SO we got some results from yesterday's primary election (I know, the number of you who live outside PA aren't going to care...hell I know a number of you who live WITHIN PA aren't gonna care either, but bear with me).
Firstly, our local state representative, who's been in office for 18 years, went down in defeat to a challenger. He went along with the top two Republicans in the Senate. (I am rejoicing at none of this, really, cause they're all from around this area, THE reddest part of this blue state. Whoever wins the Republican primary is gonna win in the fall, so it's not like the Democrats will get control). They all lost because last summer, in the middle of the night, with no debate or discussion, they voted themselves a pay raise, from 14% - 50% depending on thier time in office. And it so outraged Pennsylvanians (and rightly so) that there was a big anti-pay raise movement and in November, the pay raise was repealed. But it's too late for some, including our local State Rep: Pat Fleagle. Goodbye, big boy.
I'm kinda conflicted by all this, cause 18 years is enough time for ANYONE to be in office. But the same time, Pat's not a rabid, foaming at the mouth far Right wingnut. ANd this new guy Todd Rock, I know nothing about. What if he's in the back pocket of Falwell, or Robertson? I meanit's concevable he could be an anti-abortion, homophobic, tax cuts for the rich, education slashing crazy. My only hope is he's not, or if he is, he'll get his ass kicked out as well in two years.
Other things from yesterday: Senator Santorum (a person who is perfect example of what I fear listed above) won the Republican nomination for Senator...unopposed. Bob Casey Jr, son of a former PA governor, and current state Treasurer, beat out two other guys to win the Democratic nomination for US Senate. And polls right now have him in a double digit lead over far right, Bushie buddy Santorum.
Also, Governor Rendell was nominated by the Democrats for a second term. The Republicans nominated Lynn Swann. Both were without opposition. And this is one of THE most transparent ploys I've ever seen the Repuclicans pull. Swann, has no political experience whatsoever. What he has is his race (black) and reputation of being a former Pittsburgh Steeler in the 70's. They're hoping to pull in Pittsburgh and the blacks. What a joke. Swann has been a PA citizen and eligible to vote in upwards of some 30 elections over the years and only bothered to vote in 18 of them. Barely half. Is that the type of person we want running a state? I think not. And apparently, so do the rest of the voters, as Rendell has a 22 point lead.
With luck, those leads will remain, in both races, or better yet, grow.
And now, we return you to your regularly scheduled blog.
POLT = listening to "Here Comes The Hotstepper" by Ini Kamoze
There's very few personal problems that cannot be solved through a suitable application of high explosives or a high caliber automatic firearm.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment