This is what makes primary elections fun!

From the wonderful world of Lackawanna County where holding an
endorsement meeting to show the strength of the Democratic Party
backfired so badly the endorsed candidate had to drop out. Or to Luzerne County where the surprises were a little under the radar but still very visible.

Look for the Democratic Primary winners to be Evie McNulty and Corey O'Brien.

The Luzerne County GOP is a huge mess. Thanks Lynette Villano for your strong leadership once again. Current Commissioner Steve Urban and Christine Katsock, those two names can make voters rejoice. Especially in Wilkes Barre City where Steve Urban has been so nice to have his name listed twice, once for County Commissioner and then again for City Controller. I'm sure Steve Flood can help him get the books back in order. All of this GOP infighting should pave the way for a Primary win by Dave Shipula and Bill Jones, not Bill James who has run for County Commissioner and State Rep many many times before.

The interesting thing is that Luzerne County Democratic Chairman Mark Bufalino comes out looking like a genius. His slate of candidates all filed and he managed to protect real challenges to Commissioner, Court of Common Pleas, and District Attorney. The only county row office challenge is for Sheriff which looks to go to Mike Savokinas just because the party is united and Coroner which should go to incumbent Dr. Jack Consalvo.

Luzerne County Winners:
County Commissioner - Greg Skrepenak / Maryanne Petrilla
Court of Common Pleas - Dave Lupas
District Attorney - Jackie Musto Carroll
Sheriff - Mike Savokinas
Coroner - Dr. Jack Consalvo
Treasurer - Mike Morreale
Clerk of Courts - Bob Reilly
Recorder of Deeds - James "Red" O'Brien

Only Republicans with a chance of success in November:
County Commissioner - David Shipula / Bill Jones

Some token credit should be given to the GOP for fielding a candidate in each race except Coroner.

Let us know if you see the outcomes differently or any tips that might swing a few of these races right from the start, something says we can't just have one Chris Clauss.

Chris Clauss Gets Thrown Under The Bus

Chris Clauss gets dropped from the ticket today, and Evie McNulty decides she'll run after all ... sounds like a conspiracy. We, the intrepid political detectives at the service of the public, dare ask

So who does benefit the most from the new alliance of Washo and McNulty?

Former Scranton Mayor-turned-political consultant James McNulty, husband of the new candidate.

Something makes us think that the heavy hitting Team McNulty barkered a deal with the county party after everyone realized Clauss wasn't going to make it because of the whole COLTS fiasco.

So Clauss gets thrown under the COLTS bus after all ... good thing he kept the health insurance.

7 Days left to file petitions

With only 7 days left to file petitions, Primary Election 2007 is shaping up to be a very boring election cycle. Greg Skrepenak and Maryanne Petrilla have formed a team, and with no serious candidates challenging them they will have a lot of money on hand for the General Election. The turnout for their announcement was pathetic. Approximately 200 county employees, two dozen local elected officials, and a handful of friends. Of these people, none were serious campaign workers. If Skrep/Petrilla had to rely on volunteers to win, it would not even be worth filing the papers.
(Sidenote - it would be nice since Skrep/Petrilla have a free Primary they spend some money on rebuilding the Democratic Party but don't hold your breath.)

Dave Shipula and Bill Jones most likely will be the GOP team for the November election provided they campaign against Steve Urban with a positive pro-taxpayer message. Both men are from the mold of Kennedy Republicans or Reagan Democrats, so countygovernment may run better with them at the helm. Luzerne County Republicans like Steve Urban because he opposes everything his Democratic counterparts attempt. Shipula/Jones need to demonstrate they can lead the county not just provide token opposition to Democratic Commissioner plans.

In a sign of hope and humor, Steve Flood will run because he cares (we just don't know what he cares about). And likewise we are just thankful he's back because anytime you get a guy who wears 20 rings on 10 fingers you know he's in it for the people. It's interesting to see some people still remember his connections to Ed Rendell in 2002, those ties are officially broken. But he will not run as a Republican because he thinks he has a chance of replacing MaryannePetrilla should she win a commissioner seat. Her replacement for Controller must be from the same political party. And the replacement will be Former Pittston Area School Director and Retired Wyoming Valley West Super August (Augie) Piazza. We can think of better people for these positions but this year no one is stepping up.

