Unofficial: Freeman Wins 77.5% Landslide Against Challenger Taiba Sultana

With all precincts in and reported, it appears that voters have decided to send State Rep. Bob Freeman back to Harrisburg for another two years to represent the 136th legislative district. He defeated Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana with 77.5% of the vote (3,985 to 1,152). That's a slightly larger margin than the 76% that Easton Mayor Sal Panto garnered when Sultana ran against him in 2019. 

Sultana's bid for the state house was hampered by what Ray Lahoud's Pa Citizens PAC called a crazy, chaotic and criminal campaign. As if to prove him correct, two of her children were nabbed by Pennsylvania State Police on election eve as they defaced Lahoud's signs. A third has been charged with corrupting the morals of minors. 

Sultana lost in every precinct but Easton 3-3, which she won by one vote. 

No Republican is running. Barring a successful undependent challenge, Freeman's re-election is assured.

Pa State Rep. Bob Freeman Raises $66k in Quest For Re-Election: Also Benefitting From Ray Lahoud

According to his latest report with the State, filed Friday, State Rep. Bob Freeman has raised $66,000 in his bid for re-election to the 136th Legislative district. He also reports $24k worth of in-kind contributions. Going into the final days of the campaign, he was sitting on nearly $63k.

His most recent report lists $26.5 in contributions from unions and fellow legislators. In-kind contributions, mostly from the Pa House Dem Campaign Commitee, appear to have funded at least three mailers. 

What about his opponent, Taiba Sultana? She has filed, but her report is still unavailable on the state website. The state elections office informs me that data from some reports is still being imported. When I see her report, I will tell you about it. 

I can tell you that an independent expenditure committee has been formed in opposition to Sultana. This committee, formed by Ray Lahoud and funded with $45,000 out of his own pocket, is exposing her as she should be exposed. 

Lahoud, incidentally, is an immigration attorney and knows all about the plight of immigrants in this country. He needs no lectures from Sultana. 

NorCo Dem Chair Condemns AntiSemitic Slurs, Fake Facebook Profiles In Apparent Reference to Sultana

NorCo Dem Chair Matt Munsey usually is Switzerland in contested Democratic primaries. Come to think of it, he's usually Switzerland in the general election as well. So it was a bit unusual for him to condemn underhanded tactics going on in one unspecified contest. Apparently, one campaign has been using fake Facebook profiles to attack a male candidate with antisemitic slurs and accusations of racism. 

Munsey fails to name the race in which this is happening, but he's clearly referring to the Sultana-Freeman contest. 

There are only two contested primaries in Northampton County for the state house. One of them is the state house race in the 131st legislative district. That's spread out over three counties and only a tiny portion (one or two voting districts) is in Northampton County. 

The other race is the state house contest between Taiba Sultana and Bob Freeman. Sultana has attacked Freeman as aligned with "elitist DINO" Lisa Boscola, whose signature was forged on Sultana's nomination petition. I have watched her call fellow Easton City Council members racist, including black member Ken Brown. I have seen her accuse them of being sexist as well. And she herself has claimed she is running against the "gerontocracy," i.e. older candidates, I also have received numerous anonymous ageist comments on this blog. I have received no anti-Semitic comments aimed at Bob Freeman, but Munsey asserts these slurs have been posted on an official government page. 

The only candidate in a contested Democratic primary with an official government page is Bob Freeman. It certainly looks like Taiba's minions are continuing the same nonsense they pulled with her nomination petitions. 

Pa.State House 136 Race: Incumbent Bob Freeman to Debate Challenger Taiba Sultana

Incumbent State Rep. Bob Freeman will square off against Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana in the race for Pa. legislative district 136. They will debate on March 5, 6 pm, at the Shiloh Chapel in Easton. (201 Brother Thomas Bright Ave.) Both are Democrats, so this race could be over in the primary election. No Republican has filed a nomination petition. 

