Northampton County is one of 209 purple counties to vote twice for Barack Obama, then Donald Trump.He won with 49.63% of the vote. This happened because, obviously, some Democrats voted for him. Since then, the pendulum has swung back to favor Democrats.A Democratic County Exec and five Council members were swept into office in 2017. So long as Trump keeps tweeting, things will stay that way.
Though DiLuzio seeks the Democratic nomination, she was a registered Republican until November 19 of last year. This was just two days after incumbent District Attorney John Morganelli announced he had enough as the county's top prosecutor and would let someone else shoulder the responsibility. Her voting history from 1996 shows that, except for 2012 and 2013, she has always voted as a Republican.
This completely stunned many local Democrats, especially those active in local elections. DiLuzio has been a frequent supporter Democratic supporter. She has backed State Senator Lisa Boscola, Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez and NorCo Exec Lamont McClure. I've seen her at numerous Democratic fundraisers, so I was surprised by her Republican affiliation.
When confronted over her party switch, Diluzio responded that she is a Democrat. "My values align and have aligned with the values of the Democratic party," she explained.
I accepted this explanation, but it is now known that she had a Trump campaign sign affixed to her front door during the 2016 election. Lehigh County Comm'r Amy Zanelli uploaded a photograph at Lehigh Valley Roar over the weekend "Just thought you might want to see her front door," she says.
Reaction has been quick and furious. I've been told (not confirmed) Lehigh Valley Roar and some of the unions backing her have withdrawn their support. Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez, her campaign chair, has asked for an explanation. And yesterday, she met with her campaign consultant, who is only willing now to help DiLuzio withdraw.
DiLuzio acknowledged that she did have a Trump sign affixed to her door, which faces her next door neighbor. She denies that she supports Trump, calling him "abhorrent." She admitted that a Trump sign was on her door during the 2016 race,, but only for a few days. She said her neighbor had been besieging her with Hillary information, and the Trump sign was an attempt to give her some of her own medicine. She added that in many marriages, a husband and wife can support different candidates.
I find it kind of bizarre that someone would hold onto a picture taken in 2016, and then use it three years later. But it's obvious that's what happened. So I find DiLuzio's explanation is credible. Having said that, I will support Terry Houck.
Taking DiLuzio at her word, she admits to taunting a neighbor. Vindictiveness should be absent in a prosecutor. Though both are great administrators, Houck is an experienced prosecutor who has tried most of the county's most difficult cases since he came aboard. In contrast, DiLuzio has had two jury trials. As a prosecutor, Houck has tried capital cases. DiLuzio has no death penalty certification.
Diluzio is very personable. I admit I like her. I accept her explanation. I support Terry Houck.
Erratum, 2:00 pm: I incorrectly stated Dems won five seats on NorCo Council in 2017. They won four.
96 comments:
Don't you have to order that crap from his website? I wouldn't vote for her anyway.
Yo Yo,BO BO,, you should know all this as a political insider. She is Bethlehem based and that means she has to run as a Democrat. She is not the first or the last to do the DINO move. In fairness to her, many of the past and present Bethlehem insider pols were no doubt DINO's. Seriously, even Callahan was a republican when he was told to change to democrat before he ran for city council. Hell, I would guess Donchez, Cunningham and half the city council are really republicans. Marcincin was probably the last real Democratic Mayor of Bethlehem.
Unfortunately, I have to agree that at some point the façade is too much. The Trump sign less than three years ago is not good. The experience goes without saying. She will no doubt get a lot of support due to her husband being the Bethlehem Chief of Police in a Democratic Administration. Still I agree with you that Houck is the more experienced. I think some of the folks who supported her early on think the same thing. The Trump thing is just one more brick in the wall. Can't blame her for taking a chance.
Will Celeste Dee lose every single race she has run this cycle? It's very possible!
How many former Republicans can she run in one cycle?
She's finished!
She follows the money. No question DiLuzio has the money.