There is always a small chance that voters will be given good alternatives to the front runners and if that does happen each new entry will have a legitimate shot at winning a commissioner seat or any of the row offices. Let's say people want to "believe".

Up Next - A look into how non-competitive the other Luzerne County races are this year and a look into Lackawanna County's Democratic Endorsement.

This Weekend -

We'll look at the announcement of Greg Skrepenak and Maryanne Petrilla, Super Mario getting stuck in the snow, and other Luzerne County Commissioner bits.

Feel free to look at the fluffy from the CV below:
http://www.citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17893962&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=571464&rfi=6

And take a look at one of the best efforts so far by opening up the Bureau of Elections in Luzerne County.
http://www.luzernecounty.org/county/departments_agencies/bureau_of_elections

Patrick Judge - A Judge behind the scenes

Some attention was given to the recent announcement of Patrick Judge to
Chairman of the State's Judicial Conduct Board. The State Judicial Conduct Board monitors Judges to ensure they are behaving and acting according to the Commonwealth's Constitution. Originally based on the West Side of Luzerne County, Patrick Judge now lives in Glenmaura, Lackawanna County. His ties to backroom deals and having a great deal of power is rarely ever seen and instead just felt by elected officials and those who work in government. Patrick Judge has been a member of the Wyoming Valley Sewer Authority for over 15 years and in that position has influenced a majority of the hiring of all personnel. He has been given credit to keeping a working Republican Party structure together unofficially which has helped Former Gov. Tom Ridge, Former Attorney General Mike Fisher, and Current Attorney General Tom Corbett among others. He has also been rumored to have helped Former Luzerne County Commissioner Frank Crossin out of his legal troubles several years ago with then Attorney General Mike Fisher. Patrick was Vice Chairman of the Luzerne County Republican Committee but resigned upon moving to Lackawanna County in the late 1990's. However his residency has not caused him to resign his position on the Wyoming Valley Sewer Authority. In addition he also a member of the Luzerne County Arena Board Authority, which oversees all operations of the Wachovia Arena.

Much of his power began due to his relations to Patrick Solano, who had served as a Senior Counselor to every Governor since the 1960's both Democrat and Republican. Patrick Solano was known as a deal maker able to bring both parties together thus earning him respect among many elected officials. Patrick Judge is also tied to Keystone Automotive, based in Exeter Boro. Luzerne County.

Of current interest is Patrick Judge's current role as chairman of the State Judicial Conduct Board and their efforts against Luzerne County Judge Ann Lokuta. He is the first lay person (non-lawyer) to serve as chairman of the State Judicial Conduct Board. A quick look through Internet searches shows some of the people who have relationships with either Patrick Judge or Patrick Solano and many are known political players in Northeastern PA, including Luzerne County Judge Mike Conahan who controls Luzerne County's Judges with an iron fist.

All of this speaks ill for Judge Lokuta's chances of being found innocent of the charges brought against her. She does not play ball with any of the other judges in Luzerne County and does not associate with political players in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Also if she is removed, her current voter registration is Republican which would almost guarantee her replacement would be another registered Republican considering her replacement would need to be approved by the Republican Controlled State Senate. So although Conrad Falvello and Tom O'Connor both have decided not to run for Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas and wait for this seat to open up, they might not get the chance until Judge Chester Muroski retires.

Watch for more of this to come out especially if Judge Lokuta plans on bringing down as many of her advisaries as she looks more and more likely to be suspended or removed from the bench.

Speaking of a Lacking in Judicial Qualifications

Another judicial problem in Luzerne County, getting much more attention is the saga of Judge Ann Lokuta. Judge Lokuta has had more than her share of critics and some of the problems such as being unreasonable and having the ego she does is well known throughout the county. But is that enough to actually get a Judge to be dismissed or suspended? We don't think so. Much for the same reasons why Philadelphia State Senator VinceFumo will walk away from the charges presented against him.

