Nothstein Stories Garner Keystone Press Award

Last year, I did a series of stories about what turned out to be unfounded allegations of some form of sexual misconduct by then Congressional candidate Marty Nothstein. Though this supposedly had occurred 18 years ago, and the women who supposedly were involved denied that anything improper had occurred, this nevertheless became a front page story in The Morning Call. It was an obvious hatchet job designed to ruin any hope he had of winning. It succeeded, too.

Since these stories are critical of a newspaper and were judged by other journalists, I fully expected they would be politely ignored. Instead, they took first place in the ongoing news coverage category.

Below are links to my stories:

‘It’s time to end this sort of politics’ - Campaign manager says newspaper rejected evidence clearing Nothstein of sexual misconduct

NOTHSTEIN PRESS CONFERENCE Candidate cleared by SafeSport of misconduct allegations

Nothstein weathers false claim, sues

Marty Nothstein Cleared of Undefined Sexual Misconduct in 2000

You can read my story in The Bethlehem Press.

Nothstein Schedules News Conference at Noon

Lehigh Valley Congressional candidate Marty Nothstein has scheduled a news conference for noon today "regarding an important
development in his campaign."

Morning Call Refused Evidence Exonerating Marty Nothstein of Sexual Misconduct

Marty Nothstein, left,and campaign
manager Dennis Roddy

Following three months of investigation, three Morning Call reporters* - Nicole Radzievich, Steve Esack and Tom Shortell - teamed up Friday to publish a lengthy story reporting allegations of sexual misconduct swirling around LV Congressional candidate Marty Nothstein. It's the kind of news that could easily derail his campaign and marginalize him as a serious candidate. But after reading the news account and listening to Nothstein's explanation, there's no there there. If anything, the story marginalizes The Morning Call. Although these reporters made repeated efforts to contact these women independently, they nevertheless refused to review signed affidavits from them, denying any sexual improprieties. They also refused to meet these ladies when an offer was made by the Nothstein camp.

This supposed sexual misconduct, by the way, is nothing that just happened recently. It is alleged to have occurred in 2000, over 18 years ago. At that time, Nothstein said he was "living like a monk," rising at 6 am daily and going to sleep by 8 pm. He was training for the Summer Olympics that year and would eventually win a gold medal in Sydney as a sprint cyclist.

Other than the 2000 incident, no other similar complaints have been made about Nothstein.

An anonymous tipster, not one of the alleged victims, complained to USA Cycling about the 2000 incident just 11 days after Nothstein had announced his candidacy for Congress. That tip was shared with SafeSport, an independent nonprofit committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport. It only reports on its investigations when disciplinary action has been taken. There is no report of any disciplinary action against Nothstein.

An anonymous tipster also contacted Upper Macungie police with the same accusations. They and the Lehigh County DA's office investigated and determined these complaints were groundless.

At the time of the anonymous tip, Nothstein was the Velodrome's Executive Director. The Board, chaired at the time by Attorney Andrew Ralston,Jr., placed him on administrative leave without pay in February, and then ended his contract. William Chadwick, a former prosecutor and state inspector general who has been retained by Nothstein, said that the former Olympic cyclist was bound by confidentiality and unable to discuss publicly his suspension.

Ralston, who chaired the Velodrome Board at the time of Nothstein's suspension, was a partner at the Gross, McGinley law firm until 2016. That's where Democratic Congressional candidate Susan Wild was employed until gaining her party's nomination.

He is currently a partner at the White and Williams law firm. That firm was billing the Velodrome for legal services, and Nothstein had raised concerns about it. 

Nothstein first became aware of the identities of the two women involved from 2000 because they contacted him after being approached by reporters. His campaign obtained written affidavits from both and they were offered to reporters with on condition that there would be no quotations from the affidavits and the identity of these putative victims would remain confidential. This was refused. Reporters said they wanted to be able to speak to them as well. Nothstein campaign manager Dennis Roddy states he obtained permission to share both affidavits, allow quotations and make both persons available. This offer was rejected, too.

At the news conference, Morning Call reporters declined to respond to Nothstein's claim that "Morning Call reporters declined to so much as meet with [the alleged victims] or examine their statements. Instead, we live in a time when anonymous people in the shadows can spread false allegations and get them into the media ... ."

Reporters directed inquiries to Interim Editor Terry Rang. In a statement, she said the newspaper was unwilling to accept the affidavits under the conditions set by Roddy. But perhaps unknown to her, Roddy dropped those conditions. Efforts to reach her about Roddy's second offer have this far been unsuccessful.

"I want to say to the voters of this district: these are false accusations, planted just days after I began my candidacy. The presumed 'victims' themselves deny such a thing happened. It's time to end this sort of politics. We should be talking about policy, not false rumors."

