It's starting to get crowded in the race for three judicial vacancies on the Northampton County bench. Announced candidates so far include Judge Lenny Zito, Magistrate Jim Narlesky, and attorneys Sam Murray, Barb Hollenbach and Candy Barr Heimbach. State Rep. Craig Dally will announce next Thursday.Although he's made no formal announcement, Two Rivers Daily reports that Magistrate Mike Koury intends to run as well. Customers going to his mom's sandwich shop are apparently being asked to sign his nomination petition as a condition of getting their tuna salad on pita. How the hell do you say No to the person preparing your lunch? Koury is circulating petitions and did prostate himself before Bossman Long at Saturday's Nazareth meeting of local Democrats.
Koury should think twice about running. First, he's running for reelection to his district court job and the court of common pleas simultaneously, even though he is unable to hold both jobs. People are tired of that kind of political gamesmanship. Second, Koury is simply not in the same league as the other judicial candidates who have announced. He has pretty much spent most of his legal career as a magistrate and has no idea what it is like to present a case to a jury. Third, and most importantly, his campaigns always implode. He is a two-time loser best known for a disgusting last-minute smear attempt at then candidate Emil Giordano in 2003, which resulted in a rare condemnation from the bench. In addition to being far less qualified than his distinguished opponents, he always erupts at the end of every campaign.
Koury's race will just hurt the only other candidate with Easton roots, Sam Murray.
62 comments:
Mike would make a great judge. If he ran this time with Morganelli not running Mike will win..No doubt. Zito has always been a weak
candidate and Dally isn't known throughout the County. Mike will certainly win from the D side and very likely to win from R side this time if he employs good consultant. Run Mike! Run!
It's obvious that you like Murray and Karl. So you pick on Mike. Not nice. You must be aware that if Mike runs your buddies are out..So that's why you're complaining. I do agree with you however that Mike should stay clear of Long. He's done well without him in the past and doesn't need him now. Long has already hurt McHale by endorsing her early. His endorsement of Mike would hurt more than help. All Mike needs is his gorgeous siter to come back to Easton and campaign for him. he'll win easily..
Gorgeous sister..Forgot the S..
i think mike has matured over the years
I agree 6:39..
People, people. Bonie is afraid for one of his mancrushes Lenny Zito so expect more of this kind of garbage. My suggestion don't read it. No one else but the Villas and me do.
Has Koury ever tried a real case in front of a jury? If so, how many times has he stepped foot in a court room to do so? Being a DJ is no where near being a Judge. Koury should practice law for a long time first and then decide to run for judge after, at least, s somewhat distinguished career.
Mike has practiced law. Anyway that's a tired old argument against his candidacy. And it's crap.. He knows the law, he's intelligent and would make a great judge.
go mike go
"i think mike has matured over the years"
If that were true, he would not be running now. In his last two efforts, he self-destructed by mounting vicious attacks against his opponents. His decision to seek two offices simultaneously is arrogant and reflects his own uncertainty.
Last time he ran, and lost, his family spent years being bitter at people they wrongly blamed for his loss. Not exactly judicial.
About the only thing he has going for him is he is part of Easton's Lebanese community. Even there, he's burned bridges. HJe should not be running.
"It's obvious that you like Murray and Karl."
True, I also like Zito, Dally, Hollenbach and Heimbach.
I haven't dsecided on all three judges. There are too many very qualified candidates. Koury is not among them.
"Mike will certainly win from the D side and very likely to win from R side this time"
Then why is he running for magistrate AND judge? Why doesn't he let someone else run for magistrate?
What bothers me most of all is his last minute sleaze campaigns.
What last minute sleeze campaign? Examples please. Real, not imagined,if possible. Do you like Rosioli? Did you see her mailer attacking Emil?
I actually linked to Koury's last minute sleaze campaign, which ironically was also against Emil Giordano. He was attacked for doing his job, defending someone who waas accused of a crime. That's what real lawyers do.
Giordano had represented a magistrate accused of drinking on the job and being abusive to his staff. According to The Morning Call, "Koury's camp distributed the negative ad, which featured a fake judge wearing a white wig and standing next to a toppled beer bottle,"
We don't need judges who engage in this kind of crap, especially when there are som nay candidates who would condemn that tactic.
To answer your question, I find what Roscioli did to be equally despicable. It's why she lost her first judicial race. I did not vote for her when she ran a second time.
I think Mike turned his campaign over to some idiot consultant who decided to try to trash Emil. It obvously didn't work so I'm sure Mike learned from it. Look what Smith did to Koury. After 9/11 he sent out a brochure making Mike look like a terrorist. He's now a judge now , right?
How many times can he ask the same Democratic people for help after losing to Republicans two times. It's time for new faces.
All I want is my lunch. I do not want to be pressured into signing a petition. Maybe it's time to find a new place to eat.
Abraham lincoln lost to the Democrats twice. Luckily for us he decided to try once more..
On July 17th, 2008 B. O'Hare wrote: "Mike Koury - another Easton class act. At one time a bond counsel, Mike returned to the Lehigh Valley to fill his dad's shoes as a magistrate in Wilson Borough. He's run and narrowly lost this race twice. Is the third time the charm?"
So Mike was a class act 6 months ago but now he's not? Right, Bernie? Or maybe you just realized that if Mike gets in the race, your buddies are sure to lose. Afterall, Mike won the primaries in 2001 and 2003 easily outpacing a very crowded field of competitive candidates and came within a handful of winning the general election. I don't blame you, if I were in your position, I too would be worried.
"Abraham lincoln lost to the Democrats twice."
So did Sam Bennett and she's no Abe Lincoln.
"So Mike was a class act 6 months ago but now he's not? Right, Bernie?"
Mike is, basically, a class act. But I'm not ready to forget his sleaze campaign against Giordano. Also, I was unaware he would run for two incompatible offices simultaneously. A class act does not do that.
There's little doubt in my mind that he will be a strong candidate, but that has more to do with his ties to Easton's Lebanese community than his judicial qualifications.
As has happened twice before, his campaign will eventually implode and everyone else will be blamed. In fact, all of these comments coming from the same Anon demonstrate a sensitivity to criticism inappropriate in a judicial candidate.
I'm a supporter you knucklehead not Mike...I am sensitive to the critism when it's half baked..If fact , assuming he is the anon shows that you obviously know little about him. I doubt Mike even reads this blog. I haven't seen or talked to the man for years.
See, I can't even spell critcism.. I'm sure he can..
Bennett ran three times and lost three times. Lincoln only lost twice, winning the third time. So will Mike..
Actually, Lincoln lost more than twice.
Defeated for Legislature in 1832.
Defeated for Speaker in 1838.
Defeated for Elector in 1840.
Defeated for Congress in 1843.
Defeated for Congress in 1848.
Defeated for Senate in 1855.
Defeated for Vice President in 1856.
Defeated for Senate in 1858.
If Koury is Abraham Lincoln, he has six more defeats to go.
Thanks for the history lesson Bernie.. You know as well as I do that he'll certainly win the primary. This time with three seats he won't lose the General..Unless he gets Joe Long's endorsement..
I don't know that at all, I know one vote Mike is not getting.
It's interesting to see comments from ordinary citizens, but we should also recognize what the candidates contemporaries think of them as well.
Zito, two time Common Pleas Judge. Speaks volumes.
Longenbach was installed as President of the local bar. Speaks volumes.
Dally was installed in the House Judiciary Committee. Speaks volumes.
Koury was trounced by a speech by Judge Moran for running sleazy campaign in front of the whole bar in Courtroom 1 during Giordano's installation. Speaks volumes.
Nuff said.
Just admit it . Mike is going to win.
Mike is sure to win! Your buddies are out.......
I agree
If you want to make a point make one, But if you want to agree with a previous comment, you should at least do so from a different IP than the one used for the comment with which you agree. Don't you come on this blog and start miselading people into believing you're more than one person. That's dishonest, inappropriate behavior for a judicial candidate.
I don't think you get this. Despite his popularity in the Easton Lebanese community, and even they must be tired of his perpetual campaigns, a Koury candidacy raises serious questions.
