Why the Transporation Vote was bad for Democrats

As I try to wrap my head around contested primary races in Allegheny County, no one seems to be letting go on the Transportation Bill. On the surface, I would be in favor of this legislation. Raising the gas tax is a user based fee that goes directly into improving roads and bridges and funding mass transit to get congestion off of the roadways.

However, I believe it was the wrong vote for Democratic legislators. Number 1, the Democrats backed themselves into a tax increase corner if they represent a swing district. Number 2, they upset labor because of the increase in the prevailing wage limit. Number 3, the Democrats are now fighting and spending limited campaign resources to go after each other for a bill that ultimately passed.

On top of that, the Democrats didn't find candidates to run against legislators that voted in favor of the Gas Tax in conservative leaning districts such as Senator Randy Vulakovich's and Rep. Hal English in the North Hills. Instead the Democrats seem more concerned with Primary races in Pittsburgh.

This is why Democrats don't have more seats in the State House and State Senate.

Rep. Adam Ravenstahl crushes Mark Purcell for Democratic Endorsement

PA State House (20th District)

Adam Ravenstahl 111 (84.09%)
Mark Purcell 21 (15.91%)

Wow. I think those numbers speak for themselves. That is a huge victory for the Ravenstahl campaign. I have been told that Purcell sent two negative mailers against Ravenstahl. I don't have a copy of them, but I have been told that Purcell called out 7 Allegheny County Democratic Chairs, State Rep. Dom Costa, and State Rep. Frank Dermody for being 'self-serving.' This is a bold move since so many Democratic Committee members have good relationships with their committee chairs. Plus it would tough to go to Harrisburg and serve with the majority leader after you called him 'self-serving.'

To take a whipping like this on endorsement day and add in the fact that Purcell has been rejected by the votes of the 20th district in the 2006 and 2010 Primary, this has to just be demoralizing to a campaign.

On another note, I was contacted by Dave Schuilenburg the other day saying that he is running for the 20th State House seat. Mr. Schuilenburg ran for the City Council Special Election to fill Luke Ravenstahl's council seat as an independent against Darlene Harris. Schuilenburg ran for the Democratic endorsement as a Democrat in the 2007 Primary against Darlene Harris. According to my sources, Darlene Harris was Mayor Ravenstahl's pick to fill his council seat back in 2006. (Funny how that relationship has changed in a few years). Schuilenburg than ran against Harris as a Independent in the General Election and got 25% of the vote. A very impressive number for an independent running against a Democrat.

State House Elections - 20th District *UPDATED*

Here is the new map of the 20th State House Distinct. The green parts are the old district and the aqua blue line is the outline of the new district.

First off I have to apologize for the size of that map. Because of the huge...umm...phaulls shaped new 20th district I had to zoom out to get the entire district on my screen. At first glance it looks like half of the district is new with the added municipalities of Bellevue, Avalon, Ben Avon, Emsworth, Neville Township, and Coraopolis.

However, looking up the population numbers of those towns there isn't that many people added to the new 20th District. The population of the district is still mostly in the incumbents, State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl, base.This is a strong Democratic seat with the Northside and Lawrenceville parts of the city. Generally the North Boros vote for Democrats along with Coraopolis.

Again this is a seat that any real challenger would have to come in the Primary.One challenger has mentioned to me that they are planning on running for this seat. Mark Purcell has expressed interest in running for the 20th District...again. Mark Purcell has essentially run for this seat 3 times. He lost in 2006 against Don Walko. He lost in 2010 when attempting to be appointed as the candidate for the special election and he lost in 2010 in the primary to Adam Ravenstahl by 15% in a 4 way race. Purcell also lost to Matt Drozd by 43 votes in an County Council election that I wished he would have been able to pull off.

In a district that hasn't changed much population and didn't add any more of Purcell's base, this looks to be an easy race for Ravenstahl who beat Purcell by 15% last time in a 4 way primary election.

