Bad Optics at McClure Fundraiser

Last night, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure conduced his annual fundraiser at Bethlehem's swanky Edge Restaurant. Despite what they may tell you, few contributors write out $500 plus checks because they believe in good government. Unions, contractors, engineers and lawyers and county employees go to these things because they want something. It could be as simple as a paycheck or a major contract. Even when there is no quid pro quo, it is still a legalized form of bribery. Unfortunately, it's also an ugly necessity. Most public officials lack the personal resources to wage an effective campaign and have their message heard. Unless you want a government of oligarchs, you have to trust that candidates will do the right thing, which they usually do. Besides, after the election fiasco on November 5, McClure will almost certainly face opposition when he seeks re-election. He may even have a primary opponent. So it's understandable, as ugly as it is. But the bad optics of dunning county employees and vendors for money was made worse by two other things over which McClure has no control.

1) Municipal Vehicle Illegally Parked at McClure Fundraiser

Parked outside The Edge at an expired meter was the municipal vehicle you see above. It's not just any municipal vehicle, but hs been identified by my secret agent as a police car. He knows this because he happens to be a police officer himself. Is it a county or city car? My guess is Bethlehem City, and a top-ranking officer. It's too nice to belong to the County. The license plate number is MG0745L.

I understand it was cold and a little windy last night, but that's no excuse for acting as though you are above the law you should be enforcing. What's more, this public resource was being perverted for partisan political activity.  Actions like this lead to politicians like Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski.

It is my hope that Executive McClure and Mayor Bob Donchez both identify the person who was misusing this public resource and discipline that person.

2) Judge Morganelli Attends Partisan Fundraiser

After noting the illegally parked police car, my spy slipped into the fundraiser to see what was happening.  He was unaware that there was a fundraiser, but knew some sort of event was going on. He noticed several people ponied up at the bar. They included Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio and District Attorney John Morganelli.

Now it's no crime to stop at a bar and hoist a few. But Morganelli is more than the County's District Attoney. He is a judge-elect, and as such, should not have been within 10 miles of a political and partisan fundraiser

Morganelli did more than sit at the bar. He actually attended the event, though he made no contribution.

According to Morganelli, he is neither a judge nor a candidate. He tells me he has sought an ethics opinion, and that Judge Edward Reibman has written one under which Morganelli can continue to raise money and make contributions until he is sworn in.

That sounds nice, but is contrary to Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Ethics, which provides,

"Judges holding an office filled by public election between competing candidates, or a candidate for such office, may, only insofar as permitted by law, attend political gatherings, speak to such gatherings on their own behalf when they are a candidate for election or reelection, or speak on behalf of any judicial candidate for the same office, identify themselves as a member of a political party, and contribute to a political party or organization."

It also provides, "Judges should not engage in any other political activity except on behalf of measures to improve the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice."

The notion that Morganelli is free from the Canons simply because he is waiting to be sworn in is simply ridiculous. If a judge-elect is permitted to engage in partisan political activity, this undermines public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

He should have stayed away.

Mercy & Justice

Northampton County's seal is modeled after The Great Seal of William Penn. Both contain two very important words, "mercy" and "justice," with the word "mercy" coming first. This seal was behind District Attorney John Morganelli on Wednesday when he announce he was dismissing charges filed against a mother who had tearfully left her 32-day old infant son in the care of a LANTA bus driver. Perhaps Morganelli was mindful of the county seal's admonition when he announced his decision. Perhaps not. But William Penn would have been proud of him.

Last weekend, a woman riding a LANTA bus got off in Bethlehem. On her way out the door, she left her baby with the bus driver and asked him to call the police because she was unable to care for him. She walked away in tears. The child was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital. Though his diaper was saturated with what babies do, he was otherwise unharmed. The hospital determined this baby was 32-days old.

