Deely Finally Concedes to Simmons

In a news release, State Rep. Justine Simmons announces that he was called today by challenger Kevin Deely. The Easton High School teacher finally conceded defeat in the race for the 131st legislative district. As of last Wednesday, Simmons was up by 448 votes, with his margin of victory largest in Lower Saucon Township.

Simmons Win 131st State House Seat By 448

Justin Simmons (L) and Kevin Deely (R)

For Justin Simmons campaign manager Mark Sterner, the past few days have been pretty nerve-racking as elections officials in two different counties have tallied votes in a surprisingly strong challenge by Easton High School teacher Kevin Deely. Simmons saw his Lehigh County lead dwindle to just one vote at one point in the process. But now that all the absentees and provisionals have been counted in both counties, Simmons can claim a 448-vote lead.

Acting Lehigh County Dem Chair Bar Johnston points to this election as proof that one vote really can make a difference. She's unsure at this point whether Kevin Deely will seek a recount. "That's a decision he must make," she tells me, adding that many Deely supporters are urging him to go for it. If he does, Sterner will likely have to be hospitalized.

Simmons' lead in Lehigh County has grown from one to 16, thanks to absentee ballots due yesterday.

In Northampton County, where canvassing of his district was completed today, a 430-vote lead went up to 432.

All told, the final tally in both counties shows him up by 448 votes.

88% of Deely's Money Comes Wrapped in a Union Label

Deely at Labor Day Parade in Bethlehem

State House candidate Kevin Deely, an Easton High School teacher and union activist, clearly derailed at the DeSales debate. After that, I wrote him off as a serious candidate. He is seriously uninformed on most state issues, and that became apparent very quickly. But I forgot that few people in the Lehigh Valley watch televised debates. Fewer still read the blogs. So quite a few Democrats in the 131st District, who had already decided to vote for Obama, voted straight party. As a result, incumbent Justin Simmons is hanging by a one-vote lead in Lehigh County, although he's still up by 430 votes in Northampton County.

In addition to the lever pullers, Deely's campaign was heavily funded by the unions. 88% of his $130,000 warchest is wearing that union label. His biggest union contributor is PSEA. After all, he was President of the teachers' union in Easton, where he's known for rejecting federal funding when tied to teacher performance. He also organized a rally when school administrators balked at an average 12.57% average raise for teachers in the height of the Great Recession.

That union label is apparent among his individual contributors, too. They include union activist James Schlener, who lost his job as a Bethlehem firefighter after being picked up for DUI while supposedly on sick leave. Schlener and other contributing union activists, like Jim Gregory and former LV Labor Council President John Werkheiser, live outside the 131st legislative district.

Simmons raised about the same amount of money as Deely. His largest contributor, by far, is $30,000 from the House Republican Campaign Committee.

But Deely does not list the $98,000 that state Democrats paid for TV ads. Maybe he forgot.

Simmons Clinging to Razor Thin, 25-Vote Lead, in Lehigh County

Justin Simmons

State Rep. Justin Simmons represents the 131st legislative, a hodge podge of  blue and red precincts. It includes much of both Allentown's south side and Salisbury Township, areas dominated by blue collar Democrats. But it also includes J.B. Reilly country in the Saucons, dominated by blue bloods as opposed to blue collars. So no matter who sits on the 131st throne, it's best not to get too comfortable.

Two years ago, Simmons came out of nowhere to knock off Karen Beyer in a hotly contested Republican primary. I thought Simmons was morally wounded after that dogfight, but he went on to win the general election against Michael Horton, a weak candidate whose residence there was questionable.

Kevin Deely

In office, Simmons has led by example. He refuses to take a state car, per diems or participate in a pension. He's the state rep who quietly got the ball rolling on the NIZ settlement, in which Allentown and surrounding municipalities were at war over a tax grab to fund a hockey arena and office buildings in the downtown. He even managed to get some legislation passed.

Easton High School match teacher Kevin Deely, in contrast to Simmons, is pretty much a one-issue candidate. At a Business Matters debate a few weeks before the election, it was painfully apparent that, aside from education issues, Deely has no real knowledge or understanding of state issues. You'd think that Simmons would cruise to re-election on autopilot, but something happened.

Barack Obama.

Two years ago, there was no Presidential election driving large numbers of Democrats to the polls. But this time, the lever pullers came out in force. And all of a sudden, there's a horse race.

After being down most of the night, Simmons emerged in the early morning hours with a 562-vote lead. But that's unofficial.