Incumbent: Adam Ravenstahl (Democrat)

*UPDATED*Possible Challengers:

Mark Purcell (Democrat)

Melissa Haluszczak (Republican) (h/t politicspa)

Kathy Coder (Republican) (h/t politicspa)

I think even a well funded Republican would have a hard time winning this seat in a Presidential year. Especially a tea party organizer like Haluszczak

North Hills muncipality elections

Council Member; Borough of Bradford Woods (3 Elected)
• Gary F. Price, Republican
• Robert S. Stryker, Republican
• Linda J. Philpott, Democratic
• Paul E. Pongrace, III, Republican

Council Member; Borough of Etna; Ward 1 (2 Elected)
• Karen Tomaszewski, Democratic
• Terry A. Huston, Democratic

Council Member; Borough of Etna; Ward 2; 2 Year Term (1 Elected)
• Edward V. Burke, III, Republican

Council Member; Borough of Etna; Ward 2; 4 Year Term (1 Elected)
• Carol Kristoff, Democratic

Council Member; Borough of Etna; Ward 3 (1 Elected)
• David Vinski, Democratic

Council Member; Borough of Fox Chapel (3 Elected)
• James M. Royston, Republican
• Jay S. Troutman, Republican
• Ann R. Meyer, Republican

Council Member; Borough of Franklin Park; Ward 1 (1 Elected)
• Laura A. Coombs, Republican, Democratic

Council Member; Borough of Franklin Park; Ward 2 (1 Elected)
• Richard H. Hartman, Republican, Democratic

Council Member; Borough of Franklin Park; Ward 3 (1 Elected)
• James W. Lawrence, Republican
• Ash Marwah, Democratic

Council Member; Borough of West View (3 Elected)
• Donald E. Mikec, Democratic
• Barry G. Schell, Democratic
• M. Kimberly Steele, Democratic
• Alison Kilmartin, Republican

Controller; Township of Hampton (1 Elected)
• Jerry Speakman, Republican

Council Member; Township of Hampton (2 Elected)
• Joanne C.F. Hart, Democratic
• Sherry Neugebauer, Republican
• Gloria Newman, Democratic
• M. Richard Dunlap, Republican

Auditor; Township of Indiana (1 Elected)
• David M. Laux, Republican

Supervisor; Township of Indiana; District 1 (1 Elected)
• Paul Jorgensen, Republican

Supervisor; Township of Indiana; District 2 (1 Elected)
• Jeffrey D. Peck, Republican

Supervisor; Township of Indiana; District 3 (1 Elected)
• Darrin J. Krally, Republican

Supervisor; Township of Indiana; District 4 (1 Elected)
• Daniel Taylor, Republican

Auditor; Township of Marshall (1 Elected)
• Patricia L. Bolster, Democratic

Supervisor; Township of Marshall (1 Elected)
• Jason Bragunier, Republican, Democratic

Council Member; Township of McCandless; Ward 1 (1 Elected)
• Cynthia Potter, Republican

Council Member; Township of McCandless; Ward 3 (1 Elected)
• Roger Krey, Republican

Council Member; Township of McCandless; Ward 5 (1 Elected)
• D. Lamar Oliver, III, Republican, Democratic

Council Member; Township of McCandless; Ward 7 (1 Elected)
• William J. McKim, Republican, Democratic

Supervisor; Township of Pine (3 Elected)
• Ted Owen, Republican
• Frank J. Spagnolo, Republican
• Philip D. Henry, Republican

Supervisor At-Large; Township of Richland (1 Elected)
• Herbert C. Dankmyer, Republican
• Jeffrey Thomas Sarabok, Democratic

Supervisor; Township of Richland; District 1 (1 Elected)
• Raymond P. Kendrick, Republican

Supervisor; Township of Richland; District 3 (1 Elected)
• George Allen, Republican

Commissioner; Township of Ross; Ward 1 (1 Elected)
• Daniel L. DeMarco, Democratic
• Ann C. Harrold, Republican

Commissioner; Township of Ross; Ward 3 (1 Elected)
• John Sponcer, Republican
• Daniel P. Kinross, Democratic