What justification is there for running for two incompatible offices simultaneously? I have yet to hear one. I think that'a cynical move and will be viewed by the voters as such. If Koury is so sure of success, why is he doing that? I hear that he may be challenged there now and end up with nothing.
On top of that, he never gave a satisfactory explanatiion for the sleaze campaign that drew the ire of Judge Moran. You blame a political consultant, but it was Koury himself who attempted to justify that last-minute smear in the newspapers.
Setting aside these questions, he just does not compare to ANY of the other candidates in this race. These are not weak candidates who spent their legal career hearing mostly parking tickets.
If he wants to run for judge and make his mom happy, Michael needs to start practicing law. Let him try cases for a few years.
quit it Bernie
NOT NICE
Quit what? Calling someone out when he posts a comment agreeing with his own previous comment? Asking Koury to explain why, if he is so sure of success, he is running for two incompatible offices simultaneously? Pointing out the Koury's qualifications pale in comparison to ANY of the announced candidates?
Remember, I don't have to be nice. I'm not running for judge.
See you in court Bernie? Than how nice will you be?
Oh, but you claimed you were not Koury, remember? If you are, then why did you deny it? And is it appropriate for a judicial or someone associated with his campaign to threaten a blogger simply because he thinks Koury is a lousy choice for judge? What kind of message is that?
I've already played Mafia Wars today.
Mike, Boonie only attacks those he's afraid for one reason or another. (Sam Bennett doesn't count - I suspect other reasons for his attention on her.) So, you should be heartened that in the star chamber and in some restrooms you being a candidate is scarring the status quo.
Bonie - you claim that the reason you're not supporting Koury is because he sent out one sleazy campaign brochure against Giordano. Maybe it's true and the guy did do that but it looks like someone has anointed you to head up the sleaze campaign against Koury before the campaign even started. Take a look at your comments, they are personal attacks on him and his family. Does that make you any better than him?
Like I said, I'm not running for judge.
I made no personal attack. I pointed to Koury's own record and his family's unhealthy obsession, in which customers at Josie's are being asked to sign nomination petitions. I've also pointed out that Koury is running for two incompatible offices simultaneously. I've also noted his own lack of experienmce when compared to EVERY other candidate.
For making these observations, which are hardly personal, I'm told, "See you in court Bernie? " That is highly inappropriate, especially if from a judicial candidate or anyone associated with the Koury campaign. It basically demonstrates that my concerns are justified.
Bonie, Bonie, Bonie. His mommy is not a public figure. Re-read YOUR article and all of your personal attacks and then you should read New York Times v. Sullivan.
I've no problem with what I've written, all of which is true.
Wow, no official announcement, but the libel threats have already started.
Mike did burn a lot of bridges when he ran both times. He is a poor loser that blames everyone but himself when he loses. He did it the first time he ran and he did it the second time he ran. He has made many enemies in the Lebanese Community and outside of it. He should probably just stay out of the race. And, everytime he runs, he makes it a point to say that he gave up a million dollar job to be a DJ...well, that was dumb. Go back to NYC. Don't keep throwing it back at us.
If he does run this time, maybe he should not force his entire church into supporting him. He has some mailing list that has the names of all the church members on it, sends letters out, and wants people to give him money. God forbid you don't give him anything. It is like going to a wedding and not giving a gift. You have to help him, or, for some reason you are not-Lebanese. And, keep your events out of the church. The church is not a place for your fundraisers. Go somewhere else and raise your money and pick up your votes.
what everyone forgets is that mike koury ran for both jobs before 2003.
Dude, That does not make sense. Explain.
In 2003, Koury ran for district judge and county judge at the same time. The voters in his district signed both of his nominating petitions. Well aware that he was running for both positions, the voters in his district voted for him for both district judge and county judge. Check the records.
I was unaware of that. In my opinion, it's an insult to voters to run for two uncompatible offices simultaneously.
Please stop running for Judge, save the money from the campaign and buy a personality. Michael Khoury has the least experience of all the candidates. 3 losses would just make you pathetic, oops you already are! Does Mike have another sister we never met???
Koury-no experience, no personality, and hated by all. Yet still able to beat Shipman, Zito, Corriere, Smith, Roscioli, Beltrami and Hogan in the democratic primaries. It's obvious that fear is the driving force behind these comments.
