Happy Holidays!

Crossing the finish line at the Philadelphia Marathon

Has to be hard to be mayor of Latrobe

Tom Marflak tries to hold the line on taxes, but he was outvoted 4-3. I hope the people of Latrobe knows how hard Tom fights for conservative principles.

Some cool news!

Olivia and her dog, Perry, are coming to Nickelodeon in January!

New republican leadership team

State Senator Kim Ward: Anyone who has ever worked with her will tell you that Kim is intelligent and energetic. She gets things done with the sheer force of her personality. In the state senate, she will not be a back bencher. Kim will fight hard for the interests of the people in the 39th district and not the interests of the Harrisburg insiders. If the GOP does not with the governor's race in 2010, I see Kim as a potential Lt. Governor candidate in the next cycle.

State Represenative Tim Krieger: Fantastic guy! Conservative. Great family. You can count on Tim to do what is right.

State Represenative Mike Reese: I honestly respect Mike Reese a lot. In both the commissioners race and the race against O'Barto, I was a pain in the ass, but he never was anything but nice to me. After the endorsement for commissioner, Reese went out of his way to compliment me on my family. He is also in a way smarter than me. I thought about running for the 59th but did not because I figured that O'Barto would beat any republican. I was certainly wrong and Reese was right. I look forward to him being my state represenative and will attend his fundraisers if he sends me an invitation this time. For the record, he was the first person I called to tell that Jess Stairs wasn't running again. At least I got that part right.

Commissioner Charles Anderson: I think the judges got this one right. You can't really argue with the leadership skills of a US Marine officer. Granted, it would have been more fun for me if Scott Avolio was commissioner. He is a great guy.

Jury Commissioner Debbie Irwin: You can always count on Debbie to shake things up. In a good way.

I am afraid that the county committe will fall apart with out the great political skills that Elizabeth Yorio brought to the table.

Caroline Kennedy interested in Clinton senate seat

Critics are all over the place saying she is not qualified to be a US Senator. Has anyone looked at how dysfunctional our government has been as of late? Is anyone there very qualified to be a senator? Look at others trying to be senators: Al Franken? Chris Matthews? She is as qualified as anyone. I don't like how far left she would be, but you know had he not died, her brother would be the US Senator from New York. So, why not her? She is just as good as just about anyone else in DC.

George Dunbar mad at judges

If anyone had an ax to grind with a judge, it was me. I sat in a courtroom when a my father in law was kicked off the ballot for essentially the same infraction that a democrat was allowed to stay on the ballot for. The cases were one after the other. I took it like a grown up. I accepted it and moved on. If you read my past posts, you can see why I did not think the judges would look at the GOP list. However, I think they did. I think they did not choose Bill Davis out of deference to the fact that he was rejected (stupidly) by the GOP committee. What did you expect the judges to do? Did you read Ferguson's comments? The judges could not pick one of the four because Ferguson made it look like it was going to be the beginning of some massive GOP assault to take the courthouse back. The relationship between Tom, Tom and Kim was awful. The judges could not risk more of that.

Chuck Anderson looks to be the best choice out there. Maybe the GOP should have seen that in the first place and recruited him. As I said before, his name was brought up to me by others in another matter. Although George Dunbar may have never heard of Mr. Anderson, it seems everyone else has and I just would not be messing with the selection of a retired Marine colonel.

So, don't be mad at the judges. Go read Ferguson's statement on the official GOP site and tell me that you guys didn't mess this up. You should have gone with a petition drive. After all, the judges may selected Anderson based on his community involvement, resume as a marine officer, and his presentation. If I am not mistaken, he did put his name in when Terry Marolt died. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.

Besides, I am tired of all this partisan stuff. I am going to support James R. Antoniono for Westmoreland County DA in the primary and most likely in the general unless the GOP can come up with a quality candidate. The upcoming judges: this should not be partisan. Candidates can cross file. Judges should be supported based on fairness, experience and intellect. I am not about to vote for someone for judge who cares only if there is an R or D next to someones name.

Here is George's letter

December 11, 2008

To All Westmoreland County Republican Committee Members:
I am writing to you today to express my disappointment in the selection of Charles Anderson as our next County Commissioner. This is not an indictment of Mr. Anderson, I have never met the man nor have I ever heard of him prior to this process. I am hopeful that he will be an excellent commissioner and serve the residents of Westmoreland County well. My disappointment lies with the Judges of our fair county.
We as a group respectfully submitted four extremely qualified names for consideration to the judges, who ignored us. As opposed to listening to the voices of the 87,000 Republicans we were elected to represent, they chose to listen to a select few voices in the courthouse. This deed cannot go unnoticed.
We cannot shrug our shoulders and lament the fact that the Democratic Judges have control and we have to accept this. We need to force change. The most recent election cycle proved once again that the Republican Party in Westmoreland County is alive and strong. The same energies we expended for McCain, Corbett, Ward, Krieger, and Reese will be needed in this year’s election to remove the Judges that have ignored our requests. Now is the time to flex our collective muscles.
An off-year election, with anticipated low turn out, is the perfect opportunity for us to show our strength. We need to all be focused and motivated to get our message out, and in turn get our voters out as well. I urge you all to use today’s slight as motivation as we move forward.
With no disrespect to soon to be Commissioner Anderson, I am disappointed, angry and have a chip on my shoulder. I hope all of you do as well. Let’s use this to our advantage in removing those who are responsible for this.
George Dunbar, Chairman

That wouldn't be the judges. I believe that may be those who turned this into the start of the election on day one! That was just silly and short-sighted.

Hard economic times hits media

Many media outlets are cutting staff during this recession. There will be no layoffs at this blog. Our chief writer, me, will continue to plug away at the hefty sum of $0/year. A sum well earned by me.

My kids and dog are getting big...or I am getting old

Anderson is a good choice for commissioner

You certainly can't go wrong with a retired US Marine colonel. Anderson also has been involved in the community. I also think he is a good republican. If I am not mistaken, his name was mentioned to me by people if we needed a candidate to run in the primary for state senate in the 39th (had Regola dropped out before the primary).

Anderson is not overtly political. He may not run for a full term after this one expires. It is a really interesting choice by the judges. Military training, without a doubt, prepares one well to serve as an executive. Balya and Ceraso can work with him. As a marine, I am sure he won't take any "partisan crap" from anyone. The more I think of the pick, the more I like it! For the record, I am quite surprised.

As for the republican committee, the endorsement process certainly did not do anything to elevate the "power of influence" of the committee. If anything, it hurt it. I am glad I did not do any such endoresement when Terry Marolt's seat was open.

Car Czar...Don't screw this one up DC!

Mitt Romney, the obvious choice!

George Dunbar over-reaching?

The GOP took applicants and got the list down to 10. Then, the vote occurred and the final four were selected. I don't know if at any point applicants were asked to not apply if they were not selected. Considering the low number of votes the winner received AND the large number of proxies which resulted in the final four list, I think it is a bit much to complain about people not selected submitting their names anyway. Even more, Wayne McGrew did the exact same thing when he lost out on the GOP county commissioner endorsement against Dunbar. He filed petitions anyway and now is being reward as an endorsed candidate. So, Dunbar really should not be complaining.

What I think is inappropriate at this point is the statement George made that he is going to tell the judges why the other candidates were not selected by the committee. I have spoken to some committee folks and the gripe they had with some candidates was the fact the candidate would not be overtly partisan and working on re-election from day 1. It is not the judges responsibility to select someone to position the GOP to win two seats in the next election. If Dunbar is going to be critical of other republicans, maybe he should be viewed the same way as me. He is the dude who asked me to resign at the request of several districts.

read about it in the Trib...

Dunbar said that in addition to his letter recommending the party's endorsed candidates, he also sent the judges information about which candidates were not supported by his committee.

Shew...I was afraid Bill Davis wouldn't put his name in

after the GOP left him off the list of 4. He did. My top 4 candidates for the position are:

• Bill Davis
• Scott Avolio
• Jess Stairs (all about contacts in Harrisburg on this one)
• Tom Marflak
  

The procedure to apply for commissioner

Here you go:

• a letter of intent
• a resume
• a letter of recommendation (if possible)

I can write a letter of intent, but I have been self-employed so long--I don't have a resume. I am sure Olivia could write me a letter. She thinks that I rock! Maybe Mike Reese could write me...oh wait...

In reality, Mike Reese would be the guy to get a letter of recommendation from. He is very well liked and respected in the courthouse.

You have until 4PM tomorrow.

Anyone have anything good on who the new commissioner might be?

Post it in the comments or send me an e-mail at perry@westmorelandgop.com

I approve all comments unless they are obviously inappropriate, racist, etc... Remember, I deleted the last blog because of all the anti-Mormon Mitt Romney stuff that just drove me insane!

