Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck has notified the elections office that he is withdrawing his candidacy for re-election. Today was the last day on which he could withdraw. No independent candidate has filed nomination papers. This means that Stephen Baratta, the Democratic nominee, will be NorCo's next District Attorney.
Houck, a Democrat, lost the Democratic primary to Baratta on May 16. He won the Republican nomination as a result of a write-in campaign but refused to change his party affiliation. As a result, neither party would back him in the general election.
In addition to being a man without a party, Houck was hamstrung by a lack of resources needed to wage a competitive campaign.
Houck has yet to pursue other employment opportunities.
Though Baratta was a judge for a quarter-century, he waged a hard-hitting and, at times, an ugly campaign. Houck has spent over 40 years in law enforcement, both as a police officer and as a professional prosecutor.
Houck's departure from the race is a simple recognition that his re-election would be impossible and would expose his family to more of the brutal attacks they endured in the primary. It is nevertheless a blow to democracy.
Money wins over merit.
Local Republicans have until 75 days prior to the election to submit another candidate.
53 comments:
Thoughts and Prayers to you, Bernman. But could someone seriously please check on Patricia Bruno??
Awesome, I’m looking forward to Barrata staring intently at the ceiling while he shakes his head uncontrollably, before he makes a decision about anything…
Total b.s. When I see Ray LaHoud, I intend for him to hear my opinion of him suppress democracy. I hope election reform gets enacted soon.
“ Houck's departure from the race is a simple recognition that his re-election would be impossible…”
Wait, didn’t you just write a post in May about how Houck would easily prevail in the general election?
It’s just terrible to see reality clubbing you over the head like this.
Ray is handsome.
Ray Lahoud is a cutie.
Curious JJ, how did Lahoud suppress democracy? Maybe you should give your state leaders your opinions on life.
Well, this is a shocker, at least to me. While I am not a huge fan of Mr. Houck's, I am definitely not pleased to have an egomaniac as district attorney. Mr. Baratta showed his true colors through the half-truths he told and allowed himself to be marginalized by aligning to certain factions. I can't believe he will be a good DA, but it isn't as though my opinion matters.
Hahahahahahahaha. Hahahahahaha.
Maybe TeamTara will run for D.A. next time the office is up. I know she doesn't have a law degree but not having qualifications doesn't seem to stop her.
“Half truths” is a VERY generous way to word the lies. Woof
Very interested to see what the dysfunctional Republican Party does. Baratta came out of the gate incredibly liberal, going as far as to say that he would not enforce certain laws. He has to be the worst nightmare of Conservative and Right leaning people. The R's screwed up by not working with Houck.
Who can they put up? I doubt Scomilio or Giordano have any interest. I'm sure the Republic Chair will say something like "We are reviewing our options and trying to find someone to carry the conservative message!" but nothing will come of it. Baratta has won. Lets just call it already.
“His re-election would be impossible”
- didn’t you assure us that Houck would win in the primary?
And, exactly when did the Houck family endure any brutal attacks?
Sad. Really sad. Especially knowing the sleazes that were behind this. Baratta is an embarrassment, and Morganelli a joke, no wonder our state denied him at the polls. Northampton County as a whole, is disgraceful. Don't believe it, just ask our surrounding counties, who joke about it.
Ray Lahoud is the definition of the American dream. He came from nothing and made a name for himself. What’s wrong with that?
Just wait until you see what he does to Ryan Mackenzie. Ray doesn’t like entitled pricks that never worked a day in their respective lives.
Like William Bendix would say.....What a revolting development this is.
Congratulations to our DA elect.
He isn’t an egomaniac.
Mr Bernie
are you saying that baratta doesn’t have merit? That’s kind of mean spirited on your end.
All’s fair in politics and this isn’t about money but about the right candidate.
I didn't see this coming... I got this one wrong
Dumbass
We need more democrats look at San Francisco, California all our cities run by democrats. This country needs Gavin Newsom--he says California is a model for the USA.
This is all about politics, imagine that! You have a former D.A. Who is a judge now who was not getting cooperation from the D.A’s office, who decides to have his Buddy run for the office because he felt Terry Houck wasn’t doing the job he did! I feel Terry has done a great job there, and deserves re- election! For all you Democrats who didn’t come out and Vote for Terry, shame on you! Thank God for the Republicans who voted for Terry, to make it to the general election! But un- fortunately the fix is in!
