Now that the primaries are over and the deadline for filing as an independent or third party candidate has passed, it's safe to assume that we've seen all the candidates we can expect to see. Right?Wrong.
A conservative Republican has announced a write-in campaign for the state house seat currently held by popular Bob Freeman. When asked why he didn't run in the primary or get on the ballot as an independent, he incredulously claims he only recently became aware of Freeman's positions.
His name is Ron Shegda, and he's maintained a website since 2004 named "Ron Shegda for Public Office." I sent him an email back in June, asking him what exactly what "public office" he had in mind, but never got a reply. So whatever public office he's seeking, don't count on constituent service to be one of his strong suits.
Now we know he has his eyes set on the Freeman's very safe 136th District, which stretches south from Easton to Hellertown.
But Politics: Lehigh Valley Style tells us Shegda also has his eyes set on the U.S. Senate in 2010. This is what Shegda himself has to say:
"We would like campaign offices in all 67 Pennsylvania Counties. We are especially interested in Senior Citizen Coordinators. We need your wisdom. We especially need Youth Coordinators. Without your idealism and energy there is no hope. Our campaign needs at least $10 million in today's money. Julio and Paula Perez have initiated our peace chest (Yes! --- no war chest!!) with their first mustard seed contribution. Yet we are wise as serpents and gentle as doves. We will use the power of a Senate seat to defend our nation. Observe the Great Seal of the United States on the back of every dollar bill. The eagle clutches both arrows and olive branch; but it gazes at the olive branch. Will you join this campaign? Please send your contribution to: Ron Shegda for U. S. Senate 2010 P. O. Box 736 Emmaus PA 18049-0736 USA"
I don't know about you, but people who use the Royal We tend to scare the hell out of me. Reibman used to do that. Judges do that.
So which is it, Ron? Are you running for the U.S. Senate in 2010 or for the 136th state house in 2007? Or will any office do?
I think he should run for pope.
Update:
On September 8, long after this post first appeared and Shegda began his litany of complaints, he today insists that he actually did respond to my initial email asking his intentions. He includes an email indicating an intent to run for the 136th state house seat in 2008, not now.
I have no record of receiving this email, and it disturbs me that Shegda would wait until now to claim he actually had responded. A few days ago, he called a radio show while I was on the air and began a rambling bashing of "imbeciles." So much for his Christian message of love and peace. Gee, if he had responded to my email, why didn't he say anything then?
Bernie -
ReplyDeleteI don't know Glenn Reibman (though of course I know who he is), and this guy looks like a total nutjob.
BUT - a lot of the time, when a politician uses "we" as in "we believe" or "we've knocked on x doors" - believe it or not, it's humility; sharing credit with staff/volunteers/etc. So don't get scared of every pol who does it.
Just ones who also are running against Bob Freeman and running for U.S. Senate at the same time, and are less educated about Freeman's policy positions than the average voter. Now THAT's terrifying.
Point well made. I think you're right. A pol just might associate himself with his staff. I stand corrected.
ReplyDeleteSpike, You're right on the money and that's why I think this guy should be running for pope. Unless his IQ is around 3, he can't seriously expect to have an impact against Freeman. So why's he doing it? Why did he also announce he's running for US Senate? Why did he also announce he's seeking public office, without any office in mind? Since he seems to be on very good terms with God, I think his Freeman run is just a platform to launch his campaign for pope. Then he can bring back the Spanish Inquisition. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!
ReplyDeleteGeez! Just like Christmas coming earlier and earlier each year, starting a campaign for office is following that same trend. But, 2010? Give me a break. About the only thing worthwhile donating to this fool is the one time post you've given him on this blog.
ReplyDeleteThen again, every blog needs a comic section, and an occasional post about him just might be the ticket.
dg
I hesitated posting anything. But many dangerous leaders have come out of the woodwork, so I thought I should point this guy out immdiately.
ReplyDelete"Snakes on the ballot!!!!
ReplyDeleteHe will at least provide some comic relief.
ReplyDeleteOh Bernie, you're sounding so very cynical today! That's soooo unlike you. Of course this gadfly is a serious candidate: for a padded room.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
What's with the snakes today?
ReplyDeletePa Progressive, What's sad is that this fellow never bothered to get on the ballot by primary or through a nominating petition, and now Freeman will have to waste his time dealing with him.
ReplyDeleteChris, A friend of mine talked to me about that just yesterday. He said there is some movie ad on TV or something. I don't know bc I don't watch cable TV, believe it or not. That single move frees up a lot of time to do crazy things like reading.
ReplyDeleteFreeman isn't worrying about this guy. He'll get around 50 write in votes. He picks emotional an uneducated positions to get people riled up but his problem is that the people who get riled up also like Freeman.
ReplyDeleteLVDem, Thanks for your blog post on the subject. I don't think Freeman's worried, but I am because of what this guy might try to do after he loses. He might run for county council and then I'd have a heart attack!
ReplyDeleteI used to work with this guy. After he was fired and his political b.s. emails kept infiltrating the office server, this is what my co-worker came up with: http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/meandevilwoman/Shegda.jpg
ReplyDeleteer, make that:
ReplyDeletehttp://i64.photobucket.com/albums/
h186/meandevilwoman/Shegda.jpg
Anon 1:30, 1:31,
ReplyDeleteWhere was he working?
I work in a business in which Mr. Ron Shegda visits frequently and wouldn't elect him to the Mickey Mouse club. He should be ashamed of himself for the manner in which he conducts himself during day to day public interactions. He is arrogant and demeaning to others (clearly believing they are beneath him) and will attempt to bully people to get his own way. Just look at his pictures and you can see the crazy in his eyes. Here is the funniest part...after he acts like an idiot he leaves his political garbage (exactly where is goes immediatly) all over the store. What is he thinking? That he just won votes? Ha! I think not!
ReplyDelete