Freeman's district includes Easton, West Easton, Glendon, Freemansburg, Hellertown, Wilson Borough, Williams Tp and parts of Palmer and Lower Saucon Tps. 

Sultana currently faces assault charges over a domestic incident with her adult son over the summer. Her criminal case is currently scheduled for April 29, although Attorney Ettore "Ed" Angelo said at her preliminary hearing that he was applying for a special program for first offenders called ARD. A conference has been scheduled before President Judge Craig Dally on March 6, the day after her debate. 

In her time on Council, she has sparred with Council members Israel's invasion of Gaza, and has asserted several times that she is a victim of their racism and sexism.   

Most recently, she submitted a nomination petition circulated by her husband that forged the signature of State Senator Lisa Boscola. When Boscola and Freeman took offense, she called them members of the gerontocracy, a slur at older people. Whether this is a smart tactic in a race and district dominated by more mature voters remains to be seen. 

On her Facebook page, She gas slammed Freeman and Boscoloa over their refusal to pass "the botan [sic] to the younger generation, they are afraid of loosing [sic] the power.

Incidentally, she's no spring chicken herself. According to her criminal docket, she is 41 years old. 

Sultana To Seek State House Seat

Two weeks ago, I told you that Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana was looking for a political consultant to help her take on popular incumbent Bob Freeman, a State Representative for  the 136th state house district. Freeman has already announced plans to seek a 20th term. 

In my view, 20 terms as a State Rep is about 15 terms too long. But I'd support him for 40 terms over a divisive character like Sultana. 

Sultana currently faces assault charges over a domestic incident with her adult son over the summer. Her criminal case is currently scheduled for April 29, although Attorney Ettore "Ed" Angelo said at her preliminary hearing that he was applying for a special program for first offenders called ARD. 

In her time on Council, she has sparred with Council members Israel's invasion of Gaza, and has asserted several times that she is a victim of their racism and sexism.   

The 137th District includes Easton, West Easton, Glendon, Freemansburg, Hellertown and portions of Palmer, Williams and Lower Saucon Tps.  

Freeman Wants to Expand State Insurance Fund For Medical Insurance

Whether you support or oppose Obamacare, I think just about everyone agrees that health insurance has simply become unaffordable. It's one of the biggest line items in both municipal and private sector budgets, and the costs just keep rising as hospitals multiply.

State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, has introduced legislation that would make health insurance more affordable for Pennsylvanians by permitting the State Workers’ Insurance Fund to sell health insurance.

The State Workers' Insurance Fund provides a workers' compensation program for Pennsylvania businesses unable access workers' comp insurance in the private sector. It is only permitted to sell workers' compensation insurance. Freeman's bill would expand its offerings to include health insurance.

"[I]t would make a quality insurance product available to Pennsylvanians at a lower cost than current rates because of its lower administrative overhead, and it would create more competition within the health insurance market," Freeman said. "In addition, by making this available in the market, it would serve as a yardstick by which to measure the fairness of rates charged by private health insurance companies."

Freeman said this would be paid for with premiums to health care subscribers and a loan from the SWIF fund, which would be paid back.

His bill was just introduced yesterday, but has attracted four co-sponsors.

Freeman Wants More Transparency in Legislature and Politics

State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, has introduced two modest bills designed to offer greater transparency regarding how money is spent by the General Assembly and who's donating to its candidates.

Legislative Audit

His first bill (H.B. 1744) would require the state auditor general to audit the General Assembly and its legislative service agencies, rather than hiring a certified public accountant.

"The auditor general is the chief watchdog of how state funds are spent," Freeman said. "His office audits the various agencies of state government on a regular basis. Having the auditor general do the legislative audits will make it a more public and transparent process and has the added benefit of saving money since the need for hiring an outside firm would no longer be required."

Freeman's bill would require the auditor general to audit all financial accounts of the General Assembly annually, and to provide for special audits if necessary. Copies of the audits would be submitted to House and Senate leaders and be made available to the public.

It;s unclear whether this audit would include the party caucuses.

