true wisdom: "Stay away from guys like me for a while."

But The Journal saved Rendell's biggest howler for last: "I am a fiscal conservative."

This, despite Pennsylvania's debt rising 78 percent, to $41 billion, in the last eight years -- and state spending per family of four rising by an inflation-adjusted $3,600 during seven years of Democrat budgets.

On second thought, this is no laughing matter. It's cause for tears.

The far left turns on Obama

Governor Rendell Issues Memorial Day Flag Order

Governor Rendell Issues Memorial Day Flag Order

Rendell, Quinn Make Friendly Wager on Stanley Cup Finals

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell, Illinois Governor Quinn Make Friendly Wager on Stanley Cup Finals

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations

James Carville rips Obama a new one

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Think Safety When Traveling for Holiday

PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Think Safety When Traveling for Holiday

Perennial loser Joe Hoeffel will stay close to home

After finishing a distant fourth in a four-man race for the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania governor, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel says he will never run for higher office again (that's the good news) but instead will now concentrate on re-election to his county post in 2011 (that's the bad news).

Under Hoeffel's "leadership," Montgomery County has been beset by a series of ethics scandals and financial woes.

Hoeffel is 0-3 in bids for higher office (U.S. Senate, PA lt. gov, and governor) in his last three statewide elections.

"I'm back as county commissioner, and I have no intention or desire of running statewide again," Hoeffel told reporter Keith Phucas. "I told my wife, I got it out of my system."

Montco voters can finally send Hoeffel packing for good next year.

Read about Hoeffel's re-election plans in the Norristown Times Herald.

Another bright idea

Gulf oil spill could be 'Obama's Katrina'

Gulf oil spill could be 'Obama's Katrina,' says top Republican McCarthy - CSMonitor.com

Saidel Does The Right Thing

Here's something you don't see every day: A Democrat saving taxpayers some money.

Candidate Requests No Recount in Close Lt. Governor Primary

Another Domestic Terror Plot by Islamic Fanatic

Man Admits Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction to Bomb Skyscraper in Downtown Dallas

Amnesty International Annual Report

Amnesty International Annual Report Finds Sustained Web of Repression, as Governments Fail to Prosecute Human Rights Violations Worldwide

Honor Our Military Memorial Day Weekend

Honor Our Military Memorial Day Weekend

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Obama under fire for BP spill response

President Obama under fire for BP spill response - Glenn Thrush and Josh Gerstein and Manu Raju - POLITICO.com

Video: Cap-and-Trade Explained



This is very effective video produced by David Larsen, a Republican running New Jersey's 7th Congressional District against incumbent Leonard Lance, a freshman RINO who supports the Democrats' cap-and-tax bill. The primary election is June 8.

For more about Larsen, visit his campaign Web site.

63% of Likely Voters Want ObamaCare Repealed

63% of Likely Voters Want ObamaCare Repealed; Revere America's National Petition Drive at www.revereamerica.org Gives Them a Powerful Way to Make Their Voices Heard

Passengers and Crew of United Flight 93 Changed the World - Help Build Their Memorial

Passengers and Crew of United Flight 93 Changed the World - Help Build Their Memorial

Hosam Maher Husein Smadi - Sounds like a Tea Party member to me

Man Admits Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction to Bomb Skyscraper in Downtown Dallas

The Economic Mess in Pictures



If you're still have trouble understanding the enormous damage Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have done to the U.S. economy, check out the illustrations posted at Jake Towne for Congress.

Towne is an independent candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

Originally posted at THE CENTRIST

GOP launches 'America Speaking Out ' Web site



Visit the Web site at http://www.americaspeakingout.com/

Pennsylvania DCNR Awards $530,000 to North Coventry

Pennsylvania DCNR Awards $530,000 to North Coventry Township to Acquire Open Space in Chester County

Reform? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Reform!

Denial is not just a river that runs through Egypt. It's a way of life along the banks of the Susquehanna River, where a professional class of politicians continue to burn through $300 million dollars a year in tax money.

A 34-page report by a grand jury outlining massive public corruption within the Pennsylvania Legislature has been met with predictable response from the very same Legislature: Denial.

From a story in today's Philadelphia Inquirer:
Leaders there said the report does not reflect the legislature of today - one that has made a number of changes in its rules and operations to address some of the ills that grand jurors detailed in their scathing report released Monday.

The report said the General Assembly lives in a " 'time warp' of public corruption" and needs to cut staff, institute term limits, and go part-time, among many other changes. It was written by the grand jury impaneled two years ago by Attorney General Tom Corbett's office to investigate corruption, including the so-called Bonusgate scandal.

Brett Marcy, spokesman for House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D., Luzerne), said of the jury's findings: "It seems to be based largely on perceptions of the past and incorrect assumptions about the legislative process, rather than an accurate reflection of today's legislative operations."

Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R., Jefferson), said there was a keen awareness among most lawmakers that the public mistrusted government. He noted that the House GOP had pushed a package of bills aimed at making the legislative process more open and accountable. "This report is a time warp," said Miskin. "It was a picture of the legislature a few years ago."

That is, said Harrisburg-based activist Tim Potts, exactly the response he expected to hear.