If either of them took bribes or illegally directed government resources
to friends and family, then there can be a case. But it seem we now live in an era when a public official isn't a carbon copy of other public officials something must be wrong. Judges should all act alike, State Senators should all act alike, etc. Trying to focus on Judge Lokuta , it seems very hard to prove she had employees clean her house and shovel her driveway, and just because she made an intern cry does that
really deserve a suspension from the bench or does it mean she's simply tough on her staff. We would find it hard to believe U.S. Senator Arlen Specter never made an intern cry and I'm glad that the Senate didn't impeach him because he's hard on his staff.

We as a society deserve effective public officials in each branch of government. While Judge Ann Lokuta will have her sex life thrown around and might use it as a defense and former staffers will say mean things about her - let's instead focus on how effective she is as a Judge for the citizens ofLuzerne County. Before State Senator Vince Fumo gets years in prison, let's wait to see the benefits he obtained for himself due to abuse of government resources. Without looking for real justice for all people, how can we maintain our faith Democracy works because when one branch fails our "checks and balances" must provide a logical balanced approach to get us believing again.

As always your comment, suggestions, and emails are welcomed.

We have some tips about Pat Judge and while we need to double check our facts it seems Judge Ann Lokuta's fate is sealed with his recent jump to chairman of the Judicial Conduct Board.

Andy Taylor, Matt Dillon, and "Nipper"

Most people of NEPA know the first two fictional Sheriffs mentioned but unless you live in Luzerne County you may not know the third fictional Sheriff. George "Nipper" Nowakowski has run for sheriff many times before and as a Democrat and as a Republican. Unlike the two other men who became known to symbolize the good side of Justice, "Nipper" has become know in political circle as the man who likes to see his name on the ballot every 4 years for an office he will never win.
Why can't this time be different? He's lost the support of many close friends and even family member who have a hard time donating to a losing cause. Voters don't like him because he brings with him the exact opposite of what Andy Taylor and Matt Dillon taught us to want from our "Law & Order" Sheriff: Understanding and Fairness.
George "Nipper" Nowakowski is rude and crude while also having a reputation of not upholding his word. Hopefully though he will raise enough money to humor us with some polka political ads and the voters will leave the job of Sheriff to someone who will inspire us all to be a little bit better in our daily lives.

Early prediction: Mike Savokinas wins Primary by 10% loses General by 5%.

Let's us know if you'd like some details about any other candidates and comments are always welcome.

Meet Chris Clauss

Lackawanna County Democrats, meet your savior. This is the candidate that will join your reform-heavy ticket with Mike Washo and crush the Republicans in November.

If we can find this stuff in a 30-second Google News search, imagine the field day the Republicans will have in the fall.

COLTS Board Rides Taxpayers

COLTS official still receiving free insurance

>

COLTS elects Chris Clauss as new leader

Lawyers, Lawyers Everywhere

Maybe we do need a Law School here in NEPA because it seems Luzerne
County has a tremendous lack of qualified lawyers who enter the political arena. To be fair though, this area does have some excellent lawyers, and three of them appeared on State of Pennsylvania, Thursday Feb 8th on WVIA. Attorneys Tom O'Connor (Bishop O'Reilly), Jerry Langan (Seton Catholic), and Dave Pedri (Bishop Hafey) represented individual Catholic School supporter groups who are seeking logical explanations concerning the future of Catholic education in Luzerne County. All three men did a great job while the Catholic Church refused to comment. Of note is how Luzerne County will lose the traditions of four regional Catholic high schools (The other being Bishop Hoban) and form one new Catholic high school (Holy Redeemer). Lackawanna County is also under going changes but seem to have a much better system of inclusion. All student currently in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th will be allowed to attend their schools until graduation while students coming from Lackawanna County feeder schools will be sent to a new Catholic school. Hopefully the Church and these faithful support groups will find common ground soon.