This bill has 17 sponsors, including Freeman. Surprisingly, Republican Justin Simmons has agreed to co-sponsor, along with LV democrats Steve Samuelson, Pete Schweyer and Danny McNeill.  I don't see Schlossberg's name. He's probably busy renting the limo to drive Fed Ed to the Pa Society at the Waldorf.

Additional Report From Legislative Candidates  

Freeman's second bill (H.B. 1745) would require candidates for the General Assembly to follow the same expense report requirements as candidates for statewide office. Currently, both General Assembly and statewide office candidates are required to file a report on the second Friday before an election, but only candidates for statewide office are required to report on or before the sixth Tuesday before the election.

"This change would provide earlier disclosure and greater transparency on who is contributing to candidates for the General Assembly," Freeman said. "This is information voters should have access to earlier in a campaign than they currently do."

The currently required second-Friday expense report is filed just 10 days before the election. Freeman said that filing comes so close to the election that the information about where candidates are getting their contributions tends to get lost in the last week of campaign literature and other information.

The lack of newspaper coverage makes things even worse.

"This would put everything on the table and allow voters to see who is backing which candidates and what they stand for, or more importantly, who they stand with," Freeman said. "It also offers candidates the benefit of saving time and effort when filing their second Friday report because they would have already reported finance information just over a month earlier."

Both measures are expected to be referred to the House State Government Committee for review.

As weak a reform as this is, Freeman only has 13 sponsors, including himself. Locally, only Danny McNeill has joined him.

I contacted Freeman to discuss this legislation with him, but fortunately, he is stuck  in Harrisburg and is actually working on resolving the state budget impasse at this moment.

I consider both bills extremely weak. A 6th Tuesday report means very little because most money is not collected until much closer to the election. But when a report is filed, wouldn't it be nice to see it online? Shouldn't state candidates be required to efile their reports so they can be viewed immediately? Shouldn't all report, for every office, be available online in the County where the candidate is running?

Freeman Wants to Tweak Recreation Fees

State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, has issued a news release concerning a bill that will give municipalities greater flexibility in targeting recreation fees to benefit all residents of their communities. The way things are now, recreation fees that municipalities receive from new development may only be used inside that new development. The result, according to Freeman, is a pocket park that no one uses. Freeman's bill would allow municipalities to use the money for recreational facilities anywhere inside their borders.

Freeman's bill passed the Pennsylvania Senate today approved the bill 49-0, and sent it back to the House for concurrence on some technical changes. The House vote is expected to occur in the coming days.

"Parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities are important to our quality of life," Freeman said. "They promote green space in the community, safeguard the environment and give people of all ages a place for exercise and recreation. My bill would ease the restrictions on the use of the recreation fees municipalities receive from developers, so that funding can be more wisely used to benefit the lives of all area residents."

Freeman: Schools Need a Supply of EpiPens

Sometime last year, I developed a serious allergy to dairy products, which are in many products. Though I am careful, I sometimes screw up. When I do, I pay the price. Last year, I actually passed out due to a suddenly dropping blood pressure and hit my head on the way down. When I woke up a few minutes later, I had a nice gash.

But I'm lucky. A food allergy can kill, especially when it's a child who is affected. That's why I'm happy to hear that State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton has introduced a bill that would require schools to maintain a stock of epinephrine auto-injectors and permit authorized personnel to administer them. The bill is designed to save the lives of our children.

"The number of children with reported food allergies has increased dramatically over the past two decades, with many unaware that they even have a food allergy," explains Freeman. "By requiring schools to maintain a supply of EpiPens, my legislation can save the life of a child experiencing anaphylaxis."

Studies have shown that between 16 and 18 percent of children with food allergies have had allergic reactions because they've accidentally ingested the food allergen while at school. And, up to 25 percent of severe allergic reactions occurred in children with no prior history of life-threatening allergies.

Freeman's proposal strengthens a 2010 law that permits a student with severe allergies to carry an epinephrine injector with the approval of the student's doctor and parents.

