Merry Christmas

to all my neglected readers.

My adorable wife...

We went to the Colts/Broncos game in Indy. After the game, we got to go down on the field. It was really cool. Thanks to facebook, we also got to see friends from high school who happened to be at the game. I hadn't seen them in 20 years.

Keiwan Ratliff was one of the best two corners on the Steelers!

I saw him play with the Colts last year. He was awesome when filling in for the Colts injured corners. One of his biggest games was against the Steelers. I think they cut him? Why?

Those Sarah Palin booklines are pretty amazing...

Unfortunatley, I don't think Mitt Romney could attract those kinds of crowds. In reality, I doubt she runs in 2012. She is going to find that she enjoys being a very rich celebrity.

Cover of Newsweek

I think the Sarah Palin cover of Newsweek is ridiculous!

Update: I saw the Newsweek cover in Barnes and Noble after running. I got an eggnog latte. I just saw that Palin doesn't like it either!

In an interview on Monday, the former vice presidential candidate did lash out at a Newsweek Magazine cover which shows Palin in her running outfit. The image was taken during a Runner's World photo shoot months ago, and according to a post on Palin's Facebook page, showed a depiction of the formed Alaskan governor which she called "sexist, and oh-so-expected." From Chicago Tribune online

For the record, I thought the photoshoot for Runners' World wasn't such a good idea.

What is a TWILF?

Sarah Palin was called a TWILF over the weekend. What is that? An insult or compliment? I don't know. I must be getting old.

What's the next major GOP victory in Westmoreland County?

My bet is the state house seat currently held by Jim Casorio.

Frank Schiefer

Frank Schiefer deserves some kudos for that clerk of courts win last night. Frank (and Pat Laughlin) ran some pretty good county wide races which helped set the table for Bryan Kline. Frank knows his stuff!

Imagine how bad our night started...

We went out to gather signs and results in this order:

1. Roble (trailing)
2. Dorothy (trailing)
3. Lloydsville (no results but we had a bad feeling)
4. Ward 1 (trailing)
5. Ward 3 (trailing bad! Eric Hauser must live there)
6. Ward 4 (trailing)
7. Ward 2 (trailing where the Repuclican mayoral candidate is up huge! Bad sign)
8. Ward 5 (trailing)
9. Ward 6 (no results but the trend was not our friend)

So, driving out of Latrobe. We had thought we lost. I refreshed the blackberry and saw that we were ahead with only Whitney and Mutual out. We high tailed it to Whitney and thank God we had a poll worker there. Specifically, Rhonda's father. Hauser won big(at least we know who was pushing for him there), but not big enough to overtake our lead. And then, mutual came in with Rhonda ahead.

What were we thinking going to our weakest polls first? Nothing like driving around thinking you have lost.

Huge night for Westmoreland County Republicans!

It was just a matter of time until the success we have had at the state and federal level trickled down to the county level. I see a very crowded republican primary for commissioner.

On to Toomey and Corbett!!!!! I am definitely not sitting out the Corbett race. Tom Corbett is an outstanding individual and should be governor. Pat Toomey is the right person to help restore some sense to the US Senate.

So many people to thank for my wife's victory

• Our friends and family who came out to vote, work the polls and told their friends to vote for us
• For all those who put signs out
• Mike O'Barto
• Both supervisor candidates, John Mylant and Sherry Bohla
• Greaterlatrobe.net for posting the video--almost 200 views more than our main opponent and our facebook friends that shared it.
• Who could forget the Vote for Rhonda runners last summer!
• Whoever started the rumor about me and reporting the "signs without disclaimers" because that actually helped us meet more people who helped us
• Barack Obama who actually made people want to vote republican again
• Poll workers for other candidates who helped us pass out info
• The other school board candidates who chose not to work the polls at all today. Normally, I don't think poll working helps. But today, it did. We had a lousy ballot position, but it was right under Bill Palmer. His excellent campaign got people to look down ballot for his name and then we were the only other school board campaign out there with literature.
• Olivia, Natalie and Elizabeth for being awesome today.
• And all those who helped who probably don't want me to put their names on the blog. You know who you are and thank you!

Rhonda really deserved to win. I just don't think it should have been this hard. Greater Latrobe is awesome school district!

Greaterlatrobe.net's video of Rhonda

Sign update

OK. This is the kind of stuff that got me to retire from politics. That and the fact that candidates I like (Bill Scranton and Mitt Romney) always seem to lose. I personally spoke to the folks involved. I think it is all good. My wife is most awesome and I would hate to think that someone would vote against her based upon a false rumor that I reported signs failed to have disclosure statements on them.

Seriously, I have been far to busy with "life" things to bother with something like other people's campaign signs. I haven't even put one out in like two years. That being said, if you want a Rhonda Laughlin for School Board yard sign, just e-mail me. perryandrhonda@comcast.net

They are available in both Greater Latrobe school colors and halloween colors (black and orange). We would greatly appreciate it.

Greater Latrobe School Board race

It seems that someone has told people that I reported the fact that candidates failed to properly put the "paid for" disclaimer on their signs.

I wish people would get their facts straight before making accusations.

I did not report these signs to the courthouse. Also, no one associated with me or my wife reported these signs to the courthouse.

Shocked!

I am shocked that Joseph P. Kennedy II passed on that senate seat. Shocked!

Blogging to resume soon..

I have been on a mental vacation. Some would say always...

Jon Gosselin...why is he making money from being famous?

Ridiculous! I hear he is starting a clothing line. It should be a series of t-shirts for him that says, "I'm an asshole" and another series of t-shirts which says, "I'm such a loser, I bought a T-shirt from that asshole, Jon Gosselin."

Rose Tennant talks about Ted Kennedy

Driving to work this morning, I tuned into Quinn and Rose. I don't really like the show and I have never thought much about the intellect of the two hosts. This morning, Rose Tennant was on a rant calling Ted Kennedy a fat old pedophile. Even Quinn seemed to recoil at her rant.

