tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post751632724563744883..comments2024-03-28T18:10:03.580-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Stoffa's Reelection Sure ThingBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-92018353822462703622009-06-23T01:41:15.723-04:002009-06-23T01:41:15.723-04:00Republicans will be voting a straight Dmocratic ti...Republicans will be voting a straight Dmocratic ticket for Northampton County this fall. This is in line with the teachings and example of our leader Roy Shuman.<br /><br />Roy is right, we don't have any credible candidates so we must support Democrats. We will do that Roy.<br /><br />By the way, why not Peg Ferraro or Mike Dowd, they both are much more competent than your buddy Stoffa. But then Roy some of the R's know who gave you your marching orders.<br /><br />After Novemember your reign is over.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-40826730963890747752009-06-22T03:16:43.590-04:002009-06-22T03:16:43.590-04:00Why are Democrats pressuring Republicans to run so...Why are Democrats pressuring Republicans to run someone against a Democrat?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-89227574325925017822009-06-22T03:14:39.198-04:002009-06-22T03:14:39.198-04:005:13 and 10:18 were written by Longdems, not Repub...5:13 and 10:18 were written by Longdems, not Republicans. The spelling mistakes and the angry desperation are a dead giveaway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-59748066001648492232009-06-21T22:28:41.748-04:002009-06-21T22:28:41.748-04:00I've pretended no shock. It's no secret th...I've pretended no shock. It's no secret that Republicans like Stoffa. But the scenario suggested is legally impossible. Had he lost the primary, Stoffa could not legally be named as a candidate for exec by the Rs. Pennsylvania law forbids it, even if he changes parties. had Stoffa lost, I'm sure there would be a serious campaign directed at McHale. I don't think that will happen now. <br /><br />Long Dems are now trying to bully Rs into finding a candidate. But Rs know their best strategy is to try and seize control of council. They have a pretty good shot, as Lighthouse has made clear.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-29112160775035713572009-06-21T22:18:39.657-04:002009-06-21T22:18:39.657-04:00If the Republican Party is a serious Party in Nort...If the Republican Party is a serious Party in Northampton County they will field an Executive candidate. If they donot it is because of the Shuman-Stoffa deal that was cut in January.<br /><br />Please O'Hare your propaganda and Outhouse feigned, "I'm Shocked and Appaled" act, are known to many.<br /><br />There are Republicans who donot want the Party headed by a liberal Big Government career bureaucrat.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-43902507873429128952009-06-21T18:31:42.412-04:002009-06-21T18:31:42.412-04:00Lighthouse, The "Backroom deal" mentione...Lighthouse, The "Backroom deal" mentioned is bullshit. Local Rs admire Stoffa. Cusick dropped out of the race when he heard Stoffa was running. Kelleher was never a serious candidate. But the simple truth is that, had Stoffa lost in the Dem primary, he'd be out. He could not just change paries and be named the R's candidiate. Nor could he run as an Independent, as Lieberman did. <br /><br />Under the sour grape rule that exists in Pa., he coud win on the Dem ballot or be written in on the R ballot. Pa is funny about losers trying to run some other way. <br /><br />I believe Stoffa was asked to switch sides like Specter did, but Stoffa declined.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-17470567218372305052009-06-21T18:21:41.458-04:002009-06-21T18:21:41.458-04:00The allegation was made before the election. I wo...The allegation was made before the election. I would rather have partisanship to fraud, so IF true I would hope it would become public. Otherwise these are anonymous allegations on a blog. IF true, I would hope someone would be mad enough to expose it. As the cliche goes, "in politics perception is reality, right or wrong." I'd like the truth. Or, does someone stand to gain by going for Shuman's head after the election? Or, is it not true? Is all the talk of "good government" a hypocrisy? Again, I would think someone would be talking IF this were true.<br /><br />Then Pilate said, "what is truth?"Lighthousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346747286241817118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-49803563059525845822009-06-20T17:13:35.110-04:002009-06-20T17:13:35.110-04:00The backroom deal was always true. Kelleher was t...The backroom deal was always true. Kelleher was there to block any write in by a dem. If McHale had won, Kelleher was to drop out and Stoffa would change Party registration to Republican and be appointed to run as Repub in Fall.<br /><br />This was all worked out by Shuman, Bradt and Stoffa.<br /><br />Real Republicans need to show what we think of this. If Shuman wants a Democrat than fine, I will vote straight Democrat in the fall. After the Democrats have the Executive and County Council, we can officially dump Traitor Shuman.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-90885608298010421622009-06-20T14:46:54.488-04:002009-06-20T14:46:54.488-04:00Stoffa is cerainly a social liberal, but fiscally,...Stoffa is cerainly a social liberal, but fiscally, he is also conservative. but that's not why Rs like him. They like him for the same reason that 57% of Northampton County's Dems like him - he is an honest man.