Nothstein's wife Christi also released a statement in response to The Morning Call story: "I am asking that the people who are lying to destroy Marty's campaign for Congress also understand that they are destroying people's reputation and lives. They are hurting several families by dragging them into this fabricated scandal."

"It was a tough day to send my [PSU-bound] daughter to school today," said Nothstein. "Provide a headline that provides the truth," he suggested. "To pick and choose who you're going to hammer, that's just not fair."
___________

* A fourth reporter, Laura Olson, assisted from Washington.

Pa CD-7: Both GOP Candidates Pledge Allegiance to Flag ... and Trump

Marty Nothstein (L) and Dean Browning (R)

Last night, Republicans Dean Browning and Marty Nothstein participated in their one and only debate at Palmer Tp's Brown and Lynch American Legion before about 100 angry Republicans fueled by free meatballs and soft drinks (booze was available, but these are Republicans) First, they all solemnly participated in a heartfelt prayer from Bob Kilbanks, who really whipped himself into a frenzy. After that, the mood was still somber as the Pledge of Allegiance was piously recited by outdoorsman Teg Hughes, who humanely traps and removes skunks and other vermin for businesses and schools. (He never got me).  A 21-gun salute had also been planned, but had to be canceled when it dawned on organizers that the audience might mistake it as an attack from Mexico and respond by blasting away with the guns that each and every one of them was secretly carrying.What followed was a night in which both Browning and Nothstein took turns repeating another kind of Pledge of Allegiance, except this one was to Donald Trump.

Sharbell Koorie (Daddy's Place) was the DJ

My impression is that Browning was more polished and prepared than Nothstein. For example, Nothstein was unable to say what legislative initiatives he'd propose if he won, explaining that he's concentrating on getting elected first  It's bizarre that someone would run for the legislature and have no idea what measures he'd like to promote when he gets there. But Nothstein won the debate. He was better at going for the throat than Browning and had better one-liners.

Believe it or not, stark differences between these two candidates emerged during a lightning round conducted by GOP Chair Lee Snover. I suspect this is an idea she stole from the NextGen America debate conducted a few weeks earlier by the Democrats. Asked to name country music stars, Nothstein rattled off a few names. Browning was stumped. This drew some gasps. That's almost as bad as taking the knee during the national anthem. This continued when Nothstein said he went to Emmaus High School, while Browning mentioned one in Ohio. What really did Browning in was where he gets his coffee. Nothstein said wherever he could, while Browning answered Starbucks. Brown and Lynch nearly lynched Browning after that response. Nothstein got Ron Angle's vote and a few laughs when he said his favorite talk show host is Ron Angle.

His Eminence, Ron Angle, was my
bodyguard (photo stolen from Ed White) 

Nothstein's competitive fire erupted at times during the debate. Right off the bat, he corrected a moderator who mispronounced his name, in a touch of arrogance  That hurt him a little. But he nailed Browning later, when candidates were permitted to question each other.

Browning, in negative mailers, has repeatedly associated Nothstein with Wayne Woodman. Wayne is a gazillionaire and a Republican who has low regard  for Donald Trump and never supported him. Browning noted that 20% of Nothstein's money comes from Woodman family members. He asked why Nothstein would take this money from someone who despises The Donald.

Nothstein answered that he and Woodman have many differences, and Trump is one of them. But, as he explained, "You're running against me, not Wayne Woodman."  He called attempts to tie him to Woodman "guilt by association." "My opponent has Wayne on the brain," he said to laughter.

Browning and Woodman have been enemies for years, and I suspect this colored Browning's judgment. He really does have Wayne on the brain.

The meatballs flowed freely

When it was Nothstein's turn to question Browning, he hammered him. He noted that Browning has contributed significant sums to moderate Republicans over the years. People like John Boehner, John McCain, Mitch McConnell and Charlie Dent. "How can you say you're going to drain the swamp when you feed the swamp?" he asked.

"I haven't given to Dent in some time," answered Browning.

"2016?" Nothstein continued, noting that Dent has received $20,000 from Browning over the years.

All Browning could say at this point was that he is "extremely disappointed" in Dent.

Browning also fell flat at another point in the debate, when he accused Nothstein of  "going around in circles, like in a bicycle race." 

Nobody laughed.

Instead, Nothstein dismissed Browning's shot by saying he'd race him.

Both candidates insisted they were early Trump supporters, but both admitted that they initially supported Ted Cruz. Nothstein said he could "be trusted" to vote with Trump while Browning called the orange Wonder "our last best chance."

LWV debate - Candidates were questioned about the League of Women Voters debate, scheduled for tonight, that Nothstein decided to boycott. "I oppose blatant gerrymandering," he explained, but said the lawsuit should have been filed sooner. He added that the LWV supports too many liberal issues. "It would not be a fair debate," he concluded.