I just couldn't believe how horrible she was!

My prediction for Kennedy's senate seat.

Joseph P. Kennedy II

Bill Scranton endorsed Gerlach for Governor.

Someone asked me what do I think. I don't know. I like Bill Scranton and I would vote for him for Governor or US Senator. However, I have never met Gerlach. Can't even remember his first name at the moment. I do know he was in that republican controlled House of Representatives that totally lost their way and helped lead us to this massive democrat majority in Washington.

I have met Tom Corbett. I like him. I trust him. I will continue to support him for governor.

Santorum for President...

Just saw the headline over at grassrootspa. I could support that!

Broken toe!!!!

Why the rush on heathcare reform?

Shouldn't they be more concerned about getting it right? What a mess this is going to be!

Sen. Jim Bunning to retire

Sen. Bunning did an event for me while I was chairman. I spent the whole day with him. Sen. Bunning was honest and plain spoken. How many people get the chance to spend the day with

• an outspoken conservative senator
• a baseball hall of fame member
• and some who pitched a perfect game in the majors?

Well, I was treated to that all at once. It was quite enjoyable. I thought it was the perfect kick-off to getting folks in Westmoreland County fired up for Sen Santorum's reelection. Sen Bunning was an awesome featured speaker. However, the attendance was just so-so and that truly marked the beginning of my loss of interest in organized politics. After that, I had to endure Scranton's unsuccessful bid for governor, Santorum's loss and people's inability to move on from the whole Toomey/Specter controversy, and the final straw--Mitt Romney's loss. I personally blame that loss on Iowa's conservative christians and some of their "problem" that Romney didn't have exactly the same religious beliefs that they held. Huckabee, what a wasted vote Iowans!!!!

The Black Crowes

are awesome live! Levon Helm opened. He had laryngitis. He couldn't sing. Disappointing, but The Crowes certainly made up for it.

Tom Ward in Whispers column...

If Tom is going to challenge Tom Murphy for recorder of deeds, he should go ahead and be the replacement candidate for prothonotary. If he loses, no one will hold it against him because he is the replacement candidate. However, a countywide run now will help his name ID when he does run against Murphy. He would be helping both the party and himself.

Why did some guys in the Westmoreland GOP Committee...

have such a huge man crush on Judge Paul Panepinto (I don't know if I spelled it right, but don't care enough to look)? I just don't get it. Someone explain it to me.

Tom Marflak withdraws as GOP candidate for Prothonotary

Too bad, I like Tom Marflak and thought he was a good candidate.

What now? Should the GOP just forget about it and concentrate on Bryan Kline's race? After all, Patterson did poorly in his re-election primary for Clerk of Courts.

Could you imagine Ronald Reagan acting like...

Sarah Palin?

Could you ever imagine Reagan whining on Facebook? Or even using Facebook for that matter? Or threatening to sue the mainstream media if they write bad stuff about her? In this instance, I don't think the media is holding Palin to a different standard. In the past, they were unfair to her, but now...Palin is just acting wierd. Reagan would have just beaten the press and his opponents with two skills...communication and leadership!

Results are in!

The readers of this blog (who are an intelligent lot) like Frank Schiefer and think he should run for county commissioner.

Sarah Palin resigns...

I am in the camp that views her as a quitter that couldn't handle everything. Could you ever imagine Ronald Reagan doing something like this? If only Mark Sanford would quit!

Colin Powell...make up your friggin' mind!

Before the election, Powell is all for Obama. Now doubts... Powell is afraid Obama is spending too much on new programs. No kidding!!! Obama only promised everyone everything during the campaign. What a crappy election 2008 was! What poor choices! I am concerned that 2012 will offer no better. I use to like Sarah Palin as a candidate. I no longer view her as a potential national GOP leader.

Frank seems pretty popular!

Better get on board the Frank for County Commissioner band wagon!

Liz and I miss the cool car!

But the Toyota convertible is bigger.

Palin in Runner's World

She challenges President Obama to a footrace? She looks great in the photos. However, it does not seem very "presidential." Without a doubt, she needs a new pr firm. She gets a lot of press, but none of it makes you want to support her for president. I have not seen the entire article yet, so I may change my mind after reading it. If I were her PR person, I would have never allowed her to pose in running clothes. I would have insisted on only action photos of her running and running while pushing her baby.

I would run with either Palin or Obama. She is a good marathoner. Heck, I'd even have a cigarette with President Obama. That would be a cool conversation starter. Maybe the two could come to Pittsburgh and run the Pittsburgh Marathon. It is a friendly marathon. Or better yet, they could come to Connellsville and run the Woodruff 5K (killer hills).

My wife, Rhonda Laughlin, in the Trib

At last night's board meeting, some directors wanted to raise taxes. Rhonda did not. Read for yourself from the Tribune-Review.

Director Susan Mains said without a state budget in place, the district doesn't know for sure what it willbe receiving as its basic education subsidy. And the state has other changes proposed that could affect the district's bottom line, she said.

Mains said she feels more comfortable having small millage increases yearly, rather than one, large millage hike in a given year. The small increases give the district some cushion for unforeseen expenses, she said.

I'm fearful we're digging a hole that we shouldn't be digging," Mains said.

Director Kathryn Elder agreed that slight yearly increases put her more at ease than one large hike.

"We're kind of getting squeezed," Elder said. "I"m very concerned."

But Director Rhonda Laughlin said directors couldn't increase real estate taxes this time based on what might occur.

"Just to raise taxes 'just in case,' I think, is wrong," Laughlin said.
Tribune-Review July 1, 2009

I can't believe it...

US Senator Al Franken (D) MN

WTF!

Saw this somewhere...

The official blog of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee. No other blog has been authorized or endorsed by the WCRC or its candidates.

