Yesterday Republican Voters in Allentown faced a largely empty ballot: no candidate for mayor, not a single candidate for any of the four city council positions and, in my district, no candidate for county commissioner. The only Republicans on the ballot were to be found in the cross filed school board race. Only three of these candidates were truly Republicans, the rest were cross filed Democrats. These Republican candidates were left high and dry by the local Republican committee and its chair, Wayne Woodman. As they had arranged funding to do a mailer to super D’s the only assistance they requested of the Lehigh County Republican Committee was a letter to Republican super voters that would identify who the actual Republicans were. Earlier this year a facilitator arranged a meeting between Wayne Woodman and me to discuss this effort. At that meeting, he made a commitment to assist with exactly such a letter. In spite of reminders and outreach to the facilitator, that assistance never came. Without any guidance, most Allentown Republicans were left to guess who the real Republicans on the ballot were. The unfortunate result was that two Democrats won positions on the Republican ballot and a very capable conservative Latino lost.
One would think promoting conservative Latino candidates would be a priority in Allentown and Lehigh County. Apparently, it isn’t and the result is another missed opportunity to broaden the base into an important minority community.
Just think, if Bishop had cross-filed then THREE Dems would have won the Republican Primary, cutting the legs out from Tea Partiers like Armstrong and Zimmerman on the Board. Woolley has a chance to beat Welsh in November, though, so it might not be even better than you think.
ReplyDeleteGOP has nothing to offer Allentown?
ReplyDeleteNothing?
How can this be?
Want some fries with that Whaaa burger?
ReplyDeleteScott don't get no respect.
ReplyDeleteScott don't deserve no respect.
ReplyDeleteConfused. It takes the party to put out a mailer?
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't Armstrong or the candidates put out the mailer that they wanted? Is Allentown the only place in the Valley where dems cross-filed as republicans?
When write in votes for Mayor of allentown are counted, could have another democrat on the republican ticket in the General Election.
ReplyDeleteAllentown wants handouts and suburban municipalities' tax dollars. Democrats own these initiatives. There's no place in Allentown for racist R policies that are opposed to simply handing out money. Never have so many Ds tripped over themselves to provide breathtaking sums of money to already rich developers. Talk about wearing kneepads for the 1%. Allentown doesn't need Rs. They just don't get how Allentown works.
ReplyDelete7:41
ReplyDeleteI suppose the republicans would be there if they were really needed.
Thanks for clearing that up.
Armstrong, thanks for nothing.
ReplyDeleteLet's be clear: Republicans LOVE Allentown. Just look at all the money Allentown Democrats have thrown at wealthy Republican developers and businessmen. This notion of Rs not being involved in, or liking Allentown is preposterous. Allentown is a Republican gold mine. Democrats made it that way.
ReplyDeleteThe LC GOP simply put all their effort into getting the LC Executive position for their hard core right wing favorite. No attempt to get most qualified candidates just the idealogical purebreeds.
ReplyDeleteThey pushed a lawnmower guy into the controller job and probably will get an exec with little or no management ability.These LC GOP leaders wouldn't hire these guys in their personal businesses.
The good news is the county has such a limited role it's like being elected as the first grade class president
I like my republicans pure. They are more fun that way.
ReplyDeleteI mean, these people crack me up!
Republicans abandoned Allentown's political playing field and took control of its business playing field. After Pawlowski came to power, the business game came right to Rs. History repeats and repeats and repeats.
ReplyDeleteThis is a legitimate Republican issue. The rubber stamping, bobbing head Dems on ASD board will stick it to property owners every chance they get. The county Republican Party shouldn't write off the City this way.
ReplyDeleteAllentown has the Government it wants.
ReplyDeleteEnd of story.
Thanks. For nothing. LCGOP. And you too Scott....all hat and no cattle, as they say in the Republic of Texas.
ReplyDeleteA one party town that re-elected Pawlowski with 75% of the vote is upset with the county GOP? You can't make this stuff up.
ReplyDeleteDems have initiated every aspect of their philosophy in Allentown. Are you unhappy with your paradise? Your blind support of the ruling party indicates you're happier than a pig in your shit. Enjoy your shit and stop blaming others, as fashionable as that's become.
I'm trying to form a 501(c)(4) to build a Republican coalition in Allentown. I submitted my application three years ago and am awaiting speedy approval. Strangely, I've been audited three times in the interim, have had my phone records subpoenaed, and asked to provide the names of every human I've ever met. Oh, the red tape! I'll get to you soon, Allentown. The IRS says they're moving as fast as they want.
ReplyDeleteI blame Rethuglicans Pat Browne and Tom Corbett for spending $ 177.1 million dollars on a minor league hockey rink when Armstrong's school district is $ 22.0 million dollars or so in the red.
ReplyDeleteMore compassion and spending for poor and disadvantaged is a must.
I'm a republican asshole and I would like to know why my lifelong party deserted my town.Your right asshole--you CAN'T make this shit up,
ReplyDeleteMr Armstrong sure can whine.
ReplyDeleteWAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
Allentown republicans should send a clear message to Woodman and stay home in november
ReplyDeleteRethug Browne has done nothing but the whole arena thing. He and the rest of the Rs are useless.
ReplyDelete.... and that was only a couple hundred million ... worthless....
ReplyDelete