Horton Plays the Malcolm X Card

Referring to himself as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, Malcolm X was certainly a controversial figure. He preached that the "white man" is "the devil" or "common enemy" Martin Luther King? He was the man's "stooge." So it's no great surprise that many consider X a racist. But Malcolm X is Michael Horton's hero. At least that's what he led the Easton NAACP to believe on Tuesday night.

I saw Horton on Tuesday night. I was on my way to Hanover Township while he was en route to an NAACP meet 'n greet. We both had made pit stop at Panera's on 512, which is one of my secret blogging lairs.

I never made it to Easton, but spoke to several people who did. I'm also told the event was filmed. That's odd because, at this time last year, the NAACP prevented me from filming Julio Guridy and King Edwin, claiming no cameras are permitted at their functions.

Hcorton, of course, pandered to the black voter, telling them "They tried to deny you the right to vote, you know what I mean," and "They are making you apathetic, you know what I mean." Then he pointed to his glasses and claimed he wears them in honor of Malcolm X. And of course, at one point, he wiped a tear.

Now maybe he's sincere, but I doubt it. You see, he's never mentioned his fondness for Malcolm X during his encounters with white voters.

Simmons' Grass Roots Support v. Horton's Auslanders

div>After examining the campaign finance reports filed by Michael Horton and Justin Simmons, I can tell you the following:

1) Horton has spent more than $250,000, nearly twice as much as the $127,000 spent by Simmons.

2) Simmons lists 16 pages of small contributions from Lehigh Valley residents, which indicates a lot of grass roots support.

3) Horton has only 22 Lehigh Valley contributors, who gave him just $1,860.

4) Most of Simmons' larger contributions come from the Republican establishment, which indicates that he has repaired much of the damage done during his primary challenge to Karen Beyer.

5) For a supposed hand-picked puppet of Elmer Gates, Simmons comes cheap. The Fuller dude only gave him $600 during this crucial period in the election cycle.

6) There are numerous PayPal transactions, revealing Simmons to be the first LV candidate I've seen who has effectively used the Internet to get numerous, smaller donations.

7) Simmons' biggest contributor is the HRCC, which gave him $25,000.

8) 99% of Horton's money comes from outside his District, including $169,475 from House Dems, $10,000 from Philadelphia leader Dwight Evans, $10,000 from the Guv', and $10,000 from a PAC controlled by a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer

Based on the numbers, it appears that Simmons is relying heavily on grass roots local support (with the exception of the HRCC). Horton's strategy is to allow outsiders to buy his seat.

HDCC Calls For Investigation Into Simmons' Supporters

A week ago today, I told you that State Rep. Karen Beyer, who was defeated by Republican Justin Simmons in the Spring primary, was also battling independent expenditures by two different groups. The Morning Call has now reported on this as well. To this day, we have no idea who was funding attack ads aimed at Karen. The state BCEL has opened up an investigation. Now comes word that the House Democratic Campaign Committee wants an investigation, too. They want the State Department and IRS to look into the activities of Citizens' Alliance of Pennsylvania, a registered nonprofit run by Pat Toomey's former COS, Joe Sterns (pictured on the right).

In a conversation I had with Sterns after my post, he denied that his group does anything improper and claimed his flyers are designed to educate the electorate. A Simmons campaign spokesperson tells me, "this is just an attempt to deflect attention away from Horton's record." But the HDCC sees things a little differently, as this news release reveals.

"During the last three weeks, Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania has sent four campaign mailers to residents of the 131st House District endorsing Simmons. Although Citizens Alliance operates a political action committee, the four Simmons mailers came from the group’s non-profit arm.

"Federal law forbids 'social welfare,' or 501(c)(4), organizations such as Citizens Alliance from operating primarily to influence elections.

"But it is unclear what else Citizens Alliance does. Since its founding earlier this year, Citizens Alliance and its associated PAC have endorsed several candidates for office, and the group’s chairman, retired Republican state Rep. John Kennedy, admitted in an interview in March that the group’s goal is to elect 40-50 'like-minded' candidates to the Legislature, where they can be counted on to fall in line with their secret backers’ right-wing agenda.

"In Simmons’ case, it is the charity, not the political action committee, that has taken the lead on influencing his campaign, openly endorsing his candidacy on four separate political mailers.

"A formal request for an investigation of Citizens Alliance’s activities was filed Wednesday with the Department of State’s Bureau of Campaigns, Elections and Legislation. HDCC also filed a complaint Tuesday with the state Bureau of Charitable Organizations’ Division of Investigations and Audits, which forwarded the request to the IRS.

"'It’s outrageous that Justin Simmons and his shadowy backers are manipulating the law to try to steal this election,' said Fiona Conroy, executive director of HDCC. 'Citizens Alliance is clearly primarily interested in campaigning on behalf of its secret donors and in support of right-wing extremist candidates. Such activity is forbidden by federal law. Simmons’ apparent willingness to align with groups like this casts doubt upon his ethics and his judgment.'

