News Stories

Fri, Aug. 15, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer

Pa. politicans and wannabes flock to Democrat picnic
By Mario F. Cattabiani and Angela Couloumbis

Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau
Small-town Smithmill, smack in the middle of Pennsylvania, is hardly the typical setting for one of the must-attend parties for powerful state Democrats.

Instead of tables with linens and polished silverware, there are lawn chairs and plastic forks and knives. And instead of a catered meal, the culinary offerings are barbecue, baked beans, and vanilla ice cream in a cup.

But yesterday, politicians - those in office and those who want to be - flocked to this out-of-the-way corner of Clearfield County for the annual Bud George Day picnic.

The picnic, in a community park once contaminated by mine drainage, is meant to pay homage to one of the legislature's longest-serving Democrats, known for his amusing ability to distill policy and politics into straight talk for real people: Rep. Camille "Bud" George, 80, who this year is running for his 18th term.

Over the last two decades, the August gathering - really a fund-raiser hosted by George (tickets are $6) - has morphed into a political schmooze-fest that attracts everyone from governors to ordinary citizens from his legislative district.

Gov. Rendell was there yesterday, as were Democrats Rob McCord, who is running for state treasurer, and John Morganelli, the Northampton district attorney running for state attorney general.

Rendell said that even Sen. Barack Obama had penciled in the picnic as a campaign stop before he decided to vacation in Hawaii.

"I've always believed elected officials should be seen, and this is a great way to" do it, said Rendell, who later read a letter from Obama to the crowd.

Abe Amoros, spokesman for the state Democratic Party, put it this way: "It's the place to be seen. You come to see old friends and meet new friends."

This year, several hundred people attended - although in years past, the crowd exceeded 1,000 people.

For many politicians, particularly those running for reelection, the picnic has become a traditional stop on the campaign trail.

Morganelli, who is running against Attorney General Tom Corbett, was overheard yesterday telling an aide as he walked toward the picnic: "Let's go start campaigning."

In many ways, George's Clearfield County district offers a snapshot into the attitudes and beliefs shared by many residents of smaller towns between the state's two big-city anchors of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

And based on voter-registration numbers, it appears to be a county that isn't solidly for one party or the other - which means politicians have to work for every vote there.

For the last decade, voter registration in the district has been almost evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. People there frequently divide their loyalties between the two parties: In 2006, for instance, Clearfield County residents voted for Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey over former Sen. Rick Santorum. But both in 2004 and in 2000, they cast their votes for President Bush.

Politics aside, though, many elected officials say the real reason they come to the picnic is George himself.

Over the years, George has become an icon of sorts among fellow Democrats. As the chair of the House's Committee on Environmental Resources and Energy, he is all-important to Rendell, particularly when it comes to pushing the governor's environmental agenda.

On the House floor, he speaks his mind and often shares his homespun wisdom on the issue of the day. His ruminations are called, simply, "Georgisms."

Fellow lawmakers aren't always sure what he is getting at - but they are always entertained.

Some examples:

"I wouldn't slam an outhouse door as hard as they slam people in this General Assembly," he once said.

Commenting on his athletic ability in another instance, he said: "I couldn't hit a bull in the ass with a banjo."

Earlier this year on the House floor, he uttered this pearl: "Talk is cheap. It takes money to buy whiskey."

And in a letter to Gov. Rendell, George once wrote, "I wish I were born as smart as you instead of better looking."

Rendell yesterday said he respected George because "he doesn't mince words. . . . He says the things that many of us in politics would love to be able to say."

He added: "Bud is one of the last of the old-time politicians who knows how to have fun."

Asked how he felt that people show up every year to pay homage to him, George said: "I don't think it's homage, but I'd like to think some people are a little grateful."

Contact staff writer Mario F. Cattabiani at 717-787-5990 or mcattabiani@phillynews.com.

Inquirer staff writer Amy Worden contributed to this article.

Friday, August 15, 2008
The Progress News

Bud George Day Picnic attracts politicians, candidates
By Wendy B. Lynn Staff Writer
JANESVILLE - A crowd of local residents from multiple political stripes gathered at Mountz Memorial Park in Janesville yesterday for the annual Bud George Day Picnic. Along with state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale, other dignitaries and candidates attended, including Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell.