The point though of having weak lawyers involved in politics is stronger this year than usual. Dave Lupas is getting some help from above and all around by not having a serious opponent which leaves us with a Judgeship being filled not by the most
qualified but filled by the only candidate people have heard of before.
Tom Marsillio only has negative name ID, while Dave Lupas has some positives as a nice guy. Neither have a reputation of being good lawyers. Where's someone like Atty. Joe Cosgrove when the county needs him? Another pathetic excuse of an election will be the choice for District Attorney, while Luzerne County Republicans don't have a candidate since Commissioner hopeful and Chief Deputy Sheriff Art Bobbouine can't pass the bar exam (failed 7 times), Democrats get to keep the seat and it goes to a weak lawyer who only has her name to prop her up in this race. Jackie Musto-Carroll is counting on her Uncle Senator Ray Musto to provide lots of muscle and also her relation through marriage State Rep. Mike Carroll to help her become the county's first female DA. Sadly the alternative to her is Vito DeLuca , a criminal defense attorney with no name ID and seems to be running just because every qualified lawyer is afraid to upset the political climate in Luzerne County.

Will voters wake up in time for the election? And if they do will they have
a viable alternative to the leaders we know all too well?

Speaking of a Lacking in Judicial Qualifications

Another judicial problem in Luzerne County, getting much more attention is the saga of Judge Ann Lokuta. Judge Lokuta has had more than her share of critics and some of the problems such as being unreasonable and having the ego she does is well known throughout the county. But is that enough to actually get a Judge to be dismissed or suspended? We don't think so. Much for the same reasons why Philadelphia State Senator Vince Fumo will walk away from the charges presented against him.

If either of them took bribes or illegally directed government resources to friends and family, then there can be a case. But it seem we now live in an era when a public official isn't a carbon copy of other public officials something must be wrong. Judges should all act alike, State Senators should all act alike, etc. Trying to focus on Judge Lokuta, it seems very hard to prove she had employees clean her house and shovel her driveway, and just because she made an intern cry does that really deserve a suspension from the bench or does it mean she's simply tough on her staff. We would find it hard to believe U.S. Senator Arlen Spector never made an intern cry and I'm glad that the Senate didn't impeach him because he's hard on his staff.

We as a society deserve effective public officials in each branch of government. While Judge Ann Lokuta will have her sex life thrown around and might use it as a defense and former staffers will say mean things about her - let's instead focus on how effective she is as a Judge for the citizens of Luzerne County. Before State Senator Vince Fumo gets years in prison, let's wait to see the benefits he obtained for himself due to abuse of government resources. Without looking for real justice for all people, how can we maintain our faith Democracy works because when one branch fails our "checks and balances" must provide a logical balanced approach to get us believing again.

As always your comment, suggestions, and emails are welcomed.

We have some tips about Pat Judge and while we need to double check our facts it seems Ann Lokuta's fate as a Judge is sealed, stay tuned.

Commissioner Comments

First we'd like to give some Thanks! to Gort42 in reading our site and mentioning us to his devoted readers. Our prayers are with him as he focuses his time towards a personal family matter and of course wish his Uncle Howie a speedy recovery. Also an apoligy to our readers - we would have liked to update more often but for one reason or another we just didn't. This was most likely the underestimation of how much time you need to devote towards a successful blog.

Some interesting things concerning the Luzerne Co commissioners race is the Republicans as mentioned earlier look very strong and might be very successful in using the same model of victory the 2003 Democratic winners used. Running seperate and well organized campaigns Bill Jones and Dave Shipula should propell them towards a November showdown with Greg Skrepenak and Maryanne Petrilla who have the right stuff on paper but just like each county goverment project/proposal of the past 4 years had looked good on paper, the results didn't always pan out. Don't be surprised if Democrats lose control in 2007 just like Lackawanna County Dems did in 2003. Jumpimg into Lackawanna County, because so many things need to go right for the Dems to take back the majority many people are riding off any hope. But by looking into the crystal ball, Republicans lose just like they won control 4 years ago (under 1000 votes) and Dems take back control. Expect the Lackawanna Dems to endorse very soon with the team being Current Commissioner Mike Washo and Corey O'Brien,(their endorsement may develop like Luzerne Co where the endorsement links them and they wait to join forces) will ride into November challenging Commissioners Bob Cordaro and A.J. Munchak. Remember as much as well like high end shopping centers and SWB Yankees baseball, the bottomline will still be: Are you better off now than you were four years ago? And higher taxes seem to say no, look for voters to vote with their pocket books.
If we get some comments or emails (this way we know someones reading) we'd be glad to run a background on the front runners for commissioner in both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, just let us know if it's needed.