I am looking at the 4 endorsed candidates of the county GOP

I can't really figure out why Rob Ferguson is on the list. I am sure he is a nice guy, just about everyone is, but why county commissioner. I guess he had some people working proxies pretty hard for him, but is that a qualification.

After reading his piece on the WCRC website, I think I would make a better and more effective minority commissioner than him. His goal is wrong. It shouldn't be to fight with Tom and Tom and prepare for the next election to win it for the GOP. There has to be more of a reason for the GOP to control the courthouse other than we need to win it for the GOP.

I think the minority commissioner simply needs to studying the issues that arise and vote or make statements reflecting what is best for the people of Westmoreland County. That is not what is always best for the GOP taking the courthouse.

I also think the minority commissioner should develop a niche area to work. If Tom and Tom continue to govern as a team, the minority commissioner would be able to focus on particular areas of interest that need attention.

I should apply, but I don't know if my golf game is up to being commissioner. We'd have to have 5K runs as fundraisers rather than golf outings.

Found this pic of my family

On the Latrobe Parks and Rec website from the Rabbit Run last spring.

We interupt this blog for the regularly scheduled kissing up to Mike Reese segment

One of the strengths that Mike Reese will bring to the table as state represenative is his ability to get along well with others. He knows the commissioners and their staff well. Since there seems to be animosity between our new state senator and the commissioners, I think this relationship is essential. Considering this, we are fortunate to have Mike Reese as a state represenative.

Reese and Krieger will make a great team working for Westmoreland County in the House.

Allen Kukovich

In my theme of people this morning, I just wanted to publicly say: Allen Kukovich handled himself with complete class during the controversy surrounding Senator Regola.

Tom Balya

Everyone keeps saying we need a republican to go to the courthouse and fight with Tom Balya. I don't really think that is true. I have been a partisan republican. I have written partisan things about both Tom Balya and Tom Ceraso, but I actually find Balya easy to deal with. He likes the debate and he will come at you hard, but he will actually listen to what you have to say.

I think the next GOP commissioner can be a conservative republican and voice conservative principles and still work well with the commissioners. It is quite easy. Just argue and debate about issues. I have no doubt that I could get a long with Balya and Ceraso and I have been a partisan republican in the past. I am sure others can be effective and get along at the same time as well.

Jess Stairs

Seems like the Trib does not want Jess Stairs to be county commissioner. He is my third choice in ranking. If you are going to present to the judges a list, a thinking person would have to realize that Jess Stairs deserves to be on that GOP list. He is currently a state rep. He has tons of contacts in Harrisburg. He is an easy fellow to get along with. He would most likely be helpful in lobbying Harrisburg for things. As a minority commissioner, that is a great niche.

From what I understand and I was not at the meeting because I was in Philadelphia for Marathon Weekend (Pittsburgh Marathon is next), the goal of the few republicans in Westmoreland county responsible for the final list of 4 was someone who will fight with Tom and Tom and set the GOP up for the next election cycle to win 2 seats on the board of commissioners. Well, that is not the true point of serving the people. The goal should not be to fight with Tom and Tom so we can win next time. If the GOP has the right ideas about governing, we will win next time. Think about it: Ward as state senator. Krieger and Reese as state reps. These are the folks to show what the GOP can do. At the same time, put in a reasonable individual like Davis, Avolio or Stairs as commissioner. The GOP can work as a team to Westmoreland forward. People will notice and we can win next time. If we just play politics, people will see it and we will lose.

Tribune-Review Whispers column lexicon

"Westmoreland County Insiders"

I have learned that this means an individual who has an ax to grind but not the courage to put their name to the crap they are spewing.

The same definition goes for:

• Prominent Westmoreland republicans
• republican leaders
• any and all variations on the above theme

The whispers column is usually the place you check on sunday morning to see if a "republican leader" has stuck a knife in your back. I have never quite understood the anonymous nature of the column. It gives voice to political activists who do not have the courage to simply speak their minds.

A lot of republicans do not like Tom Balya, but he has the courage to put exactly what he is thinking in print for all to see on his website.

Latrobe Turkey Trot

For the record, I can run a 5K faster than 28 minutes. Since I had just run a marathon, I chose to run with my wife. She runs a slower pace than me.

Philadelphia Marathon

I ran it Sunday. I think I trained really well for a half marathon, because that was actually easy. When I hit mile 18, it was really hard. I just had to take it one mile at a time. What was really odd was when I hit mile 20, I thought "only 6 more miles to go!" Around mile 20, there were hills in Mannyuk (spelling?). That sucked. Who thought to put mile 20 there. But, the people were very nice in that portion of the race. Lots of water, gaterade, brownies, beer, bacon and energy gels were being given out.

I think I am going to run the Pittsburgh Marathon this May. They promise me only one hill.

Measuring the pulse of the GOP in Washington DC

Maybe Scottdale funeral director Ferguson is a good choice to replace Kim Ward as commissioner.

Bush pardons 14

Google it to find out who. I am an animal lover. I have dogs and cats. If I was President Bush, I would actually pardon Michael Vick. I think he has been sufficiently punished. He has been punished a lot harsher than many who have hit their wives.

That's what I would do. See if this guy could turn his life around given the chance.

I never thought he was very good as an NFL quarterback.

My public apology to Jess Stairs

As a member of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee, I apologize to Jess Stairs for him not being included on the "10 best candidates" list to replace Kim Ward. Certainly, Jess should have been in the top 10. He was certainly more qualified than many of the people on the final list--BY FAR.

63 out of 350 GOP committee members

Many of those were proxies and not actual committee people in attendance. I don't see how 63 out of all the republicans in Westmoreland County will make a difference to the judges. Of the 63, how many committee people were unopposed or written in. I know of 2 without researching. I return to my original ideal of a petition drive.

I am happy because my top choice, Scott Avolio, made the list.

However, I think the judges will ignore the process because the committee ignored two of the most qualified candidates and selected "political" choices. Their goal was to set themselves up to win two commissioner seats in the next election and not choose the most qualified candidates.

Why do I say this?

• Jess Stairs, a former state represenative for ever, applied and did not even make the final cut of 10. Love him or hate him, you have to admit that the guy had more governmental experience than the final 10. His exclusion from the list, taints the list.
• William Davis. I voted for him. He has served as a county commissioner. He has worked in the executive branch of Pennsylvania government. I think he would be the judges pick. I believe that the influential powers in our party did not want him because his credentials and experience would make him very independent from party leaders. Also, he may not run for re-election and if he did, he may not run a highly partisan and negative re-election campaign.

If these two men apply to the judges, the judges are going to listen to their qualifications. I think by excluding both of these qualified candidates, it makes the judges automatically look at the broader list.

Excuse me while I throw up

Stock market!!!!

I don't think there are enough Wal-Mart greeter positions available to cover all the seniors walloped by the stock market.

Who is going to be the Secretary of Treasury? What an opportunity to go down in history as a hero or goat?

George Bush inherited a recession when he started his first term. Bush got us out of it. Granted, Obama's recession seem way worse.

The list of 10 is in

I am plunking. I am only going to vote for 2. I was just going to vote for Scott Avolio, but I can't deny the experience the William Davis brings to the table. As a matter of fact, I sat with both Avolio and Davis at a Tim Krieger fundraiser.

I don't think the judges can go wrong with either of these two. I would be very comfortable with either of these candidates.

I like Wayne McGrew, but I think he is more suited as a candidate for district attorney.

Here is what congress should do with the auto industry

Merge GM and Ford into one company. Can management. Put Mitt Romney in charge of the new auto company. For Romney, turning around the US auto industry is probably a more important job than being President of the United States. Romney would have an incredible effect on the future of this country in this position. Of course, this solution represents a far too simplistic view of the world and it will never happen. Instead, the US auto industry is just going to fade away. Currently, Ford is going to sell it's stake in Mazda. We drive a Mazda CX-9. We bought it instead of the Ford Freestyle. So, Ford keeps its crappy assets and gets rid of the good stuff. That is not a solution. Still, the best car I have ever owned was my 1998 Ford Taurus. I didn't have the SHO model, but the next model down. I have the speeding tickets to prove that was one heck of an engine in that car! My father is still driving it.

Read Romney's op-ed on the auto industry:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/opinion/19romney.html?_r=2

Michael Steele for RNC Chair

Michael Steele, who should be a US Senator from Maryland (thanks a lot Rumsfield and Bush. You had to wait until the day after the election to fire Rumsfeld. You couldn't do it a week before the election. Cost us several senate seats. Bob Casey had a field day beating Santorum over the head with Rumsfield) would make a great chair of the RNC.

