Shortly before Lamont McClure announced his own candidacy, she sent this text to people she considers her friends:
"Hi all. Some news here that I'm sharing with you and you may share with others (but please, not on social media yet). I will not be running for Congress next year.
"Life is just too good on the other side, and tbh, I think I can do more good right here in our community, supporting some of our wonderful organizations and a few good elected officials. Let me know of any opportunities to do good charitable work out there. I still will need to do some kind of income-producing work, but I also anticipate much more free time.
"Yay!
"But, I have a mission. I want to recruit a short list (or even one!) of quality candidate(s) to run against Ryan Mackenzie (and win!) I pledge to PERSONALLY coach said person, and open up my vast donor network to such a candidate. The ideal candidate will be female, preferably with a STEM background, no political experience needed (in fact, preferred not to be someone in politics). I and others will coach every step of the way.
"By STEM, I mean someone in medicine, science, engineering, manufacturing, or teaching of such subjects.
"I am only aware of one Dem who is going to announce shortly, a male elected official, who I do not think is the right person to win this important seat. I'll say no more than that.
"Please send me your ideas for candidates! I will personally reach out to them. My cell number, if you don't have it, is [redacted]. Thanks!"
(I added the boldface)
Wild was obviously miffed that McClure was going to run for the seat without first seeking her imprimatur. That probably explains why she snubbed him during MLK Day at Easton's Shiloh Church. This no doubt is why she endorsed Amy Cozze in the Exec race over Tara Zrinski, despite her telling Zrinski she would support her. You see, Cozze detests McClure as well.
Wild incredibly thinks that Democrats are going to allow her to select their next nominee. Of course, she wants this person to be a female, as though being a member of the penis club automatically is disqualifying.
Her offer to coach this candidate is downright laughable. Will she want this woman with a STEM background to insult Lehigh and Northampton County voters as well? Will she have her handpicked candidate park in handicapped spots, or drive while shooting a video with her dog running around inside her SUV? Will she teach this person to rely on out of state donors as she did so she could thumb her nose at the people she is supposed to represent?
Well, Wild has succeeded in drawing an interested candidate named Carol Obando-Derstine, a NJ transplant who moved here in 2003 and works for PPL as a systems engineer. She's a former staffer to former US Senator Bob Casey.
Don't get me wrong. Democrats should have a choice in deciding who is best suited to take on Mackenzie. But it is Democratic voters, and not Susan Wild, who should decide.
If I have one suggestion for Carol. Forget any coaching advice you get from Wild.