Potts, cofounder of the group Democracy Rising Pennsylvania, said his and other advocacy groups have pushed for years to get the legislature to reform itself, shrink its ranks, and open up its finances to public inspection. He said that after the outcry over the pay raise that legislators approved for themselves in 2005, they made changes to their operations. But Potts, a former legislative aide, called those "window-dressing."
Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.

Facebook Redesigns Privacy



Facebook Redesigns Privacy

Don't Doubt Bernanke's Ability to Create Inflation

Don't Doubt Bernanke's Ability to Create Inflation

PennDOT Honors Star of Excellence Recipients

PennDOT Honors Star of Excellence Recipients

Gibbs Scolds WH Reporters for Asking So Many BP Questions

Gibbs Scolds WH Reporters for Asking So Many BP Questions | NewsBusters.org

Rep. Vereb to host Government Reform Forum June 1 at Ursinus College

From the office of Montgomery County state Rep. Mike Vereb:
COLLEGEVILLE — Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) encourages residents of the 150th Legislative District to attend his Government Reform Forum on Tuesday, June 1, at Ursinus College.

"When I was first elected to the House in 2006, it was on wave of voter outrage over the way things were being done in Harrisburg," Vereb said. "As a member of the Speaker’s Reform Commission last session, I worked hard to reform government operations and make state government more transparent. However, there is still much to be done. This forum will provide constituents with a chance to have an open dialogue with our panel to discuss what's next for the reform movement in Harrisburg and throughout the state. I encourage my constituents to come to the forum and let their ideas and opinions be heard."

A panel of local and county government officials, as well as news reporters who cover the different levels of government, will be on hand to give their view on what government reforms need to be enacted and to answer questions from the audience.

The evening's panelists include: Risa Vetri Ferman, Montgomery County district attorney; Jenny Brown, Lower Merion township commissioner; Stan Huskey, Norristown Times-Herald editor; Tony Phyrillas, Pottstown Mercury city editor; Alex Roarty, PoliticsPA correspondent; and Chris Freind, an independent columnist and investigative reporter based in Philadelphia.

This is an interactive event, with residents encouraged to submit questions for the panelists throughout the evening. Residents who are unable to attend are invited to submit questions for the panelists via Rep. Vereb's Web site, www.RepVereb.com

The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Guest should use the Ninth Avenue entrance to enter the Ursinus College campus. Signs will be displayed throughout the campus to direct residents to Kaleidoscope Hall.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Poll: 49% Want Everyone in Congress Kicked Out

While the mainstream media continues to underplay the impact of the tea party movement on American politics and works feverishly to shield the incompetent Obama Administration, more and more Americans are figuring out the only way change will come is to end the Democratic Party stranglehold on Congress this November.

A few highlights from the latest Harris Poll:
There is also a clear feeling of anti-incumbency among the public as half of Americans (49%) say almost everyone in Congress, including their representative should be thrown out, compared to 23% of U.S. adults who say there are a lot of problems in Washington and with the system, but their member of Congress has done a pretty good job and deserves re-election. Over one-quarter (28%) are not sure as to which way they fall on this issue.

One thing that is potentially feeding into this sense of frustration with Congress is listening to and watching the emerging Tea Party supporters around the country. More than four in five Americans (85%) say they are familiar with the Tea Party, up from three-quarters (75%) who said this in March. Among all U.S. adults, almost two in five (38%) say they support the Tea Party Movement while 30% oppose it and 17% are not at all sure. The Tea Party is getting their support from more Republicans than Democrats (70% vs. 14%) but almost half of Independents (45%) say they support the Tea Party.
Read more poll results at the link below:

Two in Five Americans Support the Tea Party, But Just One in Ten Consider Themselves Members

Increased Gas Drilling Activities Bringing New Challenges to Local Governments in Pennsylvania

Increased Gas Drilling Activities Bringing New Challenges to Local Governments in Pennsylvania

Reading My Teleprompter

PA Lottery, The Hershey Company Introduce Reese's™ Instant Game

PA Lottery, The Hershey Company Introduce Reese's™ Instant Game

Pelosi Announces Committee Assignments for Rep. Mark Critz

Pelosi Announces Committee Assignments for New Member Mark Critz

Judicial Watch Sues Obama Justice Department

Judicial Watch Sues Obama Justice Department for Documents Regarding Decision to Dismiss Voter Rights Act Claims Against New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense

AAA to Rescue Nearly a Half Million Motorists Over Memorial Day Holiday Weekend as Summer Driving Season Kicks Off

AAA to Rescue Nearly a Half Million Motorists Over Memorial Day Holiday Weekend as Summer Driving Season Kicks Off

Joe Sestak Has A Credibility Problem



Check out the Jeff Dunetz post, The Real Question For Joe Sestak — 'When Did You Stop Beating Your Wife?' at BIG JOURNALISM

Newspaper: Corbett needs a 'thicker hide'

For the first and possibly only time in my life, I find myself agreeing with an editorial in ultra-liberal Philadelphia Inquirer.

Commenting on the recent move by the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania governor, the newspapers says, "Attorney General Tom Corbett needs to develop a thicker hide if he wants to be governor."