What other blog could they be talking about? I don't think I ever claimed this to be an official Westmoreland GOP blog. I never wanted it to be. I always wanted to have complete editorial control.

This morning Whispers

The Trib's whispers column claims State Senator Kim Ward is going to support democrat Carmen Pedicone next year. Anyone who knows Sen. Ward's long committment to the county GOP knows that she would not actively support a democrat against a republican for county office.

I, for one, would support Carmen Pedicone for re-election because he has earned it.

Tom Balya retiring as commissioner? That would end up being a big commissioners race. The GOP would have a great shot at winning two seats.

Colin McNickle's American Obituary

Rarely, do I agree with McNickle. Unfortunately, our current poll driven congress worries me greatly. The republicans in congress are a bunch of wussies. Some "leaders" in the GOP seem to be given a stash of viagra. Sarah Palin, while telegenic, is not a strong intelligent leader. Who is going to lead the opposition to all this? Who?

Read McNickle's piece.
Here is a quote from the article.

Three bullets. Each bought by the electorate. Each loaded by the government. Each being pointed at America's head. And, tragically, the trigger is about to be squeezed by a nation of too-ignorant, too-gullible or too-lazy sheeple.

I have to say...

I love the Thriller album. I hope Michael Jackson has found peace. It is always sad when someone dies before their time.

Sanford: What a moron!

I would not forgive him if I were a voter. Two reasons: crying in public(baby!) and cheating on his wife(louse!). I also don't accept his explanation. Not once did I hear him say what a wonderful woman his wife is and what a despicable human being he is. Get lost jerk!

Memo to republicans: Don't act like pious christians if you are going to cheat on your wife!

If these guys would spend as much time cultivating their relationships with their wives as they do cheating, they would not need to cheat.

That goes for you too, Sen Ensign. Get lost, loser! We don't need either of you in government. Plenty of better people to take your place tomorrow. The first 10 people to walk in the local Walmart would be preferrable to me than to have you lying despicable wife cheating losers in government. It would not be so bad had the whole conservative movement hadn't starting claiming christianity and family values as their own.

I don't think Gordon should be kicked out!

During my time as chairman, I think I circulated 2 petitions for the republican nomination for school director (my wife's and another person) who were registered democrats. I do not think it should violate by-laws because of the cross filing nature of the office. It is nuts to kick Gordon off the republican committee for this. After all, he had to ask a democrat to circulate his own petition. It is just the nature of the race.

Shame on you GOP committee (update: troublemaker not committee). Gordon was a HUGE help to elect a good conservative republican to the state house. Just go ask Tim Krieger how much help Gordon was. What a boneheaded move! If I was chairman, I never would have allowed this case to be heard!

As for me, I did violate the spirit of the by-laws. I have no problem with being expelled.

I was told by someone that Gordon has not been kicked out yet. Due to the cross filing nature of the race, the by-laws are open to interpretation. We shall see. Kicking Gordon out does no one any good. I can state for a fact that Gordon wore a McCain button to the Obama rally at Hempfield High School. He attended because he was a school director. I was there because my wife and kid wanted to go and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Obama wasn't any different than any other politician I have seen. Spoke better than some, but no "magic"

Update from George Dunbar. Matter settled. Whole press release in comments.
I did not believe that Gordon’s actions necessitated his removal. Gordon has been a loyal and hard working committee man for years and I am looking forward to continuing that relationship in the future.

Read this article!!!!

US cities may have to be bulldozed in order to survive Telegraph.co.uk

Most are former industrial cities in the "rust belt" of America's Mid-West and North East. They include Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,

Are you kidding? They can't bulldoze part of Pittsburgh. The Pens just won the Stanley Cup and the Steelers won the Super Bowl.

Sarah Palin must be going for the Conan O'Brien vote!

For someone who wants to be president, I don't think she should personally get involved in a public spat with David Letterman. She should have people for this. You know, a spokesperson.

I prefer Conan.

Samantha hasn't appeared on the blog for a while

Here she is with her puppy buddy from across the street. They are both about a year old now. They love to play.

Took Lizzie to see Arlo Guthrie

She didn't like it at first, but she liked the end of the show when Arlo told the story how one person can make a difference. Arlo is really cool to see if you ever get a chance.

Europe is leaning right and we are leaning left

I just saw on Drudge that Sarah Palin is making the rounds trying to be the voice of the right in the US. I am not buying it. I was for her very early in the VP stakes, but her performance as a running mate was dismal and I really don't think she is all that bright. Sorry to those of you who love her, but we need someone who can really guide us(Mitt Romney). The GOP can do way better than Palin. hint hint: Mitt Romney.

Lot of talk going around about GOP team for Gov

People want Pat Meehan to run with Tom Corbett. I hate to tell you all this. Nobody cares who the candidate for Lt Gov is. They vote for governor. Personally, I think Corbett wins the GOP nomination for governor no matter what. Let the Lt. Gov primary be a free for all! Let's actually have some excitement and a discussion of ideas in a primary. Go back in time. Lynn Swann would have been a better candidate for governor had he actually beat Bill Scranton in a real race for governor. Or maybe Scranton would have beaten him had Swann not hidden from debate. We will never know. We only know that Lynn Swann was beaten BADLY!

Anyone know what is behind this comment I got earlier today?

Anonymous said...
I heard things got really nasty at the Executive meeting last night. Anyone know what actually happened?
June 3, 2009 6:45 PM

Lithium

I love the litium channel on sirius radio!

Kevin Acklin for Pittsburgh Mayor!

While I was running the Pittsburgh Marathon, 3 people cheered me on by name. Kevin Acklin was one. Plus, Kevin would make an outstanding mayor.

This morning's Whisper's in the Tribune-Review

I don't get this observation at all. I mean at all! Someone will have to explain it to me.