By Monday, Bethlehem Police identified and located the mother, Ashley Leann Walters, 26, of Whitehall. She gave police several stories, some of which were later determined to be untrue. Police filed reckless endangerment charges at the lowest level possible. Walters, who had numerous outstanding warrants for minor offenses, was remanded to jail after being unable to post bond. Walters was carrying no drug paraphernalia.

When Morganelli became aware of this matter, he learned that Walters was abusive, uncooperative and combative. She was erratic, even with pretrial services. Morganelli asked for a mental health assessment, and Chris Broubalow of the county's mental health team recommended that Walters be committed for 72 hours.

So Walters has been committed and Mrganelli directed that the charges against her be dismissed. "“We have tough calls to make in the DA’s office," he said to a Fox News reporter who questioned whether he was being too lenient. "Is this the kind of case that's in the public interest to prosecute?" he asked.

Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DeLuzio agreed that it's better to see Walters in mental health treatment than sitting in a jail.

"I don't like to punish people who may be suffering from a mental illness," said Morganelli.

Mercy and justice were on display in Morganelli's decision, and in that order.

It's why he'll be sorely missed as District Attorney. It's why he'll be an excellent judge.

Mezzacappa Against Morganelli

This ugly post comes from Tricia Mezzacappa's Constable page on Facebook. And constables wonder why no one considers them real cops. In case you missed her initial message, she adds these two comments:

West Easton Borough Constable I will spend every last nickel and breath of air making sure this ugly fucking faggot is defeated

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West Easton Borough Constable Almost unlimited funding to anyone worthy of defeating this corrupted political machine dick eating asshole. PM me.

John Morganelli's Judicial Announcement

John Morganelli

Two months ago, I announced that I would not seek another term as Northampton County district attorney. I felt at that time that I had achieved all the goals that I set out to achieve, and after 27 years, it was time for me to consider some new challenges.

I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 12 years old. My dad had a 6th grade education. My mom had a 11th grade education. As a kid growing up in South Bethlehem in a low income neighborhood, I dreamed of one day becoming a lawyer and representing average folks like my parents. Getting into law school, opening up my own law practice and serving my clients for 16 years was that dream come true. Being elected district attorney, the chief law enforcement officer of the county, and prosecuting cases in the courtroom on behalf of the citizens of Northampton County, was even more than I dreamed. What I realize is that I have had a love affair with the law for 50 years. The law is what makes all of us equal, or at least should. The law brings order to our society, and protects us. Rich or poor, young or old, highly educated or uneducated, regardless of our race, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity, we are all equal under the law.

As I thought about where I go from here, and talked with many of our citizens who approached me after my announcement that I would not seek another term as DA, my love for the law and what it stands for, and means to all of us, came front and center again. I asked myself how I can continue to serve my community, immerse myself in the law and our legal system, and do meaningful work utilizing my years of experience.

This year, Northampton County citizens will elect a new judge to fill the vacancy left open by the retirement of Judge Emil Giordano. After much thought, and despite the opportunity to join a distinguished law firm, I am announcing today that I will run for the currently open judgeship in Northampton County. As is customary in judicial elections, I will cross-file on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

I believe that I am one of the most qualified and experienced lawyers in Northampton County to serve as a trial judge. During my tenure as district attorney, I personally and successfully prosecuted 25 first degree murder cases before juries in Northampton County. I have supervised the grand jury, and I have practiced in and appeared before, on numerous occasions, all of the appellate courts of Pennsylvania as well as all of the federal courts. Prior to my years as DA, I had a diverse law practice and legal career. While in private practice for 16 years, I handled just about every kind of case. I personally tried numerous civil cases before juries and judges, including but not limited, to medical malpractice, auto accidents and slips and falls. I represented small businesses, wrote wills and represented many clients in divorce and custody matters. I served as a municipal solicitor for a number of municipalities in Northampton County and served 4 years as a public defender. I also taught law courses for over 10 years at Moravian College. Quite frankly, there is probably no area of the law in which I do not have some experience.