How childish the Democrats are. Not accepting the results of an election almost 3 years ago. Get OVER it.
If someone is this childish, i would never vote for them anyway.
the dems are anti American look at the border they refuse to help the situation all the dems do is tax so if you want more taxes vote democratic socialism wow look at the countries that have socialism a vote for a democratic puts our country on the road to becoming a third world nation look at the results in cities run by democrats Trump is a great leader and if you are smart you will not vote for a dem or a rhino
Wow, do you mean that both candidates for DA are Trump supporters, what to do? what to do?
The Trump sign is bad. Hanging a Hillary sign would be grounds for involuntary commitment, however. Let the circular firing squad commence.
Soo there's support for Diluzio because Bethlehem's police chief is her husband?? Ha ha. Um? Who did Bethlehem's police union back???? Run a campaign. Get a job. Not what you know...
Any paranoia by a Democrat over a Trump sign is ridiculous. So what if she liked the man at any time during the past, even now. Heck, she might even be a Dallas Cowboy fan.
Move along Dems. You don't want to look like those idiots representing you at the Barr testimony yesterday, do you?
For some reason, made me think of this.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monsters_Are_Due_on_Maple_Street
Time to withdraw and don't you have a new pizza shop to run? Terry is much more qualified anyway!
Diluzio is a horrible representation of anything. One minute she will talk to you and the very next minute she doesn't know you.
Terry Houck, ALL THE WAY!
@ 6:38: Protecting our democracy by asking questions? Does that scare you? Look the other way?
Speaking from personal experience, she is the most vindictive person I’ve ever known. She is only personable if she wants or needs something from you. And just like she has been a closet republican who became a democrat in attempt to advance herself, she turns on people in a heartbeat.
well i for one will be supporting her for her campaign.
Didn't Morganelli support the TRUMPSTER? Remember the campaign mail where Big Bad John asked Trump for a job? He couldn't live that one down no matter how hard he campaigned. Now we have Dilusionary doing the same thing. These things always comeback to haunt you. Houck is a carpetbagger and Dilusio is a turncoat running for the top legal office in Northampton County. Hmmmmmmm. I'm writing in RoseAnn Joseph. C'mon gang. Joseph for District Attorney. It started here.
What a bizarre explanation- I'd expect this from a teenager, not someone seeking the DA's office. Ever since he announced, I'm supporting Terry Houck for many reasons- experience being one of them.
(She ) "is an excellent administrator." What do you base that on? Also she has never been known for being " very personable" by anyone unless it serves her agenda of some angle, or opportunistic purpose she wants. Having bought a seat at the Donchecz and McLure dinning room tables her intentions were clear. In the old days news articles would have chronicled this apparent pay for play aspect to her rise. Unfortunately the more important subjects such as bear cubs getting hit by cars on rural roads dominate today's Morning Call articles.
worst president* ever!
Isn't Amy Zannelli from Lehigh County? who cares what she thinks or Tara Z either
typical women eating their own
This whole blog is turning into a big bunch of catty women.
I don’t accept her explanation. If she wasn’t a Trump supporter, why did she feel “besieged” by someone urging her to vote for Hillary? I’m told that she assured ROAR she was a “huge” Hillary supporter, which seems to be untrue based on this new statement.
I heard she likes peanut butter. Can't have that! Politics has gone mad.
Once again, the true tolerance and inclusiveness of the Left/Democrats is on full display.
For the many Democrats who voted their conscience in the 2016 and other elections, or simply dared to not blindly parrot the party line, remember this. Your party doesn't have any need for you, other than dragging you out to the polls to vote for their flawed candidates in the November elections.
Please remember that when they ask for your support after the primary.
HoucK? Sounds like the noise my deceased Grandpa made clearing his throat after a 60 year smoking habit. DiLuzio a secret Trump supporter? Report her posthaste to the Pillar of Democracy Morning Call to be ridiculed as shamelessly as Marty and Nat.