The RNC needs a new enthusiastic and unapologetic conservative leader. Michael Steele is that leader! Let's just hope the RNC can recognize a leader when they see one!

Scott Avolio's name has surfaced as a contender

Scott Avolio would be an excellent choice for commissioner. If I am still on the committee, I am voting for Scott.

Scott would govern well, articulate conservative principles well, and be a viable candidate for election when his term expires.

How to proceed to have an influence on the new commissioner

Consider the facts:

1. Many open slots remain on the republican committee
2. Some committee people are appointed
3. Many committee people ran unopposed
4. Many like me won with just one write-in vote

Not really a mandate to tell the judges that you have to pick from a list we tell you to! If we want to have a true influence, the committee should come up with a list of names. Put those names on a petition asking the judges to choose only from this list of approved candidates and then circulate that petition in the community. The more signatures we get from real republican and (why not) democratic voters, the more the judges would be apt to look at the list. It would be the people's list and that is who elects the judges.

Besides, we knew this would be the result when we selected our sitting commissioner to run. We can't really cry foul now. If that minority seat was so important to us, we would have found another candidate.

Here is an update from what was in the Trib on 11/12/08

Party officials will immediately start to solicit resumes and, next Tuesday, a seven-member subcommittee that includes Dunbar and Hempfield Supervisor Doug Weimer will cull the list down to 10 people.

That group will be permitted to address the party's entire 318-member committee on Nov. 22, when the final four will be selected.

"We would like all candidates to come through our vetting process," Dunbar said. "We just thought it would be an overbearing thing to present 36 people to the judges."

Here is the question. Will the judges care? In reality, the actions of the executive committee got this whole problem started, why should the judges look to them to solve it? You really have to question the executive committee's judgement in the matter. It was them who said only Kim Ward could win that seat. Kim is great, but there were other republicans in Westmoreland County that could have won that seat with $2 million and Bompiani's record of property tax increases.

So, I stand by my original proposal that the Westmoreland Republican Committee needs to take their list of 4 to the voters for a grassroots petition to present to the judges and the media. We have 300+ members. If each member would get 10 to 50 signatures on a petition, the resulting 3000 to 15000 signatures would get the judges attention. This probably won't.

Louis CK at the Palace tonight.

He is hilarious! Kudos to the Palace for booking him.

http://www.louisck.net/

Who should replace Kim Ward as commissioner?

I think Wayne McGrew would be a good choice. Doug Weimer would also be an excellent choice, but I don't know if he would be interested.


I am opening this topic up for comments, so please leave your opinion.

In your dreams...

After spending all that money on negative ads against Tony Bompiani and Mike O'Barto, do you really think democrats are going to care what the republican committee thinks? I bet not. I don't believe the Harrisburg GOP committees have built up any good will. I do believe that Mike Reese could help. Our new state representative is well liked in the courthouse. In all honesty and without any sarcasm, this would be a great opportunity for him to exert leadership. As for Kim Ward, there was just too much animosity between her and Tom and Tom. We need a commissioner who is strong, but can also work with those two yahoos.

Westmoreland County's 11 common pleas judges will decide who fills out the remaining three years of Ward's county commissioner term.

"We prefer they will listen to our collective voice of 87,000 Republicans, rather than have the free-for-all we had four years ago," said George Dunbar, chairman of the county's Republican committee.

Dunbar said the party's executive committee will meet Nov. 11 to determine a process for selecting several potential candidates whose names will be forwarded to the county judges for consideration.

As far as I know, I still have a vote on the committee. As the long as the GOP committee as a whole makes the recommendations, I am for it. If it is just the few folks on the executive committee, that is just as wrong as only the judges deciding.

What's next for the PAGOP?

In my opinion, our next move should be....Glen Meakem for Governor!

Tim Krieger's win is exciting!

Tim is an honest and conservative family man who is going to Harrisburg for all the right reasons. I am thrilled with this victory. Tim Krieger ran an awesome campaign.

Congratulations to Kim Ward

Kim will make a good state senator. Bompiani's charges against her were total distortions.

I wish Kim's father could have been there for her victory.

Egg on my face

I guess I should have never relied on the House Democratic Campaign Committee to adequetely fund Mike O'Barto's campaign. With the negative onslaught against him and no support to counter, Mike O'Barto never had a chance. The negative attacks were distorted and old news!

That being said, politics ain't bean bags. Mike Reese and the House Republican Campaign Committee had a plan and stuck to it and won. Congratualtions to Mike Reese.

Mike Reese is a pro-life, pro-family conservative and I am certain that along with Tim Krieger's great victory, Mike and Tim will be great represenatives for Westmoreland County.

I am totally at peace with his victory. Mike Reese is my state represenative and he has always treated me quite well despite my support of his opponents. I actually have great admiration for him in the way he has interacted with me.

I will even go to his next fundraiser if I get an invitation (I have yet to ever receive an invitation to a Reese event). If history is a guide, Reese will be our representaive for the next 30 years.

News flash:

The PA house republican campaign committee to contest all votes cast before 5PM because most folks are at work and those who voted before 5PM must be trying to hide something!

I still can't believe that RIDICULOUS argument in the 59th house race about 4:30pm meeting went uncontested.

I've gone from being chairman...

to working a poll in ....Hunker?!

I am voting for McCain/Palin because...

• Sarah Palin ran a marathon under 4 hours
• Piper Palin would be fun to watch grow up
• I promoted Sarah Palin for VP before most heard of her
• John McCain was very funny on SNL

But, I don't dislike Barack Obama. Either way, I think the country will be fine. Listening to Rush Limbaugh today, you would think the country was about to be taken over by Leon Trotsky.

I saw an interesting sign this morning in Hempfield

"write-in" taped onto a Regola for Senate sign. A couple folks have told me they were going to do this. The loyalty is admirable, but why not choose from those actually on the ballot.

Trib endorses no one in the 59th PA House seat

I hope voters see through the absolute bullshit that the normally fine people at the PA House campaign committee in support of Mike Reese. Why are they trying to destroy Mike O'Barto who is pro-life, pro-gun, pro-business in support of a candidate who is quite good friends with our liberal and very partisan county commissioners?

Answer: They don't care about policies. Only winning. I am very disappointed in some people that I thought I liked very much.

PAGOP--excessively negative.

PAGOP just unleashed an Obama/Rev Wright ad. I thought that McCain was against that being done. I intend to vote for McCain but the tactics are beginning to annoy me. I dislike Wright's teachings as much as anyone, but lets win this election on the issues. 2008--The year of highlighting the philosophies of those two great thinkers--Rev Jeremiah Wright and Joe the plumber.

I find it interesting how so many things in our history are intertwined. Apparently, Rev Wright was a nurse when LBJ had surger. Saw this pic on Wikipedia so I can't be certain of it. It is interesting.

News flash (or in the obvious department)

Tom Balya and Tom Ceraso don't have much nice to say about Kim Ward. Isn't that shocking?

Newspaper endorses Mike O'Barto

"In the race for the 59th District, which includes a small portion of Fayette County, the Herald-Standard editorial board solidly endorses Democrat Mike O'Barto over Republican Mike Reese.

We think voters in Saltlick Township and two Bullskin Township precincts should support O'Barto because the 15-year Unity Township, Westmoreland County, supervisor has working knowledge of how decisions made in Harrisburg impact local government.

Reese, an assistant financial director for Westmoreland County and one-time aide to former county Commissioner Terry Marolt, has some good-sounding ideas. But so does O'Barto, who doesn't sound like he's reading straight from the GOP issues playbook, as does Reese.

In the race to succeed retiring Republican state Rep. Jess Stairs, we want someone who displays more of a passion for getting the job done and shaking up the status quo in Harrisburg, while governing with the working person in mind.O'Barto strikes us as the better pick in that regard."

Herald-Standard 10/29/2008

Total insanity in the 39th Senate Race

The money being spent is ridiculous. Check out the story in the Trib.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_596120.html

If I didn't like Kim, I would protest the race and not vote, but I like her, so I will vote.

From this morning's Tribune Review

VOTE FOR TIM KRIEGER
• Rep. Tom Tangretti's decision to retire in the 57th Legislative District presents an opportunity to elect a fiscal reformer. Veteran U.S. Navy officer and attorney Tim Krieger, 47, fully understands what Harrisburg's recidivist reckless spending, bogus "economic development" and flight-encouraging tax policies have wrought. Democrat challenger John Boyle offers the same old Democrat boilerplate. Elect Tim Krieger.

I am voting for McCain, but...

this whole Joe the plumber thing is really turning me off. Why on earth is he speaking at McCain rallies?

