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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Bethlehem Township

1st Ward

Tom Nolan, an engineer at Lehigh Heavy Forge, has two Republican opponents. One of them is former Commissioner Art Murphy, who works for Selvaggio and Son. The other, Wayne Buller, is definitely a tea party and RAT favorite. Regulars like Ben Hedrick, Andy Azan and Melissa Miller (significant other of NorCo Council member Seth Vaughn) are behind this campaign. Nolan is well known and respected in his ward, but Art Murphy may siphon off votes that would otherwise go to Nolan, leaving the door wide open for Buller.

3rd Ward

Phil Barnard, Manager at Bay Insulation, has been a moderating influence on the Board. Well-spoken and thoughtful, he really listens to residents and tries very hard to be transparent. He's precisely the kind of guy who Republicans should be embracing and grooming for higher office. I could see him as County Executive or in the State Senate.

Phil two opponents, Republican Fran Blatz and Democrat Kim Jenkins. Blatz, whom I believe to be the tea-party candidate, is listed as the Pro-life leader at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Jenkins is the Secretary of the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, which Barnard has steadfastly supported during his four years as a Commissioner. .

At Large

Incumbent Marty Zawarski is facing a challenge by two Republicans, both former Commissioners. They include Paul Weiss and the tea party sponsored candidate, Bob Birk.

To his credit, Zawarski is running hard. That, or unopposed, is the only way to go. Birk, whose ethics statement lists his occupation as "unemployed," obviously has lots of time on his hands to knock on doors. So Zawarski is knocking on doors, too, and has sent out a flier.

As with Nolan, Paul Weiss could take away just enough votes from Zawarski to ensure that Birk wins.

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