<br /><br />You'll have to wait for your patronage job.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-32531530174437977672009-06-20T14:41:54.392-04:002009-06-20T14:41:54.392-04:00Shuman and all Republican Party leaders who endors...Shuman and all Republican Party leaders who endorse this should be thrown out. Republicans donot endorse an incompetent tax and spend liberal Democrat.<br /><br />If that is the case than I say to all Republicans follow in the Shuman path and throw out Ferraro and Cusik.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62685628614348772412009-06-19T14:32:03.412-04:002009-06-19T14:32:03.412-04:00I can't believe that Shuman said in the paper ...I can't believe that Shuman said in the paper that all the Republicans were concerned about was that McHale didn't get elected.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-8875906770420993982009-06-19T09:54:16.318-04:002009-06-19T09:54:16.318-04:00That is really INTERESTING Lighthouse.......Food f...That is really INTERESTING Lighthouse.......Food for thought....thanks.Vincenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-89330519158279918402009-06-19T07:23:18.812-04:002009-06-19T07:23:18.812-04:00To 7:28 PM:
"Hey anon 6:51, hows the light u...To 7:28 PM:<br /><br />"Hey anon 6:51, hows the light up Stoffa's rump. If the Republican Party I love has any "sack", it better put up a candidate, a real candidate. Stoffa is a tax-increasing, bureaucray creating liberal Democrat anyway you slice it."<br /><br />News flash for you, Exlax! The voters of Northampton County approved the tax increase in a referendum. Take YOUR head out of your own hershey highway and pay attention to reality. Your Republican koolaid mantra is old and boring.<br /><br />Stoffa is fiscally conservative and has proved it time and again, much to the consternation of County Council. The reason for Stoffa's fiscal success is his inclusion of Republicans and listening to both sides of the political spectrum on his cabinet.<br /><br />When it comes to social services, Stoffa is passionate, because that's were he dedicated his life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-8746295802988865752009-06-19T01:31:51.503-04:002009-06-19T01:31:51.503-04:00and don't forget the independents who didn'...and don't forget the independents who didn't vote in the primary. Who defines themselves, and their opponents, with the independents??Lighthousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346747286241817118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-92125020682723767722009-06-19T01:28:02.184-04:002009-06-19T01:28:02.184-04:00Vince:
The overall voter turnout in the primary w...Vince:<br /><br />The overall voter turnout in the primary was a 60/40 % D to R, which is roughly equal to voter registration, if not mistaken.<br /><br />However, I hope the following makes sense the way I have it laid out...<br /><br />17,389 Dems voted in the primary, and were allowed to vote for 5 Council candidates should equal 86,945 votes cast, yet only a total of 32,516 were cast for all six. In other words, statistically only 37.39% of the voting Dems even bothered to vote for Council members.<br /><br />11,538 Reps voted, and were allowed to vote for 5 Council candidates should equal 57,690 votes cast, yet only a total of 26,381 were cast for all six. In other words, statistically 45.72% of Republicans bothered to vote for Council.<br /><br />Look at the primary. There really was nothing to draw Republicans to vote, other than sheer civic duty. Yet, they turned out equal to registration. However, the Democrats had the whole Stoffa/McHale race to draw some interest, without a bump in voter turnout, and voted in lower percentages for Council which shows many were unfamiliar with the candidates.<br /><br />In a general election, without an Executive race to raise some concentrated interest, no, I do not think there will be as high of voter turnout as otherwise would have been. So, yes, I do think if the Republicans actually made more than a half-hearted effort it could make the difference in what looks to possibly be a 5-4 council...who has the 5, who has the 4?<br /><br />Currently, two Dems and two Reps are sitting District council members. <br /><br />Meanwhile, what other races are there in the Dem numerical strongholds of the cities of Bethlehem or Easton to generate any interest (aka, turnout)?? Callahan is unopposed. Panto isn't up. Many local offices are uncontested. <br /><br />So, who gets the majority? Does anyone screw up between now and November? What is the weather on election day? Who gets the voters out?<br /><br />Yes, I do think without a contested Executive race the Republicans would have a chance if they wanted to fight for it, especially with the Democratic in-fighting.Lighthousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346747286241817118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-28151231478643479762009-06-19T00:42:54.453-04:002009-06-19T00:42:54.453-04:00Dertinger will be the top vote getter.Dertinger will be the top vote getter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-4903935249418659872009-06-18T23:35:11.902-04:002009-06-18T23:35:11.902-04:00Anon 10:55 : Sounds good. Where do I sign up to...Anon 10:55 : Sounds good. Where do I sign up to help?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-55668156754935929532009-06-18T22:55:39.499-04:002009-06-18T22:55:39.499-04:00Nobody beats Stoffa.