Browning called the new districts a blatant overreach by the Supreme Court But he said that the republican candidate has to draw some independent and Democratic votes to win. "We do not serve ourselves well by preaching to the choir," he argued.

Speaker of the House. - "I can tell you who I don't want to be Speaker of the House, and that's Nancy Pelosi," said Browning, which resulted in the largest cheers he received.

DACA.- Both oppose DACA until a wall is in place and sanctuary cities are abolished. Even then, Browning would refuse to grant citizenship. Nothstein would grant it.

$20 trillion debt.- Congress has been "kicking the can down the road" with increased spending, said Nothstein. "America does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem," he concluded.Browning said "[w]e need to stop spending more than we take in revenue." His solution is zero-based budgeting and a reform of social security disability, which he claims has tripled.

Border Security. - Nothstein argues that weak borders have led to increased drugs and human trafficking. Browning explained that enhanced security could be attained by freezing the funding  to sanctuary cities.

Special interests. - Both candidates  said the best way to avoid the influence of  special interests is by getting in and getting out. Browning pledged to serve no more than three terms. Nothstein said he would not be around for long.

Comey. - Both said the former FBI Director should be prosecuted and jailed.

Rising Student Debt. - "Nothing is free in this life," said Browning. He'd resolve the problem by removing the federal guarantee. Nothstein said he'd push for lower loan rates. He said many people should consider a trade as opposed to a college education. "We need more welders and not philosophy majors," he observed.

Abortion. - Neither candidate supports Planned Parenthood. Browning is opposed to abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Nothstein appears to be absolutely opposed. "I will fight for unborn children every single day," he vowed.

School shootings. - Both are opposed to increased gun control, except Nothstein would support a ban on bumpstocks. Both agree the real problem is mental health, and Browning said federal law should be relaxed to permit more accurate background checks. Both oppose raising the age to own forearms to 21. Nothstein asked, "You can fight for us, but can't go to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a firearm?" Both oppose bans on assault style rifles.

Obamacare. - Both support a full repeal.

Both Republican candidates appear to be very conservative and well organized. Unfortunately, Democrats are spending their money fighting each other.

LWV to Nothstein - We Are Nonpartisan

Last week I told you that Lehigh Valley Congressional candidate Marty Nothstein, a Republican, refuses to participate in a primary debate with opponent Dean Browning. He's blowin' oil because the League of Women Voters is a "partisan, liberal organization allied with the interests of the Democratic party." He's particularly irritated at the stance this good government group has taken against the gerrymander. Up until that moment, I thought Nothstein was running a pretty good campaign in which he cast himself as an outsider. But we know now that he's really one of the good ol' boys.

Last week, State Rep. Daryl Committee convened a half-hour hearing on the gerrymander bill with virtually no notice and gutted it. He refused to allow the meeting to be livestreamed and threatened to clear the room when his transparency was challenged.

This divisive and polarizing behavior, we now know, is what to expect from Nothstein.

Beverly Hernandez, Vice President of the Northampton County League of Women Voters, said there is "no partisan agenda. Our purpose is to educate and inform the voter. There ARE Republicans in the League. ... The debates must include both ( or all) parties or we won't hold the debate. Nonpartisan."

In addition to Beverly Hernandez, I'd like to share a comment from Irish Mare:

I am shocked that a campaign manager for Marty Nothstein would allow him to go after an institution like the League of Women Voters. Not only is he hugely misinformed and completely wrong; but he has insulted people who work tirelessly year round to educate, inform and protect the voting rights of all citizens from all parties. And these people (men and women ) have been doing this for years for us, the voting population of the Lehigh Valley from all parties!

Perhaps he should: join the League, attend some meetings, help interview legislators from both parties, organize the Voter's Guides, voter registration efforts, hold candidates forums and debates, research voter reforms and redistricting reforms and help organize the yearly Government Directory that I am sure he has used often. Then I challenge him to make those same claims...

If he wants to go after someone, perhaps he should go after those who were originally responsible for drawing an unconstitutional, partisan gerrymandered map in the first place, in 2011. Who might that be, Mr. Nothstein? I can guarantee it was not the League of Women Voters. This will hurt his campaign going after such a well-respected institution with facts that are erroneous and false. Maybe have a nice long talk with his campaign manager about acting like a grownup and having your facts straight! And maybe he will join the League. He has divulged a side of himself that is very spiteful and nasty and boy oh boy, I believe everyone would agree we don't need anymore of that in Washington, DC! And maybe, just maybe he will be man enough to apologize!