Couldn't agree more.

Corbett gave his Democratic opponent, Dan Onorato, ready-made ammunition for a negative campaign ad with his bonehead move to go after critics. Whoever is advising Corbett's campaign should be jettisoned immediately. This is Corbett's race to lose, and so far, he's fallen flat on his face.

From the editorial:
Corbett, the GOP nominee, used a grand jury subpoena in an attempt to learn the identities of two anonymous bloggers who have been among his harshest critics on the Internet. This stunt smacks of an abuse of a prosecutor's powers for political gain.

"We know people like Brett Cott are on the blogs all day, making stuff up," Corbett told the Associated Press last year.

Whether they're making up stuff or not, even people facing criminal charges have a right to air their views, about everything from perceived injustice to the quality of last night's cheesesteak. Using the machinery of the criminal-justice system to unmask blogging shows that the attorney general has a thin skin and, worse, poor judgment.

After the judge gave Cott a longer sentence than Corbett had requested, the Attorney General's Office said it will no longer pursue the subpoena because the issue is "moot."

But the episode is still highly relevant for voters, who should consider how a Gov. Corbett would tolerate criticism, and whether he knows when to back off the levers of power.
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

Congressional Dems keep spending

Dems push war, jobs bills despite tab - David Rogers - POLITICO.com

WCBS-TV New York: 'Is Gulf Oil Spill Becoming Obama's Katrina?'

WCBS-TV New York: 'Is Gulf Oil Spill Becoming Obama's Katrina?' | NewsBusters.org

Obama's Latest Creation

2010 Pennsylvania Fair Guide Offers Affordable Destinations for Families

2010 Pennsylvania Fair Guide Offers Affordable Destinations for Families

Free 'I Served-Vietnam' Stickers Roll Into D.C. to Honor Veterans

Free 'I Served-Vietnam' Stickers Roll Into D.C. to Honor Veterans

Pew Report: Permanent Extensions of Tax Cuts Would Sharply Increase National Debt

Pew Report: Permanent Extensions of Tax Cuts Would Sharply Increase National Debt

PA Senate weakens teen driving bill

Why save young lives when you can kiss up to lobbyists instead?

The Pennsylvania Senate has watered down a common-sense bill designed to save the lives of teen drivers by passing an amendment weakening the bill.

Read more at The Mercury Web site.

Rich Lowry: Media Are In Love With Obama Despite His Contempt For Them

Rich Lowry: Media Are In Love With Obama Despite His Contempt For Them | NewsBusters.org

National Debt Tops $13 Trillion



Another milestone set by the Obama Administration: The Outstanding Public Debt as of May 25, 2010, has topped $13 trillion for the first time, according to the U.S National Debt Clock.

The estimated population of the United States is 308,438,503 so each citizen's share of this debt is $42,156.59, according to the Web site.

The National Debt has continued to increase an average of $4.12 billion per day since September 28, 2007.

Under Obama, the annual federal budget deficit is more than $1 Trillion a year, so that $13 Trillion will just keep growing.

Heckavu job, Barack.

Keep track of the National Debt Clock here.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Sestak 'job offer' scandal makes NYT

Don't look now, but The New York Times, the official state newspaper of the Obama Regime, is writing about the Joe Sestak "job offer" scandal, in which the Admiral claims the Obama White House offered him a top administration job if he would leave Arlen Specter alone.

Sestak didn't bite and ended up driving Specter into political oblivion in the May 18 Pennsylvania Democratic primary, much to the dismay of Barack Obama, who endorsed Specter.

But there is still that offer of a job in return for a political favor, which apparently is illegal.

From Peter Baker in the NYT:
WASHINGTON — For three months, the White House has refused to say whether it offered a job to Representative Joe Sestak to induce him to drop his challenge to Senator Arlen Specter in a Pennsylvania Democratic primary, as Mr. Sestak has asserted.

But the White House wants everyone who suspects that something untoward, or even illegal, might have happened to rest easy: it still will not reveal what happened, but the White House says it has examined its own actions and decided that it did nothing wrong. Whatever it was that it did.

"Lawyers in the White House and others have looked into conversations that were had with Congressman Sestak," Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said on Sunday on the "Face the Nation" program on CBS. "And nothing inappropriate happened."

"Improper or not, did you offer him a job in the administration?" asked the host, Bob Schieffer.

"I'm not going to get further into what the conversations were," Mr. Gibbs replied. "People that have looked into them assure me that they weren’t inappropriate in any way."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the "trust us" response from the White House has not exactly put the matter to rest. Though Mr. Sestak stayed in the race, and defeated Mr. Specter in the primary last Tuesday, the questions have returned with intensity and remain unanswered. Mr. Gibbs deflected questions about the matter 13 times at a White House news briefing last Thursday, while Mr. Sestak reaffirmed his assertion without providing any specifics about what the offer was or who made it.

"I was offered a job," he said on Sunday on the "Meet the Press" program on NBC. Asked if the post was secretary of the Navy, as many people in Washington assume since Mr. Sestak is a retired admiral, the candidate refused to say. "Anything that goes beyond that is for others to talk about," he said.