Commissioner; Township of Ross; Ward 5 (1 Elected)
• William A. McKellar, Democratic
• Grace Stanko, Republican

Commissioner; Township of Ross; Ward 7 (1 Elected)
• Gerald R. O'Brien, Democratic

Commissioner; Township of Ross; Ward 9 (1 Elected)
• Grant Montgomery, Republican

Commissioner; Township of Shaler; Ward 1 (1 Elected)
• Edward Duss, Republican, Democratic

Commissioner; Township of Shaler; Ward 3 (1 Elected)
• David W. Shutter, Republican, Democratic

Commissioner; Township of Shaler; Ward 5 (1 Elected)
• Susan H. Fisher, Republican, Democratic

Commissioner; Township of Shaler; Ward 7(1 Elected)
• Bill Cross, Republican, Democratic

Auditor; Township of West Deer (1 Elected)
• Mary J. Vaerewyck, Republican

Auditor; Township of West Deer; 2 Year Term (1 Elected)
• Sarah Violet Bossart, Republican

Supervisor; Township of West Deer (4 Elected)
• Michael A. Sutter, Democratic
• Gerry Vaerewyck, Republican
• Richard W. DiSanti, Jr., Democratic
• Larewnce K. McManus, Republican
• James Smullin, Democratic
• Tracy Alan Adamik, Democratic
• Bronco Brnardic, Republican
• Richard W. Bossart, Jr., Republican

North Hills Elections - County Edition

*UPDATED*

Do you know anyone who is running for local political office in the North Hills? Please let me know.

When I started this blog my hope was to focus on local elected officials and local political races. While last year, the political process dictated that I focus on the Elections that were held in November that didn't include any municipal offices.

Here is the list of the political Elections at the county level in the North Hills for 2011:

County Executive

Current: Dan Onorato (announced he will not seek re-election)

Possible Challengers: Dems: Mark Patrick Flaherty, Rich Fitzgerald, Michael Lamb Rep: Jan Rea, Jim Roddy, Eileen Watt, Barbara McNees, Mary Beth Buchanan, Melissa Hart, Patricia Weever

Controller

Current: Mark Patrick Flaherty

Possible Challengers: Chelsa Wagner, Matt Smith, Nick Kotik, Valerie McDonald Roberts, Brian O'Malley, George Matta, Brenda Frazier

District Attorney

Current: Stephen Zappala

Possible Challengers: ?

Treasurer

Current: John Weinstein

Possible challengers: ?

County Council

At-Large (countywide, one Republican, one Democrat)

Democratic

Current: John Defazio

Possible Challengers: ?

Republican

Current: Chuck McCollough

Challengers: Heather Heidelbaugh, Tom Baker

Council District 2

Current: Jan Rea

Possible Challengers: Sharon Brown, Brad Cline,

Court of Common Pleas [At least two seats will be up for election. The recently appointed judge (Michael Marmo) still must win during the next municipal election]

Current: Michael Marmo

Possible Challengers: Alex Bicket, Leah Williams-Duncan, Carolyn Bengel, Jeffrey Eisenberg, Joseph Luvara, Hugh McGough, Michele Zappala Peck, Jennifer Satler, Michael Sherman

New North Pittsburgh Politics Contributor

As the municipal election of 2011 kicks off we have some exciting news here at the North Pittsburgh Politics blog. We now have a 'West View Ross Junior Correspondent.'

The Ross Renegade has just joined this blog as a occasional contributor. The Ross Renegade will focus on Ross Township, the North Hills School District, and other North Hills political topics.

I am glad to welcome another contributor to this blog. Together we will be able to cover more local government happenings in the North Hills.

Keith Rothfus Shenanigans

As I walked up to my Election Poll, I politely took all the handouts from those that are handing out candidate information. While I stood in line, I decided to look at the literature and found something interesting on the Keith Rothfus literature. He had a sticker that said he was endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, Mr. Rothfus was not endorsed by the Post Gazette.

