Rendell: Callahan is NOT a Wuss

Before an enthusiastic crowd of about 220 supporters at the Bleu Event Center, former Governor Ed Rendell endorsed Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan for Northampton County Executive last night. He did so in his own inimitable style, after being introduced by former state Rep. Rich Grucela.

"Let me ask you a question," Rendell started. "If you were trying to decide who would be a county executive, and you had a Mayor who presided for almost a decade over a City, and that City was named by Money Magazine as one of the best hundred places to live in America, and that City was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the hundred best places to do business in America, wouldn't you elect that Mayor?"

The crowd on hand was a Who's Who of local politicos. Easton Mayor Sal Panto, State Rep. Steve Samuelson, State Senator Lisa Boscola, Bethlehem Mayor candidate J. Willie Reynolds, Palmer Supervisor Ann Marie Panella, Bethlehem City Council members Karen Dolan and Mike Rechiutti and numerous political hopefuls were in the house, dodging vegetarian egg rolls and chicken fingers to work the crowd.

Even Jennifer Sletvold, a Republican judicial candidate, was introducing herself, accompanied by Lehigh County Commissioner hopeful Susan Wild. Two of Jennifer's opponents, Chris Spadoni and Abe Kassis, were also making the rounds.

Evil Jim Hickey was there, insulting everyone. Dressed in jeans like me, he slammed Sheriff Randy Miller's dress shirt and laughed as he made people cry.

But I wanted to hear from the people who came out to see Callahan. Here's a sampling of what they said.

Carol Ritter: "I think he did a nice job in Bethlehem. If you look at the economic development projects that have gone on since he's been there, it's impressive. I love Bethlehem."

Laurel Mikovits: "He's a positive guy. He's got a real handle on what makes cities move forward. He's a good leader."

Faye North: "He's a real, positive people person. He is by far the best candidate we have in the Lehigh Valley for any office. He will be a great County Executive."

Rolf Treisner: "He moves the City forward. I don't agree with everything he's done. I like 'em all. But I know John better. I've seen what he's done."

Sam Royer: "I see him take stands for things that need to be done instead of 'I'm just going to try to be popular.'"

These are what people were saying before Rendell spoke. After the Governor was finished, Callahan picked up a few more votes. Rendell provided a voter's guide that can be used in any race of three things to look for in a candidate.

Rendell: Three Things You Should Look For in Any Candidate

During his endorsement of Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan last night, former Governor Ed Rendell gave some pretty good advice. It's not just on who to pick for Northampton County Executive, but for any office. And it's advice that really should apply to candidates in both parties.

First, "Make sure that the candidate has a good head. Smart enough to understand all the issues that are brought before him or her, and someone who is also smart enough to know that they're not the smartest person in the room." - Rendell claims Callahan had the intelligence of an Einstein, or at least of Lisa Boscola ... or Sal Panto.

Second, "You gotta' want someone who has a good heart. ... I do believe that government has a job to do in promoting growth, but also in protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Our very youngest, our very oldest, our disabled, our challenged. We have to be there for them. No ifs, ands or buts about it. And we have to create opportunities for people who've never had opportunities. I think government can do that if it's led by someone with a great heart." - Rendell claims Callahan has the "heart of Mother Therese".

Third, "We need someone who isn't a wuss. Too many elected officials don't have the courage of their own convictions. ... If you run for office and you don't believe that there's some things you want to get done, some things you want to protect against, that are important enough to risk your job, then save us the trouble. Don't run. Don't run. You have to have the courage. Do you know what the most difficult thing to do in politics is? When public opinion is against something and you know you gotta' do that because, in the long run, it's gonna' come out well for the public. .. You gotta' have the courage to do it." - Rendell claims Callahan has the "courage of a lion", and after his unpopular stance in favor of a single trash hauler in Bethlehem, I'm inclined to agree.

The Callahan Steamroller is in Full Throttle

First Cartwright. Then Rendell. The John Callahan steamroller is in full throttle, cruising its way to a primary victory in May. That's the impression I got last night when Ed Rendell endorsed the Bethlehem Mayor for Northampton County Executive.

Aside from all the luminaries who have come out of the woodwork for Callahan, there's his operation itself.

Callahan spent last weekend knocking on 500 doors in Easton. No matter how much money you have, that is still the most effective way to campaign. Personal contact. Especially is a race that will have a low turnout.

But it does not end with him. In every municipality, he has at least one person knocking on doors, getting the word out. Last night, he asked the 220+ crowd for their help, knocking on doors or making calls.