Republicans have happily pounced on the situation to undercut Mr. Sestak. "Nearly 100 days after he told voters about the alleged bribe that he received from the Obama administration, Joe Sestak owes Pennsylvanians a full explanation about this potentially illegal activity," said Amber Marchand, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Read the full story, "For Sestak Matter, a 'Trust Us' Response From White House," at the newspaper's Web site.

GOP threw gasoline on Hawaii fires

GOP threw gasoline on Hawaii fires - Alex Isenstadt - POLITICO.com

Bill O'Reilly: Stop Gulf Oil Leak - 'Stuff Every Member of NBC News in That Hole'

Bill O'Reilly: Stop Gulf Oil Leak - 'Stuff Every Member of NBC News in That Hole' | NewsBusters.org

Does Facebook know too much about you?

DCNR Asks Citizens to Help Win Trees for PA State Parks

DCNR Asks Citizens to Help Win Trees for PA State Parks

PA's lousy highways and bridges

Pennsylvania's bridges earned a "C" and its roads a "D-" in the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2010 report card, "Keystone in Crisis," released today.

New PA Highway, Bridge Report Card Confirms Unmet Needs; Adds Urgency for Prompt Action by General Assembly

PA Tax Amnesty is Halfway Over

Governor Rendell: PA Tax Amnesty is Halfway Over; 25 Days Left for Tax Delinquents to Save on Penalties, Interest on Back Taxes Paid by June 18

America's Ten Most Endangered Rivers to be Announced June 2

America's Ten Most Endangered Rivers to be Announced June 2

Politicians in Congress should serve you, not rich contributors

Former U.S. Sens. Warren Rudman and Tim Wirth talk about the need for campaign finance reform in an excellent op-ed published by The Christian Science Monitor.

From their column:
The good news is that a bipartisan proposal to do just that is gaining momentum in Washington. The "Fair Elections Now Act" has gained the support of at least 170 members of Congress. Under such reform, candidates who reach a reasonable threshold of small constituent donations would qualify for federal matching funds to run competitive campaigns, regardless of wealth and connections.

At less than $6 per citizen per year, this approach could save billions in public funds over the long-term as incumbents no longer feel the pressure to approve wasteful spending programs backed by their contributors.
Read the full column at the link below:

Politicians in Congress should serve you, not rich contributors - CSMonitor.com

Mercury staffers win press awards



Staff members of The Mercury were among newspaper employees across Pennsylvania honored recently with awards at the Pennsylvania News Conference in Harrisburg.

Award recipients from The Mercury included (pictured above): Evan Brandt, Brandie Kessler, Nancy March, Tony Phyrillas, along with Carl Hessler Jr. and John Strickler.

Read more about the awards at the newspaper's Web site.

Chuck Todd: Blame Obama, Not His Staff, for Keeping Press at a Distance

Chuck Todd: Blame Obama, Not His Staff, for Keeping Press at a Distance | NewsBusters.org

ABC News Absolves Obama of Oil Spill Blame by Bashing Sarah Palin

ABC News Absolves Obama of Oil Spill Blame by Bashing Sarah Palin | NewsBusters.org

Finding Nemo 2

Republican wins Hawaii special election

A Republican winning a Congressional seat in Hawaii? This is almost as big as Scott Brown winning in Massachusetts.

Republican Djou wins Hawaii special - Alex Isenstadt - POLITICO.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The real winner$ in the May 18 primary

Who really won in the May 18 Pennsylvania primary? More often than not, it was the candidate with the most money. And that's usually the incumbent.

Pennsylvania has some of the worst campaign finance laws in the country and most politicians - and the people who pull their strings - are OK with that.

From an editorial in The Philadelphia Inquirer:
The primary elections in Pennsylvania demonstrated again that widespread calls for change aren't having much impact in Harrisburg.

The failed gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Anthony Hardy Williams did serve one useful purpose - it highlighted the need for campaign-finance limits in Pennsylvania.

The state has no restrictions on the amount of money that individuals or political action committees can donate to a candidate for public office. It's a perennial embarrassment.
Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

'Wee Willie' Webber, Philly TV icon, dies at 80

Part of my childhood died today.

William W. Webber, who I will also remember as 'Wee' Willie Webber, a children's television fixture back in the days when there were only a handful of channels on TV, died Sunday at the age of 80.

Webber kept me entertained with a steady diet of cartoons, monster movies and The Three Stooges on Channel 17 and Channel 48.

"I think he was proud of helping to raise a couple generations of kids with the kids' shows on Channels 6, 17, and 48," his won, William W. Webber Jr. told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

I met Wee Willie a long time ago during a trip to Dorney Park and had my picture taken with him, but I lost the photo a long time ago.

The Inquirer has a full story on Webber's death and his career as a radio and TV pioneer.

Did Obama offer Sestak a job to quit race?



WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:
"Sitting next to me on Fox News Sunday this morning, DNC Chair Gov. Tim Kaine made it clear that the White House must deal with questions surrounding the job offer made to Joe Sestak to keep him out of the Pennsylvania senate race. It is time for the White House and Joe Sestak to come clean and answer the question: What did the President offer and when did he offer it? Given all of its talk about openness and transparency, the White House cannot stonewall on this issue any longer."

