Ever hear of Baltimore lawyer Peter G. Angelos? Known as Mr. Baseball, Angelos has pretty much destroyed the Orioles. But his control over Maryland's legislature is so legendary that his measures are simply called "Angelos bills." He's a heavy campaign contributor in Maryland, but gives to candidates throughout the country. He's Joe Biden's number one contributor ($156,250) and is rated #4 for Pat Leahy. ($38,700).Here in the Keystone state, Angelos has dropped a whopping $210,000 on Governor Ed Rendell since 2000. Right here in Northampton County, AG hopeful has picked up another $150,200.
Lamont McClure, the asbestos lawyer who won a county council victory against unknown Mark Schwartz by a scant 91 votes, just happens to work for Angelos. If you look over his finance reports, you'll see lots of dough from Angelos' attorneys.
I think it's safe to say Angelos is trying to buy what he wants, whether it's baseball teams, legislation or politicians. It's pay to play, baby.
According to a highly placed source, I learned that Mr. Baseball has been whispering sweet nothin's in Mr. Eagles' ear. Seems that Pete wants something in return for his $210,000 investment. That something is a Northampton County judge.
Angelos must know a lot about Northampton County because he's asking Rendell to appoint one of his cronies to the vacancy created when Judge Freedberg ascended to the heavens of superior court. Guess who?
Lamont McClure? You're half right. The person that Mr. Baseball would like to see seated on Northampton County's bench is actually Sandy McClure, Lamont's wife. Although she's an Assistant District Attorney, I don't know that she's ever even tried a case. You'll have a rough time ever finding her in a courtroom. About the only time you'll ever see her is when she wonders the halls at the government center, pressuring county workers on county time to sign her husband's nomination petitions.
If I were her, I'd hold off on ordering that judicial robe. It's gonna' take a much bigger bribe than $210,000 before Ed Rendell appoints her to the bench. If he does, she'll run into a buzzsaw in the senate.
