Walt Felton Bests Bar Johnston as Lehigh County Dem Boss

If you don't think Democrat Bar Johnston is an indefatigable campaign worker, talk to republican State Representative Justin Simmons. Though he's managed to win against weak candidates, the races have been much closer than they should have been because of her. She is a combination campaign consultant, cheerleader and has a deadly ground game. If you want to run for office, and have very little money to spend, you want her in your camp. But Lehigh County Democrats don't. She just might be too good. She was defeated last night in a race against affable Walt Felton, an 18' tall Northampton County Deputy Sheriff who also is running for state senate.

Here's what happened. Jude Denis, who likes to make a few bucks by acting as a political consultant for local Democrats, got up and nominated another paid political consultant whose name escapes me at the moment. She, in turn, nominated Jude. They both declined the nominations in favor of Walt, but not before completely trashing Bar as divisive, too willing to work with Republicans, etc.

What really bothered them, and Mike Fleck, is that Bar is a true believer. Instead of charging people like Susan Wild and Joyce Moore money that they can't pay, she organizes volunteers and real grass roots efforts.

We'll have none of that.