Montco D.A. Risa Ferman: Action needed to prevent teen driving tragedies

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman makes the case for passage of tougher teen driving laws in Pennsylvania.

Read her op-ed in today's edition of The Pottstown Mercury

Guess which party runs this city

The Reading Eagle, one of the most liberal newspapers in Pennsylvania, has a nice editorial in its Sunday edition about an $11.5 million budget fiasco in the City of Reading that will lead to massive property tax hikes for a city already bankrupt and facing a state takeover under Act 47.

But the newspaper never bothers to mention that the people in charge of the city's finances -- the mayor, all seven members of City Council and the city auditor -- are all elected Democrats.

The newspaper says mistakes were made but there's no reason to point fingers at the culprits. Excuse me? Nobody is to blame for an $11.5 million mistake?

What if Republicans were running the town? You'd better believe there would be plenty of blame to go around.

Another classic example of liberal media bias.

Read the editorial for yourself ... but just remember that every city official involved in the scandal is a Democrat.

Fix problem, not blame, on improper city borrowing (5/23/10)

Weekly GOP Address: The Gulf Oil Spill

Newspaper: Retirement fiasco predictable, changes can be made

Retirement fiasco predictable, changes can be made (5/21/10)

Obama campaigning against Bush -- again

Obama campaigning against Bush--again - Carol E. Lee - POLITICO.com

Columnist: Rohrer campaign made respectable showing

Considering he was at a disadvantage in money and name recognition, Berks County state Rep. Sam Rohrer still managed to draw 30 percent of Republican primary voters last week.

Mary Young: Rohrer campaign made respectable showing

Friday, May 21, 2010

Robert Gibbs: Worse Than Iraqi Propaganda Minister



The Los Angeles Times has a great piece on how Gibbs managed to avoid answering 13 questions in a row during a recent press briefing. Read it here.

PoliticsPA's Up & Down: 5/21 Edition

Guess whether Tom Corbett had an up or down week despite winning the GOP nomination to run for Pennsylvania governor?

PoliticsPA's Up & Down: 5/21 Edition

Video: The Greecing of America, Simplified

Top 3 Lies of the Week

National Archives Office of the Inspector General Launches Facebook Page

National Archives Office of the Inspector General Launches Facebook Page

Pennsylvania's Unemployment Rate Remains At 9%

Pennsylvania's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.0 percent in April, remaining unchanged from the March rate.

Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: April

Three in Five Americans Give President Obama Negative Job Ratings

Only 42% of Americans surveyed say Barack Obama is doing a good job as president, according to the latest Harris Poll.

Three in Five Americans Give President Obama Negative Job Ratings

PennDOT, State Police to Conduct Seat Belt Enforcement by Air, Land

PennDOT, State Police to Conduct Seat Belt Enforcement by Air, Land

Jack Cafferty Slams Obama, Mexico's President For Arizona Law 'Whining'

Jack Cafferty Slams Obama, Mexico's President For Arizona Law 'Whining' | NewsBusters.org

GOP fingers culprit in Pa. election

GOP fingers culprit in Pa. election - Shira Toeplitz and Charles Mahtesian - POLITICO.com

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Specter Rides Obama's Coattails

Gerlach slams Trivedi for 'recycled attacks'

Manan Trivedi has never held political office and it's beginning to show. Trivedi, the surprise winner in Tuesday's Democratic primary, better get up to speed if he intends to give U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach a legitimate run for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District seat.

Gerlach is a seasoned pro when it comes to campaigning, having fought back tough Democratic opponents in all four of his Congressional runs.

Trivedi at least has to get his facts straight before criticizing Gerlach. Claiming Gerlach supported the Iraq War when Gerlach wasn't even in Congress when the vote was taken is an amateurish mistake.

Trivedi also needs to find out more about his opponent's voting record before recycling Democratic Party talking points that previous opponents attempted to use against the moderate Republican.

For example, linking Gerlach to George W. Bush was tried unsuccessfully by losing Democratic challengers Lois Murphy in 2004 and 2006 and Bob Roggio in 2008.

It's time for Trivedi to come up with some new material.

From the Jim Gerlach for Congress campaign:
Manan Trivedi, far-left liberal for Congress, yesterday ignored the clear facts while attacking Congressman Gerlach for voting to send U.S. troops into Iraq. The problem for Trivedi is that Jim had not even been elected to Congress on October 10, 2002 when the U.S. House of Representatives voted to authorize President Bush to use military force against Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. While Jim was not in Congress when an overwhelming majority of Republicans and Democrats, including Hillary Clinton and then-Senator Joe Biden authorized sending troops into Iraq, Gerlach has been a strong supporter of our military to ensure they have the resources, funding and equipment to complete their mission.

"It's a new year, a new face, but the same old recycled attacks from a liberal Democrat so out of touch with the families, small business owners and seniors in our district that he has to resort to distorting the truth," said Gerlach Spokesman Mark Campbell. "It's pretty clear that Mr. Trivedi is following exactly the same failed script, with the same failed attacks that voters in our district have turned their backs on time and time again. The only thing new about Mr. Trivedi is the record-time it took him to ignore the facts."