Rendell Stumping For Callahan, Not Reibman

In his campaign literature, Northampton County Exec candidate Glenn Reibman includes a forty or fifty year old picture of him with former two-term Governor Ed Rendell. He quotes Rendell as having said, "Glenn Reibman's vision and leadership in economic development is unmatched by anyone." Looks like Rendell has found a match. He's coming to the Lehigh Valley to stump for Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.

That's what happens when you quote someone in your campaign literature without getting his approval first.

Rendell will campaign in Bethlehem Township in support of Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan’s bid for Northampton County Executive. The former Governor will headline a rally for Callahan on Tuesday, March 26 at 6PM at The Event Center at Blue (4431 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, Pa.  18020).

Everyone is welcome. Even the press. Even the pseudo press. Even bottom-feeding bloggers.

“As a former fellow Mayor, Ed Rendell understood the unique challenges that the city of Bethlehem faced," claims Callahan. "I always knew Bethlehem had a friend in Harrisburg when Ed Rendell was Governor and I’m honored to have his support.”

While Governor Rendell was in office, Mayor Callahan served for two years as the President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and was appointed to the statewide Ben Franklin Technology Board, which created the first keystone innovation zone in south Bethlehem, helping to build a neighborhood with high tech jobs for the 21st century.

The Callahan Campaign is asking those who can afford it to for a $25 contribution at the door.

If you want to avoid seeing me, it will be $1,000.

Governor Rendell's Budget Speech

I. Rendell: Republicans Can't Govern Their Way Out of a Paper Bag

I'm a blogger, not a reporter. I never pretend to be objective and am so damn opinionated that even insurance salesmen avoid me. But in this Presidential race, I'm about as close as I can get to being objective. This is an accident brought on by hopeless confusion. I was leaning Obama until Palin entered the fray. She's so damn conservative she's sued George Bush over environmental restrictions designed to protect polar bears. But she's also a refreshing breath of fresh air.

So I'm a mess.

Governor Ed Rendell held a telephone press conference yesterday, and I was actually invited. I learned two things. First, I'm still confused. Second, even governors make stupid remarks when talking to a reporter whose questions and comments reveal a very partisan slant. This news conference will come to you in four parts.

Philadelphia Daily News (Catherine Lucey): Given that the economy is the number one issue in the race and given the overall public hatred of President Bush, why do you think there is still so much reluctance among certain parts of the country and in parts of Pennsylvania to support Senator Obama, particularly the so-called Reagan Democrats, who don't seem to be getting on board?

"Well, first of all, I would refer you - although I don't do polls this early in a campaign - but the latest polls in Pennsylvania show Senator Obama winning in Pennsylvania by seven and five per cent. That would be bigger than John Kerry's margin and, in one case, would be bigger than Al Gore's margin.

"I'm not sure that's entirely true, but look- the Republicans can't govern worth a damn. They can't govern their way out of a paper bag. But they sure can campaign well. They are the best at --- [at this point, someone at DNC attempts to conduct another news conference on the same line until someone points out he's on the wrong line] ---

"As I said, they can't govern well, but they sure do campaign well. They would make the all-time all-star team for spiders the way they can spin. They've spun a lot of disinformation about Senator Obama, including taxes, including personal things about his record.

"They decry his experience as a community organizer. Well, number one, I know a lot of community organizers who make tough decisions every day. 'Can I help this person? No. I gotta help that person. I'd love to have enough resources to help everybody but I've gotta' do triage.' Community organizers make those tough decisions, sometimes life and death decisions, that often politicians don't make.

"Secondly, ---

Reporter Catherine Lucey: They're attacking him for something he did when he was twenty-four and twenty-five years old. [Laughing] Come on! Gimme a break!

"But they're great spinners. They're great obfuscators. They set up smoke screens and do it well.

"I believe I'm a credible voice, at least for Democrats and Independents in this Commonwealth, and I've gotta' get out there and tell 'em the truth on taxes, tell 'em the truth on the economic plans, tell 'em the truth on renewable energy, where I think I have pretty good credentials.

"So I intend to be very, very active. Evenings, weekends, sometimes in the middle of the day if I have to, but I intend to be very active in spreading that message. I want every Democrat in this country - every active Democrat, not just elected office holders but every volunteer - to have a tax comparison sheet with them at all times."

Blogger's Note: Photo Stolen From Phildelphia Will Do. Sue me.