Suprise Visit

Under a cloak of darkness Saturday afternoon former North Carolina Senator John Edwards visited the Bear Creek home of Mrs. Pearl Novak. Joined by his wife and youngest children, John Edwards and volunteers from his One Corps helped make Mrs. Novak's home more energy efficient. As far as we know, there's been no press coverage, and from the looks of the video, no local press was there.

Around the horn

Looks like Lackawanna County is close to becoming as democratically open as Luzerne County because we've heard the Lackawanna Democratic Organization is close to endorsing Mike Washo (Current Minority Commissioner) and either Corey O'Brien (Attorney and Talk Show Host) or Corey Castellani (Valley View School District). Within the next week expect Bob Mellow to give his blessing to a ticket and of course get the endorsement. O'Brien's strength is his ability to raise money through his network of friends and family who aren't directly involved in politics. Castellani's strength is obviously name recognition but no relation to Randy who is dandy. The real test for this ticket will be if they can unite Democrats throughout the upper and mid valleys along with energizing the Scranton City base of the party. Expect Ed Mitchell to make lots of grainy black and white commercials regardless of which Democratic candidates proceed to the November election.
Even though 2008 cycle is mainly the topic of Presidential conversations, Democrats and Republicans are both getting their plans in place for the 10th Congressional District. Looks for less undervotes this time around. Chris Carney with a chairmanship to a Homeland Security subcommittee and what seems like a well oiled staff, should be in better than expect shape for his fight against either State Senator Lisa Baker, Ex-Auditor General Candidate Joe Peters, Current State House and former Mayor of Williamsport Steve Cappelli, Former State House Rep Brett Feese (Lycoming) or any of the other hopefuls who can get 20-25% in the 2008 primary. Also look at the Democratic County organizations to have lots of new life due to finally winning an important election. Local elections in the 10th Congressional may even show Dems picking up a few School Board or County Offices this year.
Seems like Kingston Attorney Tom O'Connor is still having a hard time deciding if he should make a challenge for Luzerne County Judge or if he's better running for PA Superior Court. The issue is does he challenge current DA Dave Lupas for one seat now, spend at least 500K and hope for a win or does he wait until next year hoping a retirement and Ann Lokuta's removal create two openings thus making it easier and cheaper to win an election or does he throw his hat into a state bid hoping to form an alliance with another attorney from either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia running as a ticket. Either choice has pluses and minuses, but launching a bid for Superior Court can be cheaper than a NEPA county election and also give O'Connor a chance to build a network of current elected officials who should all jump behind him, making a run for a local seat in the future easier if he should run statewide and lose.
Sorry about the delay in posting and as always we love to hear your stories and rumors just as much as you like ours, so keep those emails coming.