Food allergy reactions may include hives, itching hands, feet and even ears, a runny rose and severe abdominal pain. "EpiPens deliver medicine quickly, effectively slowing down the reaction until emergency personnel can arrive," says Freeman. "That is why it is so crucial for schools to have EpiPen supplies on hand."

Freeman Wants More Transparency in Campaign Finance

From State Rep Bob Freeman – State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, has introduced legislation that would require Pennsylvania House and Senate candidates to file campaign expense reports at more frequent intervals in order to create a more transparent record-keeping process during an election year.

The legislation (H.B. 1175) would require candidates for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to file campaign expense reports on or before the sixth Tuesday before the election, in addition to the second Friday before the election. They are currently required to file on the second Friday before the election. However, only candidates for statewide office are required to file by the sixth Tuesday before the election.

"The change would provide earlier disclosure and greater transparency on who is contributing to candidates for the General Assembly," Freeman said. "This is information voters should have access to earlier in a campaign than they currently do."

The currently required second-Friday expense report is filed just 10 days before the election. Freeman said that filing comes so close to the election that the information about where a candidate is getting their contributions tends to get lost in the last week of campaign literature and other information.

"This would put everything on the table and allow voters to see who is backing which candidates and what they stand for, or more importantly, who they stand with," Freeman said.

The measure was referred to the House State Government Committee for consideration.

Bob Freeman: Keep Lottery Here

Which of these two just won the lottery?

Plans to privatize the Pennsylvania State Lottery system are being questioned by State Rep. Bob Freeman. He joined over 45 Democratic State House colleagues at a Capitol news conference this week to reiterate their concern about the governor's quick decision to award the management of the state lottery to a private firm based in the United Kingdom.

The Pennsylvania Lottery was first established in 1971. It funds older Pennsylvanians with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, free and reduced-fare transit; low-cost prescription drug programs known as PACE and PACENET, long-term living services as well as 53 area agencies on aging and senior centers throughout the state. But Governor Corbett has stated that privatization will give him another $50 million for these programs.

Freeman is unswayed.

"There is no need to privatize the lottery," Freeman said. "The Pennsylvania Lottery is the most successful state lottery in the nation. With profits of $1 billion, that funding goes directly to programs for senior citizens. It has increased profits substantially in the last few years and has proven to be a well-maintained program.

"The expansion that Camelot, the private management firm, promises to develop is something that can be handled in-house. We don't need to divert funding from programs for Pennsylvania seniors to hire a private management firm to tell us how to run the operation. Instead of wasting millions of dollars on consultants, let's make sure that money goes to benefit senior citizens directly.

"Beyond these concerns, there are others, such as the limited legislative oversight and the many unanswered questions that still remain with the governor's contract. This week's Senate committee meeting was lacking in answers. I hope these items can be addressed when the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee explores the privatization plan next week," Freeman said.

Inky columnist John Baer has questioned why Governor Corbett would want to fix something that isn't broken.

Freeman's Mobile Home Bill Passes State House

State Rep. Bob Freeman's bill to protect trailer park tenants sailed through the state house yesterday in a 190-7 vote. Basically, it requires manufactured housing community owners to provide adequate notification and offer protections and compensation to their tenants when they sell the community to be developed as another use.

Freeman introduced this bill after the Barbosa Trailer Park, located in Bethlehem Township, was sold to a developer without giving tenants enough time to find alternative housing.

"Currently, there are no adequate protections for tenants when a manufactured housing community is sold," Freeman said. "As in the case of the Barbosa Trailer Park, residents should have received more advance notification of the sale and a guarantee of compensation for the cost of moving or losing their homes. This bill would provide those protections for all such sales, while addressing the concerns of both community owners and tenants."

The bill would require manufactured home community owners, when closing the community, to provide at least 60 days notice to tenants, the Pa. Housing Finance agency and the home municipality. Tenants get six months to find another home, as well as some relocation money.
·
Freeman claims his bill is a consensus among advocates for residents and the industry itself.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Voter ID? No Big Deal, or Is It?