II. Rendell: If I Did What Palin Did, I'd Be Impeached

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Jim O'Toole): A lot of people vote for President or any other office on a kind of visceral level. ... In particular, how might Governor Palin play in Pennsylvania?

"Well, first of all, let me say that it should be embarrassing to the Republican ticket that Jim Davis, Senator McCain's campaign manager, said this election's not about issues.

"Good Lord, with all the challenges facing America, the deterioration of the American economy, it has to be about issues. With 47-48 million Americans without health care, it has to be about issues.

"They don't want to talk about issues because they know, when the truth comes out about issues, the American people's support of Senator Obama is going to be overwhelming. So they try to make it about 'tax and spend' and all that stuff, and at the same time, they try to attack Senator Obama personally.

"Let me give you an example. They say that Senator Obama is too inexperienced to be President, but Governor Palin, because of her executive experience, as the mayor of a small, 9,000 person, town and as Governor of Alaska for twenty months, has that executive experience.

"Well, I refer you to a campaign document that they put out when Tim Kaine, the Governor of Virginia, was being considered for Vice President. They attacked Governor Kaine's inexperience. They said he was unfit to be president because he had only been mayor of the 105th largest city in the country - Richmond. So they derided Richmond because it was the 105th largest city. I think Governor Palin was mayor of the 50,000th largest city in America. They derided Governor Kane because he's been Governor of Virginia for less than - more than - two years. Virginia is one of the twenty most populous states in the union. Governor Palin has only been Governor for twenty months of a state that is in the bottom ten in terms of population. So if it's fair game for him to say that Governor Kaine was not qualified, given his credentials, then clearly Governor Palin is unqualified. She doesn't have the experience to be President and it's their words. You all received that press briefing or should look it up and juxtapose it with Governor Palin's experience.

"They try to obscure the facts about Governor Palin.

"'She's a reformer. She's against earmarks.' Well, no, she isn't. When she was mayor of that little town, she hired lobbyists and got plenty of earmarks.

"'She's a reformer. She was against the bridge to nowhere.' Well, not exactly. She was for the bridge to nowhere at first.

"'She's a tax cutter and budget balancer.' Well, she left her little town in greater debt than when she became mayor. So she's not exactly a budget balancer.

"You could go on and on and on. Make no mistake. I know her from the National Governors' Association. I like her. She's a good person. I think she has tremendous potential, but she in no way, shape or form is ready to be President of the United States.

"That's something you gotta' get across to the American people. We gotta' get across the true picture of the things Governor Palin has done and what she hasn't done.

"She's a reformer, yet she's being investigated on charges that she used her power as Governor to have - to try to order a Cabinet secretary to fire someone who went through a messy divorce with a relative of hers.

"Can you guys imagine in Pennsylvania, if I did the same thing, you'd be calling for my impeachment.

"So, I think you gotta' keep trying to get the facts across. And even a visceral attack dog like we are talking about, dissipates."

Blogger's Note: Rendell fires staffer Chuck Ardo at least once every other week.

III. Will Rendell be Obama's Golem?

Thanks to fellow blogger Michael Molovinsky, a genteel Gentile like me knows all about the legend of the Golem, which is kinda' like Superman with a yarmulke. Will Rendell be Obama's golem?

Morning Call (John Micek): Senator Biden and Senator Schumer were in South Florida over the weekend, campaigning heavily among that state's Jewish population. Given the fact that Senator Obama still has trouble locking down support there, I'm wondering if you can talk about whether or not he might face the same troubles in Pennsylvania and what campaigning you might do there for him.

"Well, first of all, remember George Bush - President Bush - did very well among Jewish voters against John Kerry and against Al Gore. So by no means are Jewish voters automatically Democratic. I think there are a number of Jewish Democrats who are not yet sold on the Obama-Biden ticket and that have some concerns, particularly about the Israeli question, the Middle East question.

"I think that it is gonna' take some active campaigning by surrogates like Senator Schumer, but also by Joe Biden, who has tremendous respect of the Jewish community all over the country. Joe will be a very strong supporter, and he'll bring back most of the Jewish Democrats.

"To the extent that I can be helpful, I will do anything the Obama campaign asks me to do. I went to a gathering in Cheltenham of about three hundred Jewish Democrats and I spoke on behalf of Senator Obama and I'll continue to do that if the campaign wants me to do it.

"I was asked to do this by the campaign. I was very happy to do it because I think what's going on is reprehensible. Senator McCain promised he's gonna' run an honorable campaign. It is not honorable to lie about something as fundamental as your opponent's plan on taxes."