Additionally, as Mr. Trivedi predictably dragged out the tired attack lines against George Bush, as well as comments made in today's Daily Local News stating the "Jim Gerlach votes with blinders on and in lockstep with the Republican Party," Trivedi ignores the fact that Jim has a long documented record of being one of the most independent Republicans in Washington. As an example, National Journal identified Jim as one of the "centrists" in the US House of Representatives (2/27/10).

"What we didn't hear from Mr. Trivedi was any push-back on the far-left policies he has publicly supported which our campaign outlined yesterday. That's because he is in full agreement with the misguided, big government agenda of the far-left and MoveOn. No wonder he wants to talk about George Bush - once voters understand the far-left policies he supports, his campaign will collapse before it even gets started," added Campbell. "Again, Trivedi's belief that the government didn't go far enough in taking over our health care system, his support of amnesty for illegal immigrants, and pledging never to be a part of the moderate Blue Dog Democrat coalition in Congress means this tax-and-spend liberal is way out-of-step with this district and unelectable in November."

Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Historic Sites along the Pennsylvania Trail of History Opening for Summer

Historic Sites along the Pennsylvania Trail of History Opening for Summer

Poll: Americans Are Less Happy

Sixteen months of incompetence and broken promises by Barack Obama appears to have taken its toll on Americans.

The Harris Poll Happiness Index has edged downward this year from 35% of Americans who said they were very happy in both 2008 and 2009 to 33% who say so this year, according to the latest Harris Poll.

Read more poll results at the link below:

Annual Happiness Index Finds One-third of Americans Are Very Happy

New Toomey Ad: 'Two good men, with very different ideas'



Republican Pat Toomey kicks off the race for U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania on a positive note, telling voters there's a clear difference between himself and Democratic opponent Joe Sestak on the issues - without taking any cheap shots at Sestak.

What does the future hold for Sam Rohrer?

Berks County state Rep. Sam Rohrer managed to win 31 percent of the Republican vote for governor in Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary despite being outspent by his better-known opponent, eventual winner Tom Corbett, the current attorney general.

Rohrer said he couldn't overcome Corbett's financial advantage and the Republican Party establishment backing Corbett.

"I didn't announce until the end of November," Rohrer told Reading Eagle reporter Mary Young. "The money was already taken. Most of my support has come from getting directly to people at town meetings and coffees and being literally in eye-to-eye meetings.

"We just couldn't get the $500,000 or the $1 million extra. We couldn't get the resources at the end. We had to use what we had."

Rohrer beat Corbett in two counties that will play a major role in determining the next governor of Pennsylvania. Rohrer routed Corbett in Berks County by an 80%-20% margin. Rohrer beat Corbett in Lancaster County by a 52%-48% margin.

Because he did not seek re-election to his 128th House District seat, Rohrer will be looking for work come January 2011.

The Reading Eagle offers a hint about Rohrer's future plans at the link below:

Rohrer wants role in continuing movement that aided campaign

CAPS: To Boycott Arizona, Los Angeles Residents to Cut Electricity Consumption By 25 Percent ... (Just Kidding)

CAPS: To Boycott Arizona, Mayor Villaraigosa Orders All Los Angeles Residents to Cut Electricity Consumption By 25 Percent ... (Just Kidding)

Warning Issued on Bogus 'SIPC Checks' Targeting U.S. Consumers

Warning Issued on Bogus 'SIPC Checks' Targeting U.S. Consumers

Aging Boomers Will Increase Dependency Ratio, Census Bureau Projects

Census Bureau News - The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050

Arlen Specter Lands New Job

National Missing Children's Day Is May 25

National Missing Children's Day Is May 25

Game Commission Advises Motorists to Watch For Deer

Game Commission Advises Motorists to Watch For Deer

Number of Memorial Day Holiday Travelers Expected to Increase 5.4 Percent, AAA Forecast Says

Number of Memorial Day Holiday Travelers Expected to Increase 5.4 Percent, AAA Forecast Says

MSNBC's Dylan Ratigan Spews Venom: Fox News' Glenn Beck Is a 'Scumbag'

MSNBC's Dylan Ratigan Spews Venom: Fox News' Glenn Beck Is a 'Scumbag' | NewsBusters.org

The real primary winners and losers

Sen. Bob Casey Jr. and Rep. Jason Altmire are among the winners after Tuesday's primary election? That's what POLITICO says.

The real primary winners and losers - Shira Toeplitz - POLITICO.com

Change boomerangs on President Obama

From POLITICO:
Change is Barack Obama's political calling card and the fuel that propelled his never-waste-a-crisis agenda — but change is boomeranging big time on the president in a turbulent and unpredictable 2010.

For the first time since he emerged as a national political figure six years ago, Obama finds himself on the wrong side of the change equation — the status quo side — with challengers in both parties running against him, his policies or his handpicked candidates.