I think people lose site of the fact that if you reach a higher tax bracket, only that portion of income in the higher bracket is taxed at the higher rate--not your entire income. If Joe the plumber doesn't want to buy his "business" because a portion of his net (not gross, but net and I don't think he understands this) will be taxed at an additional 3%, his business was never going to make it anyway.

I am certain to vote for McCain after listening to the arguments of former GE CEO Jack Welch, not Joe the plumber.

Reese/O'Barto race in the 59th house district

Wow! I think I have now received 10 Mike Reese mailers to 1 Mike O'Barto mailer. Most of the pieces are distorted negative bits about the 1997 overtime pay for the supervisors. Since 1997, the practice has been fixed. O'Barto has been overwhelmingly re-elected by Unity residents. Obviously, the people who know Mike O'Barto the best, like him.

The pieces also have some trumped up scandal about having the public meetings at 7PM instead of 4:30PM. That is laughable. The meeting is public. Open to the press. How can you hide something? Since the state house meets during the day, are they trying to hide something? Is Mike Reese (not really Mike Reese, but the House GOP who are writing his ads) going to propose that the House only meets after 5PM so working folks can attend and keep an eye on them? That is the most ludicrous argument I have ever heard. (Actually the false rumor about Obama taking oath on the Quaran beats that) But, if you can outspend your opponent 10-1, does the validity of your argument really matter? I guess Mike O'Barto knows how John McCain feels at the moment with the massive campaign fund disadvantage.

I thought for a minute about running for this seat. I didn't because I didn't want to be in Harrisburg and a way from my wife and kids. I also didn't because I thought Mike O'Barto would make a great state representative. Had I known the house was going to drastically outspend him with outlandish and distorted negative ads, I may have run.

Nah, I wouldn't. I have too much honor to trash a man in public like that for my own personal gain. Hopefully, the public will see through all the mudslinging.

Tim Krieger for State Representative

Don't forget to vote for Tim Krieger or tell others to!

By the way, Tim had a picnic fundraiser and it was really good. He had a really good guy playing guitar and singing. He also had a mini violin recital by his kids' violin class. I hope Tim wins so he can have more picnics.

Sarah Palin in Latrobe on Friday!

Road to Victory Rally with Sarah Palin-Latrobe, PA
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
Vee Neal Aviation
148 Aviation Ln.Suite 109
Latrobe, PA 15650
Friday, October 31st
Doors Open: 6:30am

Get your tickets at:
Westmoreland County Victory Office
23 North Maple St
Greensburg, PA 15601
Hours: 9am – 9pm Daily

Olivia and Obama

Olivia, my daughter, not the pig, use to love Barack Obama. I went away to Las Vegas for the weekend and left her with my mom and dad. She likes John McCain now. I think my dad got to her. So, she won't be putting her Obama sign out.

I am Spartacus!

After seeing that silly "I am Joe the Plumber" commercial, I am reminded of the end of Spartacus.

I have to say that I am proud not to be associated with...

the PAGOP any longer. All they know how to do is send out negative ads. I received another negative mailer about Mike O'Barto today. Using ancient 1997 news articles from the Tribune-Review, the negative folks at the Reese campaign and the PAGOP are trying to paint Mike O'Barto as something he is not. I warned O'Barto about this. I told him they would try to distort this and tie him to the Harrisburgh pay raisers and insiders.

Look folks, you can't trust any politician that uses Harrisburg insider money to buy his way into office with negative ads. That is what Mike Reese is doing right now.

I use to hope the would Republicans take back the Pennsylvania House. Now, I don't care. To me, they will say anything or spend anything to win. I hope the PAGOP is spending this money on a true leader. Someone we really need in Harrisburg--Tim Krieger. I don't live in that district so I haven't gotten any of that mail. I am going to check into that.

Very sad news!

Westmoreland County Commissioner Kim Ward, a Republican candidate for state Senate, temporarily suspended her campaign on Monday because of the death of her father.

ENOUGH!

Just got my latest mailer (2) in the Ward/Bompiani mudfest of a state senate race. I have to agree. ENOUGH! already, but for a different reason. Please focus on the future instead of mudslinging.

I also received Mike Reese's typical negative piece about Mike O'Barto. I warned O'Barto months ago that they would use this piece of ancient history as a negative ad. Mike O'Barto inherited that overtime issue when he was elected supervisor. He fixed the problem. The important fact to notice is that Mike O'Barto has been re-elected by large margins in Unity Township.

The other part of Reese's negative ad focuses on moving the supervisors' meeting from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. Again, O'Barto was just one of 3 votes. When Jake Blank was elected, the votes were there to change the meeting. I have to say this particular piece is the dumbest most inane negative attack I have ever seen.

The funniest thing about Reese's negative ad is that it is paid for by the folks who were in power when the midnight pay raise was passed. During the whole pay raise scandal, I did not hear a peep out of Mike Reese. In the governor's race that year, Bob Jubelier and the rest of the GOP establishment that supported the pay raise were pushing Lynn Swann for Governor. The only candidate with the guts to take on the pay raise establishment was Bill Scranton. Mike Reese did not support Bill. Mike Reese did not speak out against the pay raise. Mike Reese simply sat back and supported the pay raise establishment's candidate, Lynn Swann. The time to demonstrate leadership came and went for Mike Reese. He did/said nothing. This has always been my "problem" with Mike Reese. It has never been personal. When the right decision needed to be made, Mike Reese made the wrong decision. Now, Mike Reese is funded my the same people who had a hand in the pay raise.

Truth be told and for the same reason, I could care less about the outcome of 56th House race either.

Presidential race musings..

100000 in St Louis!!!!

Palin's appearance on Saturday Night Live wasn't very good. She should have looked at some of McCain's past performances on that show. McCain was awesome when he sang Barbara Streisand songs on SNL as a joke about her trying to inject herself in politics.

Colin Powell endorses Obama. Pretty devastating. Powell is still very respected.

I own 2 small businesses

Joe the plumber should know that you need to net NOT gross over $250,0000 to be taxed more. In small business, you are taxed on NET, not gross. And why does what Joe the plumber think matter so much. What if he is wrong and is complaining about his gross being too high and not his net. Besides, he should still go through with the purchase no matter who wins this election.

As for tax policy, I would be happy to return to Clinton's tax policy. I paid a bit more in taxes, but the economy was awesome. In a return to reality, the Bush tax cuts were originally because we had such a big surplus. Remember that in 2000. Give the people back their money. Well, was that surplus really real.

The Clinton years were pretty good for the economy. A centrist democrat and a conservative congress.

A couple things I care about more the Obama/Ayers

Olivia spelling Daddy on the drive way


Samantha becoming a better dog?

Please give us some substance. McCain to bring up Ayers in the debate Wed. Depending on how Obama answers, it could be the end of the race. Nice of McCain to give Obama a heads up that his is going to talk about it.

Markets up BIG!!!!

Yea me!

http://perryrules.blogspot.com/2008/10/looks-like-market-is-going-to-close.html

Kim Ward and the Hempfield Municipal Authority

I know for a fact the Tony Bompiani's mailer about Kim Ward allowing the Hempfield Municipal Authority to party like it is 1999 (yes a Prince video is going to follow--sorry can't find one) is just not true. I was still chairman at the time and I know for a fact that Kim Wardand myself all criticized the senoir Regola who was on the Authority and demanded he clean up his act and resign. It was not really easy or popular to do considering who our state senator is. Kim Ward actually demonstrated leadership in this matter.

Now, how many trips did the Hempfield Area School Board pay to send Bompiani and other members of the board to National and State School Board meetings. As a disclosure, my wife attended meetings (where she learned alot) in New Orleans (where I was mad at her because she would not party with me on Bourbon Street because she had classes in the morning, but we went back for a Colts/Saints game and had fun) and San Francisco. The difference: my wife is not running for state senate and distorting the facts about Kim Ward. For the record, the meetings are actually good because you meet people and experts from across the country to discuss how to make schools better. Officials just can't go to those valuable meetings anymore because POLITICIANS like TONY BOMPIANI will distort the event. In the case of the Hempfield Municipal Authority, they were unfair to the taxpayers. They charged tax payers for spouses and alcohol and other things that should not have beep charged to the taxpayers. That is why Kim Ward went after them.

Isn't Kim Ward a hockey mom?

I am sure those boys of her's played some sports.

Sarah Palin at the Flyers game

When Rhonda and I were dating in Philadelphia, we went to many Philadelphia sporting events. We saw Terry Mullholand's no-hitter at Veteran's stadium (it should have been a perfect game. The only runner reached first on an error and Terry picked that runner off first base!) and enjoyed the Charles Barkley/Rick Mahorn version of the Sixers. I have to say, the fans are aggressive there. Remember the snowballs thrown at the Cowboys and the booing of Santa Claus?