After a picnic dinner, where Edna George, wife of Rep. George, could be found in her usual place serving sandwiches and other picnic food, Rep. George introduced Gov. Rendell.

He said the governor loves working men and women and the working class and will continue to give what the federal government has not, things that mean something to the working people: education, health care and jobs. He said it does not matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat if you don't have a job.

Rep. George also highlighted what the governor has done to bring alternative energy to the state of Pennsylvania, notably the ethanol plant being constructed in Clearfield. "He loves all the people in all the counties," Rep. George said.

Gov. Rendell began by saying this was the coolest Bud George Picnic he has ever attended and noted that it was good to see Mrs. George after her recent illness. He then went on to say that the picnic is not a farewell event for Rep. George's service.

Some time ago, Gov. Rendell said, Rep. George said he was thinking of not running again and that many people "worked on him" and said he couldn't leave because there was too much to fight for. Finally, Rep. George said the earliest he would leave would be when Gov. Rendell leaves.

The governor said Rep. George gets up and tells the truth, referring to his speeches on the house floor, which he asked the crowd if they had ever seen on television. "I wish I could have about 10 of him," the governor said.

Gov. Rendell also said that the reason that businesses such as Marion Manor in Curwensville have remained in the area is because of Rep. George and that Rep. George is also the reason for the ethanol plant and is the No. 1 advocate for alternative and renewable energy.

Gov. Rendell went on to talk about the current presidential race and said that the rich and corporations are only getting richer and the division between rich and poor could destroy the fabric of the nation. He said Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic candidate for president, was invited to the picnic and until two and a half weeks ago had planned to attend. The candidate sent a letter, which Gov. Rendell read parts of to the crowd.

The letter said Sen. Obama was honored to have the support of Rep. and Mrs. George and that Rep. George and Gov. Rendell never stop fighting for the working class. The letter also stated that Rep. George is the kind of leader needed to undo the damage of the past eight years.

Rep. George was presented the Four Chaplains Award by Larry Babbitt, veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Four Chaplains Award honors the four chaplains aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, an army transport ship during World War II, which was sunk by a German U-boat on Feb. 3, 1943. The four chaplains - Rabbi Alexander Goode, Methodist minister George Fox, Baptist minister Clark Poling and Father John Washington - gave up their life vests to four other soldiers and died onboard the sinking ship.

The Legion of Honor award is given to those who have shown exemplary public service, and awardees have included Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Carter and Reagan as well as public figures including Bob Hope, Martha Raye and recently Mickey Rooney.

Rep. George is the only WWII veteran serving in the state house.

Auditor General Jack Wagner said he was honored to be at the picnic and to be the fiscal watchdog of the state. He said his hat goes off to Rep. George for being a leader in energy conservation and in advocating the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, adding that it is a very important program with today's energy costs.

John Morginelli, candidate for the office of attorney general, noted that there is lots of corruption in the General Assembly and the current attorney general is only looking at one party. He said he is a courtroom prosecutor and has the working class background and experience needed for the position.

Rob McCord, candidate for the office of state treasurer, noted that women are three times more likely to drop to the poverty level after age 60, and that is one of many concerns he wants to address as treasurer. He said he would work with Mr. Wagner to cut waste and to cut it before it happens.

Mark McCracken, Clearfield County commissioner and candidate for the 5th District House seat for the U.S. Congress, noted that he is running for the seat of the largest district east of the Mississippi river, which consists of 17 counties. He said he looks to Rep. George as a mentor and intends to have the same "can-do" attitude in Congress.

He asked the crowd if they are better off now than they were eight years ago and noted that the country is faced with the biggest deficit ever. He said the nation needs a diverse energy policy and that the country has a choice - more of the same or something better.

Tony Barr, candidate for the 9th Congressional district, noted that he received more votes in his primary than incumbent Bill Shuster, R-9 of Hollidaysburg, did in his, indicating that people are ready for change.

He said people need to vote for solutions, which result in needed jobs.

After the guest speakers, the crowd was entertained by music and drawings for door prizes.

July 30, 2008
Washington Observer-Reporter

Incumbent AG, Dem candidate for treasurer make most of festival
by Cara Host, Staff writer

WAYNESBURG - Politicians were plentiful, but, unfortunately, raindrops were not at Waynesburg's famous Rain Day festival Tuesday.