I believe that a judge at the common pleas level can have a positive impact on our community. Fairly and equally applying the law in all cases, without bias is, of course, the first obligation. Beyond that, however, a judge can also positively impact our legal system. Working to assure equal access to our courts for all of citizens regardless of income, advocating for reforms that results in the efficient use of public resources in our justice system, implementing court programs to help rehabilitate non violent offenders, and keeping our communities safe from violent predators would be my priorities. I look forward to discussing these issues in the course of this campaign.

Former Philly DA Lynne Abraham Endorses Morganelli

Former Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham, the only woman ever elected to that office, has endorsed DA John Morganelli for Congress in the 7th Congressional District. She was district attorney for 19 years.

“As a life long Democrat and advocate for women, I believe that John Morganelli is the best candidate," she said in announcing her endorsement. "First, John actually has a record of proven performance. Additionally, John has devoted his career to fighting for Democratic causes, including but not limited to advancing issues important to women. John increased female representation on the District Attorney’s staff from 5 percent to 50 percent on day one way back in 1992. He also created the Sexual Assault Unit and Domestic Violence Units to focus on crimes against women. In Congress he will fight for equal pay for women and to protect pregnant women in the workplace.”

Morganelli and Abraham served together as district attorney and developed a close friendship. 'I am honored to have Lynne’s support," said Morganelli. "Ms. Abraham was a pioneer in advancing women in the criminal justice system and a strong prosecutor who protected her community.“

Lani Davis for Morganelli, Bernie Sanders for Edwards

Lanny Davis, whose professional and personal relationship with Hillary and President Bill Clinton is well-known, has endorsed Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli for Congress in the Democratic Primary Election in the 7th Congressional District.

Davis has served as Special Counsel to President Clinton,and has doubled at times as a spokesperson for the President. He is a former member of the Democratic National Committee representing the State of Maryland. He was senior advisor and spokesman for the nonpartisan Israel Project. He is a graduate of Yale Law School.

"[H]e is solid choice for US Congress," said Davis. "He is moderate Democrat who, like Hillary and President Bill Clinton, will work for common sense solutions. Plus, John Morganelli was the only Democratic candidate for Attorney General in Pennsylvania in 2016 who stated he was voting for my friend, Hillary Clinton, when they were all asked in a televised debate a week before the Pennsylvania Primary Election. John stood with Hillary."

In other news, Greg Edwards picked up the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders during an enthusiastic rally at Allentown Symphony Hall on Saturday.

Prominent Immigration Attorney Ray Lahoud to Vote For Morganelli

Ray Lahoud is one of Northampton County's finest  and a proud product of Easton Lebanese heritage. He distinguished himself at Lehigh and Georgetown Law School, and had a bright career ahead of him on Wall Street. Instead, he stayed and began practicing immigration law. His practice was even featured on NBC News.

Raymond explains below why he's voting fir John Morganelli.