DO AS I SAY. Some Westmoreland County politicians were smirking at former GOP chairman Perry Christopher's observations about the lack of races for county government offices on his blog, only to be followed on the day after the election with laments on his blog about having to forgo political retirement to work on his wife's campaign this fall.

I have to say some Westmoreland County politicians will smirk at anything. Let me interrupt for a few facts.

• I love my wife.
• She is a valuable member of the school board.
• She is a fantastic mother and a great friend.
• She is the type of person you want involved in your local government.

In today's society, a husband willing to help his wife achieve her goals by supporting her in any way she needs is nothing to smirk at. I just find that whole thing odd. Besides, they failed to mention how cool the other blog is! Go visit it. In my opinion, rather than smirking, those Westmoreland County politicians should have been saying "that guy must really love his wife" rather than always looking for the negative in things. But, isn't that really what is wrong with our political system? Too much negative energy!

By the way, it was precisely attitudes and comments like this that made me lose my affinity toward politics. I found it became about who could make the snidest remark about someone rather than advancing ideas. Life is too short for that. I will work for candidates that are good people. After my wife's election, Corbett for governor and Tim Krieger for state rep are two things I will certainly be involved in.

Want some good music?

Check out the list of essential songs as voted by listeners to WYEP (91.3 FM). I am sort of surprised the Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls is #1, but I do have the CD and Rhonda and I saw them at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia when that CD came out.

Here is the entire list:

http://wyep.org/music/913songs/

For Wilco, Jesus, Etc has to come before Heavy Metal Drummer. I love both songs, but one is more essential than the other.

Today's reason really grooves!

If you like this kind of stuff!

Check it out.

www.latrobewildcats.blogspot.com

Unity Community days should have a...

5K race. Rhonda and I would run and be a sponsor.

Unity Township to highlight history/name

I think it is a good idea to know the history of where you live and a Unity Township Community days is a great idea. Where is the Township Community Days going to be?

Trib article about Unity Township

Great news!

New Wilco CD coming this summer and maybe a tour! If you get a chance, see them live!!!!

Numbers 4, 5 and 6 reasons about Rhonda are now up

Writing something nice or cool about her everyday is a piece of cake! (So far...)

A word about other races...

It pains me to say this, but with Rhonda's election bid in the fall, I am going to have to be neutral for all the other races. Rhonda wants to win this November. We are going to do everything we can to win. We are going to run a positve campaign and have fun. Win or lose, we are going to do it with style. So far, I think my tribute blog to Rhonda is pretty cool and I am having fun with it. Daunting task to say something nice about your wife each and every day until November. I certainly think I can do it.

While I am at it and since I have to campaign until November, I guess I will remain politically active so I can work on the Tom Corbett for Governor campaign. I also owe Mike Reese some work and without a doubt I want to see Tim Krieger re-elected. So, I guess my demise is a bit premature.

Rhonda Reason #3

dum, ditty, dum, ditty, dum, dum, dum! You have to go here to see what I am talking about.

Join Elizabeth's team to fight pancreatic cancer

Help raise money for pancreatic cancer research!

Visit the "We are the Yorio's" team page by using this link!

Westmoreland County Judge

This isn't what I wanted. Both candidates I support for judge are squaring off against each other this fall. Is there any way they can both win considering that Chris Scherer won both the democratic and republican nominations?

Reason to vote for Rhonda Laughlin for Greater Latrobe School Board #2

Rhonda Laughlin is active in the Westmoreland County United Way.

Rhonda reasons...

I created a new blog for them. I am so easily entertained. This is going to keep me busy all summer. For now on, I am going to post the reason here, but you are going to have to follow the link for the elaboration. Please feel free to comment.

http://latrobewildcats.blogspot.com/

Why???!!!

Why are there so many new Walgreens? Do we need them? Do they offer anything different?

Reasons to vote for Rhonda Laughlin for Greater Latrobe School Board

Do you think I can come up with a new reason to vote for Rhonda for School Board everyday until the election in November? We shall see.

Reason #1. She skipped the Damien Rice concert because she had a school board meeting. While this is a reason for me not to vote for her, it certainly qualifies as a reason for the rest of you to vote for her. An extreme example of dedication.

This is probably not only my favorite Damien Rice song, but may be my favorite song of all time.

I tried to retire from politics...

but it seems my wife will need my help this fall. Rhonda did not win both the Republican/Democratic slots for her re-election to the Greater Latrobe School Board. It was this exact same situation that started my "career" as a political activist so it seems fitting that I am going to have to repeat it before I actually retire from politics.

It is quite a shame. Rhonda is an asset to the school board. She has no agenda or political aspirations. She just wants the Greater Latrobe School District to continue to deliver a quality education to our kids. Rhonda is one of the only board members who actually have kids in all levels of the system. Elizabeth will be entering 7th grade this fall. Natalie is going to be a 5th grader. Our baby, Olivia, is going to be a kindergartner this fall.

Rhonda is going to need your help! We really want your help. If you would like to help in any way (yard sign, poll working, telling your friends to vote for her), please contact us: perryandrhonda@comcast.net Your help will be VERY appreciated!

As usual, I have deleted some posts.

After an election, I always like to delete a few posts which commented on the current election. Last election, I deleted the entire blog. For this election, I just deleted the appropriate subjects. I left the Frank Schiefer post up because I really want Frank and others to learn to put things aside and just get along. Life is way to short.

Found this adorable pic of my kids and Tim Murphy

I was going through some folders on my computer and found this. Why isn't Tim Murphy ever mentioned for statewide office?

Please vote for Frank Schiefer for Jury Commissioner

Cool event for me!

Readers of this blog know that Rhonda and I are going to Chicago to see U2. Hopefully, Adam Lambert isn't opening for them. I just found out that the Chicago Half Marathon is the next day! I am so in! Rhonda is going to run the 5K. She is not quite as excited as I am at the prospects of the weekend.