Tea party conservative Rand Paul romped in the GOP Kentucky Senate primary by pledging to overturn virtually every major Obama initiative. And both Pennsylvania’s Joe Sestak, who knocked off a Democratic incumbent, and Bill Halter of Arkansas, who forced another one into a runoff, were spurned by Obama despite running on throw-the-bums-out platforms that could have been lifted from the president’s 2008 playbook.
Read the full story at the link below:

Change boomerangs on President Obama - Glenn Thrush - POLITICO.com

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Video: PA Pension Crisis Is Not Going Away

Democracy Rising PA: The Power of Incumbency

Some interesting observations from Tim Potts of Democracy Rising Pennsylvania about the stranglehold incumbents have on Pennsylvania politics.
The Power of Incumbency

Yesterday's election demonstrated once again the effect of incumbency on the choices voters have in elections. All results are from the state's Bureau of Commissions, Elections & Legislation with 99% of the vote counted.

PA House:
There are 203 seats up for election this year, 20 open seats and 183 seats where incumbents are seeking re-election.

Percent of open seats with primary contests in at least one party: 90% (18 of 20)
Percent of incumbents with primary opponents: 10.9% (20 of 183)
Percent of incumbents re-elected: 99.5% (182 of 183)

PA Senate:
There are 25 seats up for election this year, three open seats and 22 seats where incumbents are seeking re-election.

Percent of open seats with contests in at least one party: 67% (2 of 3)
Percent of incumbents with primary opponents: 9% (2 of 22)
Percent of incumbents re-elected: 100% (2 of 2)

Apart from the famous defeat of Democratic U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, the only other incumbent to lose was Rep. Karen Beyer, R-Northampton, who was upset by Justin Simmons. Simmons, running on an integrity agenda, signed DR's petition for a referendum on a Constitution convention.

Incumbency suppresses competition and the debate of ideas that elections are supposed to be. That's by design. Incumbents decide how the system works, and they can't resist stacking the deck in their own favor.

They use the authority of their (really our) offices to raise intimidating amounts of campaign money. When the legislature is in session, the $500-per-person breakfast fundraiser is routine. And those are the cheap ones. It's the rare challenger from back home who can hope to compete. Under PA law, there is no limit to the size of campaign contributions and few restrictions on how that money can be used. Incumbents who term-limit themselves and have huge stashes of cash can perpetuate political monopolies by funding their successors' campaigns.

Gerrymandering, legal obstacles to third-party and independent candidates, a public platform provided by taxpayers, and legal obstacles to easy and secure voter participation all favor incumbents, deprive citizens of choices and weaken representative democracy.
For more about the work Democracy Rising Pennsylvania does to reform state government, visit the group's Web site, http://www.democracyrisingpa.com/

Mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures break records under Obama

Another sure sign the Obama Recession continues.

From Alan Zibel of The Associated Press:
The number of homeowners who missed at least one mortgage payment surged to a record in the first quarter of the year, a sign that the foreclosure crisis is far from over.

More than 10 percent of homeowners had missed at least one mortgage payment in the January-March period, the Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday. That number was up from 9.5 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and 9.1 percent a year earlier.

Those figures are adjusted for seasonal factors. For example, heating bills and holiday expenses tend to push up mortgage delinquencies near the end of the year. Many of those borrowers become current on their loans again by spring.
Read the full story here.

This Just In From The Lunatic Fringe

Randi Rhodes: 'Brit Hume Is a Moron' on the Oil Spill, Which May Not Be an Accident | NewsBusters.org

FRC Action: Elena Kagan's Pro-Abortion Record Is Far Outside the Mainstream

FRC Action: Elena Kagan's Pro-Abortion Record Is Far Outside the Mainstream

Pennsylvania Agriculture Department Warns Restaurants of Potential Scam

Pennsylvania Agriculture Department Warns Restaurants of Potential Scam

Department of Health Urges Hepatitis Immunization and Testing

Department of Health Urges Hepatitis Immunization and Testing

Rendell blames Specter loss on 'rain'



Ed Rendell actually blamed Arlen Specter's defeat in Tuesday's Democratic Primary on bad weather that kept Philadelphia voters from going to the polls.

From The New York Times:
"The rain killed Arlen," Mr. Rendell said dejectedly. "Whatever chance he had went down with the rain."
It's a shame Rendell isn't on the ballot this year. Voters would like to send a message to this clueless career politician.

Bailing Out on Rendell

Another top Rendell aide bails out as the failed Rendell Administration winds down.

Governor Rendell Announces Resignation of Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes

Joe Sestak: True Blue Liberalism



The clear choice for Pennsylvania's next U.S. Senator is Pat Toomey. Find out more at Toomey's campaign Web site.

Another Liberal Failure on CNN

POLITICO: Campbell Brown to leave CNN - On Media - Campbell Brown to leave CNN

House Republicans: We'll still take the House

House Republicans: We'll still take the House - Jake Sherman - POLITICO.com

Blanche Lincoln will face Bill Halter in runoff

Blanche Lincoln will face Bill Halter in runoff - David Catanese - POLITICO.com

Richard Viguerie: Kentucky Election Results a Vote of No Confidence in McConnell

Richard Viguerie: Kentucky Elections Results are a Vote of No Confidence in Senator McConnell

Activists seize control of politics

Activists seize control of politics - John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei - POLITICO.com

The admiral sinks Arlen Specter

The admiral sinks Arlen Specter - Shira Toeplitz - POLITICO.com

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Specter Out! Obama losing streak continues!