There isn't a single R w...Nobody beats Stoffa.<br /><br />There isn't a single R who can do it.<br /><br />The R's will re-arm and take out Dertinger - and I can assure you that discussion is already taking place.<br /><br />If Charlie wants to keep his seat he had better be raising a boatload of bucks and trying to recruit a serious campaign communications person - hell, I'ld consider doing it, but I'd want $50K. If he thinks the unions, and employees, support will make the difference - well, all he has to do is look at how the unions and county employees failed to influence the primary.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I predict we'll see strong support growing for Deb Hunter and Bruce Gilbert. Lorraine and Garvin are already toast.<br /><br />I predict a 5/4 Repub dominated council come November.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-79403622342835043892009-06-18T21:21:27.993-04:002009-06-18T21:21:27.993-04:00""Muncipal election years already have a...""Muncipal election years already have a low voter turnout, which may now be even lower. If the Republicans put some effort into this, I think there will be some tight Council races.""<br /><br />Lighthouse, that is interesting. What are you saying? That there will be a low Dem turnout and the Reps can make a go at it?Vincenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-78614296427153673082009-06-18T20:52:11.089-04:002009-06-18T20:52:11.089-04:00There's a power vacuum now! Stoffa is God awf...There's a power vacuum now! Stoffa is God awful. If the Press didn't prop up his Administration he would be easy to take. He is incompetent and has accomplished absolutely nothing.<br /><br />As one poster said, I like nothing happening in governemnt; well he got what he wanted in Stoffa.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-21828977741107911442009-06-18T20:19:31.246-04:002009-06-18T20:19:31.246-04:00The problem is, who wants to run against someone t...The problem is, who wants to run against someone they can't beat? Isn't that why everyone dropped out when Stoffa put his hat in the ring? Reps and Dems alike? Stoffa welcomed the competition but it seems to dissipate. Wait till four years from now, it will be mayhem when there's a power vaccum.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-7969858925279247302009-06-18T19:28:10.940-04:002009-06-18T19:28:10.940-04:00Hey anon 6:51, hows the light up Stoffa's rump...Hey anon 6:51, hows the light up Stoffa's rump. If the Republican Party I love has any "sack", it better put up a candidate, a real candidate. Stoffa is a tax-increasing, bureaucray creating liberal Democrat anyway you slice it.<br /><br />H is aligned with a nut like Angle and there are plenty of Republicans that don't care for him or our Party leadership if it rolls over for this guy.<br /><br />Someone like Peg Ferarro or Ken Smith should be given the slot and run a real campaign against this liberal lightweight. If Stoffa is Shumans guy, Shuman should do the right thing and step down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-43405652494940408612009-06-18T18:51:33.809-04:002009-06-18T18:51:33.809-04:00I think it's good that the focus will be on Co...I think it's good that the focus will be on Council this election. We have a good Exec that both parties like . It's County Council that has the problems. The more sunlight focused on them and their race, the more likely things will improve, like with mold.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-88133746924592658102009-06-18T18:31:07.149-04:002009-06-18T18:31:07.149-04:00The GOP can replace him on the ballot. Does anyon...The GOP can replace him on the ballot. Does anyone know if they are planning to do so?Donaldhttp://viewbeyondbethlehem.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-20711909747111587052009-06-18T16:12:23.900-04:002009-06-18T16:12:23.900-04:00There would have been council debate anyway. I...There would have been council debate anyway. I'd like to see a write-in challenge to encourage a healthy debate. Uncontested elections are bad; not good. I get the feeling Stoffa is Roy Shuman's guy, though. If so, Shuman should do the right thing and step down. I don't advocate a Joe Long approach. I'd just like to see options and reasoned debate, especially given the importance of the position and the challenges currently faced. This is a sad day. I get the feeling John Stoffa would agree on the grounds I've stated as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com