Faded Neon: Mango Goes Dark on Wagner

I suspect this ad will backfire against Paul Mango. His defense? Scott Wagner started it. Wagner will be the Republican nominee for Governor of Pennsylvania, and Tom Wolf will drive his Jeep Wrangler to victory.

Let's face it, Republicans eat their own. They went after Charlie Dent here in the Lehigh Valley and have basically guaranteed a Democratic victory in Congress. And they will both pay the price for their ugly primary. . 

Don't Count Corbett Out

Corbett in a Bethlehem visit this year

At this time last year, I had written off Bangor Mayor John Brown in the Northampton County Executive race. So had everyone else, and the end result is that he defeated John Callahan, a better known and financed candidate, Now, when I hear people write off Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, I cringe.

His politics mirrors the state. He is moderate to conservative on most issues. But as a former prosecutor, he lacked transparency in the beginning of his stint in office. This hurt.

His draconian budget cuts hurt, too.

Enter Democrat Tom Wolf, a nice guy. He's still ahead in the polls, and is campaigning very hard. Democrats have a million voter edge statewide. But don't kid yourself. He will lose if Democrats stay home. And that could happen. There are no real exciting races bringing people to the polls.

In Philadelphia, where Wolf needs a big win, his campaign is refusing to dole out the street money that is common on election day. His appearance there with Obama this weekend will be used against him in the rest of the state.

Although I think Wolf will win, I also believe the race will be much closer than the experts predict.

Pa. Governor's Race: Wolf to Visit Bethlehem Today

Tom Wolf, leading Democratic contender in the Pennsylvania Governor's race, will be in Bethlehem today. After a Main Street tour, he'll conduct a news conference  at 1:30 pm in the Terrace Room of the Hotel Bethlehem. In addition to discussing his own economic development plans, he'll be taking questions.

 Wolf will be joined by Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli , Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez , Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller, Northampton County Councilman Lamont McClure and Lehigh County Commissioner Geoff Brace.

In the evening, Morganelli will host a private fundraiser for Wolf at his home.

A former CEO for the nation's largest supplier of kitchen cabinets, Wolf served without salary as Secretary of Revenue under Governor Ed Rendell. He drives a jeep, which makes him OK in my book.

Morganelli Endorses Tom Wolf For Guv'

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli, a former Democratic nominee for attorney general and past president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys' Association has endorsed Tom Wolf for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Morganelli, who has served as District Attorney for 22 years, released this statement:

"Nothing is more important for our state in 2014 than defeating Tom Corbett. We are fortunate to have many great Democratic candidates any of which would be a credit to our state. I believe, however, that Tom Wolf stands out in this distinguished field, and today I am proud to endorse him.

"Tom Wolf is the perfect storm. First, he knows how to create jobs for middle class Pennsylvanians because he has done it in the private sector with great success. His business success was accomplished in no small part by creating a partnership with those who work for him. Tom treats his employees with fairness and respect and shares 20 to 30 percent of the company's profits with his employees. He understands that average people need a living wage to raise families and fulfill middle class dreams for the next generation.

"Tom Wolf also has government experience. As Revenue Secretary, Tom worked with Governor Rendell and state and local officials to make government work. His education, his private sector and government experience, makes him a perfect storm to wipe out the Corbett Administration. As governor, he will bring integrity and fairness to Pennsylvania."

Dem Governor Forum at LU on 1/22

Local Democrats have invited all Democratic Governor candidates for a form at Lehigh University's Iacocca Hall on January 22. Doors open at 5 pm and the event starts at 6 pm. The candidates who have committed so far are the follwong:

John Hanger (former DEP Sec'y)
Jo Ellen Litz (Lebanon County Comm'r)
Katie McGinty (another former DEP Sec'y)
Max Myers (Mechanicsburg Pastor)
Ed Pawlowski (Allentown mayor)
Tom Wolf (former Sec'y of revenue)

The apparent front runners, Allyson Schwartz, Jack Wagner and Bob McCord, do not appear to have committed at this juncture./

Corbett to Kick Off Re-Election Bid at B. Braun Today

Governor Tom Corbett will be at B. Braun today for his Lehigh Valley re-election kickoff in the Lehigh Valley. Doors will open at 2:00 PM, and the event will start "promptly" at 2:30 PM. It's the new B Braun address at 901 Macron Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109.

