Unofficial Election Results - Dems Sweep Northampton County Races!

All Democrats running for county seats in Northampton County have prevailed. This is what the unofficial election results show as of about 10 pm on election night. There were 61,339 in-person votes and 28,587 provisional ballots cast, and turnout was 39.2%, substantially higher than the 32.5% turnout in the municipal election four years ago. This Democratic victory mirrors what has happened in New Jersey, Virginia, Georgia and New York City. Democrats have kept their majority on the Pa. Supreme Court as well. Though this is a municipal election, appears to be an indication that voters are unhappy with the course changes made by Republicans and Donald Trump on a national level.

It's a pretty clear message to Trump even though his name appeared on no ballots. Voters appear to be concerned about his expansion of executive power. They support the removal of illegal immigrants who have committed crimes, but do not support the tactics used by the cowboys with ICE against people who might be here illegally but are working hard.  They appear to be uneasy about the federal government shutdown, which has led to a suspension of SNAP.  They appear to be unhappy about the state shutdown, which has made it more difficult for Pennsylvanians with limited incomes to get to and from work. Ironically, this Democratic victory comes despite a recent poll reporting that 68% of Americans saying that Democrats are "out of touch." 

In NorCo, it was an uneventful race. Yes, there were some problems with mail-in ballots for one Easton City Council race. Yes, there is an unresolved dispute over the ballot configuration for cross-filed candidates. But the election itself ran very smoothly. I received only one complaint about the machines throughout the day. The complete results were posted online by 10:30 pm, which might be a county record. 

The top vote getter was Democrat Jeremy Clark, who handily defeated Republican James Fuller in the race for judge with 59.7% of the vote. This makes sense because Clark actually practices law in this county and ran a campaign. Fuller practices in Monroe County and was basically invisible

Democrat Tara Zrinski easily beat Republican Tom Giovanni in the Executive contest with 59.03% of the total vote. Zrinski is a seasoned campaigner who was actually able to raise money. This has previously been her downfall. Giovanni, who is admired and respected by both Democrats and Republicans who know him, failed to raise the money needed to reach voters. He also declined to debate Zrinski, which would have helped voters learn more about him. 

The Democratic sweep of the County Council races was a shock to me, as I expected John Goffredo and Sam Elias to win. Although the Lamont McClure faction of the Democratic party tried to squeeze Lori Vargo Heffner out, she was the top vote getter (48,658 votes), followed by former Gracedale administrator Dave Holland, Wind Gap Borough Council member Jason Boulette, Hellertown's Theresa Fadem won, despite doing nothing. Nadeem Qayyum came in fifth, even though he is a Democratic socialist and will no doubt try to pursue the same agenda his wife, Taiba Sultana, pushed in Easton.. 

Republican Sam Elias ran a great campaign but was still 9,000 votes behind the 5th place Dem. Incumbent Council members John Brown and John Goffredo decided to raise no money. That was a mistake. Both were defeated in their bid for re-election. 

The votes are still unofficial. I expect formal canvassing of the vote later this week and next week, at which time provisional ballots will be counted if valid. 

Democrats now will have a 8-1 advantage in NorCo Council in 2026, which should be smooth sailing for Executive Zrinski. 

In the only disputed Easton City Council race, Democrat Julie Zando-Dennis beat Republican Sharbel Koorie, 705 to 384. So even if 48 MIBs were improperly sent, which the elections office concedes is possible, it makes no difference. 

In the Nazareth School Board race, Linda Stubits and Wendy Whiteash won seats despite the way their ballots were configured as cross-filed candidates. 

Despite what appears to have been a blue wave as the pendulum swings from red to blue, there were Republican victories. Republican Rob Kemmerer defeated Democrat Ellen Kingsley in the Wind Gap area race for magisterial district judge with nearly 60% of the vote. Kemmerer is a former probation officer and had the support of many Democrats. 

In heavily Republican areas of the slate belt and northern tier, Republicans still won. Republican Janet Sheats defeated Democrat James Barnes for Supervisor.  Jonathan Erler beat Democrat Courtney Gilmour in Upper Mount Bethel. 

Judges Sam Murray and Paula Roscioli were easily retained.

NorCo's Mail-In Ballot Tally As Of 8:22 PM

The mail-in ballots are going predominately to Democrats. This will change as the returns come in from the precincts for those who voted in person. There were 28,587 MIBs counted (not including those being brought in from drop boxes today. 

Judge: Jeremy Clark has 21,346 votes to 6,802 for James Fuller in the judge contest, giving him 75.79% of the vote.

Executive: Tara Zrinski has 21,111 votes to 6.997 for Tom Giovanni, giving her a 75.06% of the total.

County Council: Democrats lead in the race for five seats. Dave Holland - 20,154, Lori Vargo Heffner - 19,986; Theresa Fadem - 19,348;  Jason Boulette - 19,245; and Nadeem Qayyum - 17.684. 

Magisterial District Judge: Ellen Kingsley is leading Robert Kemmerer, 1,375 to 924. 

UPDATED 9:45 pm: In the last Executive race, there were 22,672 MIBs total and 48,526 votes on election day. Total turnout was 32.50%. So far, the turnout this year is 31.7%. That figure should climb. 

As of 9:32 pm, with 29.7% of the precincts reporting, the Democratic lead is beginning to shrink but still holds strong in most races. Republican Bob Kemmerer has overtaken Ellen Kingsley in the Wind Gap area MDJ race. 

UPDATED: Any Problems at the Polls?

The turnout in this year's municipal race is expected to be light. This post exists so that you can report any problems you experience when voting in person. If you have any problems with the machines, or notice that machines are not operating properly, please share that information, stating both the location and time of your problem. If you experience improper influence inside the polling place, please share. Hopefully, all goes well. 

1:20 PM UPDATE: So far, reports have been positive. One Easton voter called me to state that she used the machine to select 4 of the 5 Democrats running for County Council, excepting Nadeem Qayyum. But when she prepared to cast her ballot, she noticed the light for the Republican candidate (Juan Martinez) on the opposite side of Nadeem was lit up. She went back and eventually got it right but is concerned that other voters may not notice this issue. She wonders if the machine gets glitchy when it gets moved. She contacted the elections office. 

4:30 PM UPDATE: I have visited five precincts in my area and have been told turnout is good for an off-year election. Nobody reported any trouble with the machines. Moreover, there have been no complaints in court of which I am aware. 

NorCo Elections Comm'rs Rebuffed in Attempt to Call Special Meeting Over Ballot Issues or Even Examine Ballot

In response to ballot issues that have arisen over mail-in ballots (MIBs) in an Easton City Council race and the ballot itself in school board races, all five members of the NorCo Elections Comm'n last week requested a special meeting for Monday. On Friday, they were advised that elections officials were too busy to conduct a meeting on the day before the election.

Yesterday, Elections Comm's Scott Hough and Julie Geissinger visited the elections office anyway and asked to see the machine ballot for the Nazareth Area School Board races. They were refused by Elections Registrar Chris Commini, but claim they were told the ballot would be made available if Executive Lamont McClure approved.

They went to his office and told the receptionist why they were there. Instead of meeting with them, Elections Comm'r Scott Hough claims McClure just walked out without acknowledging them. 

Under the Election Code, Elections Commissioners have an obligation to ensure that all ballots are accurately printed. (25 P.S. 2969). They also have the duty to "inspect systematically and thoroughly the conduct of primaries and elections in the several election districts of the county to the end that primaries and elections may be honestly, efficiently, and uniformly conducted." (25 P.S. 2642(g)). It appears they have been stopped from exercising their statutorily mandated duties. Moreover, all members of the public - not just elections commissioners - have the right to inspect the ballots (25 P.S. 2968). 

Judge Tosses Sultana Lawsuit Over Campaign Signs Calling Her "CRAZY CHAOTIC CRIMINAL"

Sultana Libel Ruling by BernieOHare

In a 23-page Opinion filed yesterday, Northampton County President Judge Craig Dally has tossed a defamation lawsuit brought by Taiba Sultana against PA CITIZENS PAC, a political action committee formed by immigration attorney Ray Lahoud. The lawsuit was filed in response to campaign signs that called her "CRAZY CHAOTIC CRIMINAL." The court also rejected defmation claims based on Facebooks statements that called her anti-semitic and a "complete nutcase," among other things. 

At the time these "CRAZY CHAOTIC CRIMINAL." signs circulated (before they were vandalized by her children), Sultana was an Easton City Council member seeking the Democratic nomination for the state house against incumbent Bob Freeman. She lost that race and was also defeated in a May primary to retain her seat on City Council. 

Judge Dally concluded (you can read his Opinion above) that these statements were mere opinions. "[S]uch assertions alone, while annoying, offensive, and rude, do not give rise to a claim for libel and further, do not imply the existence of any undisclosed defamatory attacks." 

In addition, the comments were made without the actual malice required for libel lawsuits brought by public figures. "[S]he has not established with clear and convincing evidence that the identified statements are actually false or that they were made with reckless disregard for the truth." In fact, Judge Dally notes that local news outlets reported on her missed meetings and the criminal accusations that she beat her adult son. He referred to a Supreme Court decision noting that those who enter the political arena "must expect that the debate will sometimes be rough and personal."

In her Complaint, Sultana contended that a PA CITIZENS PAC claim that Sultana has unpaid municipal liens comes from a "dubious source of information". That dubious source is me. While I plead guilty to being a bottom-feeder, I pride myself on giving you premium garbage. There are actually two open municipal liens against Sultana. One is for $1,592.63 and was filed 6/10/24 at 2024-ML-5167. The second, filed 4/18/24 at 2024-ML-3404, is for $922.24.   

She also failed to establish that she suffered any special harm as a result of being called names. She claimed she received unwanted online messages and lost her campaign for state house as a direct result of being called "CRAZY CHAOTIC CRIMINAL" but never produced either these messages or proof that she lost the election as a direct result of the campaign signs. "[T]his Court cannot conclude that her standing in the community has been grievously fractured nor speculate as to the impact of the publication of the statements on the outcome of the primary election."

Sultana was represented by Allentown Attorney Matthew Mobilio, but he withdrew from the case in October.  PA CITIZENS PAC was represented by Attorney Stephanie Steward of the Goudsouzian law firm. 

Ray Lahoud, who formed and funded PA CITIZENS PAC, had this remark: "I appreciate the Court's thoughtful analysis. Ms. Sultana protests about rights and freedoms for all, but is against those rights for individuals that oppose her beliefs. Shame on her."

Sultana told Lehigh Valley News that she intends to appeal. She accused Lahoud of defaming her "“to destroy an immigrant woman who dares to stand up for her community.”

Cross-filed Nazareth School Board Candidates Seek Judicial Relief Over Machine Ballot in NorCo

Last week, I told you that the machine ballot in the Nazareth Area School Board race is flawed because it actually penalizes a cross-filed candidate who has the nomination of both parties. I have since learned that this problem exists in multiple school board elections. On Friday, Linda Stubits and Wendy Whiteash, who crossfiled as Republicans and Democrats and secured the nomination of both parties, have sought changes to Northampton County's ballot by appearing in Motions Court before President Judge Craig Dally. They are listed on the Democratic side of the ballot but not on the Republican side. Both acted without lawyers, but the court conducted a two-hour hearing after making sure the county was present. When he rules on this matter, I hope to let you know.

To explain this county-wide situation a bit more clearly, let me stick for now with the three candidates in Nazareth. You can vote for two. Christine Stofko is running as a Democrat. Kathryn Roberts is running as a Republican. Linda Stubits cross-filed and is running as both a Democrat and Republican. 

This is what appears on the sample ballot. 

Stubits is listed on the Democratic side of the ballot, as she should be. But the county has refused to list her on the Republican side of the ballot, where she also belongs.

Let's say you're a hard-core Republican and will only vote for someone you know is a Republican. If you look at that ballot, you're only going to cast one vote, and it will be for Roberts. Stubits, who is also a Republican nominee, will miss out because she is listed on the Democratic side.

The county contends it is simply following the Election Code. It cites this provision: "Whenever any candidate shall receive more than one nomination for the same office, his name shall be printed once, and the names of each political party so nominating him shall be printed opposite the name of such candidate, arranged in the same order as candidates names are required to be arranged." (25 P.S. 2963d). 

Not that the statute provides that "the name shall be printed one," not "only once." Moreover, this provision needs to be read in conjunction with other provisions of the Election Code. It assumes that the ballot is in substantially the same form as mandated by the Election Code, which requires that the ballot should be organized by race, not party. (25 P.S. 2963a). In fact, it even provides an example of what the official ballot should look like. 

 

Northampton County's Mail-in Ballot (MIB) is arranged this way, The names of the political parties appear under the candidate, and are not opposite the name of the candidate, as required by the Code. The order in which the parties appear (Democratic/Republican) assumes that all the candidates are listed under the race together. There is no danger of voting twice for the same candidate. 

NorCo's machine ballot is completely different. For reasons that elude me, the machine ballot is arranged by party, not the specific race. Moreover, the machine ballot was never made available online for public inspection until weeks after the MIBs had been sent. Even more importantly, it was never sent for review and vote by the Elections Commission, which happens in Lehigh. This is yet another  mistake. Elections boards do find errors that can be corrected. My evil Republican brother, who serves on Lehigh's Board, tells me that members were sent copies of the proposed ballot, did find two errors, and then voted in public on approval of the corrected ballot. 

The assertion that the county has "always" arranged ballots under party is incorrect. One reader has sent me a copy of the 2017 machine ballot when he first ran for school board. He was listed under both the Democratic and Republican sides of the ballot. I would provide this example but am keeping his identity confidential.

This provision actually is one of the changes made under Act 77, adopted in 2019. I believe it has been misinterpreted by the county.    

County officials complain that if a cross-filed candidate like Stubits is listed on both sides of the ballot, she could get two votes. That is nonsense. The program underlying the sample ballot can be coded in a way that you can only vote once for the same candidate even if that candidate appears under both parties. 

I have reviewed the sample ballots for six counties. All of them appear precisely like NorCo's MIB. I have seen none prepared the way the county contends is correct, although I'm told the county did represent at the hearing that some counties follow the same practice as NorCo. 

Here's an example from Bucks. 

And another from Lackawanna. 

They arrange the ballot by race, not party. The ballot, as it appears on NorCo's voting machines, is simply wrong. 

Assuming that Stubits has standing and can show harm, she and other similarly situated candidates are entitled to relief. The Election Code specifically provides, "When it is shown by affidavit that mistake or omission has occurred in the printing of official ballots or ballot labels for any primary or election, the court of common pleas of the proper county, or any judge thereof, may, upon the application of any qualified elector of the county, require the county board of elections to correct the mistake or omission, or to show cause why they should not do so."

The way the ballot has been prepared is actually contrary to the dictates of the Election Code. Moreover, it violates a provision in the Pa Constitution stating they must be "free and equal." The ballot being used in NorCo actually penalizes a candidate for having the nomination of both parties.

There is, however, a logistical problem. There is no way that the county can fix this error and perform the necessary logic and accuracy testing on the machines before election day. So I doubt this can be addressed until after the election.  I would hope that happens, and the sooner the better. There is no doubt in my mind that a cross-filed candidate who appears only under one of the political parties is going to suffer.

Following the Money - NorCo Council GOP Candidates Campo and Martinez Raise $23,485

Of the five Republicans seeking seats on NorCo Council, Dan Campo and Juan Martinez are immigrants who would bring diversity to the county's governing body. Campo is a commercial pilot while Martinez is a successful businessman whose Don Juan Tex Mex restaurant chain is very popular. Neither has ever run for office, but both have done quite well in raising money in their bids to win. 

Campo (you can see his report here) started in June with $1,090.40, and raised $15,285.00 through October 20. This gave him a total warchest of $16,375.40. He's spent $12,223.36, leaving him with $2,607.86 for the closing days of the campaign.

Like his Republican running mate Sam Elias, Camp has a great deal of grass roots support. He received $2,860 in small contributions ($50 to $250) from 23 individual donors. 

But Campo also had three large donors. The Greater LV Ass'n of Realtors kicked in $3,500, and Flexicon's David Gill donated $2,000. But his biggest contributor was Richard Picut for $5,000. Picut 's company does industrial machinery, so he's not looking for a county handout. 

Martinez (you can see his report here) started in June with $3,877.90, and raised $8,200 through October 20. This gave him a total treasury of $12,077.09, of which he spent $9,715.52. This leas him with $2,362.38 for the closing days of the race. 

Martinez had only 8 small donors ($50-250), for they include former congressional candidate Maria Montero, Lou Pektor and Att'y Blake Marles.

His large contributors include Greater LV Ass'n of Realtors ($3,500), retired attorney Charles Baltic III ($1,000), Mathew Pezon ($1,000) who runs a home-buying business and several restauranteurs. 

He took a $400 in-kind contribution for some kind of cigar party. 

Finally, he lent his campaign $1,000. 

Both of these candidates have compelling life stories, the kind that would appeal to Democrats. But it appears that no effort was made to reach out to Democrats. 

NorCo Council Footing Bill For Centenarian Lunch?

Earlier this week, I told you that NorCo's annual lunch for centenarians has been rescheduled for November 10. That lunch had been scheduled to take place at Green Pond Country Club, but Executive Lamont McClure postponed it as a result of the state budget impasse. There's still no resolution on that front, so who's footing the bill. 

A few weeks ago, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner suggested that Council's contingency funds could be used. Next week, County Council will consider and vote on a resolution to pay the tab.  

UPDATED :Yet Another Mistake in Nazareth School Board Race

In the story above, I have told you how the county has screwed up the mail-in ballots (MIBs) in the District Two race for Easton City Council. Unfortunately, the errors continue for in-person voters in the Nazareth Area School Board races. 

In that race, the MIBs seem fine. I have one myself. But based on the sample ballot for in-person precinct voting, Linda Stubits is being hung out to dry. 

Sample ballots never appeared on the election website until after MIBs had gone out. It appears to have been an afterthought. 

In the Nazareth Area School Board race, there are three candidates in Nazareth. You can vote for two. Christine Stofko is running as a Democrat. Kathryn Roberts is running as a Republican. Linda Stubits cross-filed and is running as both a Democrat and Republican. 

Yet this is what appears on the sample ballot.

Stubits is listed on the Democratic side of the ballot, as she should be. But the county has thus far refused to list her on the Republican side of the ballot, where she also belongs.

Let's say you're a hard-core Republican and will only vote for someone you know is a Republican. If you look at that ballot, you're only going to cast one vote, and it will be for Roberts. Stubits, who is also a Republican nominee, will miss out because she is listed on the Democratic side.

This is far from the "legal, fair and accurate" election that Executive Lamont McClure promises. It essentially guarantees that Stubits, who incidentally is a Republican, will be deprived of GOP votes that would otherwise go her way. 

County officials have told me they would send an explanation for this ballot, but at the time of publication, I don't have it.  

In a comment, a reader tells me the county is merely following the law.

"It's not a mistake. That's the law in Pennsylvania. Cross filed candidates are only ever listed once on the ballot, on the left hand side, with both parties by their name. In this case it's under the Democratic side because The Governor is a Democrat. If the Governor was a Republican, they would be listed under the Republicans side even if they were a Democrat.

This has always been the case and it is the case in all cross filed races in the county. See also Bangor, Pen Argyl, Forks (EASD), Saucon Valley, etc. They are all this way and this is not a mistake.

Article X of the PA voting code speaks to ballots and has this to say:

"(d) Whenever any candidate shall receive more than one nomination for the same office, his name shall be printed once, and the names of each political party so nominating him shall be printed opposite the name of such candidate, arranged in the same order as candidates names are required to be arranged."

That's not how the ballot appears. The names of the political parties appear under the candidate, and are not opposite the name of the candidate, as required by the Code. The order in which the parties appear (Democratic/Republican) assumes that all the candidates are listed under the race together, which is exactly how it appears on the MIB. The ballot itself is a mistake because of its design. It lists the cross filed candidate's name under only one of the parties. It needs to be there twice to correct the wrong impression that a candidate is running. If the ballot was designed precisely the way it was done in the MIB, there would be no problem.  

This is the exact opposite of "legal, fair and accurate."

Updated 10:10 am.

The county has responded to concerns raised by Stubits. I believe the voting machine can be configured in a way that ensures you may only cast one vote for a candidate who has cross-filed, as I have seen in other races. So I completely disagree with the county's reasoning, but wish to share what the county solicitor's office has to say:

I have received your letter regarding your ballot placement on the 2025 General Election Ballot. It is my understanding that you cross-filed during the primary election and were nominated by both the Democratic and the Republican party as a candidate for Nazareth Area School Board.

In compliance with email guidance received from the Pennsylvania Department of State and the Pennsylvania Election code, specifically 25 P.S. § 2963(d), candidates nominated for the same office by more than one party are printed on the ballot only once along with the names of each party by which the candidate was nominated. The candidates’ names are arranged in the same order as all other candidates’ names are otherwise required to be arranged.

This year, because the last gubernatorial election was won by a Democrat cross- filed candidates are listed with other Democrats in order by number of votes received in the Democratic primary. If a Republican was governor, cross-filed candidates would be listed with other Republicans in order by number of votes received in the Republican primary.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, “Ballot Position for Cross- Filed Candidates – Because the Democratic Party has acquired ‘ballot preference’ as a result of the 2022 gubernatorial election, a candidate who has won both political party nominations is listed on the official ballot according to the position he/she obtained at the Democratic Party primary.” According to 25 P.S. § 2963 (d), “whenever any candidate shall receive more than one nomination for the same office, his name shall be printed once, and the names of each political party so nominating him shall be printed opposite the name of such candidate, arranged in the same order as candidates’ names are required to be arranged.”

