Judge Hannah Leavitt has sustained a challenge to the nomination petition filed by state house candidate Marc Grammes. He neglected to file a Statement of Financial Interests with the Ethics Commission when he filed his papers, which courts consider a "fatal defect."
Cindy Miller, who is seeking the Republican nomination as an heir apparent to Julie Harhart, has also challenged Zachary Mako, another Republican. That matter is still pending.
There's also a challenge to Democrat Terri Powell challenge, but it does not appear that Miller is involved in that dispute.
Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
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Thursday, March 10, 2016
18 comments:
You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.
More political insider shenanigans. It never ends.
ReplyDeleteThere are basic requirements completing and submitting nomination petitions. It is common for supporters, candidates, and party officials to review submitted information. It is the first test in running for office. While advise is important, it is ultimately the Candidates responsibilty to ensure all the information is accurate and complete, especially a candidate who has run for office before. If the basic infomation or process is completed in error, is missing,or fails to meet a minimum threshold, case law is very clear. It does not matter how well intended a petitioner, candidate, or signer is/was, following the rules prevail. Otherwise, things such as ghost voting would be completely acceptable. It does appear that Grammes provided an affidavit but submitted to the wrong office. If information was missing, it would most certainly be a fatal defect. Candidates have been tossed from the ballot for being 2 names short of valid signatures or notary defects.
ReplyDeleteIf these new candidates cannot fulfill the requirements to get on the ballot, we must also question their judgment and competence to hold office.
ReplyDeleteMy problem here is that he had TWICE the number of valid signatures needed, they were submitted on time, and once made aware of an error, it was corrected. In contrast, Dominguez had errors that could not be corrected. Miller is playing insider baseball. Is this the kind of person what citizens want in Harrisburg? Sneaky and playing dirty? I guess She will fit right in.
ReplyDeleteJust a correction on a name.. The other republican is Zachary Mako. He is a combat veteran and is still currently serving in the Army National Guard.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the correction. I fixed my error.
ReplyDelete" In contrast, Dominguez had errors that could not be corrected."
ReplyDeleteI would be hesitant to form any such conclusion.
Bernie, is it true you are being sued for libel?
ReplyDeleteYou mean "liable"? So I'm told.
ReplyDeleteHow could it be that Mr. Grammes didn't file a statement of financial affairs? Did he not read the instructions and forms he was handed by the board of elections?
ReplyDeleteSomeone with that lack of attention to detail (or intentional failure to file) doesn't deserve the office.
Anon 2:17-
ReplyDeleteGrammes did file his financial statement with his petitions. You can go online and see a date stamped copy of the document. What he did not do was also file a copy of that same statement with the Ethics Department which is another building from where petitions are filed. There was no intentional failure to file. One would think that a timely filing of a copy with the candidate's petitions would be sufficient and that not filing a second copy with another department would not be a fatal error. However, rules are rules and Marc did not follow them to the tee as the Court has decided.
Bernie, are you aware that Kasich's nominating petition on the Pennsylvania primary ballot is being challenged by the Rubio campaign?
ReplyDeleteFortunately, he's being represented by Pennsylvania's leading election law Attorney- Larry Otter
Grammes didn't file with the ethics commission until the day after he was being challenged, but he was in Harrisburg twice prior to the deadline date, makes you wonder doesn't it? All this is a dead issue at this point.
ReplyDelete3:56, I was informed of the Kasich challenge earlier today. Just another example of me being the kids of death.
ReplyDeleteThe Morning Call reported that Powell did not list the office she was running for on her petitions. If not mistaken, that would be two entries on the form, office and district. That seems like a fatal defect regardless of whether or not signers know the person or office being sought. It is the basis of a nomination petition. If not mistaken petitions have been discard for using a dated form.
ReplyDeleteLibel is a published statement that is false, it defames the subject.
ReplyDeleteLiable is an adjective which means (1.) legally obligated (2.) susceptible (3.) likely to do or experience something.
Thanks to http://grammarist.com
The Morning Call actually did a story covering a challenge? My goodness.
ReplyDeleteWhile filing his petitions Grammes confirmed that all was in order, as he was told yes. He walked out after giving all required documents to the office and his financial record was immediately posted online. So why is this process so redundant and why wouldn't an employee who serves in the registration office flag this as she went through them with Grammes? This error was not solely to blame on Grammes. Oh and if it was online as intended why did his opposition claim deception? One other point how did the other camp become privy to this so quickly, perhaps some inside sources. Makes you wonder why we "think" we have freedom and choice in this country, when in actuality it's the corrupt politicians who do. That's why I am writing in Marc Grammes in the 183rd and I encourage those who feel they were stripped of their rights to do the same.
ReplyDelete