Steve Samuelson, Joe Brennan, Bob Freeman all vote No.

Signed into law by Governor Corbett late yesterday, Pennsylvania's controversial new voter ID law was adopted almost entirely along party lines. That's almost never a good idea, whether it's voter ID "reform" or the sweeping changes to health insurance that gave birth to the tea party.

Locally, two State Reps. have condemned this legislation. Joe Brennan (D-Lehigh/Northampton) calls it a "terrible bill intended to disenfranchise and suppress our Pennsylvania citizens from being a part of the democratic process." Bob Freeman (D - Northampton) adds that the legislation is "unnecessary," and worries that "the group of people most hurt by this legislation will be our senior citizens."

Freeman points to an 86-year-old World War II veteran from Aurora, Ohio, who was prevented from voting earlier this month because of Ohio's new photo voter ID law. He did not have a driver's license and his veteran's ID was not acceptable.

"That story will be replicated here in Pennsylvania over and over again," predicts Freeman. "Shame on those who support this legislation if it puts veterans in that position so they cannot cast a ballot -- they who defended this country, and that's what this legislation would do."

Brennan points out that the League of Women Voters, AARP and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania all opposed this legislation, which will cost from $4.3 million to $11 million. Brennan added that there likely will be additional costs to defend the legislation in court. A judge in Wisconsin has struck down that state's voter identification after a legal challenge. The U.S. Justice Department blocked South Carolina's voter ID bill in December and has stepped in to block Texas’ voter ID law.

"This bill is nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars attempting to fix a problem that doesn't even exist," Brennan said. "Voter ID is a waste of time and taxpayer money when we should be focused on jobs and the economy."

During the House debate, Republicans downplayed the ID requirement, noting correctly that we must produce IDs for cigarettes, beer, or even to get into our gym.

What's the big deal?

Feisty Philly State Rep Babette Josephs answers the "What's the big deal?" argument in the video clip below. "Nobody dies to swim in a pool, no matter how good he or she was at swimming. Nobody died to buy a pack of smokes. Nobody died for the right to buy a drink. Nobody died for the right to open a credit account or a bank account. We have died - we are dying now - for the right to vote. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the big deal."

Well said, Babette. Well said.

Easton Gets $300,000 For Northampton St. Buildings

Freeman, flanked by Marcia Hahn and Julie Harhart

FROM STATE REP. BOB FREEMAN: – State Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, announced that the Easton Redevelopment Authority has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the state's Local Share Assessment Account program.

The grant will be used to renovate the former WEST radio and A and D Tile buildings, as well as a vacant lot on Northampton Street. The buildings will house two commercial spaces on the first floor, 23 residential units and on-premise parking.

"This grant is welcome news for the project," Freeman said. "Anytime we can redevelop our downtown areas to take advantage of existing structures without tearing down and completely rebuilding, it is a positive outcome."

Combined, the two buildings represent a half acre of land along Easton's main street.

The Local Share Assessment Account was established by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing and Gaming Development Act, and is funded by the state's gaming facilities to support community and economic projects.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority administers and finances projects included in the Local Share Assessment Account Program. The CFA also oversees the state's Building PA program, Business in Our Sites program, PennWorks, New PA Venture Capital Investment, New Pennsylvania Venture Guarantee, Tax Increment Financing Guarantee and Second Stage Loan programs. Each of these programs is aimed at using targeted state investment to attract private capital for economic development in all regions of the state and for all types of industries.

Updated 2/1/12, 11:00 PM: The pic above was taken during an unrelated County Council meeting last year. I apologize to anyone who was misled.

Reichley Delivers Reality Check at State Budget Forum

OK, so he's not going to make the cover of GQ anytime soon. When he does speak, he's a tad on the dry side. But of the for four State Representatives who appeared at a CACLV-sponsored forum in Southside Bethlehem last week, it was Doug Reichley who impressed me most. Sure, he looks as though he'd rather be going through root canal. But he listened to what people had to say, from Safe Harbor resident Tiffany to environmental activist Don Miles. Through it all, he insisted he would oppose any attempt to increase taxes. But he listened.