The Associated Press has called the Democratic Party primary in Pennsylvania for U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak over incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter.

This was the most watched race in the country on Tuesday as voters continued to punish incumbents for the many failures of Washington.

It also marks another humiliating defeat for President Obama, who endorsed Specter.

Obama-supported candidates in Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts and now Pennsylvania have been rejected by voters.

From the wire service:
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter has been defeated in a Pennsylvania primary in his bid for a sixth term after taking the risky step of switching to the Democratic Party.

Voters Tuesday picked U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak as the party's nominee and rejected the 80-year-old Specter in his first Democratic campaign.

With 65 percent of precincts reporting, Sestak received 339,402 votes, nearly 53 percent. Specter received 304,179 votes, about 47 percent.

The vote also was a defeat for President Barack Obama, who supported Specter when he abandoned the Republican Party last year.

The moderate Specter cast his switch as a decision of principle after inflaming the GOP by voting for Obama's economic stimulus bill. But many Democratic voters questioned his motives.

Sestak faces Republican Pat Toomey in the fall election.

Specter trails Sestak in PA Senate race

With 63% of the Pennsylvania precincts reporting at 10 p.m., U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak has received 53% of the vote (or 329,309) in the Democratic primary against incumbent U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, who has 47% of the vote (or 297,450).

Video: Even Democrats Know Onorato Will Raise Taxes



The Primary Election results are still being counted, but the Republican Governor's Association has already launched an attack on Democrat Dan Onorato, who like his mentor Ed Rendell, has a history of raising taxes.

Corbett vs. Onorato for PA Governor

The next governor of Pennsylvania will come from the western end of the state.

The Associated Press has declared Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato the Democratic Party nominee over three challengers. Onorato will face Attorney General Tom Corbett, who easily defeated Berks County state Rep. Sam Rohrer to capture the GOP nomination.

From The Associated Press:
Dan Onorato, a county executive from western Pennsylvania, has won a four-way race for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Onorato, the highest elected official in Allegheny County, had 44 percent of the vote with returns Tuesday night from one-third of the state's 9,233 precincts.

Each of the other candidates had 25 percent or less. They are state Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams of Philadelphia, state Auditor General Jack Wagner of Pittsburgh and Joe Hoeffel, a suburban Philadelphia county commissioner.

Cartoon of the Day

Tea Party flexes muscle: Rand Paul wins Ky. Senate primary

The Associated Press is reporting that Rand Paul, the son of Texas Congressman Ron Paul, defeated establishment candidate Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for the open U.S. Senate held by Republican Sen. Jim Bunning.

From the wire service:
Rand Paul on Tuesday gave the tea party its first victory in a statewide election — one that could embolden the fledgling political movement in other states.

With 31 percent of precincts reporting, Paul was leading with 65,702 votes, or 59 percent, to Grayson's 40,767 votes or 37 percent.

Paul, a 47-year-old Bowling Green eye surgeon, had never before run for office and turned to the Internet fundraising model used by his father to pay for his campaign. Grayson stayed competitive drawing heavy financial support from traditional GOP donors inside Kentucky.

The Kentucky election was being watched around the country, especially after tea party activists helped to defeat three-term Sen. Bob Bennett in Utah and forced Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to abandon the GOP to make an independent run for the Senate.

Treatment of Souder Resignation Illustrates AP and NYT's Double Standards on Party Identification

Treatment of Souder Resignation Illustrates AP and NYT's Double Standards on Party Identification | NewsBusters.org

Video: Student Objected to Test Featuring Michael Moore Movie Called 'Teabagger’ by Teacher

Video: Student Objected to Test Featuring Michael Moore Movie Called 'Teabagger' by Teacher | NewsBusters.org

GOP accuses Critz of illegally campaigning inside polling sites

The heated race to replace the late John Murtha continues to draw controversy even on Primary Election Day.

Pennsylvania Republican officials say that the Democratic candidate, former Murtha aide Mark Critz, broke state election laws by campaigning inside a polling location.

The Republican Party of Pennsylvania even submitted the photo of Critz inside a polling location in the 12th Congressional District.

From a PA GOP press release:
HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Spokesman Mike Barley released the following statement regarding Democratic Congressional candidate Mark Critz campaigning inside polling places in Cambria County.

"I guess Mark Critz has picked up some pointers from President Barack Obama, namely Chicago-style politics," Barley said. "Reports have come in from voters who have seen Mark Critz showing up and campaigning inside a number of polling locations all over Cambria County."

"Get out of the polls Mark! Your presence breaks the law, intimidates voters and election workers and could influence the outcome of this election.

"If Mark Critz refuses to follow the law as a candidate, how can we trust him to represent the people of the 12th Congressional District in Pennsylvania? There is no room for these types of Chicago-style politics in southwestern Pennsylvania."

Democratic Congressional candidate Mark Critz was spotted campaigning inside a number of Westmont polling locations in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania Election Code, 25 P.S. Section 3060, campaigning inside the polling place is illegal.

(C) No person, when within the polling place, shall electioneer or solicit votes for any political party, political body or candidate, nor shall any written or printed matter be posted up within the said room, except as required by this act.