"As you know, I am an immigration attorney. And, yes, I will be voting for John Morganelli, as I am sincere in the belief that voting is not a one-issue decision. Candidates are not about one issue. There is more to voting than one issue. A Democrat need not be far left to be a Democrat. A Republican need not be far right to be a Republican. Differences are good between the parties and within the parties. John Morganelli is more than immigration. But, there is more to John Morganelli on immigration and I believe his record is not as accurate as others are portraying. In my practice as an Immigration Attorney, I have worked with the District Attorney countless times on immigration specific matters, particularly within the context of victims of crime who are undocumented. Indeed, he may have a tough position on the discretionary ARD program for those charged with a DUI, who, because of their lack of documentation, are prohibited by the Commonwealth to drive with or without alcohol (is it possible that the the precondition to ARD when charged with a DUI is not lawful status, but lawful driving privileges when arrested?). ARD is just one fact pattern.... one issue. Here is another immigration issue: each year, tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants are victims of brutal crimes, such as rape, domestic violence, human trafficking, and horrendous child exploitation and abuse. The perpetrators are not limited to others who are undocumented; they are of every "status." Often, the victim's undocumented "status" itself becomes a tool of further victimization. Northampton County is not immune from this awful problem. In fact, crimes of this sort are growing exponentially. The local papers do not publicize the "status" of the victim. Time and again, John Morganelli has certified U-Visa for these victims--giving them a path to legal status in the United States. Time and again, he has gone to bat for them and did what he could to protect them from deportation. Time and again, he has protected these victims from being picked up and deported after their perpetrator reports the victim's undocumented status to immigration authorities. Time and again, he has gone beyond U-visa certifications and taken affirmative steps to help undocumented victims of crime not only secure justice, but secure lawful status and a home in Northampton County. I recall an instance in which it was the District Attorney's certification and persistence that protected a victim from deportation. When faced with aggravation from immigration and its bureaucracy during the process, John persisted, as the deportation was to a country where the very perpetrator was deported to only months before...and was waiting. Again, this is just one issue. One issue within an issue. Put simply, there is more to John Morganelli on immigration and there is more to John Morganelli than immigration. This is a good thing, as we live in a world of many issues."

Allentown Firefighters Endorse Morganelli

At this time last year, former Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski had Allentown's firefighters so messed up that they were forced to use a pick-up truck to respond to fires. It's a badass truck, a GMC, but it's still just a pick-up truck. It has no water pumping capability or tank, though the bed of the truck is full of equipment that might slow down an inferno.

Jeremy Warmkessel, President of Fire Fighters Local 302, could have just kept his head down and ignore this problem, especially since the union contract is in effect until 2020. But as a  firefighter who saved the life of a three-year old boy while battling a blaze in 2012, he understands the importance of having the right kind of equipment. As he put it himself, "This is a safety issue."

He went on to explain that his department's operating budget has shrunk from $455,098 in 2008 to just $156,896 in 2017, a drop of 65.52%. No provision has been made for repair or maintenance supplies. The equipment on hand had decreased from $108,638 in 2008 to just $23,396 in 2017.  Only $35,000 was allotted to train 122 firefighters. A scant $3,500 is set aside to purchase chemicals that are often more important than water in extinguishing a fire.

"He is setting our department up for failure," said Warmkessel of Fed Ed.

While Fed Ed was endangering both firefighters and the public with equipment, Solicitor Susan Wild was battling them over staffing. When firefighters resisted a reduction in the minimum staffing on each shift, she took them to court. And as reported by The Morning Call, she lost.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, speaking through Justice Debra Todd, ruled in favor of firefighters and said the City had an obligation to negotiate if it wished to reduce staffing. She reasoned there was "an unambiguous and powerful link between shift staffing and firefighter health and safety." She added that "a minimum shift staffing mandate, given its direct and significant impact on firefighter health and safety, is simply not a managerial prerogative that should be insulated from the give-and-take of collective bargaining."

Instead of accepting the ruling, Wild criticized it, and argued it would have a negative impact on the City's budget.

Does this sound like someone who cares even a little bit about public safety?

Well guess what? The Executive Board of Allentown Local 302 of the International Association of Firefighters has unanimously voted to endorse Northampton County DA John Morganelli for Congress in the Democratic Primary Election. According to their letter, Morganelli was endorsed because of his "years of public service and his exceptional balance exhibited as district attorney."

"This endorsement made by the brave men and women who serve Allentown as firefighters means a great deal to me," said Morganelli. "My brother-in-law and cousin are retired Bethlehem firefighters, and I have always admired the courage and dedication exhibited by these public servants who put their lives on the line to save others."

Morganelli has also picked up the endorsement of Local # 22 - Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union, associated with the Pa. AFL-CIO.