You can read my story about that forum over at Easton Patch. Alan Jennings, a strident advocate for the voiceless, packed Fowler Community Center with LV residents under the budget axe.

State Representatives Joe Brennan, Bob Freeman and Steve Samuelson were the three Democrats on this panel. All three are sponsors of the Delaware Loophole bill, which could bring an additional $500 million into state coffers, while lowering the corporate net income tax from 9.99% to 7.4% over three years. All three Democrats also support a severance tax on Marcellus Shale, while Reichley prefers an "impact fee."

According to Reichley, Corbett's budget is just a "proposal." He prefers a more "balanced approach," and hinted that an "impact fee" might generate some additional revenue, but not enough.

But no tax hike. "I was at a candidates' night last week of school board candidates where four of them promised they will not raise property taxes to abounding applause from, primarily, seniors. So we're gonna' have the Armageddon of school district battles in East Penn of people who are opposed to tax increases against people who have kids in school. And that's as it should be. There's no more ducking this issue. We overspent the last few years."

Reichley added that Republicans are looking at a proposal, down the road, of eliminating all operating money that goes to state related colleges, including community colleges, and giving the money to PHEAA for grants to families and students "to put the bargaining power back in the hands of the families who are paying the tuition, and create competitive pressure on the institutions to provide you the best bargain."

You can read more about the proposed cuts to education, environment, human services and weed 'n seed at Easton Patch. Everyone present had sound suggestions. And Joe Brennan announced his legislative district, in which the forum was held, has been rated the best legislative district in the universe.

I personally would support the Delaware Loophole and either an impact fee or, preferably, a severance tax. Legislators need to enact legislation reducing the number of school districts. They did it once before in the '60s, reducing school districts from 2,000 to 500.

Bob Freeman v. Ron Shegda Next Wednesday

Freeman-Shegda Debate

Ron Shegda, Jesus in Disguise

Yesterday, I told you that Hellertown wing nut Ron Shegda has finally been kicked out of the LV Tea Party. At their September 10 meeting, he was caught handing out copies of his latest CD, entitled "Ron Shegda for PA State Rep 136th." It even includes some of his biggest hits, like "Two Minutes of Wisdom with Ron Shegda" and "This Ron's for You!" He continued passing out CDs and political flyers after being asked to stop.

But Ron has an explanation. He's Jesus in disguise. I guess he can probably go back in time and erase this unhappy event and, while he's at it, this blog. Here's his rambling explanation, which strangely makes perfect sense to me.

"Friends, This is both harsh and anonymous. Accusers should not stand behind a French Revolution-style "Organizing Committee." Believe it or not, I am a sentient soul and recognize the writer! Very doctrinaire!!

"You expel one of Your own, present from Day 1. I have likely brought in more Members to LVTea than anyone. My name is Jesus in disguise!

"I have not 'continually ignored' warnings. No one has been more respectful. Except . . . I relied on inter-personal affections, and wanted to share, while asking with eye contact, privately, interpersonally, our new CD, when I had to go.

"The plan was enjoyment not ugliness. Jesus knew that on the cross.

"Does LVTea forego interpersonal affections? Moses faced the same problem with his Right Arm, Joshua. Joshua was 'The Rules Man.'

"Do You condemn me for my right to hand out Flyers OUTSIDE the building? I privately asked Julian [Stolz] [no relation to Joshua or Moses] if he could do the same with the remaining Flyers after the meeting. I had to go and my Disabled Sister was sick and hungry at home. Yes, a Down Lady has supported the Tea Movement more than You know! She was on the phone with me when I saw the Flyers on a table inside which I previously gave Julian discreetly. But my Sister was crying and I kept walking. I should have picked them up. Shame on me!