Blogger's Note: For a professional's take on yesterday's news conference, check out John Micek's always entertaining Capitol Ideas. Amazingly, he left his own question on the cutting room floor. It was a good one, John!

IV. Rendell: Hillary Supporters Will Back Obama

Patriot News (Charlie Thompson): Are you concerned that some of the Hillary Clinton supporters, especially the women supporters of Hillary Clinton, are still feeling conflicted about their choices this Fall because of Governor Palin's selection, and that they may jump to the McCain ticket or stay home in November?

"No, I doubt that. I think, number one, Hillary Clinton got a lot of her supporters back with her speech. Some of them may have wavered because of the selection of Governor Palin, but when more and more about Governor Palin comes out, I think that will convince those people to support Senator Obama and Senator Biden.

"Secondly, I think you're gonna' see very active campaigning from Senator Clinton all the way from Nebraska to Pennsylvania. She's going to be a very good messenger.

"You know, just because Governor Palin's a woman - that's great and it's historic - but on the other hand, you gotta' look beyond that to the issues and what positions she takes. Once the Clinton supporters focus on those, I think 95-96-97 % will vote for the Obama-Biden ticket."

Ed Rendell: Republicans Lying About Obama's Tax Plan

About a year ago, I attended Northampton County Exec John Stoffa news conference, concerning our voting machines. Unfortunately, my post about that very serious matter was a little irreverent. I was more focused on Stoffa's superman statue and the Channel 69 reporter who kept undressing me with her eyes than I was with the very serious matter of voting machines, which is very serious.

Next thing I know, Northampton County Dem Bossman Joe Long issues a edict ex cathedra, banning me from participating in any more news conferences.

What the hell is this county coming to? You legitimize Bernie O'Hare as press, at a meeting that is important to all citizens of this county. This meeting had to do with the serious issue of voting and you evidently think it is a humorous side show, by inviting a blogger who has no credibility in this county. (Check his record). I have attached a copy of his blog and comments, that had been emailed to me. I ask you to cease and desist from treating O'Hare as legitimate press. Thank you.

Sink me!

Unfortunately, Long forgot to tell the DNC and Governor Ed Rendell. Thanks to both, I was invited to participate in a Rendell telephone press conference late today in Lancaster.

Chairman Joe's going to be so upset his moustache might fall off.

Tomorrow, I will give you the Governor's remarks in his own words. By way of preview, here's a little shocker. Rendell thinks Republicans are a bunch of no good liars who are misleading us about Obama's tax plan. "They need to stop misleading - stop lying - about Senator Obama's tax plan." Basically, Rendell is trying to take the wind out of McCain's sails before Obama's ship glides into Lancaster's port tomorrow.

AP: Why are you responding before he comes?

Rendell: "Well, because I'm tired that virtually every speaker lied about Obama's tax plans for America. They said he would raise taxes, not cut taxes. The truth is, for 95%, he is gonna' cut taxes."

PolitickerPA has an excellent, and brief, summary. I'll have details tomorrow.

Mr. Baseball Tries to Buy His Very Own Northampton County Judge

Ever hear of Baltimore lawyer Peter G. Angelos? Known as Mr. Baseball, Angelos has pretty much destroyed the Orioles. But his control over Maryland's legislature is so legendary that his measures are simply called "Angelos bills." He's a heavy campaign contributor in Maryland, but gives to candidates throughout the country. He's Joe Biden's number one contributor ($156,250) and is rated #4 for Pat Leahy. ($38,700).

Here in the Keystone state, Angelos has dropped a whopping $210,000 on Governor Ed Rendell since 2000. Right here in Northampton County, AG hopeful has picked up another $150,200.

Lamont McClure, the asbestos lawyer who won a county council victory against unknown Mark Schwartz by a scant 91 votes, just happens to work for Angelos. If you look over his finance reports, you'll see lots of dough from Angelos' attorneys.

I think it's safe to say Angelos is trying to buy what he wants, whether it's baseball teams, legislation or politicians. It's pay to play, baby.

According to a highly placed source, I learned that Mr. Baseball has been whispering sweet nothin's in Mr. Eagles' ear. Seems that Pete wants something in return for his $210,000 investment. That something is a Northampton County judge.

Angelos must know a lot about Northampton County because he's asking Rendell to appoint one of his cronies to the vacancy created when Judge Freedberg ascended to the heavens of superior court. Guess who?