Anon 8:27 said:
"If she wasn’t a Trump supporter, why did she feel “besieged” by someone urging her to vote for Hillary? I’m told that she assured ROAR she was a “huge” Hillary supporter, which seems to be untrue based on this new statement."
Maybe because Clinton was a deeply flawed candidate. Maybe because she's not some irrational supporter of Clinton. Maybe just to have some good-natured fun with a co-worker whose life may have been consumed by politics.
There could be a thousand reasons.
The beauty of our system is that we have the freedom to think and vote as we want. Unfortunately, many in the local democrat party want to banish any opposing viewpoint, or simply any viewpoint or action that is not the same as their own.
We've seen this behavior many times before, usually in the socialist utopias that these same socialist hacks want to impose on the rest of us.
The democrat party was never like this before, and its time to take the party back from the hacks, or just walk away from the party.
8:52 - wait until the NEW indictments come from Barr's investigation. They'll be screaming from the rooftops.
Hillary Clinton is a cultural joke.
ROAR is a home for delusional goofballs.
Feminism gone stupid.
Amy Zannile is an idiot.
Fact check for all the keyboard experts - Bethlehem does not have a “Police Chief”.
Bernie I think this is the first time you mentioned Trump since the mueller report. I guess you figured out he was framed and it was a conspiracy against him after all. Believe me, I’m not tired of winning yet. And now that the shoe is on the other foot, payback wii be very nice.
Obama and Hillary supported BLM mothers through-out the 2016 campaign while trashing law enforcement every chance they had. Nuria's husband is a police officer. Political party affiliation doesn't matter.
I thought Morganelli supported Trump and was anxiously waiting for an appointment in Trump's administration like a homely school girl praying for a date on prom deadline day? Her sin is far less egregious.
Jeez, can't people learn from past mistakes?
Trump won many moderate Dem and independent voters, who had grown tired of 8 years of Obama. They saw Clinton as more of the same old, same old. Trump represented trying something different and would maybe send a message to Washington that the people were tired of the stupid political games.
Sadly, Trump allowed himself to be managed and swayed by generally incompetent sycophants who for one reason or another, aligned with hard right/conservative policies.
Trump has a loyal base that will never desert him in 2020, he maybe converted a small percentage of independents who have viewed the Democrat's response to be borderline hysterical at times. That said Trump has alienated an overwhelming majority of that "Try something new" swing vote, not too mention certain portions of the Republican party.
Despite the confidence and bravado seen here by some passionate Trump Humpers (likely just Dem trolls) and other media punditry, Trump in 2020 will get crushed in the popular vote worse than 2016 because of the alienation of moderates, and this time the electoral college will very likely not break his way again in PA, MI, & WI. He's also at risk in keeping OH, NC, GA & FL "Red". Look at the 2016 map and show any significant "Blue State" that's a flip option - CO or NV maybe?
Whistle past the graveyard with confidence people, but its a pretty safe bet that angry Democrats will be in the driver seat in 24 months time.
In 2017 Dems did not sweep 5 Council seats. Peg barely survived the onslaught.
Wouldn't DeLuzio have been in a better position to run as a Republican? She would have been a much stronger general election candidate than Tom Carroll.
Remember when Democrats used to stand up to bullies? They even did infomercials against bullying.
Now they've become the bullies.
What great "progress" by that wing of the party.
Come on Bernie if you want to know what the truth is just talk to the neighbor.
DiLuzio just lost my vote.
It’s an indication of how low Lehigh Valley politics has sunk that anyone can take ROAR as anything other than an bunch of looneys.
I think I'm gonna need more popcorn.
To all you who are criticizing Democrats and/or ROAR: the dismay is not because DiLuzio may have supported Trump. Actually, one would hope the DA race is one race that could rise above partisan politics. The dismay is that she lied about her political affiliations hoping to secure endorsements and donations from liberal groups like ROAR. DiLuzio should not be disqualified because of her party affiliation - that would be horrible. She should be disqualified for her dishonesty.