Horton Failed to Report Profit on Rhode Island Land Deal

Last week, I posted a story about State Representative candidate Michael Horton, who's running against Justin Simmons in the 131st legislative district, possibly the only state House race that's really in play here in the Lehigh Valley. I am concerned about three tax liens that Horton has managed to accumulate in three different states, although they are all paid. I also wondered how the VP of a Fortune 500 corporation could have a car repossessed back in the '90s. At the suggestion of a reader, I did reach out to Horton for explanations, and he seemed to blame everyone but himself for his problems.

Since that time, Horton has told The Morning Call he's no tax delinquent, even though just last year, he was cited for contempt over unpaid federal income taxes in an admittedly complicated mess with his ex-wife. And on Saturday, his campaign released a statement blasting Simmons.

“"I'’m not surprised that an inexperienced 24-year-old who'’s never owned a home, paid property taxes, or run a business would fail to understand how this system works,"” Horton said of Simmons’ attacks. "“During my years in the Army and in the private sector, I’'ve paid my bills and worked hard to support my family. It is inexcusable for my opponent to attack my record with this false information and these outright lies."”

When he spoke with me, Horton acknowledged that he did convey a Rhode Island investment property in 2005. This property's total assessed value is currently set at $308,600. It also appears that Horton sold the home for twice what he originally paid.

So what's my point?

Every year, Horton must file a Statement of Financial Interests with the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission. As a Constable, and he was a Constable in 2005, he must report "DIRECT OR INDIRECT SOURCES OF INCOME" of $1,300 or more, including capital gains.

Horton's 2005 ethics statement fails to reveal this capital gain, which certainly was in excess of $1,300. Nor do any others.

So does Horton understand how the system works?

Horton Plays the Blame Game

"You really should call him. I am sure he would talk to you. You have some duty to try to find out both sides of the story."

That's how one of my readers reacted to my post, Horton: Big Mouth, Fat Wallet & Tax Liens. So yesterday, that's exactly what I did.

I told you that State Representative candidate Michael Horton, who is running against Justin Simmons, has had three tax liens in three different states. In Lehigh County, a Department of Revenue lien for $1,872 was filed in 2005, and paid in 2007. In California, there's a 2001 lien for $4,759 in back taxes. Another $1278 property tax lien was filed in Rhode Island in 2001. This VP of Fortune 500 companies also had a car repossessed in the '90s.

Rhode Island Lien: Horton wasn't ready for this one. He told me he's owned seven homes since 1991, and would never be able to qualify for a loan if his credit history were bad. But until very recently, banks were handing out mortgages to anyone, and judgments in one state could easily be overlooked in another, I countered. He really had no explanation for this lien, and suggested that it must have been his lender's mix-up or the result of a re-assessment. He noted that the address is 82 Wheeler Avenue, but he owned 82-84 Wheeler Avenue. He then scoffed at the $1278 amount. "Do you know how much money I was making at the time?" he asked. I don't, but pointed out that even wealthy people lose their homes if they don't pay their taxes.

California Liens: There are actually three liens in California, but two of them were filed erroneously. Horton insists that all three liens were filed in error and were the result of a rollover on which he paid taxes in Pennsylvania. He claimed to have evidence that all three liens were filed erroneously, and offered to fax the paperwork to me. His explanation seems reasonable.

Pennsylvania Lien: Horton claims this is the result of his divorce. and that everything has been settled for some time. Not quite. Late last year, Horton was cited for contempt when his wife's tax return was intercepted over unpaid federal income tax that they both owed. Horton was ordered to pay his ex-wife $900 per month for the next five months.

Repossessed car: Horton did buy a Lincoln Continental, and granted Air Products Credit Union a security interest in that car, along with an Oldsmobile. When he lost his job at Air Products, his loan was renegotiated, but he was still unable to make payments. As a result, the Lincoln was repossessed, but he was somehow able to sell the Olds without the knowledge or consent of the credit union.

Horton claims the Lincoln was a lemon.

Military Service: Horton is an '85 West Point grad, and did see combat in Central America in 1989. I have no reason to doubt that claim. He left the military a Captain after "6 years, 3 months and 11 days." He went to work for Air Products as a recruiter, and tells me they would never have hired him if he had a checkered military career. But he declined to produce his DD214, which would answer all questions about his military service He tells me he is a life member and "paid for life" member in the VFW and American Legion, and that status is only granted to people with an honorable discharge.

Roots: Horton grew up in Camden, Quakertown and Marlton, NJ.

Debate: Horton acknowledges he came on too strong during his Business Matter debate. He blames host Tony Iannelli, claiming he was encouraged to jump in and mix it up to make the show more interesting.

My conclusion? Horton likes to blame everyone else for his own problems.

In the meantime, House Dems have dropped another $31,000 for cable TV ads. This is on top of $57,000 worth of TV commercials on WFMZ.

Beyer Had Horton Followed After Mother's Funeral

If you file a nomination challenge asking a judge, instead of the people, to decide whether someone belongs on the ballot, you better win. Otherwise, it is difficult to escape the accusation that you are anti-Democratic, especially when you have a private investigator follow your opponent for ten days.