Listing the name only once is especially important in races, such as school board, that allow voters to vote for more than one candidate. If the same name appeared more than once on such a ballot, it would create the opportunity for a voter to vote more than once for a single candidate which is not allowed. If you have any further concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. If you have questions, I suggest that you consult an attorney.

UPDATED: Following the Money - Sam Elias Has More Grassroots Support than Anyone in NorCo Races

I've written about the campaign finances of the five Democrats running for NorCo Council. Five Republicans are in the hunt, too. What about their campaign finance reports? I'll start with Sam Elias, a Bethlehem police officer seeking office for the first time. His job alone makes him popular. So does his Lebanese heritage. There are only about 700 Lebanese families in the county, but they are very vocal and very persuasive.  Sam's report (you can see it here) reveals that he's raised more money, not counting in-kinds, than any of the other County Council candidates. Moreover, he's received more of the smaller ($250 or less) donations than any of the candidates running, including Tara Zrinski. Does this mean he's going to win? No, but it is a very positive sign.

According to his report, Elias started with $2432.52 in June and raised $17,775.00 through June 20, giving him a total warchest of $20,207.52. He's kept $12,164.26 for the final push, which makes sense because many Republicans and independents wait to vote until election day. 

He received $2,000 in donations of $50 or less, and $9,825 in 73 individual contributions of $250 or less. That's two more than Tara Zrinski, who's leading the charge for county Dems as the Exec candidate. 

Elias was the top vote getter in the Republican primary, and I think it is highly likely he wins a seat on Council.  

Updated 9:35 am: In my original version, I reported some large contributions that actually went to another candidate, not Elias. He actually rejected a contribution from the realtors because of their affiliation with and endorsement of Josh Siegel, whose anti-police rhetoric was a staple of his agenda as a member of Allentown City Council. 

NorCo Screws Up Third Election Since 2019

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On Friday, I told you that it was very possible that the wrong Mail-in-Ballots (MIB) were being sent to voters in Easton City Council's District 2 race. The two candidates for Easton City Council are Sharbel Koorie and Julie Zando-Dennis.   But one voter told Koorie that the ballot he received was for the race in another district, where a candidate is running unopposed. Koorie called the elections office and was told that this was a one-off. An election worker just accidentally placed the wrong ballot in the envelope addressed to the voter in District 2. It was more than a one-off. 

As Julie Zando-Dennis observed yesterday on her Facebook page yesterday, at least 48 incorrect ballots have been mailed. Apparently, the elections office is calling or writing to voters to ask them to request a new MIB or is voiding the incorrect ballots. But how many voters will recognize these calls or letters as legitimate? 

There is no question that the election in Easton District 2 has been tainted. This error cannot be caught during the official canvass because the ballots themselves are separated from the envelopes once the envelopes are opened to assure voter privacy. 

This marks the third time since 2019 that NorCo has botched an election.  In 2019, the voting machine manufacturer failed to calibrate the machines. In 2023, the machines were improperly tested and elections officials failed to provide enough emergency paper ballots to voting precincts. Now the wrong MIB has been sent to voters. 

I personally think elections workers have been asked to do much. They are conducted a MIB election, a ballot-on-demand election and voting in person, They also have been tasked with opening and operating two satellite offices. They simply are being asked to do too much, and this is leading to problems. 

Unfortunately, the only remedy I see in District Two is a special election between Zando-Dennis and Koorie. Both candidates are very depressed at what has happened. But it is the voters who have been shortchanged. You have the right to an election that, as Lamont McClure says, is "legal, fair, and accurate." This is none of those things. 

Unfortunately, other raceswith cross-filed candidates have been compromised as well. In most cases, this makes no difference. But it does in Nazareth's School Board race. I will tell you about that in the post below.

NorCo GOP County Council Candidates Brown and Goffredo Decline to Raise Money

John Brown and John Paul Goffredo are two incumbents seeking re-election to NorCo Council. They've been to several campaign events and to the usual parades and festivals. So they've campaigned. Yet neither has raised any money through they could easily do so, choosing instead to let the other three candidates eat. Is this a mistake or genius? We'll find out on election day. 

Both are from the slate belt and Goffredo should easily win. He never hesitates to share his views. I am less sanguine about Brown, who tends to be stand-offish.