Michael should win but it is true he needs to buy a personality and stop blaming everyone else for his losses.
NOT NICE
Whoever is posting these contradictory anonymous statements should knock it off. You aren't making any case. In fact you are making yourself (and fill in the blank with who you represent) look bad. It's not hard to go to the sitemeter, look up the last postings, and see your ip address is in Easton, and on RCN. So knock off the crap or sign your name.
Everyone knows mine.
Peace be with you, ~~Alex
The anonymous blogger's identity is easy to figure out. He's not too bright. It's S.C. from U.M. Township.
He wouldn't be in Easton. And he would have knew about the sitemeter.
It appears that there is another trying to pawn it off on him. Just knock it off, before you get outted; and you become the ridicule of the whole community.
You are messing around in the public's eye with too many people's lives. Shame on you! You should have had better sense.
We don't do this to one of our own; no matter if you like that person or not.
Peace be onto you, ~~Alex
you keep saying how popular Koury is in the Lebanese community. Since when?
The coward who has Anonymously posted this comment, on this blog:
"The anonymous blogger's identity is easy to figure out. He's not too bright. It's S.C. from U.M. Township." at 8:04 PM, is actually the one who is not too bright. I am the SC from Upper Macungie Township, and I am Michael's cousin, who at one time had a family and personal related argument with Michael, which has long been resolved. Obviously, the Lebanese person who so cowardly posted that entry, has no idea Michael and I resolved our differences, and not only that, if they REALLY knew me, which they obviously DON'T, they would know that regardless, I would NEVER, EVER publicly rididule Michael. If I have something to say about someone, I say it to their face, as I don't cowardly hide behind a blog, as this cowardly nitwit has done. So, for those of you who are against Michael, make sure you understand that THIS SC from UM Township, Stephen S. Constantine, IS NOT THE PERSON who the Anonymous coward is referring to. Who is not too bright now, you coward? Hide your name and your identity, and hide behind the keyboard, but the day I discover your true identity, will make you wish you were never born.....and don't worry...I will find out who you are, you coward....it might take me some time, but I will find out, for sure.
To the Coward I referred to in my previous posting:
I want to clarify my previous statement of "making you wish you were never born", will literally and actually be restricted to a concerted effort by me to expose your Lebanese identity to our Lebanese community. Exposing you, as the coward that you truly are, will "make you wish you were never born". Once you are exposed, you will be ridiculed by the entire Lebanese community. If you have an issue with Michael or with me, you should at least have the decency to identify yourself publicly, and by not doing so, you ought to be ashamed of yourself, however, then again, cowards like you, have no shame. And to Bernie O'Hare, I suggest you capture and publicize IP addresses of anonymous bloggers.
Mr. Constantine,
Anyone can scroll to the bottom of my blog, visit my sitemeter and get the IP, ISP and location of most of the past 125 blog visitors. After that, it is too late. You don't need me for that.
My dearest friend and brothers,
please let this water pass under the bridge. I realize some peoples' names have been marred. But we are making are community look like buffoons. And this is the least that Sam and Michael need right about now.
Stevie, I was hoping that you wouldn't see this. But your reaction is justified. This anonymous person, whomever it might be, seems to have gotten the message.
All of you, as you hopefully already know, have and will always have, irregardlessly which way you proceed, my full support. And, if I ever hear about who this person's identity is (with the chance exception of in a future confession) be assured that I will chastise the "hell" out of him or her.
But for now, put it on the back burner; and move on. I would ask you to do the Christian thing and forgive and forget. But fortunately the day I become an Abouna, I have to remember the empty seat in church pew is where I used to sit.
It is Lent!
Peace be with you, ~~Alex Joseph
Candy Barr should also withdraw. She may be an expert in defending Medical Cases, she appears to have no other experience.
Is that really a picture of Bernie?
Go Sam Go!
Sam Murray is the one for Judge! He has what it takes and never lets his politics or the like take over his principals, faith, and moral character.
Murray for Judge!
Wasn't Raymond Lahood Michael Khoury's campaign manager on one of his failed attempts to run as a judicial candidate?
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