Anyway, Sarah Palin was booed at the Flyers' game when she dropped the puck. Don't read anything into it. Anyone would have been booed. After watching the youtube video, the booing wasn't all that bad. Especially for Philadelphia and a Flyers game. By the way, Piper Palin is just adorable and seems to be having the time of her life.

What was this guy thinking?

This stuff does not help the campaign. It does not help when people yell terrorist or killer or the other stuff when Obama is mentioned. As a matter of fact, it seems that McCain has had to tone down his attacks on Obama because of this stuff. This boneheaded stuff is hurting the campaign so CUT IT OUT! There are plenty of issues to win on. We don't need this stuff in this campaign because it is going to result in a McCain defeat!

Looks like market is going to close positive today.

I held my nose and started buying earlier in the day. Looks like a good move at the moment. Unfortunately, this thing can turn ugly in about 2 minutes. Personally, I feel like the market may stabilize here.

UPDATE: WOW, IT TURNED UGLY WITH ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO GO.

Sarah Palin is going to be in Johnstown tomorrow

Check out John McCain's website if you need the details.

www.johnmccain.com

In the 59th PA House seat race,

I recieved my first mailer. It was from Mike Reese. Mike Reese is promoting his MBA degree. Fantastic. An MBA degree certainly helped all those folks at Lehman Brothers, AIG, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and not the least all the geniuses on Wall Street at the moment. Mike Reese is an extremely nice guy with a beautiful family. The problem is experience. Mike Reese is scant on experience. As John McCain says, this is no time for on the job training. In this dangerous economy, we need a candidate with experience. Mike O'Barto is that candidate. Mike O'Barto has been a supervisor in a rapidly growing township for quite some time. Mike O'Barto is independent and will fight for you.

Realize, Mike Reese's mailing piece was paid for by the Pennsylvania Republican Party. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Republican Party was the folks in charge who brought you the dastardly pay increase, bloated budgets, perks from PHEEA, a higher personal income tax and slow economic growth. By accepting their money, Mike Reese will be beholding to them. We don't need that. We need a strong, experienced and independent voice. We need Mike O'Barto in the 59th.

Ouch again!

What a mess! I hate to say this, but I kind of wish Hillary Clinton was the democratic nominee. I think she is more capable than the two we are left with. Romney would be doing no better than McCain right now.

Ouch!

The stock market!

Way better than all the wasted time on Ayers

Guilt by association probably isn't going to work in this dreadful economic crisis we seem to be in. I wish Palin would drop that silly stuff and focus on the economy. Here is a way better use for her talents than being the attack dog (which will only drive up her negatives).



If she says "Joe Six Pack and Hockey Moms of the world unite" again, I am not voting.

Here is a George Carlin riff on Joe 6 pack. Remember, it is George Carlin. He is at his offensive best here. So, if you do not like hearing the f-word or typical George Carlin humor, DON'T CLICK ON THE LINK. It is really bad!!!!!! I am not overstating it. George Dunbar or the Westmoreland County Republican Committee did not approve the following offensive comedy routine by the late George Carlin. Also, I am not endorsing Carlin's message. It just came up in my YouTube search for Sarah Palin Joe 6 pack. I thought it sort of fit in the post.

Sarah Palin, Marathon runner

A fact I did not know. She ran a marathon in 2005 and finished in a respectable 3:59.

Been in Las Vegas, so I didn't see the whole VP debate

I have to collect my thoughts on it before I post. I do think Biden had the most honest moment of the debate when he spoke about being a single father and not knowing if his children would survive the accident (that after losing his wife and daughter).

Compliments?!

At first, the Trib says I am clairvoyant or maybe just goofy. Now on Tom Ceraso's blog,

Perry at least appeared lucid even if I didn't agree with what he said.

That was Tom writing about all the mayhem at the new "official website of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee." Hopefully, my blog history has at least made Tom Ceraso a Wilco fan.

Vandals hit Ward for Senate campaign headquarters

A little paint work. Never fear, the pump still works cuz the vandals didn't steal the handle.

or

McCain and the financial crisis

How do they spin this mess in Congress? Was this McCain's intended result? I guess he is going to have to suspend his campaign again to straighten out this mess. McCain staked much on putting his leadership to work on this legislation. I don't see how this does anything but hurt his campaign.

I think a public apology is owed to someone...

If you happened to view the Westmoreland County Republican Committee's site over the past several days, it was just nuts. Fortunately, it looks like that is behind them now. However, some mean (and totally untrue) things were said about a really nice person. A public apology should be part of any agreement to settle things.

Last night's Presidential debate.

First, I am voting for John McCain. If you are truly objective, the debate last night leaned slightly toward McCain toward the end. Unfortunately, people were most interested in economics and Obama did better on that topic. When you factor in McCain's "I am suspending my campaign and not attending the debate" position of the last several days AND the fact that foreign policy is McCain's strong point, John McCain needed to annihilate Obama and he did not.

Initially polling shows the public perception that Obama won and as much as it pained him, Dick Morris thought so too.

Unless they kick me out, I am still a member of the Westmoreland County Repulican Committee. I don't think their website should be calling Obama "Osama" or calling him a muslim when he clearly is not. Obama can easily be beaten on ideas. McCain has the better plan and experience. It does not serve Senator McCain well to put slurs on the website. As a matter of fact, McCain opposes that.

Busy night last night.

Elizabeth, my daughter--not the extraordinary political genius Elizabeth Yorio, had piano and other music lessons in Greensburg from 7 pm to 8:30 pm last night. So eventhough I had injured my leg earlier in the day, I went running in downtown Greensburg which has great hills to train on. The run sucked, but I saw and met interesting people.

Bompiani was having a fundraiser at The Palace Theatre. Doesn't look like he could have raised all that much money from the looks of things.

Tom Balya was standing out in front of the Obama headquarters. He is a partisan guy and his writings seem a bit "angry" at times, but he was very pleasant to have a conversation with. He introduced me to John Boyle who is running against my friend Tim Krieger. There was lots of activity going on inside the Obama headquarters. FYI, McCain will win Westmoreland by at least 25,000 votes.

Stopped by the Westmoreland GOP headquarters. Lots of calling was going on there. Picked up some McCain stickers. I met the guy who was being talked about on the other "Westmoreland Republicans" site. He seemed nice and capable. I also know the girl who is being talked about on that site and she is pretty awesome. I would want her involved in any campaign I was in. I only mention this because my name was mentioned on that site. I want to make certain that people know I like the girl who is being discussed on the site very much. She is intelligent and very capable. Physically, the description attributed to her is just not accurate.

A negative push poll in the 59th State House race?

I need some help. I have been told that the campaign for Mike Reese used a negative push poll recently. For those of you who aren't sure what that is, the caller is given negative information about the opponent. Then, they are asked now that you know so and so is a scoundrel, who will you vote for in the 59th. It is a dishonest way to run a negative campaign. Did anyone receive this push poll call? If so, please e-mail me the questions at perry@westmorelandgop.com

If this is true, it just demonstrates that his campaign is more of the same Harrisburg insider crap that we have all come to dislike. If the Harrisburg insiders are running and funding his campaign, how can Mike Reese reform or stand up to the Harrisburg insiders and lobbyists?

If anyone has the poll questions, please let me know. I intend to help refute any negative charges made against Mike O'Barto in this election. I have lived in Unity Township. I know Mike O'Barto and he is a good supervisor. Mike O'Barto will make an excellent state represenative.

Looks like an expensive state senate race

UPDATED: So far, 5 Kim Ward mailers have made it to my mailbox and 4 Tony Bompiani mailers. Its only September 23 (September 24)

Today, Kim Ward sent out a piece spelling out the facts that School Director Bompiani raised taxes almost 50% while in office. Bompiani sent out a piece that he is a spending/tax hawk. Who do we believe? The record or Bompiani's mailer.

Tim Krieger Picnic reminder

Tim Krieger for State Represenative
2008 Fall Picnic
Saturday September 27
Hempfield Park, Pavilion A from 5:00 p.m. - Dusk

www.timkrieger.com

Bill Clinton is not helping Obama

After reading his comments over the past couple of days, I think he is trying to actively work against Obama without trying to give that appearance. To me, it is pretty clear he does not want Obama to win.

Incredible!!! No way else to describe it!

Sarah Palin has a HUGE crowd in Florida!

"Sa-Rah! Sa-Rah!" they chanted at every mention of her name, applauding loudly and waiving tiny American flags that were distributed -- along with free water bottles -- by local volunteers. The fire chief estimated the crowd at 60,000. Link to the article

I bet Obama just gets sick to his stomach when he sees these crowds.