Michael Vick

I don't like him. I don't like how he plays quarterback. I don't like how he treated the dogs. However, when he gets out of jail, Vick should be allowed to play NFL football again. Seriously, they have let players who have done worse to people play again. While I will probably never like Vick, he has paid he debt to society and has done more jail time than a lot of worse offenders.

Let the guy play with a one strike and your out policy.

American Idol

I thought Adam Lambert was terrible last night. He screams and looks like an older lady. To me, his version of One caused me great pain. It is apparent to me that the judges are biased beyond belief in favor of Adam. Personally, I wouldn't see him play live or buy any of his CDs. I don't think he is a "rock star". He reminds me of Liza Minelli.

Here is what a rock star looks like!

New Music

Good summer CD
Tonight : Franz Ferdinand

Tom Ridge

Ridge decides not to run for the US Senate. I still remain undecided. I would like to see what other candidates may surface.

Pat Toomey endorsement

My endorsement of Pat Toomey was in a Specter/Toomey primary. As of right now, I endorse no one in the GOP primary. I am going to wait and see who else runs. I can think of several other candidates that I would favor above Specter. And yes, Tom Ridge would be one.

Marathon Day!

Answer to the pace poll. Rhonda and I were together at the point where the half marathoners needed to follow their route at mile 11.

At 7.1 mile:
Rhonda 1:09:19
Me: 1:09:49

At that point, I was slightly behind her because I was looking at her...oops, I can't say that on here.

Her overall pace was: 9:41
Mine was: 9:53
I did go twice as far!

This is the girl who has always told me she hates running and could never do a half-marathon. As an added bonus, our hotel room overlooked PNC Park for fireworks night.

Holy Crap!

Sen Arlen Specter makes it official and becomes a democrat. I bet Santorum wants to kick him in the ass over this!!!!! Arlen knew he was going to lose to Toomey. This makes a Toomey victory in November much more difficult!

Check out my daughter Natalie feeding a dolphin!

Swine Flu

I was just a kid, but I do remember this from 1976. It is quite a different world now.

If you couldn't tell...

I have been on vacation. Fortunately, I was in Florida and the Bahamas and not Mexico.

Rabbit Run 5K in Latrobe today

Rhonda placed 2nd in her age division. Once again, she finished just before judicial candidate Michele Bononi.

"Three Cool Cats"

I ran into Sen. Kim Ward and Debbie Irwin last night at Beatlemania Now at Greensburg's Palace Theatre. Their seats were right behind me. I had the whole family with me. Rhonda, Liz, Natalie and Olivia all enjoyed the show. It was nice seeing two former county GOP chairs and overall fun people. It was the first time I have seen Kim Ward since she was elected. She is the same friendly and fun loving person she always has been. Chuck Dominick (Latrobe mayoral candidate) was sitting right in front of me. As much as he must have wanted to get into this photo so he could present it as a present to his boss, Tom Balya, Debbie would never had allowed it.

Elizabeth sat in front of Sen. Ward. Liz still loves politics. Maybe some day she could intern in Kim's office. That would be sort of cool.

FYI, Three Cool Cats is a song off Beatles Anthology 1. It also applies in this case.

Just so you know, I am not losing my hair. Sort of looks like it. I ran out of the shampoo I like and the crap my kid had in the shower has made my hair stiff. With all the running, it just kind of stays back like that.

Westmoreland County Judge

I am supporting Meagan Bilik DeFazio for judge. You can vote for two. Should I support two or just vote for one? Make your case in the comments section.

Ray LaMontagne at the Palace last night.

It was pretty good, but Ray is certainly an introvert. Check out Chuck Konkus on the drums. At least he reminded me of Chuck Konkus (Chuck's a famous republican). My new phone is exceptionally cool and my wife did not fall asleep during this show like she did at Son Volt.

Check out this consistency from our county judges

In 2005, Pat Laughlin was removed from the ballot for filing his statement of financial interest only in the election bureau. Attorney Scott Avolio argued that this was sufficient to the spirit of the law. Judge Caruso disagreed.

Read the full story here!

Judge Ober just ruled to allow a candidate for clerk of courts stay on the ballot for the EXACT same violation.

Read the full story here!

Judge Caruso did send me case law backing up his opinion. But, the law is the law! Can we rule consistently. Do these judges look at each others' opinions? When you vote for judge this spring, please carefully research all the candidates. Please vote for the best legal mind! This isn't just about republicans and democrats, it is about justice! Vote wisely!

Of course, the irony is that Pat Laughlin is running for clerk of courts in the May primary.

Tom Clark Ford of Greensburg

Where did it go? No cars. Is it moving or out of business? Surely, Greensburg can support a Ford dealership.

To answer my own question:

Smail Auto Group in Hempfield last week bought Tom Clark Ford in the Greensburg area and moved the Ford dealership's vehicles to the Bud Smail Lincoln Mercury dealership along Route 30, said Mark Smail, company president.

Smail purchased the vehicles but not the property that housed the Ford dealership along Route 30, said Smail, who declined to reveal the purchase price. Tribune-Review March 31, 2009

Hurray for Rhonda!

My wife placed third in her age group in a 5 K she ran on Saturday.

She finished just ahead of Westmoreland County Judge candidate Michele Bononi.

Any readers take my advice...

and get Ray LaMontagne tickets at the Palace?

Went to the source last night...

My wife has been too busy to get online, so she hasn't seen the blog. She was unaware of the U2 tickets in Chicago and the poll. Anyway, the answer to the poll question is: No. She was not mad at all. Off to Chicago to see U2!!

Check out the new poll to the right.

I bought tickets to see U2 in Chicago. I didn't ask my wife. Who thinks she will be mad at me? Or is this a good test to see if she is really cool? It is U2 after all!