Wild Camp Tried To Spin this Blog Into Attacking Edwards

Susan Wild

NorCo John Morganelli could try to minimize his conservative stances on some issues, at least until the primary is over. But he's freely admitted these positions, even when he was booed down at a debate in Allentown. Similarly, Pastor Greg Edwards could tone down the claim of educational apartheid here in the Lehigh Valley. But he has delivered pretty much the same message I've heard from him at other venues. Love 'em or hate 'em, they've both been honest. Sue Wild is another story. While pretending to be a true progressive, her campaign was maligning them. Her Communications Director, Grigsby Crawford, even tried to spin me into an attack on Edwards.

Yesterday, I told you that Wild broke a promise she made to John Morganelli, a fellow lawyer, that she would run a clean campaign. They shook on it either late last year or early this year, although Wild warned Morganelli that Edwards would attack him. She broke her word yesterday with an attack ad aimed at Morganelli. She distorted and misrepresented his positions. She admitted to me that she signed off on the hit piece, too.

A negative campaign is nothing new. But I was and remain shocked that someone I once respected would break her word. If she lied to John, it's safe to conclude that she's lying to you as well.

Now that she has broken her promise, I feel free to tell you that her campaign tried to spin me. Grigsby Crawford, her Communications Director, contacted me on March 12 about a story written by Toronto Star columnist Emma Teitel. In it, she complains that the leaders of the American Women’s March appeared together with Nation of Islam wing nut Louis Farrakhan, who gave a speech saying he "has pulled the cover off of that Satanic Jew, and I’m here to say your time is up, your world is through.”

These #metoo advocates never took Farrakhan to task.

Crawford spun me, "The group endorsed Greg Edwards, Doctor of Divinity, and he has yet to denounce their deep ties to all this Louis Farrakhan hatred [see linked article]. With a large Jewish population in the valley, I think a post on this is timely and necessary. Thoughts?"

I refused to be spun. I think Edwards likely has no idea that the national leaders of this feminist group are chummy with an anti-Semite. Also, as I explained to Crawford, "If I wrote a piece about this, it would be quickly associated with John bc he and I are friends. Though he does not dictate what I write, there are those who think he does. So John would be attacked as anti-women."

Two days later, in an email entitled "yikes!", Crawford sent me a link to a story in a far-left political site called Crooks and Liars, taking him to task because he has spoken a few times to the local tea party, which is described as a "Trump-Loving Racist Hate Group." While this group is definitely very conservative, and some of its members are racists who are full of hate, the Lehigh Valley Tea party is no more racist or hate-filled than "Lehigh Valley For All" or any political group.

Crawford warned me that "team Edwards," as he called them, would be "going full bore on the race stuff." He added, "Edwards has raised a shit load of money off of it. That stuff gets the far left/social justice warrior crowd all tingly inside."

Instead, it is Sue Wild who is trying to profit from the "far left/social justice warrior crowd."

If you are a left leaning Democrat, you should know what Wild and her campaign really think of you.

Susan Wild Breaks Promise to Wage Positive Race

Six Democrats are seeking the Democratic nomination to Pennsylvania's newly created 6th Congressional District. It had been a positive race. That changed yesterday when people opened their mailboxes to see a nasty flyer from insurance defense lawyer Susan Wild, attacking John Morganelli. She stood by John's side as he has announced several times that he supports the DREAM Act to protect the children of illegal immigrants. But she nevertheless falsely stated that he wants them all deported. She also misrepresented John's position on abortion (he is personally opposed, but has no intention of upsetting existing law) and dishonestly claims that John "routinely praises Donald Trump's extreme policies," including a Muslim ban. She's obviously behind, so she's distorting his record. That's to be expected. But she has done something far worse than go dark. She has broken her word to John.

Back in late December or early January, Wild asked to see Morganelli. They both discussed the race and commiserated with each other over how hard it is to raise money. Susan had another reason to see John. She wanted to know if he was going to wage a negative campaign. He told her that he'd run a clean campaign if she did. She told John several times that she was sure that candidate Greg Edwards would get nasty, but she wanted John to agree that, at least between the two of them, John would wage a positive campaign. John agreed and they shook on it. Before leaving, they shook on it again.