Me in the Tribune-Review Whispers Column

The Tribune-Review did a little blurb about me and my support for Sarah Palin.

CRYSTAL BALL. Seems that former Westmoreland County GOP Chairman Perry Christopher might be just a little clairvoyant. Or maybe he's just goofy. Whatever, Christopher was on the Sarah Palin VP bandwagon long before anyone here even heard of the Alaska governor.

Christopher blogged earlier this year in support of Palin's being put on the GOP ticket with John McCain. This came from the man who had once supported Mitt Romney for the top spot on the GOP ticket and had even toyed with backing Democrat Barack Obama, so his Palin-love was hardly taken seriously by local Republicans.

But now there's a little back-slapping going on between Christopher and local Christian Coalition head Don Thompson, who in a newsletter sent out this month noted that Palin was not exactly a popular VP choice by locals who responded to a survey he sent out in January.

"One person mentioned Sarah Palin for VP and had to explain that she was current governor of Alaska," Thompson wrote. "I might say that person was Perry Christopher, former Westmoreland County GOP Chairman, who must have had a clear crystal ball that day."

Here is a photo of me and my wife!

Pretty astute observation by Jonathan Martin on The Politico

More than anything, I think the truth in this statement is going to hurt McCain's campaign.

We're All Socialists Now

Time to take a step back: A Republican President just sent out his Treasury Secretary to announce the federal government will spend "hundreds of billions of dollars" to takeover a not-insignificant chunk of the economy. Jonathan Martin, ThePolitico.com

You have to admit...

Obama has quality economic advisors:

The Illinois senator said he would be discussing the Fed-Treasury proposal with his top economic advisers on Friday morning. Among those who have been advising Obama on his response to the financial crisis are former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker and former U.S. Treasury secretaries Lawrence Summers and Robert Rubin. From a Reuters report

I am looking at Real Clear Politics polls

Looks like a dead heat in all the battleground states. I disagree. Due to the Bradley effect, I bet McCain is ahead in those states. I am not condoning it at all. I am making an observation. One caveat, the polls could be totally wrong if Obama succeeds in getting more young and new voters to the polls.

Something that's been bothering me

The constant "things are much better since the new leadership took over" over at the official website of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee is pissing me off. Old leadership only did what was asked of us by Bush/Cheney'04, Santorum'06, and Ward/Dunbar for Commissioner. We did a pretty good job the last 4 years and supported some great candidates. I did whatever was asked of me by our candidates. I only wished that we could have gotten Santorum, Diana Irey and Bill Scranton elected.

This is not joke! It really happended!

We received a Tony Bompiani for state senate piece in the mail. My wife told me to put it aside so she could read it later. Before she could, Samantha got to it! I am not making this up. For the record, Samantha has never met Kim Ward or had the opportunity to feast on one of her mailers.

Palin, Me and the Christian Coalition newsletter

Thanks to Don Thomson of the Westmoreland County Christian Coalition for mentionting me in the September newsletter. The Christian Coalition meets the 2nd tuesday of every month. I can never attend the meetings because my kids always have me hauling them somewhere or my wife has her Greater Latrobe School Board meeting. It is a good way to get involved in conservative causes without becoming a member of the republican committee. That means you won't get kicked out for supporting a prolife candidate for state represenative like Mike O'Barto simply because he is a democrat. Here is the piece from Don's newsletter:

Up to that point I was favoring Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as a bright young face with truly conservative views. His strong handling of the evacuation process in advance of Hurricane Gustav’s arrival raised his stock in my opinion, but no one had him on the short list as the GOP convention neared. But then came Friday morning, August 29th and from my rented beach house at Topsail Beach, NC, I heard the rumors that Sarah Palin was to be the nominee. At first I thought I had been out in the sun too long but it was only 9AM! As the day unfolded and her conservative credentials were being touted, I became more and more impressed with her being chosen. I must admit I had never heard of Sarah Palin until I conducted my informal Presidential and Vice Presidential poll in January of this year. From the more than 150 responses our members submitted, ONE person mentioned Sarah Palin for VP and had to explain that she was current governor of Alaska. I might say that person was Perry Christopher, former Westmoreland County GOP Chairman, who must have had a clear crystal ball that day!

No crystal ball. I'm just a genius:)

This is interesting...

Remember when I complained about the McCain training session being limited to the executive board of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee and that I thought that was silly. I was catching up on my e-mail and look what I found from the McCain campaign:

...I am the McCain Campaign Field Director for Westmoreland County. This is a flier to let you know about a volunteer training/information session this upcoming Wednesday, September 10th in our Greensburg office, located at 23 N. Maple Avenue. Please feel free to stop by.

I am certainly glad I did not blame the McCain campaign for that silliness.

Is Tim Krieger the only person running for state rep?

As a drive around, all I see are Tim Krieger for State Represenative signs. Combined with his excellent website and door to door activities, I have to say that Tim Krieger is running the best campaign of anyone in Westmoreland County at this moment. Good job Tim and best of luck! You deserve to win because not only are you the best suited person to be state represenative, but you are also working the hardest of anyone!

Check out Tim's website!

http://www.timkrieger.com/

And make sure you plan on attending Tim's picnic on September 27 at Hempfield Park starting at 5PM. Details may be found here.

McCain admits Obama didn't call Palin a pig!

Are we like in the third grade?!

Time for these candidates to start seriously addressing the issues! Look at the banks, markets, and insurers. It is not time for a STUPID campaign like we have been having for the last few weeks.

Latest Obama quote.

Barack seems to be losing it. Wow, I bet a lot of democrats wished Hillary was the VP. Who thinks they might be looking at a way to push Biden aside?

The latest from Obama about the republicans:

"You can put lipstick on a pig," he said as the crowd cheered. "It's still a pig."

Hurry! Get your Sarah Palin action figure!

Maybe you could get a bigger room...?!

McCain/Palin training session in Greensburg limited to executive board of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee. From the official site:

Wednesday, 09-10-08 Headquarters in Greensburg. 8pm. A McCain training session hosted by Sara Kennedy and she will have with her Ted Christian, The PA State Chair for the McCain Campaign, this should be interesting and informative. Again lets show them we're all committed in our county. Maybe then the next western PA visit from John or Sarah will be in our backyard.This is for the executive board as of room size constraints

I believe for Bush/Cheney'04 we found a bigger room. With all the excitement over the ticket, I think a more inclusive meeting would be wise and of course--A BIGGER ROOM. Let's attract those independents, democrats and republicans who may not be on the executive board or the committee who work like crazy to be at the training session. Remember, our ticket is the ticket of change and crossparty appeal. Our ticket is the ticket reaching out to everyone. The McCain/Palin ticket is the team that is not politics as usual.

I suggest if you want to get heavily involved in the McCain/Palin campaign, just show up at the meeting. Unless they are nuts, they will welcome you to stay. For those that were heavily involved in the Santorum campaign or the last presidential election and have been waiting eagerly for an organizational meeting, I would just go to this meeting.

Just my opinion, but remember they are thinking about kicking me out because I support Unity Township Supervisor Mike O'Barto for state represenative in the 59th. Like Joe Lieberman, I can put party aside for the betterment of my country and state. Mike O'Barto has the experience, independence and integrity to go to Harrisburg and be an agent of change and reform. A less experienced candidate would be eaten alive by the career politicians and lobbyists in Harrisburg.

Obama had a funny line...

It is good he can keep his sense of humor with his rapidly declining chances of winning the presidency. The latest polls are great news for McCain/Palin. Just wait until after the vice-presidential debate when Sarah Palin bests Joe Biden. We are going to see a dramatic victory in November for the McCain/Palin ticket.

Here is the funny Obama quote:

Palin's bio is "compelling," Obama said.

The crowd booed. "No, it's an interesting story." More boos. "No, no, it is. I mean that sincerely. Mother, governor, moose shooter."

The crowd broke out in laughter. "That's cool. That's cool. That's cool stuff," Obama said.

Of course that is the problem for Obama. He is underestimating Sarah Palin and her appeal to average voters. His lack of understanding will be his demise. I still wonder what Hillary Clinton is thinking...Can Obama still dump Biden and put Clinton on the ticket? That is his only hope.

Press overreached on Palin family

The fact that the entire family was there (including Bristol's fiancee) clearly demonstrated that the Palins are a loving and supportive family. I do not care how much crap the press writes about the Palin family because the images of little Piper Palin holding her little brother Trig just wipes all the stupid attacks from the minds of most Americans. The left wing media cannot compete with an adorable little girl. I laughed out loud when I saw this scene which I consider the most memorable of the night.




By the way, who else would have liked to read Hillary Clinton's mind last night. How does this affect her? No matter how this election turns out (and I think it will be a McCain victory), Sarah Palin will be the first female president of the United States.