Amazingly, that's exactly what state rep. Karen Beyer just did. A judge tossed her residency challenge to Michael Horton on Thursday. She filed her challenge through Democrats Ernest Kaiser and Janet Keim.

In a news release, Horton describes himself as a "newcomer" who "never expected Beyer to go as far as having me followed while mourning the death of my mother and planning my wedding. The voters are going to have to decide if this is the kind of conduct they expect from their elected officials.”

Beyer had Horton followed by a PI for ten days. This private dick also interviewed his neighbors and even contacted his fiancée’s ex-husband, who was then dragged into court.

Horton has been the elected constable for Allentown’s 12th Ward since 2003 and has continuously resided there since 2002. His current address is at a home he purchased in 2008 and he just purchased a much larger home in the district, where he and his fiancée will reside after their wedding in June.

Beyer complains that Horton has “a lot to learn about the 131st district.” That may be, but she has a few things to learn herself about nomination challenges and depriving voters of the right to make their own choices.

State House Race in 131st: Beyer v. Simmons v. Horton

State Representative Karen Beyer has launched her re-election campaign for Pennsylvania’s 131st Legislative District, where she has served since 2005. Twice, Karen has won close contests against Democrat Linda Minger. This year, she's being challenged from the left by Mike Horton. Hard line Republicans are running Tea Party delight Justin Simmons against her, too.

“For nearly five years, it’s been my honor to serve the people of the 131st District,” Beyer stated, “I’ve fought hard to bring about much-needed change in areas such as consumer protection, fiscal accountability in government, and eminent domain abuse – and I’ve been proud to deliver results for the people of Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

“We’ve accomplished a lot, but there is still much more to do. Pennsylvanians still need tax relief, but in order to accomplish this, we must first address out-of-control spending. Since 2003, our state debt has spiked by $18 billion – and the burden per family of four stands now at a startling $5,600. Meanwhile, the state’s pension funds continue to rob taxpayers of their hard-earned dollars. This is wrong, and we must put a stop to it.

“The good news is, we can. My record demonstrates that meaningful reform is possible, and if entrusted with the opportunity to keep serving the people of this district, I pledge to continue this record of strong leadership characterized by attentiveness, accessibility, and action.”

Beyer is best known for her work ethic and willingness to work across party lines. The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, is convinced Beyer never sleeps. But I like her bipartisan approach. For example, she was one of only five House Republicans who had the common sense to vote to break the state budget logjam. Ironically, her vote against gridlock is supposedly what motivated Republican Justin Simmons to run against her.

Karen has sponsored or supported bills that

· Expand eligibility and increase funding for property tax relief and rent rebates;
· Protect property owners against eminent domain abuse;
· Institute penalties for telephone “spoofing” – in which callers attempting to defraud others provide false caller ID information;
· Prohibit price gouging within 30 days following the end of a state of disaster; and
· Hold cyberschools accountable for their use of taxpayer dollars.

She also joined Rep. Doug Reichley in speaking out against the closing of Allentown State Hospital, citing the hospital’s critical role in providing vital psychiatric treatment to adults affected by mental illness.

She's picked up endorsements from Congressman Charlie Dent, Senator Pat Browne (who held the 131st District House seat before his election to the State Senate), Senator Bob Mensch, and Representatives Julie Harhart (183rd District – Northampton/Lehigh), Doug Reichley (134th District – Berks/Lehigh), and Gary Day (187th District – Berks/Lehigh).

Beyer currently serves on the House Health and Human Services Committee, the House Commerce Committee, the House Consumer Affairs Committee, and the House Urban Affairs Committee, and she is a member of the House Republican Policy Task Force on Infrastructure. Additionally, Beyer serves by appointment on the advisory board of Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account Program (TAP) as well as on a Select Committee charged with evaluating the awarding of state government contracts to women, minority and disadvantaged owned businesses, identifying any barriers to involvement by these businesses, and proposing strategies to remove such barriers.

A graduate of the College of William and Mary, Beyer is a decorated Air Force veteran. She lives in Lower Saucon Township with her husband Merrill, a United Airlines pilot and retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, and their three children.

Karen's Republican opponent is a kid fresh out of college, an obvious Toomey wannabe, who brags that he "actually resigned his position with the Senate in order to focus on his campaign and representing the residents of District 131." What he fails to point out is that ALL legislative state employees who decide to run for office are required to resign. So he starts out by being a little dishonest with the voters, never a good sign.

In embracing the Tea Party movement (and its voters), he tries to paint himself as an outsider. Really? Let's see. He interned with Congressman Pat Toomey, then Senator Rob Wonderling, then worked for Wonderling and his successor, Senator Mench.

Oh yeah, he also wants to get rid of the "Philadelphia metality" in Harrisburg, whatever that is.

Simmons is touting 816 signatures on his nomination petition, but the only number that counts is the one on election day.