John kept his word and stayed positive. He even issued orders to his campaign manager, Rich Wilkins, to keep the gloves on. The only person he has attacked is Donald Trump.

He has no authority to tell me what to do, but I've really tried hard to avoid attacking the other candidates. I have actually defended Susan when some folks have tried to tie her to the corruption in Allentown, where she was Fed Ed's Solicitor. I am disappointed and saddened that Wild, a fellow attorney, has cheapened herself by breaking her word to John. It says a lot about her lack of character.

Greg Edwards, Roger Ruggles, Rick Daugherty and David Clark could all decide to go negative and I would just smile. They made no promise to run a clean campaign. Amazingly, they have all have been positive so far. The only one who has become negative is the one candidate who promised she would stay positive.

Does this mean that you should expect a torrent of attack mailers aimed at Wild? I doubt it. John is ahead and he is smart. He is the only Democratic candidate that people in the Lehigh Valley actually know, and they have a very positive view of him. His views might be too conservative for some Democrats, and they can vote for another Democrat because there is a smorgasbord of them running.

I will say this. When he was in private practice and again as DA, John has always stood for the little guy. He represented people who were victims of greedy bosses and businesses that stepped all over them. As a prosecutor, John has stood up for the victims of crime. He is the man who faces parents when their sons or daughters are killed. He has charged employers who pay slave wages to illegals, knowing they could never report what is happening. Susan Wild, who is attempting to brand herself as a "progressive," is a corporate defense lawyer who has spent her career on the side of insurance companies, corporations, and drug companies and against working people. She even defended those who have violated people's civil rights. So to those of you who think Wild cares about the little guy and is "progressive," think again. Her record tells a much different story.

Morganelli Scores Knockout in Congressional Race

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has scored a knock out blow in his race for Congress. He has received the endorsement of none other than the Easton Assassin, Larry Holmes. Larry was the WBC heavyweight champ from 1978-1983, and the IBF Champ between 1983 and 1985. His left jab is considered one of the best  in boxing history. He is considered one of the top 10 heavyweight champions of all time. He holds the record for the longest individual heavyweight title streak in the post-war boxing history.

Larry said the following:

“John Morganelli kept his promise to the black community and hired Northampton County’s first and second African American Assistant District Attorneys in Northampton County history back in 1992. He has been a tough but fair DA who has also distributed needed funds to help educate young people about the dangers of drugs and gangs . My wife Diane and I consider John to be a personal friend of ours."

“ I am humbled to have the endorsement of Larry Holmes who is one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time and who has contributed so much to his community," said Morganelli. "Larry never forgot where he came from and neither will I.”

Tom Wallitsch, Former LC Judge, Endorses Morganelli for Congress

Tom Wallitsch

Former Lehigh County Judge Thomas A. Wallitsch has endorsed Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli for Congress. Wallitsch was a Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge from 1991 to 2006. He served as Chair of the Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee and served as Co-Chair of the Education Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of Trial Judges for eight years. He is a frequent lecturer and author on issues relating to civil litigation including medical malpractice and the settlement of cases.

"I have known John for 35 years," said Wallitsch. "We practiced law together, and he appeared before me as a judge. He has advanced Democratic values his entire career and has been a leader in advancing women and minorities in the criminal justice system. He is a man of integrity and principle, and would be a highly respected representative for our district."

Morganelli said he was honored to have the support of "a highly skilled jurist and man of integrity."

Why Liberal Dems Should Support John Morganelli for Congress

No Labels is a political reform group that consists of members of all political parties. "As long as they are intellectually honest, we respect conservatives, liberals, and anyone in between who has a sincere desire to address the nation’s problems.” But as two members of that group recently wrote in The Wall Street Journal, they were vilified by the left for supporting conservative Democrat Dan Lipinski in Illinois, even though he votes with his party 88% of the time. He was under assault in a primary by first-time candidate Marie Newman. She initially refused to concede because she “would like Mr. Lipinski to have a very painful evening.”