The official vote count began in Lehigh County yesterday. Without the absentee ballots, Simmons would have lost.

Machine Numbers:

Justin Simmons          Rep   12273
Kevin T. Deely Jr.     Dem   12512

Absentee Numbers:

Justin Simmons          Rep   678
Kevin T. Deely Jr.     Dem   414

Total Machine and Absentee:

Justin Simmons          Rep   12951
Kevin T. Deely Jr.     Dem   12926

As you can see, he is up by a scant 25 votes in Lehigh County.

In Northampton County, the official count begins today. It will likely continue for several days because there are over 500 provisional ballots county-wide. Simmons is up by 430 votes in Northampton County, so I think it's highly unlikely that Deely will snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

But you never know. Both candidates will be sending lawyers, guns and money to the festivities.

Elections officials in both counties will be unable to conclude the official count until November 13. That's when absentee ballots are due from the military and emergency first responders.

Updated 10:25 AM: I originally called this a "razor sharp" lead. A reader corrected my error, and I have changed my headline to "razor thin." .

Updated 12:15 PM: Simmons Lead In Lehigh County Down to One Vote! - Don't think one vote makes a difference? Think again. After going through the provisional ballots, Simmons' lead in Lehigh County has shrunk to just one vote. His firewall is Northampton County, where he is still up by 430 votes. Provisional ballots are being examined there now, but officials are not expected to hit his district until Wednesday.

Simmons In Trouble

With only one precinct in Upper Saucon left, State Rep. Justin Simmons is down over 400 votes in his race against schoolteacher Kevin Deely. To me, this is the biggest surprise.

PoliticsPA Notices Deely Disaster at DeSales

Giving State Rep. Justin Simmons an up, PoliticsPA explains: Justin Simmons. "One of Dems’ top 2012 targets, Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh) appears to be on a roll against public school teacher Kevin Deely. He picked up the endorsement of the Easton Express-Times, launched a new TV ad, and by one account (with video), he cleaned up at a debate Monday night. He looks like he’d have given Mitt Romney a run for his money on the debate stage."

Deely said during the debate that he loves his job as a teacher. "Education is one of the best things a person can do," he argued. If this is so, then perhaps that's what he should do.

Just don't ever let him teach debating.

Politico: Simmons Playing Defense

According to Politico, State Rep. Justin Simmons is playing defense against challenger Kevin Deely. He's running two television ads, one of them negative, to counter the public sector union money flowing into Deely's coffers.

This entry, which includes allegations that Deely was tossed out of a 2009 conference over marijuana use, provoked this humorous comment:

This guy will fit right in with the other legislators in the Lehigh Valley! Picture this car pool home from Harrisburg.

The Stoner can drive. Mensch can ride shot gun and Boscola, Brown and Brennan can all sleep it off in the back seat. May take them a while to get home if Deely gets the munchies.

Pa. Business Group Endorses Justin Simmons

State Rep. Justin Simmons can add a pro-business group to his growing list of endorsements. PEG PAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Business Council (PBC), today announced its continued support for the freshman incumbent.

Simmons represents the 131st District, which includes portions of Lehigh and Northampton Counties. PEG PAC highlighted Simmons’ support of a free enterprise, job-creating agenda in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

“During his first term, Representative Justin Simmons has kept his promise to work for the improvement of Pennsylvania’s overall tax and businesses climate, which is crucial to allowing companies to compete on both a national and global scale, and create jobs for Pennsylvanians,” said David W. Patti, PBC president & CEO.

Patti cited Representative Simmons’s record of fighting efforts to increase the size, scope and cost of government; and his leadership in efforts to reduce onerous taxes like the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. Patti also noted Simmons's support for initiatives that encourage private investment in businesses, as well as joint and several liability reform that is now law.

“Representative Simmons knows that competitive business taxes as well as fair and equitable regulatory and legal systems are the basis of a strong free market and an environment that enables job creators to grow and flourish," commented Patti. “That’s why we endorsed him in 2010 and are glad to be able to endorse him again this year.”

Simmons is facing Kevin Deely in November's election.

Deely Plays Politics at Coopersburg Community Day

In its 21-year history, Coopersburg Community Day has been a day to come together, no play politics. Politicians are welcome, but are expressly prohibited from campaigning, wearing buttons, or passing out campaign literature.

At last Saturday's Coppersburg Community Day, State House candidate Kevin Deely decided to play politics anyway. He's running against incumbent Justin Simmons in the 131st. He and some of his union supporters showed up wearing "Elect Deely" buttons and started to hand out flyers. When told that is verboten, retired teacher and former Southern Lehigh union rep Jay Impink had a meltdown about his First Amendment rights. In short, Impink had a stink.

"It is a shame that Deely is so desperate to increase his name recognition that he needs to politicize a community event that is meant to bring people together," said a Justin Simmons campaign aide.

Simmons Endorsed By Three FOPs

(Blogger's Note: This is from the Justin Simmons campaign) COOPERSBURG - State Representative Justin Simmons (R-131) today announced that he has been endorsed by local law enforcement organizations for his support of our communities' police officers and commitment to providing for the safety of residents and neighborhoods.

The 131st District is represented by three police organizations: the Queen City FOP Lodge 10 of Allentown, the Haggerty Memorial Lodge #40 of Bethlehem, and the Le-Hampton Lodge 35 of Lehigh and Northampton Counties. All three have endorsed Simmons in his bid for re-election.

“It is an honor to gain the endorsement and support of the men and women who protect our families, our homes, and our community,” Simmons said. “At any hour of the day or night, these public servants stand ready to keep us safe from injury or harm. I am committed to doing what I can to protect them while they do their jobs protecting the rest of us.”

In notifying Simmons of their endorsement, Gene Hatcher, President of Le-Hampton Lodge 35 of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, cited Simmons' "continuing commitment to Law Enforcement" as part of the reason he received their support.

The Fraternal Order of Police lodges represent the men and women who work every day on our streets to help prevent crime and protect our families. After careful review of the record of both candidates, they decided Justin Simmons was the best choice to be their partner in the fight against crime. They know he’ll continue to be an advocate for police officers’ rights and promote policies that help police do their jobs - and make our neighborhoods safer.

“At a time when governments at every level must do more with less, I continue to focus on real priorities to help local families, seniors, and small businesses. Without a doubt, local police forces are a major priority and I’ll continue fighting for the tools and resources they need to keep both themselves and us safe,” Simmons said.

Simmons represents the 131st District which includes parts of Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

Blogger's Note: Simmons, a Republican, is opposed by Democrat Kevin Deely, a teacher.

State Rep. Candidate Kevin Deely Using Kids For Cash

Kevin Deely is the Easton Area High School teacher who was asked to leave a conference at Gettysburg College in 2009. A security guard was beckoned to Deely's room, which he was sharing with two other teachers, by the pungent aroma of marijuana. The guard could hear the toilet flush, over and over, as he waited for the door to open When it finally did, the poor guy was nearly knocked over by a cloud of Acapulco gold.

Now do I think Deely was bootin' the bong? Heaven forbid! I'm sure it was all just a terrible misunderstanding. After all, Deely was at the time President of the teachers' union. As a union boss, he's known for rejecting federal funding when it was tied to teacher performance. We can't have that. Last Spring, he organized a rally when school administrators balked at an average 12.57% average raise for teachers.

Between 2009 and this year, Easton teachers saw average raises of $20,000-25,000, more than many of us make.

Now he's running for State Representative against incumbent Justin Simmons in the 131st District. Unable to raise money for his campaign, he's become a modern-day Fagin. He's actually sending kids out, armed with cans, to pick up dough for his warchest.

That's what Deely did on August 2, when he opened up his campaign offices.  Naturally, it's at the UAW Local 677 building in Allentown.

What is he, the frickin' Miracle League?

Amazingly, he did this right under the noses of union bosses, local Dem party bigwigs, gay rights advocate Adrian Shanker, State Rep candidates Mike Schossberg and Leslie Altieri, and Congressional candidate Rick Daugherty.

What were they thinking?

Not one of them bothered to remind Deely that campaign finance laws require him to account for every penny received, even if it is under $50 and obtained from people who think they're donating to the March of Dimes.

I wonder if any of them had anything to say about our child labor laws being too strict.

These are Democrats?

Putting laws aside, sending kids out to collect cash for a political campaign is tacky.

Updated 11:30 AM: I have decided to remove a picture of the three boys holding "Deely" cans from this blog because they are not the issue, and there is no reason to draw attention to them in an negative way. The candidate who promoted this activity should be the focus.

Updated 8:30 PM: I decided to remove the picture of Mike Schlossberg, too

Deely Having Trouble Getting 300 Signatures?

Easton teacher and its former union president, Kevin Deely, is challenging State Rep. Justin Simmons in the Center Valley and Allentown (131st state district). As the date for filing petitions draws near, the anonymous attacks at Simmons have begun. Because they are off topic, I've been deleting them.