I was going to go to a Mike Reese fundraiser on 3/25 (honest), but I used the money on the U2 tickets. Just kidding! I know I promised to go to the first Reese fundraiser, but the timing of this one was really inconvenient. I will definitely attend one in the near future. My wife and I think Mike Reese is doing a very good job as state representative and would have attended the reception, but noon on thursdays is the worst possible time. Keep me on the list.

How to know your wife is cool.

Your bathroom is cluttered with running shoes vs. hand washables.

Pittsburgh Marathon is full!!

As of March 16th the Half-Marathon is also full.

Pittsburgh Marathon's 20th running will be largest ever

My wife has opted to run the half-marathon. I am running the marathon. Now that she is a runner, Rhonda is now the perfect wife.

Kevin Acklin--A guy I really like from assorted campaigns

Seems Kevin and I always support the same candidates. Looks like he might be running for Pittsburgh mayor.

http://2politicaljunkies.blogspot.com/2009/03/another-independent-bid-for-mayor-kevin.html#comments

Harry Smail's website

How on earth was Harry able to get both his baby and dog to cooperate to take a good photo?

Congratulations to your photographer!

Unreal!

From today's Tribune-Review

(Peg) Luksik says (Pat)Toomey told her in February that he wasn't running for the Senate. She says it's up to Toomey to decide whether he want to risk dividing the GOP's conservative wing and allowing Specter to win a sixth term. (LINK)

Who is she to give Toomey an ultimatum? Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory! Nice work Luksik! I would much rather have Toomey in the Senate. Now is not the time for newbies. Toomey has the experience to be a much better senator!

District Attorney Peck to run again

I personally think he should quietly skulk away. No matter if you were for or against Regola, I think most would agree he handled the case horribly and should not be rewarded with re-election.

Tom Corbett for Governor

A friend tells me Glen Meakem is not running for governor. Source: Meakem's radio show. I firmly support Corbett for Governor if he chooses to run. Corbett is a proven statewide winner and a good person. He has also been an effective attorney general.

I thought being kicked off the GOP committee wouldn't affect me

Seems it would cost me an extra $5 to attend the spring victory dinner featuring Tom Corbett (who I admire very much). DRATS!

Luksik thinking of running for US Senate?!

Didn't she use to be someone? That would be STUPID. Split the conservative vote between Toomey and Luksik so Arlen can win the GOP primary. Certainly, we are smarter than this!?

Beatlemania at the Palace in Greensburg

April 15. Internet pre-sale started today. Lots of good seats available.

Pat Toomey for US Senate

Pat Toomey is considering a run for the US Senate. We need him in the senate. It is time! I support Pat Toomey for the US Senate! You should too.

Obama's community health centers

President Obama wants the federal government to start community health centers.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama has been vague about details of his healthcare reform efforts, but he provided a hint on Monday of one direction he could take -- community health centers.

As he announced the nominations of his two top health executives, Obama highlighted the allocation of $155 million to 126 community health centers as part of the $787 billion economic stimulus package.

"These health centers will expand access to care by helping people in need -- many with no health insurance -- obtain access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care services," Obama told a news conference. link

I think he should rethink this idea and partner with those in the private sector who are already opening community health centers. Currently, Wal-Mart and Walgreens are doing this.

Fleetwood Mac at Mellon Arena last night

Lindsay Buckingham held the band together last night with an incredible performance and outstanding work on the guitar. I don't think he has ever really gotten his due because he had to be in a band playing all those sappy Christine McVie songs (thank god she isn't in the band). Seems the writer from the Post-Gazette agrees with me.

Buckingham is a pure live wire, and people who have never seen Fleetwood Mac might not know that if he hadn't ended up in this co-ed pop band, his name might be thrown around with guitar heroes like Neil Young and Eric Clapton. Buckingham can rip in numerous ways, from the frantic acoustic fingerpicking on "Big Love" to the nitro shredding on "I'm Afraid," which, contrary to the image of the 50-something ballad-loving Fleetwood Mac fan, drew the biggest roar of the night. Post-Gazette 2/2/2009

My favorite parts of the night were Lindsay Buckingham's performance (I Go Insane, my complete favorite) and my wife looking particularly good(really good). My least favorite part was I think the security guard enjoyed frisking me way to much.

Here is the set list:

• "Monday Morning"
• "The Chain"
• "Dreams"
• "I Know I'm Not Wrong"
• "Gypsy"
• "Go Insane"
• "Rhiannon"
• "Second Hand News"
• "Tusk"
• "Sara"
• "Big Love"
• "Landslide"
• "Never Going Back Again"
• "Storms"
• "Say That You Love Me"
• "Gold Dust Woman"
• "Oh Well"
• "I'm Afraid"
• "Stand Back"
• "Go Your Own Way"
(encore)
• "World Turning"
• "Don't Stop"
• "Silver Springs"

What qualifications should a township supervisor have?

Based on someone's anonymous comments, some feel that a township supervisor should really just have experience in road work. I don't agree. For me, qualifications for Unity Township supervisor are:

1. A quality education (I do mean a bachelor's degree)
2. A vision for the township
3. Ability to lead
4. Ability to problem solve
5. Ability to analyze

For me, experience in road work is meaningless. The township should already have qualified people in place for this. We don't need to elect someone to be on the road crew. We need to elect someone to have a vision for the future of the township and to effectively put policies in place to get us there.

If you think this way, you have until March 10 to file your petitions. Believe it or not, you only need 10 signatures.

Citibank and Bank of America

Seriously, do I have to pay my credit cards? I don't see why.

Pretty awesome concert calendar coming up...

Fleetwood Mac
Glenn Tilbrook and the Fluffers
Ray LaMontagne
Arlo Guthrie
Bruce Springsteen

If only Gary Louris and Mark Olson would play at the Palace in Greensburg!! Speaking of the Palace, aren't they doing an awesome job. In the past year, I have seen:
The GoGos
The Jonas Brothers(right before they hit it big. For the kids, not me!!!)
Wierd Al Yankovic (for the kids too, but it was a good show)
Robert Cray and Keb 'Mo
Louis C.K.
and next Ray LaMontagne

Awesome work Palace! Now go book Mark and Gary!