Intolerance in politics has reached epidemic levels. As No Labels explains,

Legislators in both parties have to worry too much about primary challenges from ideologues on the far left or far right. That’s why Democrats and Republicans are so unwilling to work across the aisle. And that in turn is why Congress is failing to address the biggest problems facing America.

The Lehigh Valley was at one time represented by centrist Charlie Dent. He did a great job, and his views really did correspond closely to those held by most of the people who live here. We are basically centrists. But Charlie's refusal to swear fealty to Authoritarian Donald Trump earned him the wrath of some very intolerant people within his own party, including NorCo GOP Chair Lee Snover,who actually participated in a rally opposing him. Charlie eventually got tired of the nonsense and decided to step down at the end of his term.

I would say you can chalk one up for the extremists, but they inadvertently left the door open for another kind of centrist. A Democratic centrist. A tough law-and-order prosecutor. John Morganelli.

Unfortunately, intolerance is a two-way street. It is just as prevalent on the left as it is on the right. So just as Charlie was bashed on the right, Morganelli is getting bashed on the left. He refuses to strike back, saying only that he respects his opponents and will support the ultimate nominee.

Tamara Greenfield

If you're a Lehigh Valley Democrat, and you're wondering who you should vote for in this year's Congressional primary, it's very instructive to consider who the Republicans would like to see get the nod. According to an article in Salon, NorCo GOP Chair Lee Snover would just love to see "the most liberal, the most progressive [as the nominee], because that's a great contrast for us." The Democrat she'd like to see least is Morganelli. She told Salon that he has "that Joe Manchin thing [a reference to the centrist United States Senator from West Virginia]. He talks like us but votes like them."

So it's simple. Be as liberal as you want. But if you want to see a Democrat represent the Lehigh Valley in Congress, vote for the candidate who is in the best position to win the race in November. The Republicans have made clear that person is centrist John Morganelli.

He's ready, like Dent was ready or Matt Cartwright is ready, to roll up his sleeves and work with both sides to solve this nation's problems. We've tried ideologues. Let's try problem solvers. And is you want to know what kind of person John is, talk to Tamara Greenfield.  Here's what she says.

"I am proud to be part of the groundbreaking history of Northampton County in 1992 as the first African American ADA appointed by DA John Morganelli. Under John’s leadership, all people in the criminal justice system were treated with respect and fairly, and not based upon their gender, race or ethnicity."

Morganelli Gets McClure Endorsement

It's no secret that Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, Jr. and DA John Morganelli are close friends. So it's no surprise that McClure, who is serving his first term as Northampton County Executive, has endorsed  Morganelli for Congress.  and r to that served 10 years on Northampton County Council. McClure is a life long Democrat and has been active in numerous Democratic campaigns the last 20 years.

On Sunday, McClure issued a statement noting that, as a DA, "John is the only candidate who has sat with families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, and the only candidate who has waged a decades long fight to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers, children and the mentally ill."

Morganelli's efforts to curb gun violence go back to 1999, when he asked the state legislature to enact The Parent's Responsible Gun Ownership Act. This law would require firearm owners who have children and mentally ill people residing with them to secure their firearms."

More recently , Morganelli has released a common sense plan to reduce gun violence that includes a ban on the sale of assault-style rifles to the general public as well as background checks on the sale of all firearms. He has testified before state house committees on school violence issues.

Morganelli is particularly pleased by McClure's support because of his popularity with both senior citizens in Northampton County and younger Democrats. McClure is a lifelong Democrat who served on NorCo Council for 10 years and has been active in numerous Democratic campaigns.

In addition to McClure's endorsement, Morganelli has the support of State Senator Lisa Boscola and Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez.