Endorsements vs. No Endorsements

Sometimes you feel like endorsing, sometimes you don't... Democrats have a strong slate of candidates, Republicans don't. Or maybe it's the just the opposite in the bizare world of Luzerne County politics. Luzerne County Democrats endorsed in local meaningful elections for the first time in years while Luzerne County Republicans took a play from the Dems 2003 playbook and opted not to endorse.
Republicans led by Lynette "Everyday is a holiday" Villano, led her troops to an open primary because she claims to have so many good candidates. So the truth must be she knows the Republican County Committee has no real power so why drag down strong commissioner candidates with baggage before the race even starts. Front runners would have to be Bill Jones of Mountaintop and Dave Shipula of Hanover Twp, both have grassroots experience and a network of friends with money. The other duo on the Republican side hoping to have a chance is Steve Urban and Art Bobbouine. The current commissioner is filled with so much disgust for every elected official teaming with the Top Dog Deputy Sheriff shows an ability to finally agree with someone. Don't expect the Republicans to make any other race interesting because if they just get a candidate for every row office that would be a victory or "Mission Accomplished".
Democrats decided to endorse the entire slate of candidates and did so unanimously. Led by Mark "I want to be Judge" Bufalino, 43 members endorsed the Top Dogs of the party. DA David Lupas seems to have a very easy contest if no one else enters the race for Judge. Tom O'Connor's decision to go local or statewide which will make it interesting. Instead of spending 750,000 dollars this time Lupas might just pull that much in without having to spend a penny. His challenger Tom Marsilio seems to still be off his rocker and will be sitting in a rocker watching the General Election at home. Jackie Musto Carroll looks to use her built in name ID to crush anyone aspiring to replace Lupas as District Attorney. With her family connections and a weak field for Judge, luck seems to be on her side. Vito DeLuca seems to be a nice guy, but a nice guy with no political legs can't stand in Luzerne County. Greg Skrepenak and Maryanne Petrilla both got the nods for County Commissioner with no opposition. Hopefully Petrilla's first term goes better than Todd Vonderheid's. Unless someone dynamic and willing to spend 500k for a 40k a year job appears, county government should be unchanged for the next four years. Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly and Treasurer Mike Morreale both get a pass and get to continue serving until they want to step away. James "Red" O'Brien has decided to seek Recorder of Deeds and being the only Democratic candidate, he has a good start but we'll have to wait for the finish as this still appears to be a safe Republican seat. If he campaigns like he did for State Rep last year in the 118th, he might have a fighting chance. Dr. Jack Consalvo gets the endorsement over long time politician John Corcoran and jack of all trades Jim Desiderio. If everyone stays in the race and it looks like Dr. Jack needs some help expect the same attorney who whispered his name into Rendell's ear for the appointment to step in a offer generous financial support. The Battle for Sheriff will pin George "Nipper" Nowakowski who is running because he likes seeing his name every four years on a voting machine and newly endorsed candidate Mike Savokinas square off. If Savokinas can work the county and act like a sheriff he should be able to use the Primary much in the same fashion Ed Rendell did in 2002 during his successful first campaign for Governor against Bob Casey. Expect to see lots of donated Savo's Pizza on the campaign trail. Happy eating and feel free to add any comments and suggestions.

Inaugural Part II - Sequels are never better than the original

The Inaugural this past week was nothing like four years ago but still had some interesting moments. Only four years ago excitement was everywhere as many were just happy to have a Democratic Governor, now the talked seem to focus on who was going to replace who over the next several months/years. Many of NEPA's top political dogs circled around each of the several bars set up on the floor. No Republicans could be spotted with the exception of Scranton's Jimmy Connors who sported a rainbow bow tie, so Dems as expected ruled the rumor mill. Seems like Scranton will have another statewide office holder very soon as Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is looking at his options regarding running for PA Treasurer in 2008, looks like he has some nice backing if the city doesn't implode by then. Another Electric City native is seriously considering a run for PA's 11th Congressional once it becomes available or maybe sooner, let's just hope the third time is the charm for this man with a name everyone knows. Of the many attorneys circling the grounds of the farm show complex, Luzerne County native Tom O'Connor is picking up steam in his surprise bid for PA Superior Court. With his NEPA ties and his brother's Philadelphia money (Cozen & O'Connor) it seems like a non-Pittsburgh/Philadelphia based campaign might have some appeal statewide. Looking ahead to 2010 too many unrealistic names are being mentioned for Governor although Don Cunningham (Lehigh Co.)seems to have the East locked up with Dan Onorato (Allegheny Co.) seemingly the favorite from the West. While many of the 21 Democratic House Reps from NEPA showed up and pranced around like the farm animals before them earler in the week, everyone seem content to just maintain the gains of 2006 before looking ahead to 2008. As always feel free to comment and add some of your own personal stories and tips.

WELCOME

Welcome To NEPA's Real Deal! We have a team of political experts and muckrakers working round the clock to bring you the most up-to-date rumors and innuendo going on in the NEPA political scene. Got a tip? Send it to us at neparealdeal@gmail.com and we'll be happy to check it out.