"3 Traits of a Christian (from my forthcoming book):
1) Always in trouble.
2) Never afraid.
3) Wildly happy.

"Community Yes! Government Less. RonS
Candidate, PA House of Representatives"

So the local Tea Party has just dumped a Christian who's even writing a book about it. Shegda, using his disabled sister as a prop, claims that she had called him from home, crying and hungry. No cookies. Funny thing. I saw her at that meeting, so I don't know how the hell she could have been at home. But I forgot. Ron Shegda is Jesus in disguise.

Ron Shegda Excommunicated by LV Tea Party

State House candidate Ron Shegda, who is challenging incumbent Bob Freeman, has been booted out of the LV Tea Party for using non-profit meetings to promote his campaign.
Ron Shegda

Freeman v. Shegda, or Wonk v. Wingnut

On Friday, I spent my lunch hour listening to wonks discuss the perilous state of our municipal finance during a well-attended RenewLV brown bag session in downtown Easton. I actually had been looking forward to it, a sure indication of just how boring I've become. I'll have a separate post on that little adventure soon, but my focus right now is on one of the wonks who attended and participated heavily in that mini-seminar. He even brought a brown bag! He's Bob Freeman, a state representative seeking re-election to the state house. His opponent, for the third time in a row, is Northampton County Oddball Ron Shegda. Some might portray this as a battle between elitist liberalism and populist conservatism, but the reality is that this is a confrontation between a man of integrity who does his homework, and another who has an increasingly unhealthy obsession with getting elected to something.

It's wonk v. wingnut. The battleground is the 136th Legislative District: (City of Easton; Boroughs of Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, West Easton and Wilson; Townships of Bethlehem wards 3, 4 (district 1), Lower Saucon (Hellertown, Leithsville, Lower Saucon, Shimersville and Wassergass districts), Williams).

Republican: Ron Shegda
Webpage located here.
His YouTube channel indicates he really likes Lou Rawls' "You'll never find another love like mine."

Campaign Finance: Two online reports indicate that philanthropists Roland & Doris Sigal are Shegda's biggest contributors, having kicked in $7,800 so far this year. In return, Shegda carts Sigal to ball games. LV Conservative Voice PAC, which snubbed LV Congressman Charlie Dent at a pre-primary candidates' forum, actually gave him $300. The only other candidate who got anything from them is payjacker Sam Rohrer.

Shegda is blatantly using the supposedly "nonpolitical" LV Tea Party to fund his local radio program ("They're paying for this microphone because people in the tea party movement care about this nation."), In a recent broadcast from "Tea Party Platz," the local tea party pays for video that features two "Ron Shegda for State Representative" signs. As Shegda drones on, some kid in the video does a dumb bell workout while occasionally giving thumbs up signals at Shegda's campaign signs.

In addition to the LV Tea Party, nonprofit Notre Dame High School briefly linked to his radio show until this blog called attention to the politics.

Shegda annoyed the hell out of Bobby Gunther Walsh on WAEB Radio when this perpetual candidate said he's running to "serve people with the abilities God gave me."

He is against polygamy.

Democrat: Bob Freeman (incumbent)
Webpage located here.

Campaign Finance: Two online reports reveal his campaign treasury has $33,000, but he's only raised $750 over the first two election cycles.

Bob chairs the state house local government committee, where he shepherded the Elm Street Bill through the state legislature. That program helps revitalize older residential neighborhoods. He is currently working on legislation that will provide grant money for municipalities who struggle with revenue lost to tax exempt properties.

Should Pa. Veterans Have Off on Veterans' Day?

That's what State Rep. Joe Brennan thinks, and he's introduced legislation to make it happen. "It seems appropriate to me that veterans should have the right to observe the special day that is named after them in any manner they see fit," said Joe.

Under Brennan's legislation, veterans would be excused from work on Veterans' Day. Employers could either grant these employees a paid day off or simply approve the employee's request without pay.

Locally, state Rep. Bob Freeman has already signed on as a co-sponsor.