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.