Nothstein Accuses LWV of Meddling, Sez No To Debate

Marty Nothstein is one of two candidates, along with Dean Browning, seeking the Republican nod for Congress here in the Lehigh Valley. He has been avoiding primary debates, which tells me he considers himself the front runner. He has released a statement, along with a Pittsburgh contact number, refusing to participate in the League of Women Voters debate next month. The reason he gives for dodging it tells me that he will be running from behind in the general election. . He has accused this good government group of "meddling in Congressional politics."

He's angry that the League of Women Voters has not just fought against gerrymandering dragon for years, but has managed to slay it. Our state court has ended an undemocratic system in which your legislators pick you, instead of the other way around.

Gerrymandering has been a wrecking ball to good government in Pa. It is both an incumbent insurance program and a magnet for ideologues rather than people who are willing to work together. It is also a two-headed monster. Democrats are just as capable of gerrymandering districts as Republicans. They have done so in other states.

The effort to end this disgraceful system has been bipartisan. Numerous Republicans in the state house and state Senate, including Lisa Boscola, Pat Browne and Mario Scavello, have endorsed an end to a system in which the majority party draws the boundary lines for legislative and Congressional districts.

The League of Women Voters and Common Cause spearheaded the effort here in Pennsylvania. The League of Women Voters exists primarily to make sure that your vote matters. It has historically opposed poll taxes, racial gerrymandering and efforts at voter suppression. It has supported attempts to educate voters, which is why this group always tries to host debates.

Nothstein has derided this group as a "partisan, liberal organization allied with the interests of the Democratic party." If his attack were really true, the League would have lost its tax exempt status decades ago. It's false.

Nothstein is skipping a debate designed to educate you about his positions. Instead of being honest and just admitting that he is in the lead and does not want to give any exposure to Dean Browning, he embraces a system that is wrong and that has actually led to the very partisanship he now decries.

The proof of Nothstein's hypocrisy  is his willingness to participate in a League of Women Voter debate in the general election, where he claims to be "open to an invitation." If he really felt that the League was just a tool of the Democrats, he would boycott them completely.

In one news release, Nothstein has demonstrated that he stands for bad government, is intellectually dishonest and just a tad arrogant. He has just assured his own defeat in the general election.

Dean Browning told me, incidentally, that he is "willing to debate anybody, anytime, anywhere."

John Morganelli told me he is willing to debate Nothstein, too, but draws the line at bicycle races.

The League of Women Voters debate, for all candidates, Democrat and Republican, is on May 2, 7 pm, at Northampton Community College's Alumni Hall.

Nothstein news release:

 he is

Nothstein Pledges Self-Imposed Term Limit in Congressional Bid

FROM THE NOTHSTEIN FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN: - Conservative Republican Marty Nothstein has formally pledged to self-imposed term limits if elected to Congress for Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District.

Nothstein, a small businessman and Lehigh County commissioner, called term limits crucial in the effort to eliminate the problem of government gridlock created by career politicians.

“It's no secret that the longer our elected officials are in office, the more likely they are to become career politicians,” Nothstein said. “Term limits are the first step to getting rid of career politicians in Washington who end up working for big special interests instead of working for those back home. If elected, I promise to term limit myself to no more than 8 years. If it's good enough for the President then it's good enough for Congress."

He cited the current gridlock in Congress as a prime example of the dangers of returning career politicians to office for decades.

“I'm tired of career politicians telling us they are going to do something but then it never getting done,” Nothstein said. “There's no urgency in Congress because they are guaranteed their paycheck whether or not they get anything accomplished. I have lived my entire life setting goals and then working hard to achieve them. I will bring that same drive and determination if given the honor by voters of the 15th district.”

Nothstein said he would also favor and work toward a Constitutional Amendment to create term limits on members of Congress.

Lehigh County DA Jim Martin Endorses Nothstein For Congress

Claiming that Marty Nothstein "combines the American dream with the fresh outlook of a political outsider," Lehigh County DA Jim Martin has endorsed the first-term Lehigh County Commission in his bid for the GOP nomination to the 15th Pa. Congressional District. Martin called Nothstein a "problem-solver" who is among a "new generation of leaders" here in the Lehigh Valley.

For his part, Nothstein is "humbled and honored" by this important endorsement.

In addition to his role as Chair of Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, Nothstein operates The Velodrome as well as a small business.

Nothstein Announces Congressional Bid

"Work hard, dream big." That's what Marty Nothstein learned growing up in what he calls a blue collar family here in the Lehigh Valley. A 1996 Olympic champion, known as the Blade during his cycling days, has just announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination to Congress in the 15th Congressional District.

“America is the land of limitless opportunity, he says on his webpage. "However, too often, Washington fails us because career politicians are only looking out for themselves and their friends. Instead of tax reform and health care reform, we get gridlock and cronyism.”

“That has to stop.”

Nothstein is currently in his second year as a Lehigh County Commissioner.

His campaign announcement is on video form here.