I'm running...

There Will Be Blood

That movie sucked!!!!!!

That is 3 hours of my life I am never getting back. Did I miss something? Someone explain to me why this was suppose to be a good film.

Westmoreland County Conservative Coalition

E-mail I received from Don Thomson of the Westmoreland County Conservative Conservative Coalition. If you are interested in conservative principles, you should join and attend the meeting.

Hi Friends, Many of you have received my February newsletter via U.S. mail but I'm sending it now via e-mail hoping that you will forward it to your e-mail list as well. I hope that many of you will be able to attend our important meeting on Tuesday the 17th as we will be having some candidates and elected officials present. Congress sure hit us on Friday the 13th and our own Arlen was the chief culprit. He and many other topics will be discussed on Tuesday and I hope to see many of you there. Also remember that petitions for various offices can begin to be circulated on the 17th so bring any along if you wish. For God and Country, Don

The meeting is held at the Christian Fellowship Center February 17th intersection of Route 993 and Ridge Road

Housing price decline?!

I don't get it. If you look at homes for sale in East High Acres 3 in Unity Township (of which there are like 5 or 6 for sale), a house that went for around $330,000 in 2004 is being listed at $449,000. I don't get it. Are we not being affected in this area? Do the math. That is no decline. So I keep hearing about the dreadful decline in home prices, the tight credit market and the worse economy ever, but these homes are still being listed at a premium to what they were just a few short years ago. Of course, they are all still for sale too.

Mark Olson and Gary Louris

Be cool. Buy this CD, Ready for the Flood. Mark and Gary are the original front men of my all time favorite band, The Jayhawks. Mark left the band years ago. I have been waiting for this CD to happen for over 10 years. Tom Balya should like this duo. Mark Olson did an entire CD about his dislike of George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld. I sent him a couple of the songs.

Lawmakers just look for things to do

People are hurting. Look at this headline from today's trib.

The state's insurance assistance program's waiting list has doubled in less than a year to more than 183,000, and the state expects the recession to push that to 282,000 by July. The program has enough money for 41,000 people.

But, what are PA lawmakers considering. That's going to help!

Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia have primary seat-belt enforcement laws, meaning police can stop vehicles for a seat belt violations, even if it is the only violation the officers notice.

Update on new State Rep Tim Krieger

From today's Tribune-Review:

Laurel: To Tim Krieger. The freshman state representative of Delmont goes to the head of his class for taking on Gov. Ed Rendell's spendonomics. Among commonsense and sorely needed fiscal reforms, Rep. Krieger advocates zero-based budgeting, requiring all spending to be justified in each state budget, and the elimination of millions of dollars in discretionary spending -- money lawmakers spread like fertilizer to grow influence and reap re-election. Hear! Hear! This is an auspicious start for a legislator who wants to make a difference in Harrisburg.

The new header

I got rid of the pics of the dancing elephants. I took that pic of my wife at Tulum Mayan ruins with a panaramic camara about 10 years ago.

Ray LaMontagne tickets at the Palace going fast!

The internet presale started this morning at 10 AM. If you want reasonable seats at The Palace in Greensburg to see Ray, you had better go buy them soon.

Bruce Springsteen at Mellon Arena

Sold out in 24 minutes. Fortunately, I have got tickets. My wife is a huge fan.

Mike Tomlin

Has to be one of the coolest guys on the planet!

Happy Birthday Rhonda!

Rhonda with all her girls at about the same age. 4ish. Elizabeth might be closer to 5.

blackberry storm!

Posting with my new storm. Now,I can really waste a lot of time.

Permanent minority...? Or maybe not?

Seems the GOP may be like the GOP in the days of old when they were content to take what scraps the democrat leadership gave them. You remember...the days before Newt Gingrich arrived and built a majority on conservative principles. We'll see what happens, but it doesn't look all that good right now. Normally, I don't agree with Rush Limbaugh.

Obama is “obviously more frightened of me than he is Mitch McConnell. He's more frightened of me, than he is of, say, John Boehner, which doesn't say much about our party."

On this, Rush is right.

Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., did not take kindly to this assessment in an interview with Politico Tuesday.

“I think that our leadership, Mitch McConnell and John Boehner, are taking the right approach,” Gingrey said. “I mean, it’s easy if you’re Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh or even sometimes Newt Gingrich to stand back and throw bricks. You don’t have to try to do what’s best for your people and your party. You know you’re just on these talk shows and you’re living well and plus you stir up a bit of controversy and gin the base and that sort of that thing. But when it comes to true leadership, not that these people couldn’t be or wouldn’t be good leaders, they’re not in that position of John Boehner or Mitch McConnell."

Seems that the House GOP leadership AND John McCain are going to oppose Obama's stimulus plan now. Could it be? Are the republicans finally going to get their act together? Let's hope.

Mountain View Inn

I have this terrible feeling that Mountain View Inn is going to end up being a brand new Sheetz. For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, the Mountain View Inn in Greensburg, Pennsylvania (actually Unity Township) is closing. The bank is going to take control of it. I am afraid the location is worth more than the potential Inn business. I really could see them building retail or office space there. Yuck! I moved to Unity because I wanted to live in a residential area without all the retail like they have in Hempfield township. Unfortunately, the trend is not my friend. Unity is being developed like crazy. So much for all the beautiful trees. Besides, we need a whole bunch of houses built really close together on lots that have been totally cleared of trees so that we have to plant new ones and wait 50 years for them to grow (yes, a run on sentance!) Of course, we need more Walgreens! Why are they building so many of those stores. I have been in them. Nothing special.