I appreciate this detailed post on an important issue. I'm a fairly progressive Dem, and this is disappointing news, and it -- taking the entire context into consideration, too -- DOES prompts me definitely to support Terry Houck, where before I was leaning towards DiNuzio because I felt excited at the prospect of a Dem woman taking charge at the DA's office. But I do sort of wonder if this information will get down to primary voting Dems unless some negative ads run (and maybe they already are).
There are other LV politicians who run as Dems and seem anything but, including some with Trumplove in their social media histories.
"Fact check for all the keyboard experts - Bethlehem does not have a “Police Chief""
Okay...wrong.
https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/police/about/message.html
Many Democrats supported Trump, which is why he won.
Who cares that she supported Trump? Morganelli supported Trump, and I am guessing Houck did too. Most police unions endorsed Trump. Houck was a former police officer and union member.
ROAR is a bunch of old rich white women who think their shit don't stink and they are better than everyone else.
how can anyone support a dem more taxes no border sanctuary cities kill babies anti-jew green new deal murders in jail can vote socialism get rid of ICE etc etc now you dems can tell us the above is not your platform
No loyalty! Sell yourself like a ho for an elected office
ROAR and Shillary Clinton are perfect together.
Absolutely perfect.
It’s time for a woman as Northampton County District Attorney.
“I’m with her.”
Anon 9:04 said:
"Fact check for all the keyboard experts - Bethlehem does not have a “Police Chief”."
That likely comes as a surprise to Chief DiLuzio, who is listed as "Chief" under the Police Contact List on the City's website:
ADMINISTRATION
Chief Mark DiLuzio
Look around.
The people who are actively engaged with Lehigh Valley politics are crooks and idiots.
This is why we can’t have nice things.
Didn't her and her husband buy Dartos pizza restaurant recently?
9:54, you are correct and I am mistaken. Dems won 4 of 5 council seats, not 5. I apologize for a factual error.
Love all the TRumpsters calling out others as being extreme. Meanwhile they will expel any republican who does not follow the lead of their glorious leader President for life DTrump. You do realize how funny it is for the Trumpaholics who are raptured every time he belches, to mock others.
The same personable attorney and her usual sidekick who when kindly asked to slightly move their car parked across the street from Mama Ninas so that the woman could leave sat on the hood of her car, lit a cigarette and said to the stunned individual - my husband is the Police Commissioner of Bethlehem, wanna do something about it?
And she is one beat away from becoming the County's Chief Law Enforcement Officer?
"Dems won 4 of 5 council seats, not 5. I apologize for a factual error."
It's rare to read an analysis about a candidate local or otherwise, that's focuses on, and demonstrates that, they are obviously a partisan quisling.
Of the 4 Democrats that won how many have had the same analysis? Most democrat politicians are republicans.
Just like most poor or middle class people with an understanding of politics and IQ over 100, register in the party of their employer or boss. That's why there's a curtain, when is comes to politics, nobody is who they say they are.
Parties...that's kids stuff. In God we trust.
Trump has taken the lead on criminal justice reform. He inherited a system that unfairly targeted minorities and shattered lives. It's no wonder he enjoys support from both sides of the criminal justice aisle. She and Morganelli are wise to support Trump in this regard. They both have my vote.
3:43pm
For Trump it's called "criminal justice reform"... and the first move, Scooter Libby pardoned for outing a undercover CIA agent.
For Bernie it's called "letting criminals vote"... after selling a bong Tommy Chong votes.
Dam you can't trust that liberal media...right?
Is there anyone out there that can't believe a women voted for the best POTUS in American history, think again. She just could be a pussy kicker both female and male as well as the transsexual, Trumps new campaign slogan catch line phrase is go kick em in the pussy because after almost four yearsthere still frothing at the mouths rolling on the floors with Trump syndrome and this damm Russian collusion.
I loved the contact of Gilligan omars eight minutes of questioning attorney Barr, lol I don't think she knew what she was talking about.
8:40AM
Please name for us ONE political candidate of either party in the past 200 years who was not flawed.
It doesn't? What does it have?
Eugene V. Debs
Although certainly not flawless close enough to be jailed.
Lincoln and Kennedy had flawless endings of true craftmanship.
Not only does she not have the requisite experience, she does not have the temperament. I have seen her in action. Inflammatory, incendiary, hysterical and just plain nasty for the sport of it.
Terry is honorable, experienced and will make a fantastic DA. He has an innate sense of fair play.
Indeed her reputation has always been horrible among her colleagues. Those are the people who know her. Again, for the few Trumpers who responded as if it was an attack on there Demigod, it isn't about Trump. It's about misrepresenting her political party ,as well as, philosophy. I can't believe no one has commented on her non-denial/ denial. It was either a volitional act to put the sign up, or it was her spouse's sign. She can't even tell the truth in a two sentence explanation. Also if anyone believes the sign was there for a few days I got a Trump Plaza for sale.
Funny how Zarelli is trying to start a fire here by sending this to LVRoar. The woman that came up with the name "Lehigh Valley ROAR" is member Martha Cox Popichak.
Martha hosted a meet the candidate event for Nuria a week ago, at her home! Appears member Martha is supporting Nuria, and thanked Nuria for coming!
Houck just moved to Northampton 4 months ago, lost 2 DA elections in Bucks County and is trying a 3rd bid to be a DA in Northampton. They are both qualified, but I would tend to lean toward a candidate who lives here. I dont remember how many jury trials Morganelli did before he was DA, but I don't think that is a litmus test.
I know there are a lot of people that vote party everytime. Well I got news for you. That is foolish. A D and an R come in many colors and they are not all the same. I guess the good old days of reaching across the table with some values is long gone.
Speaking from a handful of personal interactions, Nuria DiLuzio is the least personable human being I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. She is absurdly, heinously rude to anyone who can’t instantly cut her a check. Taunting a neighbor and blaming her husband rather than accepting responsibility is extremely in-character for her. She’s just one in a long line of duplicitous Republicans that Celeste Dee runs. Terry Houck has the temperament and experience to serve NorCo well. I for one am thrilled to see DiLuzio reap what she has sown.
Bernie, this sign may be a fake. Our community by-laws do not allow signs to be posted on our doors or in our windows. Our Board would have asked them to remove it immediately as was done with political signs in previous elections
Is her husband an R? So what. From what I've read on this blog, she used to be an R, switched to D for a few years, went back to R, and is now a D. Looks like when she decided to run, she feels closer to Dems.
I recently did one of this online "which party are you" tests and I veered a bit to the right, despite being a registered D. I wouldn't align myself with those far left Dems, but I'm registered D. Believing Diluzio isnt one of 'them' makes me feel okay with her decision to switch parties.
If she is thin skinned and easily angered, it is no surprise. It would appear to be the MO in the McClure Admisntration. he and all his surrogates are thin skinned and quick to anger. She is just part of the crew.
9:27, she admitted to putting a Trump sign there. No fake.
Donald John Trump.
My president. Your president. #YOURSTOO
Nobody cares about Scooter Libby. People won't even Google him. You must get out more.
Abe Kassis should have run for DA. He has the experience,common sense and demonstrates fairness. Maybe a write in campaign should begin!
Maybe the vagina voters of ROAR shouldn't just blindly back any female with a D in front of their name. Google is your friend people.
Hey JJ (aka Anonymous on May 2nd) the concern most have it more than just switching parties and supporting Donald Trump. It's about the lies to Northampton Voters and the continuation of them in her campaign. She states her core principles are Democratic and that's far from the truth. I think it's time to give the voters more credit.