For someone that says he has "Strong. Conservative. Values." I think misrepresenting yourself on Election Day cuts into to your 'values' claim.

The Rest of the Jane Orie Mailers - So Far

I might have more to say later, but sometimes the crazy speaks for itself.

More $hady money flows for Keith Rothfus

A few weeks back, I was reading an article at the New York Times about the organization named "Americans for Job Security" that was running ads against Congressman Jason Altmire. I was one of the people that was very disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision regarding companies being able to make independent expenditures against and for candidates. Over the last few months we have seen more and more groups that don't have to disclose their donation sources buying television ads and sending mailers against candidates. I have seen it on both sides of the political isle. I would like to see the candidates that these ads support denounce these groups as shady and their money shouldn't be influencing our democratic process.

Here in my district, Tea Party candidate Keith Rothfus has been the benefactor of a $600,000 television ad buy from Americans for Job Security:


Just your usual attack ad with no basis other than scare tactics. I particularly don't like that all of these conservative/tea party/Republican groups act like Democrats have raised taxes when in fact since 2008 federal income taxes have been lowered by Congressman like Jason Altmire. Actually in the last 7 years, my only tax increase was by the all Republican Pine-Richland School Board. Jason Altmire and Barack Obama lowered my federal income taxes and Governor Rendell and the State Legislature lowered my school property taxes. I guess the Republicans will stick to their guns and call everyone with a D next to their name a tax and spend liberal. Even if there isn't any proof.

The other day I got a horribly misleading mailer from the 60 Plus Association. This is another group that does not disclose their donors. This mailer is made to look like it is a IRS bill and I can't believe they can get away with the line: "Please submit your check today to avoid penalty." The figure on the front of $31,000 per household is misleading since very few people in this country pays $31,000 per year in federal income taxes. It based on averages by extremely conservative groups that ignored the spending of the Bush administration. On the back of the mailer there is a figure of $42,000 per household in 2020. I can't find anything to back that up that claim and they don't give a source. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.

So Mr. Rothfus, will you denounce these ads? Or will you just keep your mouth shut and reap the benefits of half truths being spewed by your Conservative friends?

We don't need another extreme right wing or left wing member of Congress. I believe that there are enough people in the 4th District that are independent thinkers and know that Congressman Jason Altmire is representing us in Washington. As Congressman Altmire's ads say, 'He listens to us.'

Dan Demarco Mailers

I thought since I was showing off all of Jane Orie's mail, I would let you see what her opponent was sending. Some positive mail pieces from Dan Demarco.

Jane Orie's Fantasy World

I thought I would take a moment to share last few pieces of mail that State Senator Jane Orie has been crushing my mailbox with. If you have ignored every newspaper article about her indictment, maybe you could believe this fantasy world that she is trying to create about how she is 'under attack' and is 'fighting for us.'

Jane Orie has been watching too much Boardwalk Empire:

Seriously, who is she fighting to 'clean-up' the gambling industry? She has held press conferences and put out press releases, but it has all been grandstanding at best.

Fighting for our wallets - to pay her staff to do campaign work:

Sen. Jane Orie's shameful mailing

I thought I would take a moment to share the hypocrisy of one of our State's leaders. Sen. Jane Orie is under indictment on multiple charges of corruption. Even with her upcoming trial hanging over her head, she has the guts to put on a mail piece that she is cleaning up Harrisburg. Is she speaking of the same Harrisburg that I know? A Harrisburg that includes her Republican buddy Tom Corbett ignoring the call from the intern that reported her misuse of taxpayer staff and resources for her sister's Supreme Court campaign? I would only believe the first line of this mailer if she was wearing a janitor's outfit and had a broom in her hand.

I also want to know what she means by 'fighting for us.' I don't believe that 'us' includes me. I believe 'us' only includes those with a name that starts with a J and includes an Orie somewhere.

Today her opponent, Ross Twp. Commissioner Dan Demarco, announced that he is leading her in polls. I hope that the voters see the past Sen. Orie's misleading mailers and think twice before sending her back to Harrisburg.