In another interesting tidbit, Jamie Lynn Spears sends a baby gift to Bristol Palin.

Palin rises to task!

Excellent speech tonight. Surely to be a hit in Westmoreland County. Undoubtedly, McCain will win Westmoreland County. I knew she would be a great candidate!

This piece of news make the Palin "controversy" even more stupid

The two were already planning to marry before the pregnancy!

From NBC's Mark Murray
The AP reports: "Bristol Palin's boyfriend plans to join the family of the Republican vice presidential candidate at the GOP convention. Levi Johnston's mother said her 18-year-old son left Alaska on Tuesday morning to join the Palin family in St. Paul, Minn."

"Sherry Johnston also said there has been no pressure put on her son to marry Bristol Palin, the pregnant daughter of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. 'Absolutely not,' Sherry Johnston told reporters outside the family's Wasilla home. Johnston said the two teens already had plans to marry before they knew she was pregnant.

"Sarah Palin announced Monday that her 17-year-old unmarried daughter was pregnant. The father was not identified beyond the first name of Levi."

Palin and Experience

I am 100% sold on Sarah Palin's ability to be vice-president based upon her experience as governor of Alaska.

But...please stop feeding me that stuff about city council and mayor of a town of around 9000. Not really a selling point.

I also do not consider Obama's time in the Illinois State Senate as a proper qualification to be president of the United States.

I am for Palin because she is a charismatic, strong conservative woman with real life (not government) experience. After her speech tonight, the typical press coverage of her will go away.

Remember to boycott US Weekly magazine. I don't know why people buy it anyway,

Wow, is the McCain Terrible Towel popular

I am getting a ton of hits on this blog from folks googling McCain Terrible Towel. I hope the campaign is selling them in Western PA. That's a hint to my friends on the Westmoreland County Republican Committee. A great fundraising idea. Not as good as a production of the Full Monty, but pretty good.

Great night for John McCain and Sarah Palin

Fred Thompson really did a fantastic job at showing the country that John McCain is a leader far superior to Barack Obama.

Joe Lieberman performed a most difficult task very well. He tried to get the american people to forget about party and vote for the best leader--John McCain. He gave an excellent and heart felt speech. I hope those who want to kick me out of the Westmoreland Republican Committee were watching Lieberman's speech. Sometimes, you have to vote for the more experienced candidate just as I am doing by supporting Mike O'Barto for state rep in the 59th district.

Sarah Palin is going to weather this storm just fine. The media and the left are over-reaching and will only bolster her popularity. If you are a reader of US Weekly, stop now. Just wait until you see the cover with Palin. The headline is ridiculous!

Media coverage of Palin unfair?

I would have to say this is a difficult question to answer. The answer is probably not unfair, but typical. As we saw with Jamie Lynn Spears, the press is all over these sort of stories. It is worth noting that the McCain campaign did see fit to put one of the Spears sisters in one of their anti-Obama ads. They are celebrities now and we have a wierd celebrity worshipping culture. Just look at all the stupid magazines out their: People, US and the rest.

I believe it is fair that the american people know that she is pregnant and that she is keeping the baby and marrying the father. I believe that is admirable. It is part of her story. The campaign has made her family a big issue of why she is a great choice. The whole "hockey mom" thing. This is part of that narrative. I think the Palins have handled this well with their daughter and it should not adversely affect anyone's opinion of them. Beyond that, I don't think this should be a campaign issue.

I think Obama was fantastic for immediately putting this off limits in the campaign. However, I don't think many in the GOP would do him the same courtesy. Proof of this: The stupidity of the continuation of calling him a muslim. He has accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and saviour. As christians, we don't question whether someone really means it. We welcome them into the family of christians. In this instance, Obama has shown he is a good christian man in how he is dealing with this issue.

All this being said, I think proponents of abstinence only sex education should re-evaluate their position and work to teach sex education in a responsible way which teaches abstinence but also gives kids the knowledge to protect themselves.

I still remain convinced that Sarah Palin is an excellent choice for VP. A real person who can identify with the real problems that people have. While on the subject of family problems, I don't know if I could have done as well with what life gave Joe Biden. I couldn't imagine had my wife and youngest daughter been killed in an accident leaving me alone to raise my two oldest girls. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Joe Biden in how he handled that horrible situation. Both of the VP picks are good, strong people.

Latest Westmoreland GOP fundraiser

A local production starring George Dunbar, Frank Schiefer and Chuck Konkus. Other parts still available. This is expected to be a very successful event. Unfortunately, I can't be in the cast due to my impending expulsion.

To audition, e-mail: Frank@thisisabigfatjokesodon'temailortakethisseriously.com

For those who asked, here is Samantha

From the Trib Whispers column on August 31, 2008:

A BITE OUT OF POLITICS. Former Westmoreland County GOP chairman Perry Christopher's pup, Samantha, apparently is a devout Republican.

As Christopher recounts on his Republican blog, Samantha apparently put the bite on Democrat state Senate hopeful Dr. Tony Bompiani when Bompiani was knocking on doors.

Christopher said the 39th District Senate hopeful who is opposing Republican Kim Ward "was very nice about it."

Some Republicans apparently wish Christopher was as vicious against Democrats as his dog is. They are now trying to expel him from the county committee for supporting 59th District state representative hopeful Mike O'Barto, a Unity Democrat, over Republican Mike Reese, a Mt. Pleasant Republican.

As for the bitten Bompiani, he indicated there will be no lawsuit.

"You know how puppies have sharp teeth,'' Bompiani said. "She was just gnawing at everything and I put my hand there and he nipped me, that's all."

"I had no idea it was his (Christopher's) house and had never met him before. But he was very nice," Bompiani said.

Christopher said he still supports Ward in the race.

The McCain Terrible Towel!

I wasn't at the rally yesterday (that's why the pics aren't very good). On the off chance that Obama wins, I worked so I could save money to pay all the new taxes. Actually, I had front row seats to see Squeeze in Cleveland, but I had to stay home and cough my lungs out instead. What a terrible cough I had!

Family enjoyed the rally, but the traffic getting home was terrible.

McCain in Washington, PA

People starting to arrive for the event at 3pm.

With Palin on the ticket...

I will not resign my position under any circumstances. I have been hoping for a McCain/Palin ticket for a while. They will have to kick me out! Even if they do, I will donate more money and volunteer more than most of them.

This guy deserves a lot of credit.

I think his blog helped focus attention on Governor Palin.

http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/

Palin for VP

Readers of the old blog know I have been supporting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the VP spot for the last year. As Don Thomson will tell you, I was the only one in the christian coalition poll who voted for Palin.

This is a slam dunk McCain victory in November! I can't believe he made such an incredibly smart decision.

Now, I wish I had run for delegate. Come on over disgruntled Hillary supporters!!!!

Silliness of trying to eject me from the Westmoreland County republican committee

The McCain campaign celebrates this cross over voter and encourages more democrats to do the same. I am saying that I would be a hypocrite to ask democrats to vote for McCain, Murphy, Corbett, Krieger and now Kim Ward if I do not put party aside and vote for the truly better candidate in the 59th, Mike O'Barto. Come on guys, you can't have it both ways. Be consistent.

Why is this the Westmoreland GOP blog anyway?

I thought I should clear this up. When I took over as chairman, there was no website. So, I personally registered a domain and paid for it. I also paid the hosting fees through Yahoo! I never asked for reimbursement because I wanted editorial control. I found out that updating websites is sort of cumbersome. Then, I found blogger. I loved it. You can write anything really fast and publish it. Gets you in trouble sometimes. The official Westmoreland County Republican Committee website never got many hits, but the blog got tons and was free. So, after the last election, I closed the website so I could spend the $20/month on something useful like pepperming white chocolate lattes. I forward the www.westmorelandgop.com domain here until a new chairman took over.

While I was still chairman and before I endorsed Mike O'Barto, a new "official website of the westmoreland county republican committee" appeared. It was a surprise to me. But that was OK, I had skipped the last meeting to go running. So, it was my fault.

I fully intended to hand over the domain names, but some on the executive committee of the county GOP started talking like I stole the domain names. That wasn't cool. I just had enough ambition to buy them and teach myself how to design a website. I didn't really appreciate the negative accusations. So, I keep it parked here. I am a republican. This is Westmoreland county. So, WestmorelandGOP is an accurate description of content.

If anyone wished, I did purchase other domains which anyone can have:
www.democratsforswann.com
www.democratsforlynnswann.com
www.joelreiter2006.com

Keb' Mo' at the Palace was awesome

Went to see Robert Cray and Keb' Mo' at the Palace. I have never heard Keb' Mo' before. He stole the show! Hats off to the Palace. They have some great shows. Robert Cray was better in Nashville at the Wildhorse Saloon. Or maybe it was the fact that the waitress there kept bringing me really tall beers to go along with the fried pickles. Also didn't hurt that we were in the front row and staying at a cool hotel without the kids (I love the kids, but I love time with the wife too.)