Lamont McClure? You're half right. The person that Mr. Baseball would like to see seated on Northampton County's bench is actually Sandy McClure, Lamont's wife. Although she's an Assistant District Attorney, I don't know that she's ever even tried a case. You'll have a rough time ever finding her in a courtroom. About the only time you'll ever see her is when she wonders the halls at the government center, pressuring county workers on county time to sign her husband's nomination petitions.

If I were her, I'd hold off on ordering that judicial robe. It's gonna' take a much bigger bribe than $210,000 before Ed Rendell appoints her to the bench. If he does, she'll run into a buzzsaw in the senate.

Let Us All Bow Our Heads and Pray for Governor Rendell

If anything happens to Rendell, Catherine Baker Knoll becomes our Guv.

Who'd Have Guessed? Morganelli Claims He's Close

In a goofy push poll that inexplicably fails to include candidate Jim Eisenhower, sleazeball consultant Tom Severson claims Northampton County DA John Morganelli is in a "statistical tie" in the race to become AG Dem nominee. This poll is posted at PoliticsPa.

Morganelli is simply delighted. "Ed Rendell was behind 35% against Bob Casey, Jr. in the 2002 Primary for Governor when he started out and went on to win a landslide. We are neck and neck.”

John is a friend of mine. He's no Ed Rendell.

Rendell: Cunningham Would Make a Fine Governor

Governor Ed Rendell was the sole guest Monday night on Tony Iannelli's Business Matters. Incidentally, that's really a terrific show for folks interested in politics. Although very careful not to endorse anyone, Rendell made clear that Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham would make a "fine" governor.

Cunningham has had a "great local experience" as Bethlehem mayor and Lehigh County exec, and also has state experience while serving in Rendell's cabinet. The only downside, in Rendell's view, is money. He needs a lot more of the green stuff, and soon, if he expects to be taken seriously.

LVPoliblog recently interviewed Cunningham, who claims he won't make a final decision in 2010.

As far as Rendell's own political ambitions are concerned, he won't ride on someone else's bandwagon as a VP candidate. But he'd love to be Energy or Transportation Secretary.

Rendell Caption Contest Winner

On Friday, I asked you to provide a caption that goes best with this picture. Winner gets lunch with Angle or a guest post at which I am barred from any critical commentary. There were, as expected, a lot of noodle jokes. But this is the winning entry.

"There is this much truth to everything I say."

This was submitted by Anon 10:35. The winner can contact me at BOHare5948@aol.com. I sure hope there's only one Anon 10:35.

Rendell Caption Contest

Micek started this crap earlier this month. He posted a provocative picture of the Guv, and asked you to come up with a caption.

This is a much better picture, and it's just begging for a caption.

Winner of the best caption, to be decided on Monday, gets (1) free lunch with Ron Angle, or (2) a guest blog in which I am barred from offering any critical commentary.

Rendell Should Keep His Philly Nose Out of Pa 15th Congressional District

In his homily to the party faithful in late March, bossman Joe Long told local Dems why they need to get behind Sam Bennett.

Money.

Bennett, unlike other local Dems, can attract funds from the big money people and DCCC. Other candidates will just confuse the folks in DC.

Well, Sam Bennett's first campaign finance report is in, and it appears that all those promises from political forecaster Long were just pipe dreams. Bennett has less cash on hand than any other candidate seeking a congressional seat in Pennsylvania, except for Congressman Todd Platts, an incumbent with no announced opponent.

Quelle surprise!

Of the $63,022.56 total that Sam pulled in with her trusty garden rakes, there's no DCCC money at all! Most of her $24,000 in PAC money comes from unions. Any Democrat who announced as early as Bennett could easily match that.

So if it's not money, why are party bosses so quick to gather round Rendell? Bennett told Bill Cahir in May that she's already locked up the support of Rick Daugherty, chairman of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee, and T.J. Rooney, former chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Why has no one contradicted or qualified this?

Ed Rendell.

According to the Properties of Merit webpage, Governor Rendell and the Pennsylvania DCED are credited with grants in excess of $100,000. A Morning Call editorial tells us "Mr. Rendell has helped Ms. Bennett by appearing at the annual POM recognition events. In the 2005 Democratic mayoral primary here, he annoyed other Allentown Democrats by singling out Ms. Bennett for campaign support in the primary."