North Pittsburgh campaigns - State Senate

Does Dan Demarco have a chance at beating Jane Orie?

We all know about the Orie indictment, but will she follow other State legislators that have been re-elected under indictment like Bill DeWeese (D – Greene County) and John Perzel (R-Philadelphia)? The Dan Demarco campaign came on strong to win the write-in nomination on the Democratic side, but I haven’t heard much since. State Senate districts are way bigger than many realize and the Orie’s will bankroll a decent campaign I’m sure to hold onto their power.

Luckily Jane Orie’s trial got pushed back to November. She has always been popular in the North Hills and has crushed quite a few Democrats through the years. I hope the State Democrats and the local Democrats will do what they can to make this a real race, but the lack of news coverage makes me think that Orie has this one in the bag.

Let the political ads begin

I have to say I enjoy political ads during the news this time of year. The positive ads are 60% spin and the negative ads are 75% scare tactics. I have seen mostly positive ads, except for some negative ads in the Special Election to fill Murtha's Congressional seat.

The great invention of the Internet (Thanks Al Gore! Even if the joke is based on a misinterpretation) allows candidates to post their ads on their websites and YouTube. While I question how much posting a commercial on YouTube helps reach undecided voters, it sure is fun for political geeks like me.

My favorite negative ad I've seen this year is by Keith Rothfus who is running in the Republican Primary against my favorite former US Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan for Congress. While I don't agree with most of Keith Rothfus's platform, I do believe he is the better candidate for the Republican Primary. Sadly, his campaign has barely been mentioned thanks to Mary Beth Buchanan's superior name recognition.

Mr. Rothfus, you have my vote for best negative ad of this year's Primary season so far:

Mary Beth Buchanan and Corrupt Politicans

You may think that this post will be about Mary Beth's 'proud' record of going after 'corrupt politicians.' I wouldn't be proud of spending millions of our dollars to prove nothing, but Buchanan has been telling everyone that will listen about her fight against public corruption as she runs for Congress.

When one starts to throw stones, they better not live in a glass house. So will Mary Beth Buchanan answer any questions about her connection to corrupt staffers from State Senator Jane Orie's office? Mary Beth Buchanan's campaign manager is Kurt Acker. He is mentioned as a staffer aware of the illegal activities that were going on in Orie's office:

"During her testimony, Ms. Rioja quoted staff member Kurt Acker as once saying, "if the Attorney General's Office knew what was occurring in [Sen.] Orie's office, that 'they all would be in handcuffs.'"

Mary Beth Buchanan touts her job as a federal prosecutor going after politicians like Jane Orie, but she looks the other way when hiring these corrupt staffers for her own staff.

Update: Mr. Acker has since changed his twitter page since this blog was posted. Here is the screen shot from this morning:

Very Disappointed with Jane Orie

The Jane Orie indictment is very disappointing. She is a Republican that I have always voted for and supported. Before she was elected to leadership in the State Senate she always stood up for social issues that I felt other Republicans ignored.

While I believe indictments like these are sensationalized by the press and even the prosecutors, it is hard to ignore the number of staff members that spoke about the political pressure that Jane Orie put on her staff from the top down to the grand jury.

Where there be a Democratic Candidate that mounts a write-in campaign?

Not shocking, just frustrating

North Hills official rapped for remarks

I am not shocked by a public official saying something like this:

"If they are working in our stores THEY SHOULD SPEAK ENGLISH AT ALL TIMES!!!" Mrs. Reid wrote on Facebook.

Comments like these cross party lines. While many are frustrated by the display of ignorance of someone like North Hills School Board Member Kathy Reid, there are Glenn Beck fans all over our country that would rally behind Ms. Reid.

I hope that the voters in North Hills remember her comments in 4 years if she runs again. I personally don't want to be represented by someone that judges anyone because of the color of their skin, language they are speaking, or clothing that they are wearing. However, I am not a voter in the North Hills School District and I will let the voters there decide what kind of person they want to be represented by.