Almost got in trouble. I said to myself before the show that I was voting for any candidate that was cool enough to be there. I was minding my own business drinking that foreign beer, Budweiser, when I saw a lady wearing a Bompiani button. Well, it was Mrs. Bompiani and while she was very nice and I had just met her husband at my door and my puppy, Samantha, may have puppy nipped his hand and he was very nice about it--a deal is a deal--The actual candidate must be in attendance.

Romney!!!!???

Politico is reporting that McCain may have settled on Mitt Romney for vice president. Awesome news. At least my donation to Romney for President will amount to something!

Info on John McCain's visit to Washington, PA on Aug 30

Join Senator John McCain and Cindy McCainfor a Road to the Convention Rally
August 30, 2008
Doors open 3:00 p.m.
Special Guest: John Rich of "Big and Rich"
Consol Energy Park
1 Washington Federal Way
Washington, PA 15301


Get your tickets at these locations:

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Calendar/Detail.aspx?guid=97118433-46da-4bce-b846-bc53f384c150

McCain rally in Washington, PA Aug 30

From a McCall.com:

John McCain’s presidential campaign has approached a minor league baseball stadium in southwestern Pennsylvania about hosting a rally for the Arizona senator the Saturday before the GOP convention, further fueling speculation that former Gov. Tom Ridge is among the finalists to join him on the ticket.

The Aug. 30 rally would come just two days after Democrat Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech at the Democratic convention in Denver and provide an opportunity to roll out McCain’s running mate before a 7,000-person crowd. McCain is expected to announce his choice the day before at an event in Dayton, Ohio, Politico reported Tuesday.LINK

I think it was just the bus at the fair without McCain

Tell me what you think:

All John McCain Supporters are invited to welcome John McCain's Straight Talk Express at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Main Gate Entrance at 3:00 sharp today. Come out and show your support for our nominee for President of the United States of America by welcoming the Straight Talk Express. From the "official site of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee"

Well, that is silly. Who would want to see a bus? McCain has a townhall meeting in New Mexico tomorrow. It would have sucked to go out there expecting to see John McCain and all you see is a bus. Now, I don't feel so bad. My kid would have thought I was a nut dragging her out there to see a bus.

I have been asked to resign from the GOP

The Westmoreland County Republican Committee is asking me to resign from the committee because I support a prolife, pro-second amendment, pro-business and experienced elected official to be my state represenative. When the two people I wanted to run for the 59th declined, I knew I was then going to support Mike O'Barto for the seat. He has been a good township supervisor and I have a good relationship with him. Most of all, he has the experience to be an independent voice in the state house. We need that. Anyway, I did not circulate a petition because I knew I was supporting him. But, I was written in. So, I find myself on the committee.

Over the past few years, my wife and I must have given over $10000 to GOP candidates. This does not included the amount of money that can drain from your wallet when you are chairman of the party. I guess I should itemize it so I can have them amend their reports. It is a lot.

So now, some on the committee want to kick me off. Here is my problem with that:

• Vast majority of the committee did nothing (Don't believe me, read Carl Duda's current complaint that no one on the committee helps)
• Vast majority of the committee gave no money
• Those who complained the most, helped the least.
• I watched some of the same people who probably will vote to remove me from the committee work actively against Sen. Arlen Specter.
• Every election, we asked prominent democrats to endorse our GOP candidates. Is this what we really think of them when they support a republican? Is it such an evil act to cross party lines? Why would any democrat cross party lines to support a republican if we, as republicans, act in this manner? Seriously. Do we hold democrats who cross party lines in such disdain?

So, I will not resign my position. I am not a quitter. I don't want to present that example to my kids. How silly is it to kick me off the committee when all I have to do is circulate a petition next time around and be back on the committee?

I'm missing a lot of excitement

Regola dropping out. Picking a new candidate. All I had to do was run 8 miles today and take my kids to gymanstics and music. And, have lunch with the wife.

I think Kim Ward can win that senate seat. Hempfield School District is sort of a mess and I bet you can blame Bompiani for that. Very unfortunate that she will not be county commissioner.

My prediction is: Kim Ward wins the senate seat. Mike O'Barto beats Mike Reese in the 59th. Mike Reese is named commissioner to replace Kim Ward. And I finish the Philadelphia marathon faster than my goal time. Happiness all around this November.

What's wrong with this country?

Anheuser-Busch can't even stay an American company. Totally sucks!

Harry Reid makes our economy sick!

This is the issue to drive McCain to victory!!!! I love coal! I love oil! Drill here! Drill now!

Republicans for Mike O'Barto

Ever since I have been chairman of the republican committee of Westmoreland County, it has been essential for our republican candidates to earn democratic voters' votes in order to win. For the most part, we have been successful in our efforts to attract democrats to vote for our candidates. In this current election, I hope democrats will see that Attorney General Tom Corbett and 57th state house candidate Tim Krieger offer superior leadership to Pennsylvanians. I urge democrats to vote for them.

However, I cannot ask democrats to cross over and vote for a republican candidate and ignore the superior leadership and experience Mike O'Barto offers the citizens of the 59th state house district. It would be hypocritical of me. As Unity Township supervisor, Mike O'Barto has gained the experience to represent us well in Harrisburg. Mike O'Barto is a pro-life democrat who believes in the second amendment, low taxes and better business environment in Pennsylvania. Mike O'Barto understands the effects Harrisburg legislation has on local governments and school districts. Mike O'Barto will not support legislation that puts a burden on local government and schools.

Of all the things people like about Jess Stairs, constituent service had to be first. If you had a problem with Harrisburg, Jess could fix it. Mike O'Barto will be equal to the task. As a resident of Unity Township, Mike O'Barto has been responsive to my needs. Mike O'Barto understands people need action from their represenative when concerns arise. As demonstrated by his experience and record as Unity Township supervisor, Mike O'Barto will deliver excellent service to the residents of the 59th district.

People are sick of partisan politics and bickering. People want action and leaders. We are living in uneasy economic times. Now is not the time to take a chance on an unproven candidate. The people of the 59th district need proven leadership, experience and independent voice in Harrisburg. Mike O'Barto is that candidate. For those reasons, I full support and endorse Mike O'Barto for the open 59th Pennsylvania State House seat.

With the upcoming reorganization of the county republican party, I wanted to make my views known now so that I can pass the responsibility for the reorganization to my vice chairman Ron Rometo. If I waited to announce my support for Mike O'Barto until after the reorganization, I fear some would question my handling of the convention. Since I like and respect both George Dunbar and Frank Schiefer, I wish to make certain that no one questions the process which leads to the election of the new chairman.

As for my vote on the Westmoreland County Republican Committee, I am sending my proxy to former Chairwoman and fellow Unity Township resident Debbie Irwin. I am certain she will vote my proxy in the best interest of the Westmoreland County Republican party.

For the record, I remain a republican and will vote for John McCain as long as he continues to support exploration for energy in the United States. I will not vote for any presidential candidate that does not have the leadership to see the necessity of being energy independent.

Candidates for WCRC offices

Chairman

1. George Dunbar--Penn Township
2. Frank Schiefer--Hempfield Township

Vice-Chairman/woman

1. Elaine Gowaty--West Murrysville
2. Joel Reiter--North Huntingdon
3. Susan Baur Scherff--Hempfield Township

Treasurer

1. Darrell McMahen--Unity Township
2. no other candidates filed

If you sent me a petition and your name does not appear on this list, let me know. We can work it out.

The election will take place at the Hempfield High School Auditorium on July 8 at 7PM sharp. It is being held at Hempfield because that was the easiest thing for me to do since we have committee members on the Hempfield School Board. I am holding it there because it only took one phone call to reserve not to aid any candidates from the Hempfield area. I was considering the Greater Latrobe High School because my wife is on that board, but I thought people would complain of the location.

Westmoreland GOP Poltical Events

“Spring Victory Dinner”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
6:00 P.M. Cash Bar – 7:00 P.M. Dinner

Ferrante's Lakeview Premier Banquest Facility
6153 Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Attorney General Tom Corbett

GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Tim Murphy, 18th Congressional
Kim Ward, 39th State Senate
Tim Kreiger , 57th Legislative
Mike Reese, 59th Legislative


$40.00 Per Person
(Proceeds Benefit the WCRC)
Checks payable to:
WCRC GOP Committee
23 N. Maple Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601
Or Email Elaine Gowaty or Doug Weimer