Now, thanks to the FEC, we know that Rendell has given $1,000, from his own pocket, to fuel Bennett's misguided congressional aspirations. This is highly unusual, especially from a governor who refused to endorse a mayoral candidate in Philly, his own city.

I like Rendell. He's a likable guy. But he should keep his Philly nose out of Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district. Ed, let us make our own mistakes!

Update: The Bennett campaign has told Josh Drobnyk they expect to raise $2 million. Really! They must mean monopoly money.
Oopsie! TJ Rooney is a former state rep, but is still the state chair.

Capitol Ideas: Republicans Make Videos as Employees are Sent Home

I always envisioned Capitol Ideas blogger John Micek as the kind of dude who takes the weekend off. I could picture him now, sipping Chablis at some fine dining establishment with Mrs. Capitol Ideas, while Baby Capitol Ideas enchants all present by reading passages from The Wind in the Willows.

My pleasant image was shattered this evening when I noticed that Micek is still blogging his way through the budget impasse.

Get this.

It appears that instead of working on a budget, House Republicans have spent their afternoon shooting a video for YouTube. Looks like we get to pay for it, too.

Whoopee!

It's one of those faux grass roots pieces produced by well-paid marketers. Micek likes it, but Transformers is ten times better. Dems made that movie on Tuesday, and cast Sam (I don't need no stinkin' license) Rohrer as Megatron.

No Need 4 Speed: Do the Limit Challenge!

When Chuck Keiser and I were both foolish young men, we worked together briefly in a lab at JT Baker Chemical Company. I blew the lab up three times, and my fledgling career in science came to an abrupt end. But I believe I must have damaged poor Chuck, both literally and figuratively. You see, I continue screwing up nearly everything I touch. But Chuck, unlike me, appears to have grown wise in his old age.

First, he started the Do No Harm movement. Unfortunately, he waited until just a few months ago to tell me about it. Now that I've alienated most of the Lehigh Valley, it's too late for me.

Now he's starting something new - the "Do the Limit Challenge." I'll let Chuck tell you about it himself.

Hi Guys and Gals!

I’m attempting to start a another new movement.

Right now the working title is “Do The Limit Challenge!”

The idea came about from my experience with trying to drive the speed limit since slapping the do no harm bumper stickers on my Honda. It really is quite a challenge on any of the roads around here, not just the major highways. Everyone is going 10 to 20 mph over the posted speed limits; some a whole lot faster!

Trying to go 55 on Rt. 22 is almost impossible when even silver haired old ladies wiz past me; or worse still, ride my bumper. Doing 45 on some of the secondary roads is pretty close to attempting suicide; just try it on Rt. 248 or 512! I often hear complaints from others about people driving too fast, but no one tries to do anything about it.

I would like to try…but I need your help.

I’m just one voice lost in the car exhaust; you guys have the soapbox, and the connections to make it happen.

My first thought was just to launch this here in the Lehigh Valley, but then I thought this is bigger than just my little corner on the Universe. Everyone, all over the country speeds, waste s gas and slams into each other. We need to ask ourselves why, and seriously try to slow down. I did, and I can tell you there’s no down side to slowing down!

Just by slowing down to the speed limit I’m now getting about 2 to 3 mpg more than I once did on my Civic. I went from 32-33 mph to 34-36 mpg That’s close to 10%. With the rising price of gas, if everyone slowed down to the speed limit, and saved a few miles per gallon, we might just have an impact on the price of oil.

It doesn’t matter if someone is driving a gas guzzler or a hybrid; by slowing down to the speed limit, not only do we save on gas, we also reduce the risk of accidents.

And, as a reformed lead foot myself, I can attest to the peace of mind that comes by not having to worry about getting a speeding ticket anymore!

Most people don’t give a thought to speeding and the unnecessary waste of gas it causes. It has become second nature to most Americans…we just do it out of habit and don’t even think about it…and old habits are hard to break.

I am asking for aid and support from the columnist for the Morning Call and the Sac Bee and asking if you will network with your peers from other papers, and other bloggers, to launch the “Do The limit Challenge” all over the country, and if possible, all at the same time. Don’t know if it is possible, but would like to try for May 1st.

I have a “cringe-analogy” for you!

The only difference between Collusion and Collision is U and I!

Maybe Chuck will persuade Governor Rendell to stop feeling the need for speed!

Rendell's Six Point Reform Plan

I told you yesterday about Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to select, instead of elect, our judges. Today's Morning Call commends Rendell, not for any of his specific reforms, but because he has the political clout to get something done. A transcript of Rendell's proposals is here.