Donchez and Morganelli are childhood friends who grew up on Bethlehem's south side. They both got their start in politics under Congressman Fred B Rooney, running errands and delivering flyers long before the days of cell phones and Facebook.

John is now poised to succeed his former mentor.

Morganelli Strongly Denies Any Involvement in Push Poll

Northampton County DA John Morganelli is one of six seeking the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Congress (Pa.-7th). Over a quarter-century in office, his name has become very well known to most households. Attacking his lesser known opponents would only make him look bad.

Someone wants him to look bad.

On Monday night, a push poll began making its way through the Lehigh Valley. It unfairly attacks two of John's opponents, while leaving him alone. This poll, which was captured by one of my readers, was forwarded to me yesterday.



The push poll fails to state who paid for it.

The initial reaction, of course, is that Morganelli arranged for a push poll that savages his opponents. At lunch yesterday, one Democrat said that she was leaning Morganelli, but after getting that push poll, would support someone else. This is understandable.

But it assumes incorrectly that Morganelli is behind that poll.

Neither John Morganelli nor anyone in his campaign had anything to do with that push poll. His campaign manager, Rich Wilkins, told me he is under strict orders to "keep the gloves on."

Morganelli has strongly denied that he or anyone in his campaign has had anything to do with it. "I would rather lose this race than break my word," he told me yesterday. He was referring to a meeting he had with Susan Wild a few months ago, in which they both promised each other they would refrain from attacks. He added that he considers all his Democratic opponents "fine people," and intends to support the ultimate nominee.

Think about it. John is far better known than his opponents. He has no reason to raise their visibility by attacking them. It would only hurt him, as has already happened.

Think about it. Republicans, who always have money to burn, are sabotaging John because they know he will be much harder to beat than the other Democrats in the race. The GOP candidates themselves likely have nothing to do with this, but some far-right PAC his financed this poll.

If you wish to vote for someone other than John because he's a blue dog Dem, that's fine. I won't pretend he's something he's not. Neither will he. But if you fall for this dirty trick, you're being played

Here's what John has said himself on Facebook:

John Morganelli Not my poll. I think highly of all the Democratic candidates and have no interest or intent to engage in this kind of campaign . I have no clue who may being doing it. The last poll I did was in early January.

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Douglas Brace thank you for explaining yourself

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John Morganelli Thanks Mr. Brace for considering my comments .

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Eddy Foster If it later comes out that you did pay for this poll, or directed it in any way, will you drop out?

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John Morganelli yes

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John Morganelli Because it is DEFINITELY not my poll or directed by me.

Morganelli Announces Summit to Curb College Drinking

Northampton County is home to four different colleges. There's Lehigh University and its nemesis, Lafayette. There's Northampton Community College. Finally, there's Moravian College, which has no rival. These schools all have one thing in common. Me. I, a bottom-feeding blogger, have actually spoken at each of these fine institutions as a guest lecturer, imparting pearls of wisdom to eager young minds. At least I think I was a lecturer. It's either that or I'm a case study in aberrant behavior. Aside from me, these schools have something else in common. Booze. As real as the opioid crisis is in other segments of society, alcohol abuse is perhaps the biggest problem facing college students. Yesterday, NorCo DA John Morganelli announced that all four of these colleges will meet with him in May to see if they can arrive at a unified approach to this problem.

Morganelli admitted at the onset that it's "naive to think we're going to stop college kids from drinking." But get this. Alcohol is a killer. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking by college-age students (18-24) leads to 1,825 deaths, 696,000 assaults and 97,000 sexual assaults every year. It keeps prosecutors busy, but that misses the point. "We're here to save kids' lives," he stressed.

Also attending this summit will be representatives of Northampton County's very busy Drug and Alcohol Division.

Morganelli noted that drinking rates are highest in fraternities and sororities, followed by students who live on campus as well as those who play sports. It is least prevalent among students who commute and still live with their parents. The binge drinking is usually at its worse during the first few weeks of school.