Rhonda and I had our wedding reception at Mountain View in 1993. Here is a pic in the hallway of the old rooms at the Inn.

10 miles in this yesterday

I like to run the 5 star trail in Greensburg. I thought the warm weather the other day would have cleared the path. It did, but it left most of it a sheet of ice. That was hard running. Pittsburgh Marathon training is quite a challenge due to the weather.

Meagan Bilik DeFazio for Westmoreland County Judge

As you know, two judges are retiring. Recently, Rhonda and I met with Meagan Bilik DeFazio. We found her to be fair, intelligent, articulate and motivated to run for all the right reasons.

Rhonda and I are going to be happy to support her effort.

To all my friends on the republican committee, you can support any candidate for judge. The election is nonpartisan and all candidates crossfile.

Election for Westmoreland County Judges

Seems two new judges need to be elected. Any thoughts? Candidates for judge can crossfile, so you can't get kicked off the republican committee by supporting a democrat. That also goes for the upcoming school board elections.

In courageous fashion,

I have been kicked off the republican committee--months after the fact of my transgression. The committee waited this long to act to avoid any possible bad press during the election. I do have to disagree a little with their findings. The findings stated that I wrote negative comments about Mike Reese in a letter to the Latrobe Bulletin. I disagree. I purposely wrote a positive letter about Mike O'Barto and his experience. I did not once mention Mike Reese in the letter. Here is the letter. The same letter spoke well of the other republicans on the ballot.

Considering the letter I received today, I will support James Antoniono for Westmoreland County District Attorney in both the primary and general election.

As for the future, my political philosophy has not changed because I am no longer on the committee. I am still a republican.

Truer words were never spoken!

Regardless of what your view of the situation, the case was handled very poorly. Based on that alone, a change is what is needed in the District Attorney's office. If I were a registered democrat (and I am not), I would vote for James Antoniono for district attorney. As a matter of fact, I may temporarily switch to do just that. Of course, that all depends on what is happening in the GOP primary.

Antoniono said Peck mishandled the investigation and prosecution of former state Sen. Robert Regola, whose gun was used in the suicide death of his neighbor, 14-year-old Louis Farrell. Regola was acquitted of perjury and gun charges last summer.
"He (Peck) was not at the scene, and I think that's wrong. The (Farrell) family lost a son, and Sen. Regola lost his job under a cloud of suspicion. All that could have been cleared up," Antoniono said. Tribune-Review 1/16/2009

My wife had a meeting with Kim Ward and Mike Reese yesterday

We knew that Kim Ward was a going to be a good state senator. Rhonda said her and her staff were great. But, she already knew Kim and some of her staff.

State Rep Mike Reese was there. Rhonda doesn't think she had ever met him. Rhonda told me he was very engaged in the discussion about education. Rhonda told me he demonstrated good analytical skills. She also stated he was very friendly.

I thought I would just take this opportunity to again state that I was wrong and Mike Reese is doing a good job as state represenative.

GOP petitions in Unity Township

For the primary election, I will be circulating petitions in Unity Township. So, if you are considering running for supervisor, auditor, judge or row offices, let me know. I will not be circulating for school director. I am already committed to circulating petitions for that office.

Commissioner Anderson

See, it looks like the judges did the GOP a favor. Maybe the GOP can hold their horses on the silly vote no on the retention of judges. It looks like the judges got this one right!

Republican Commissioner Charles Anderson, who replaced Ward last month, said he liked Bompiani but his presence on the water authority's board of directors could be dangerous to ratepayers.

"I was concerned about his record of tax increases. This impacts an awful lot of people, and we just have a philosophical difference of opinion," Anderson said.
Tribune-Review 1/9/2009

I do feel a bit sorry for Bompiani. It is hard to be a school director because Harrisburg sort of passes the buck to the school districts to raise taxes. Oh well, I participated in the tagging of Bompiani as a tax loving school director too.

HUGE NEWS!!!!

For me anyway. Ray Lamontagne is coming to The Palace in Greensburg.

I love the opening line to this song

How I wish you could see the potential, the potential of you and me.
Its like a book elegantly bound but in a language that you can't read, just yet.

Colin McNickle and Tom Balya

The Tribune-Review is a major newspaper. Currently, the world economy is in decline. The economy in the US looks bad. We have a new president. We have many new elected represenatives. A new county commissioner. Lots of stuff to write about. So, what does McNickle write about: Tom Balya called someone a dipshit. Shocking. I may never be the same after hearing dipshit. WTF!

Some background. If you e-mail Tom Balya with a question or you want to start a debate, he will reply and engage you in a discussion. From personal experience, Tom Balya considers e-mail between two people to be private. It should be, but it is not. I know all this very well. When Kim and George were running against Tom and Tom, my self-appointed duty was to taunt Balya through my blog and e-mail. I tried very hard to get a good quote to use in the campaign, but he did not bite. I did blind CC: an e-mail I sent Tom to a Trib writer. He did go ballistic over that to me, but he held his tongue until after the election. To my recollection, he did not use profanity. However, I would have not been even slightly annoyed by dipshit. I am not in the third grade.

So, a guy named Bill Eger routinely e-mailed Balya for debate. Balya seemed to engage Eger. It is actually a positive trait if an elected official is so willing to engage in debate. The problem is Balya wrote dipshit in his response. Oh heavens. What should we do? Will the world ever be the same? And Eger forwarded that e-mail to the Trib's McKickle who wasted newspaper space on a column.

I personally think it is great that you can engage your elected officials in policy debate. Without having the complete exchange of e-mails, you can't criticize him for using the word dipshit. Without the tone of Eger and Balya's relationship, the exchange is taken out of context. I should know because I tried to bait Balya into the same thing in the past.

I have since changed. I think others should to. If a column was to be written criticizing anyone, it should have been written about Eger forwarding the e-mail to the Trib.