You can get tickets here.

Governor Pawlowski?

Several informed sources tell me that Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski plans to run for Governor. His wife has wanted him in the Governor's Mansion since he was first elected in the Queen City.

She claims it's God's Will.

I don't know much about God's Will, but do know year end financial reports are due soon. Pawlowski consultant Mike Fleck has been telling people that Hizzoner raised $400,000 over the last year, and has even formed a statewide PAC.

We'll see what the reports say when they are filed.

Hallelujah!

Christie Dent 2016?

Hey, it could happen. It might even be Dent Christie.

When I saw the two of them together, and the obvious regard they have for each other, I started thinking these two would make a great Presidential ticket. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, whose tough stance on government spending is sending shockwaves through the nation, insisted about a gazillion times that he has no interest in running for the Presidency in 2012. OK, what about 2016? By that time, the Guv' and then Senator Charlie Dent might be ready.

Affable Chris Christie was in Allentown's Four Points Sheraton yesterday to promote Charlie Dent for Congress. "I am not here by coincidence," he stressed, noting that he only campaigns for a few candidates that he really believes in, and Dent is one of them. He wants to be able to "look you in the eye" when he endorses someone. On November 2, he'll be watching election returns, and won't be happy until he sees that check mark by Dent's name. "Don't make me come back here," he joked with a crowd of nearly 200 Dent supporters.

Dent introduces Christie as a "natural hero," a New Jersey Governor who actually believes it's time that "government live within its means" and who is "accountable to the people."

As New Jersey's U.S. Attorney, Christie went after public corruption, winning pleas or convictions from 130 public officials without losing a single case. He then went after 45 Bloods gang members, and prosecuted 1,500 child pornographers. He also led the team that stopped a terrorist plan to mount an attack at Fort Dix.

Dent noted that the VEEP had been in town to raise money for John Callahan. "He can have Joe Biden, I'll take Chris Christie."

Christie, who looks a lot like an offensive tackle with the NFL, told the crowd he had an Irish father and a Sicilian mother. "This is what gave me my skills at dispute resolution," he joked. He described his dad as happy-go-lucky, but said his mother was the "enforcer."

He learned about fiscal responsibility from her when, as a boy, he'd tell her he wanted something.

"Christopher," she'd say, "Go in the back yard and grab some money from the money tree."

"But we don't have a money tree in the back yard."

"Exactly."

There is no money tree, and it's time that politicians stop pandering to voters. "Treat them like adults," said Christie. "Tell them the truth."

Instead of vilifying Democrats, Christie said the only way to accomplish anything is "in a bi-partisan way." But he claims his entire political philosophy is based on four basic Reagan principles: smaller government; less spending; less regulation; and lower taxes.

He said this might make him unpopular, even within his own party, at times. But he added, "I'm not here to run a charm school."

How did I end up there? Dent Campaign Spokesperson Gregg Bortz caught me with a piece of paper that said "Pull" instead of "Press." Reporters got press passes while bloggers got pull passes. Anyway, Gregg had a special spot all picked out for me and even gave me a National Enquirer. After sitting in the boiler room for a half hour, I realized that Gregg must have been confused and just started wandering around, opening doors, until I found the right spot.

Governor Christie told everyone they should move back to Jersey so they won't have so far to drive when they go to the shore.

Tom Corbett Visits Great Allentown Fair

I was able to catch up with Att'y General and Governor hopeful Tom Corbett on a beautiful, but windy, Saturday afternoon. His cheerleaders include Dean Browning (Chairman, LC Comm'rs), Dr. Percy Dougherty (LC Comm'r), Dr. Bob Romancheck (A-town GOP Chair) and state senate candidate Matt Connolly.

Inky Backs Jack Wagner for Governor

Morganelli, Two Other DAs, Endorse Jack Wagner

"I am privileged to endorse my friend, Jack Wagner, for Governor, as well as join him in support of his proposal to reform state government. Jack is uniquely qualified to make good government reforms a reality. I have seen his work as Auditor General in rooting out corruption and advocating measures that will ensure honest government. He has a track record of integrity and proven results, and will be a reform Governor capable of overhauling bad systems to reduce bad outcomes."

Those are the words of Northampton County DA John Morganelli, who today endorsed Auditor General Jack Wagner for Governor. Morganelli is still waiting for the campaign contributions that that gubernatorial hopeful Dan Onorato promised to send Morganelli in his AG race against Tom Corbett last year.

They're in the mail.

Two other DAs, Westmoreland County's John Peck and Schuylkill County's Jim Goodman, have also endorsed Wagner.

"I am honored to have the support of these individuals who aggressively prosecute people who violate the law and steal public funds," said Wagner. "I have worked with many of them throughout my career and look forward to continuing our partnership if I am fortunate to be elected Governor."

As Auditor General, Wagner works with federal, state, and local prosecutors to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse of tax dollars. The prosecutors have secured convictions as a result of this information.

For example, the Crawford County District Attorney asked for the Department of the Auditor General's assistance in a case involving the administrator of a personal care home. Together, they were able to prove that she stole $850,000 from the home and its residents, which led to her conviction of embezzlement and her sentence to 10 to 25 years in state prison.

Recently, the Delaware County District Attorney charged the treasurer of a volunteer firefighters' relief association with stealing $12,000, based on the work of Wagner's auditors and investigators.

In June 2009, based in part on information uncovered by the Department of the Auditor General, the Philadelphia District Attorney charged 18 people – including 16 city and state employees - with stealing more than $500,000 of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds and related crimes.

PBS39 To Host Democratic Gubernatorial Debate Tonight

More than 70% of Pennsylvania's Democrats have no idea who the hell they'll be voting for in the Governor's race this November. Believe it or not, PBS 39 is actually hosting a debate for the four Democrats: Joe Hoeffel, Dan Onorato, Jack Wagner and Anthony Williams. The show airs tonight at 7 PM.

Imagine that! Our local public television station is trying to inform the voters. No word on whether the station will host a similar program for Republicans Tom Corbett and Sam Rohrer.

Jack Wagner Unveils Reform Agenda For Pa.

"The train is off the tracks. Voters know that government is politically paralyzed and not serving people well or efficiently. Structural reform is urgently needed. It is essential to growing jobs and the state economy, while keeping taxes low. Voters want competition, transparency, and accountability to improve government performance."

That's how Auditor General Jack Wagner, a Democratic candidate for Governor, sees things after visiting all 67 Pennsylvania counties. We're going the wrong way.

Today, at a Harrisburg news conference and follow-up news release, he made the following proposals to reform state government:

· Hold a constitutional convention to empower citizens to bring fundamental reforms to state government

· Reduce the size of the General Assembly by 1/3

· Eliminate bonuses in state government

· Get state government spending under control

· Pass state budgets on time

· Bring competition to every single contract in the state procurement process

· Ban local governments from attaching risky derivatives/"swaps" to their debt

· Ensure that taxpayers receive property tax relief promised by gaming

· Enact campaign finance reform and end pay to play

· Allow independent voters to participate in Primary Elections

· Take the politics out of the redistricting process and promote nonpartisan, compact, and contiguous redistricting

Pretty impressive. You can read more detail at his campaign webpage.

Corbett, Wagner, Hoeffel & Rohrer Pass Inky Transparency Test

These gubernatorial candidates complied with an Inky request to release recent personal income-tax information. Onorato claims it's in the mail, along with his contributions to Morganelli and Panella. He had been using carrier pigeons, but they were all shot over Lancaster County. .

Tom Corbett Just Elected Governor

Deputy AG Frank Fina: “Veon’s been convicted of stealing over a million dollars of taxpayers’ money in the form of bonuses. And we think it’s a good day. We hope it sends a strong message to the rest of our elected officials.”

Dan Onorato's Land of Make Believe

Despite Allegheny County Exec Dan Onorato's huge advantage in campaign cash, he failed to garner a State Committee endorsement from fellow Democrats last month in his gubernatorial bid. Auditor General Jack Wagner, who's running as a reformer, snagged a majority (153 of 304) of the votes cast in that beauty contest. Wagner also polls better against presumed Republican nominee Tom Corbett.

In the Lehigh Valley, Onorato has picked up some endorsements, but not from Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham or Northampton County Exec John Stoffa. Northampton County DA John Morganelli claims Onorato stiffed him when he ran for AG against Corbett last year, promising checks that must still be in the mail.

Now there's an anonymous anti-Onorato blog, Dan's Land of Make Believe. "The purpose of this blog is to expose Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato’s flip-flops, distortions and overall sketchy record. The track record he is touting across the state as a candidate for governor is truly make-believe. It would truly be a huge mistake to elect Dan Onorato the next Governor of Pennsylvania. For the record, I do not have a horse in this race at all. I am just doing my duty to provide my fellow citizens and voters with the truth. Over the next couple of months, I will be dropping in periodically to shed much needed light on Dan’s Land of Make-Believe, let’s hope someone is out there paying attention. If you have your own tale from Dan's Land Of Make Believe please feel free to share by posting a comment."

Update: According to a Quinnipiac University poll reported on this morning at Capitol Ideas, the Democratic candidates are "almost invisible men," although Onorato has a slight edge.
Update #2: According to Just Read It, Northampton County DA John Morganelli is sending emails to Lehigh Valley Dems that go something like this: "Please know that this man lied to me when I was running for AG in 2008. He then supported my opponent AG Tom Corbett after promising to help me. He also did not support Judge Jack Panella who recently lost a close race for Supreme Court. He turned his back on candidates from the Lehigh Valley and now wants our support."

Jack Wagner Sole Gubernatorial Candidate to DiscloseTax Returns

In addition to being reform-oriented and tight-fisted with taxpayer money, he's transparent.

Onorato Has More $, But Wagner Draws Most Votes at State Committee

Allegheny County Exec Dan Onorato was hoping to have this wrapped up today. He expected to pick up the Democratic State Committee's endorsement for Governor. After all, he's the money man.

But when the snow dust settled in Lancaster today, Auditor General Jack Wagner was the one on top. He led both in ballots cast; and on the second ballot, he earned 153 out of 304 votes. That's 50% of the vote, and twice the total of his nearest opponent. He also earned the majority of votes in 43 different county caucuses.

How the hell did that happen?

"Our party must stand for reform and that is why so many members of our party - the party of small business and working people - gave me their support today," said Wagner. "People want change. People want reform. The status quo is not acceptable. The back room deal is not acceptable. People matter to me and to this Democratic Party and that is the message delivered today."

Looks like money can't buy everything, not even the Democratic State Committee. Go figure.

Maybe next time he makes promises to the Democratic candidates for Attorney General or Supreme Court, he'll consider keeping his word.

Blogger's Note: Disqus coments enabled.

Onorato Stiffed Judge Panella, Too

Last week, I told you that Allegheny County Exec Dan Onorato, who'd like to be your next Governor, promised DA John Morganelli all kinds of help in last year's race against Tom Corbett for AG. Since both Morganelli and Onorato are fellow Democrats, and it was well known that Corbett intended to do a swan dive from the AG's seat right into the Governor's mansion, it would only make sense that well-heeled Onorato would help. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?

Wrong. Onorato stiffed Morganelli. Three times, he lured the Democratic nominee for Attorney General for a six hour trip to Pittsburgh, where Morganelli would be greeted by empty hotels or promises that the checks are in the mail.

Now, Onorato is telling Capitolwire he made no promises to help Morganelli, who's just disappointed that he lost his AG race. In other words, the Northampton County District Attorney is being politely called a liar.

That's interesting because last year, there was another Lehigh Valley running for statewide office. Superior Court Judge Jack Panella was seeking a seat with the state supremes, and was opposed by Joan Orie Melvin, a judge who comes from Onorato's home turf in Allegheny County. According to campaign finance records, Onorato couldn't spare a nickel for his fellow Democrat.

I would never ask Judge Panella about this, but sources in his campaign tell me that Onorato made promises he failed to keep. Amazingly, Judge Panella could never get him on the phone. Imagine that!

Are you beginning to see a pattern?

As a candidate, Onorato is ignoring the Lehigh Valley. Although he has money to burn, he's ignored two excellent Democratic candidates for statewide office when their Republican opponents came from Allegheny County.

If that is how he acts as a candidate, what will happen to the Lehigh Valley if he becomes Governor?

Blogger's Note: Blogger comments enabled.

Pittsburgh Tribune: Is Onorato Two-Faced?

"Onorato campaign spokesman Brian Herman said, 'While we understand Mr. Morganelli's frustration at being defeated, it is simply inaccurate to link that loss to Dan's support of his campaign. The suggestion that Dan Onorato supported Tom Corbett is both incorrect and illogical.'

"Notice that Herman didn't deny that Morganelli made the trips or that Onorato promised to help Morganelli raise money."