Wow really now maybe some people of color will start getting fair treatment in this county
"are you saying that baratta doesn’t have merit? That’s kind of mean spirited on your end."
It would be if that was what I said but it is not. What I did say is that money wins over merit. There is no question that Baratta is highly qualified and skilled, but is simply not in the same league as a prosecutor. It shows in some of his positions, which fail to understand the role that task forces play in being proactive against crime.
Thanks to Ray Lahoud, Baratta had far more money and Terry is just unable to compete against that kind of fundraising.
"Wow really now maybe some people of color will start getting fair treatment in this county"
I understand the big EEOC complaint of racism was dismissed.
Wrong.
I understand the county is on the hook for a lot of money because of that complaint. Terry must have lied to you, again.
We’ll put 3:45PM. My sentiments exactly.
Lol Tara for DA!
Oh please. Cry me a river. One of the people Terry promoted within the office when he took over was an African American woman from Secretary to Office Manager. I like to say that was his first mistake.
Giordano running would be a God send.
"I understand the county is on the hook for a lot of money because of that complaint. Terry must have lied to you, again."
Youre understanding is inaccurate. In fact, no lawsuit has been filed.
Politics is an often ugly and unpleasant business - Mr. Houk saw the reality of his situation and realized he could not win. He did not want to put his supporters, his family or himself through a campaign he could not win. A very tough call but for him and the people in his life the right one.
I hope the republican party gets judge Giordano to run. he is a great gentleman.
Northampton will now get what they deserve. A DA similar to Philadelphia. God help us all.
It's amazing nobody wants to talk about racism,well the new DA,should get ready lots of lawsuits coming to his office due to houcks lack of judgement. I know he isn't a racist.
"His re-election would be impossible."
Day-um. Just 91 days ago, a very shrewd and connected political blogger wrote that Terry was waltzing to victory. I'm just here for the idiocy .....
https://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2023/05/why-terry-houck-will-win-das-race.html
Four guarantees that you've made since January ring through my ears:
1. That Baratta would suffer an embarrassing defeat in the primary and have to move into a cave as a result.
2. That Nancy Arroe would lose the Republican nomination to Panella (a democrat).
3. That Panella would trounce Arroe in the Democratic Primary.
4. That despite losing the Democratic primary by an almost 10 point spread, Houck would somehow win a general election without a true party.
A gift from God. Send Mr. T back to Philly. Godspeed.
8:42, I did say Houck would win the primary and general. As far as the judicial race goes, I certainly support Panella, but ne3ver said he would win the GOP nomination. That is a flat out lie. So is the false claim that I said he would trounce her in the Dem primary. I did expect he would win. When you mix provable lies with the truth, it diminishes the validity of your criticism.
It is going to be interesting to see how this plays out. As far as the judicial race I think this helps Aaroe in the general. If there are no Republican candidates I would imagine this will lower Dem turnout.
I agree that this helps Aaroe if the county GOP is unable to find a replacement to run against Baratta. At least outside of Bethlehem.
Let’s not forget that after the Fetterman debate debacle Bernie said Dr Oz would win. To be fair so did I. We’re so tribal in our politics today that if the name has the letter of your party after it that’s your guy. Even if the guy has obvious brain damage. It’s true that Bernie hasn’t picked well lately though lol.
Panella is done I think. A contested DA race would have helped him. Just my 2 cents.
Is Lahoud a Republican?
Panella is going to get crushed and rightfully so. There is no one to thank except His Honor, The Honorable Morganelli. Thank you Judgey.
Word has it Tom Carroll may get involved. I'd be ecstatic if I was a dem! Ohare, can you confirm from GOP GG if this is true?
-Dumbass
This situation stinks like musikfest garbage. Judge Johnny moronganelli is behind it for sure. It’s a shame when the voters can’t be involved in selecting the DA because the voting system was pulled out from under our feet like an old rug
The real question is where did all this money Barratta has come from? Who’s willing to spend so much on a local DAs race? Why? What’s the payoff?
Everyone knows where the money came from. I am curious as to why John Morganelli was so afraid of Houck. Time will tell. Good luck to Mr. Houck. If anyone has interacted with Mr Houck, you know the kind of DA he is. My family and I are very disappointed.
That's because your just like him undercover,if houck did his job correctly. Their wouldn't be so man DA leaving his office, I think his track follows, so if your disappointed you and your family should go with him.
Where did it come from?
Agreed
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