Yesterday, I learned that Deely is having trouble getting 300 signatures, and has resorted to using nonresident circulators to push him over the top.

Maybe his campaign should spend a little less time smearing Simmons and a little more time gathering signatures.

State Rep. Justin Simmons to Seek Re-Election

Late last month, I told you that teachers' union advocate Kevin Deely plans to run for Justin Simmons' seat in the state house. But he'll have to beat Simmons first. The freshman state rep. has issued a news release, announcing his intention to seek a second term.

COOPERSBURG – State Representative Justin Simmons (R-131) announced today that he will run for re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012.
 
“During my first year in office, I have answered the public's call to restore fiscal discipline to state government and have focused on making our state more competitive in the national marketplace, but there is more to be done," said Simmons.  "While we have taken the right first steps, restoring our economy, due to eight years of over-spending and over-borrowing by the previous administration, will take time."
 
Simmons outlined several successes from his first year in the State House, including:
 
-       Passing a balanced budget by the constitutionally mandated deadline (the first in eight years) and without raising taxes;
 
-       Focusing the state budget on priorities like education funding despite the loss of billions of dollars in federal stimulus funding;
 
-       Making Pennsylvania more competitive in the national jobs marketplace through initiatives such as the Angel Investor Tax Credit, and reforms to the state’s tort system, workers’ compensation system, and business tax reductions;
 
-       Passing legislation that would commit 100% of all gaming revenue to property tax relief;

-       Passing The Castle Doctrine;
 
-       Supporting new laws to give voters a stronger voice on property taxes and making the legislature more transparent to Pennsylvania residents.
 
“As 2011 began, Pennsylvania faced multi-billion dollar budget deficits and the legislature faced a simple choice: reign in spending or force tax increases on our citizens.  No one can afford more in these difficult economic times, which is why I worked so hard to finally bring fiscal sanity to Harrisburg by refusing a tax increase or increasing debt in the budget process,” said Simmons.
 
Elected in part on his pledge to reform Harrisburg and restore the public’s trust, Simmons said that he has kept that promise.  Simmons refused perks like a taxpayer paid automobile and per diems, refusing the taxpayer-paid pension, and returning the COLA for both 2011 and 2012 to the state treasury.  Simmons also supported the successful effort to force House members to pay for a portion of their healthcare costs like those in the private sector.
 
“I ran for this office to try and make a difference for local residents and Pennsylvania, not to take part in the perks of office.  I promised to turn my back on those perks and have kept that promise,” commented Simmons.
 
Looking ahead, Simmons said there is more work to be done to keep Pennsylvania on a course toward economic recovery.
 
“I will continue to work to ensure education funding remains a top priority in the budget, and push for further reforms to our state’s tax structure to help lure new job creators to our state and encourage current businesses to expand and create more jobs,” said Simmons.  “I’m asking for your continued support in the upcoming election.”

Teachers' Union Advocate To Oppose Justin Simmons For State House

Imagine you're a security guard walking down the hallway of a Gettysburg College dorm room. While making your rounds, the pungent aroma of marijuana, coming from one of the rooms, attracts your attention. You knock on the door, but instead of an answer, you hear the toilet flush again and again. When the door finally is opened, a cloud of marijuana smoke virtually knocks you over.

Sounds like a typical college dorm scene, right?

But what I've just described are the antics of three Easton teachers who were shacked up at Gettysburg for a ... ahem ... conference in 2009. Though never charged, these three stooges were asked to leave, and they did.

In fact, one of these three educators, Kevin Deely, was President of the teachers' union at the time, a role he continued to hold until sometime this year. As a union boss, he's known for rejecting federal funding when tied to teacher performance.  Last Spring, he organized a rally when school administrators balked at an average 12.57% average raise for teachers.  Between 2009 and this year, Easton teachers saw average raises of $20,000-25,000, which is more than many of us make.

Not too shabby in the worst economy we've seen since the Great Depression. But so far, it's only been Easton taxpayer money.

Well, Deely wants to bring his "vision" to Harrisburg. I have minutes from Southern Lehigh Educational Assn's October meeting, where Deely was a featured speaker and stated he'll be opposing Justin Simmons in the state house race next year.

Apparently, Deely's an expert when it comes to Weed 'n Seed.

If you'd like to volunteer, he lives in an apartment above a Korean restaurant on 309 in Center Valley. So you can knock on Kevin's door, and while you're waiting for him to stop flushing the toilet, you can order some kimchi.