Also JJ - Trying to make the case they are both qualified for this role when DiLuzio has never prosecuted a single case most would say is delusional. Houck has been doing the job for 32 years. No comparison in integrity and experience.
How many judges were former prosecutors???? Was Morganelli a former prosecutor before he ran? Prosecuting a case is not a prerequisite, and from the outstanding job and reputation Morganelli leaves behind, it is obvious and apparent that it is not.
First assistant feelings of entitlement may not secure a victory for Houck. Especially to the many voters who can say he is not their neighbor. When he ran in Bucks (where he lived AND worked) he didn't get very far, twice.
I take it, the only people Houck knows in Northampton are his coworkers. His USPS forwarding mail request is probably still in effect.
He just moved here. Why didn't he move to Northampton 15 years ago? NorCo not good enough for him? Since when is it okay for outsiders to come in here and run for our elected office positions? Residency requirements need an overhaul. Should require 1 year residency, PRIOR to filing. He is just now probably getting his NorCo Tax bill, Easton Local tax bill, and Easton Area School District Taxes, for the first time. Real nice. Carpetbagger, in the flesh.
The infighting starts!
anon 328am How dare you attack Celeste, a long list of republicans right, name one I dare you, its not fair attacking Celest without proof. So what if a Republican converts who cares
8:33AM
DH? WHOOOO?
DiLuzio should not be beholden to ROAR as they are an extreme women’s wing of the Democratic Party. To be for Trump vs the criminal Hillary Clinton is something Nuria should be proud of as should most people.
@8:33 Better to keep your mouth shut and appear ignorant.. rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt. There's your lesson for the day peeps!
@8:33. There was no lieutenant in recent memory at BPD with the initials DH. Would you care to expand on your comment?
Terry Houck for DA!!!!!!
I can’t believe the Diluzio can walk around in public as if nothing ever happened. They are huge trump supporters . I was at many events with them and all’s they talked about was crooked hilary and how bad the democrats are . She is lying through her teeth . I can get tons of people who witnessed her lies . Bob Donchez should grow some Bs and fire the guy . He’s just as bad.
Rudas and Diluzio are partners. They are both part of the McClure administration.
Burp!!! Excuse me. Yes they are.
OK so the pink hats dumped a trump supporter's wife to guarantee a trump supporter will win the primary, and then the biggest trump supporter across PA with a gang of trump supporters behind him wins in November. Seems sane.
I'm roaring on the floor in laughter. (pac man sound bite when he is cornered and killed)
9:15-So the Police Chief of Bethlehem should be fired for voting for Trump? Did you ever consider his performance vs his personal voting choice? Likely Donchez also voted for Trump!! How do you think he got elected in Northampton County in the first place. Dems had a bad candidate.
closeted Trump supporters make up 50% of Northampton County Dems. The other 50% went to the fringe with Sanders and now Biden..does anyone think for a single minute that Terry is going to start pulling the badges of bad cops and filing charges against them? He was one...who thinks Terry is going to make Northampton County a defacto sanctuary city? Anyone?
He , and the other 2 are running on less incarceration for drug crimes by using drug court. How do you get a drug court to work without a rehab to house them? There is a photo of Terry posing with the same person who just put the rehab in West Easton out of business and sued the developer and the county, and no one sees this as a problem? Hypocrite much?
RECALL ALERT: More than 2 million pounds of P.F. Chang's Home Menu Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice have been recalled due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the US Department of Agriculture said
there was a Trump2020 in miniscule lettering seen underneath the expiration date, guess its KFC for me
wait, Trump posed with KFC, there goes that choice. No more chicken, its such a shame
I need a Democratic Phd to decipher some of these comments.
If Lehigh Valley area becomes sanctuary city it will simply hasten the relocation of our tax paying citizens to South Carolina, Texas & Florida!!
Why does the blog keep deleting posts about the literal campaign manager of this candidate?
It's not like she isn't involved in an open attempt to smear her former employer in an article in the morning call today.
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