Since hundreds of potential voters fill High Street throughout the day, office seekers often use the popular event as a campaign stop. This year, incumbent state Attorney General Tom Corbett and state treasurer candidate Rob McCord visited Waynesburg to enjoy the festivities and meet constituents.

The campaigns of both state representative candidates, Democratic incumbent Bill DeWeese and challenger Greg Hopkins, were also highly visible Tuesday.

"One, it's fun. It's a lot of fun. And two, it's a nice way of paying respect to a community and its traditions," said McCord in explaining why he came to Waynesburg on the town's most famous holiday.

McCord, a Democrat from Montgomery County, will face the Republican nominee, fellow Montgomery Countian Tom Ellis, in the Nov. 4 general election.

Corbett, a Republican from Allegheny County, is trying to secure a second full term as attorney general, but he will have to defeat Democrat John Morganelli of Northampton County in the fall.

The attorney general has sparked headlines recently because of corruption charges against a dozen former and current Democratic lawmakers and staffers, including DeWeese's chief of staff.

The indictments raised Corbett's profile and placed him on the short list of potential gubernatorial candidates in 2010. Corbett is currently focused on the attorney general's race, but he did not reject the possibility of higher office during an interview Tuesday.

"We'll see what happens later," he said. "I did not get into this office to run for governor, and right now my calendar only goes to November 4."

Morganelli has criticized Corbett's handling of the corruption investigation, saying he unfairly targeted Democrats and not Republicans. People affiliated with the House Democratic caucus stand accused of illegally rewarding campaign work with taxpayer-funded bonuses to state employees.

Corbett said the investigation involved policymakers for both parties, and he anticipates more arrests as the probe continues. He said his office filed corruption charges against more Republicans than Democrats during the past four years. Most of those arrests involved officials on county and municipal levels.

Corbett touted his office's investigations of child sexual predators, drug dealers, elder abuse and public corruption.

Agents from the attorney general's office pose as children in Internet chat rooms to find people trolling the Web for sex with minors. The operation nabbed 151 suspected predators since its creation three years ago.

"I know as a grandparent, that issue really concerns me," said Greene County Commissioner Archie Trader, who is supporting Corbett in the attorney general race.

McCord, the candidate for treasurer, is a former venture capitalist. He said he can use the skills he honed in the private sector to control government spending and encourage economic development.

"I am a prudent-minded business person who knows how to protect public finances," McCord said.

He said he could use state investments to encourage companies into setting up shop in Pennsylvania. He also would like to use the treasurers' audit authority to curb waste.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/07-30-political-rain-day

July 25, 2008
Marketwatch.com
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Resoundingly Reaffirms Endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President and Announces Endorsements for Statewide Row Offices, U.S. Congress and State Legislature

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Resoundingly Reaffirms Endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President and Announces Endorsements for Statewide Row Offices, U.S. Congress and State Legislature

Last update: 5:37 p.m. EDT July 24, 2008
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 24, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William George today announced the reaffirmation of the AFL-CIO's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President which was made by the AFL-CIO's General Board on June 26, 2008 and endorsements made today by the PA AFL-CIO Executive Council for Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, for U.S. House of Representatives, and for the State Legislature.
"Barack Obama comes from a working class family, with working class values. He fought for equal pay, minimum wage, prevailing wage improvements, card check, responsible bidder and unemployment for locked-out workers. He stands up for working people and he will turn our economy around so that all Americans will benefit from fair trade, affordable health care, pension protections and the right to form a union," Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William George said.
In announcing the other endorsements for statewide seats, U.S. Congress and State Legislature, George said, "These candidates have proven themselves to be the friends and supporters of working families. They understand that workers are struggling in this economy with stagnant wages, soaring prices for health care, gas and food. They advocate and support an agenda that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement. We are confident that they will put this country back on track toward prosperity and opportunity for all not the few," George declared.
"These endorsements are not only a stamp of approval, it marks the continuation of building the biggest political mobilization of union households in the history of Pennsylvania. On election day, union members and their families will play a major role in deciding the direction of the nation," Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Bloomingdale said.
The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in the State, representing 1.2 million union workers and their families. Endorsements are made by a 2/3rds vote of the members of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO's Executive Council representing unions affiliated with the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. The following candidates are endorsed by the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO for the November General Election:

PRESIDENT
Barack Obama D

AUDITOR GENERAL
Jack Wagner* D

STATE TREASURER
Robert McCord D

U.S. CONGRESS
1 Robert A. Brady* D
2 Chaka Fattah* D
3 Kathy Dahlkemper D
4 Jason Altmire* D
5 Mark B. McCracken D
6 Bob Roggio D
7 Joe Sestak* D
8 Patrick J. Murphy* D
9 Tony Barr D
10 Chris Carney* D
11 Paul E. Kanjorski* D
12 John P. Murtha* D
13 Allyson Schwartz* D
14 Mike Doyle* D
15 Sam Bennett D
16 Bruce A. Slater D
17 Tim Holden* D
18 Tim Murphy* R
19 Philip J. Avillo, Jr. D

PA SENATE
3 Shirley M. Kitchen* D
7 Vincent J. Hughes* D
9 Dominic Pileggi* R
11 Michael A. O'Pake* D
13 Jose E. Urdaneta D
15 Judy Hirsh D
17 Daylin Leach D
19 Andrew E. Dinniman* D
25 Joseph B. Scarnatti, III* R
27 John Gordner* R
29 James J. Rhoades* R
33 Richard Alloway, II R
35 John N. Wozniak* D
37 John Pippy* R
39 Tony Bompiani D
41 Don White* R
43 Jay Costa, Jr.* D
45 Sean Logan* D
47 Sean Michael Ramaley* D
49 Cindy Purvis D

PA HOUSE
1 Patrick J. Harkins* D
2 Florindo "Flo" J. Fabrizio* D
3 John Hornaman D
4 Rick Mitchell D
5 John Evans* R
7 Mark Longietti* D
9 Christopher Sainato* D
10 Jaret Gibbons* D
11 Dave Wilson D
12 John Olesnevich D
13 Tom Houghton D
14 Dennis Rousseau D
15 Vince Biancucci* D
16 Robert F. Matzie D
17 Donald Duke Whiting D
18 Gene DiGirolamo* R
19 Jake Wheatley* D
20 Don Walko* D
21 Dom Costa D
22 Chelsa Wagner* D
23 Dan Frankel* D
24 Joseph Preston, Jr.* D
25 Joseph Markosek* D
26 Fern B. Kaufman D
27 Daniel J. Deasy, Jr. D
28 Brad Cline D
29 Brad Kirsch D
31 Steve Santarsiero D
32 Anthony DeLuca* D
33 Frank Dermody* D
34 Paul Costa, Jr.* D
35 Marc J. Gergely* D
36 Harry Readshaw* D
38 Bill Kortz* D
39 David Levdansky* D
42 Matt Smith* D
44 Ayanna Lee D
45 Nick Kotik* D
46 Jesse White* D
48 Timothy Solobay* D
49 Peter Daley, II* D
50 H. William DeWeese* D
51 Tim Mahoney* D
52 Deberah Kula* D
53 Jack Hansen D
54 John Pallone* D
55 Joseph Petrarca* D
56 James Casorio, Jr.* D
57 John W. Boyle D
58 R. Ted Harhai* D
59 Michael J. O'Barto D
61 Frank X. Custer D
63 Matthew Ellenberger D
66 Samy Elmasry D
71 Bryan Barbin D
72 Frank Burns D
73 Gary Haluska* D
74 Camille "Bud" George* D
75 Dan Surra* D
77 H. Scott Conklin* D
79 Richard Geist* R
88 Sheryl M. Delozier R
93 Darrell L. Raubenstine D
95 Eugene A. DePasquale* D
96 P. Michael Sturla* D
103 Ronald Buxton* D
106 Phyllis Bennett D
107 Robert Belfanti, Jr.* D
112 Ken Smith* D
113 Frank Andrew Shimkus* R/D
114 Jim Wansacz* D
115 Edward Staback* D
116 Todd Eachus* D
117 Russ Bigus D
118 Mike Carroll* D
119 John Yudichak* D
120 Phyllis Mundy* D
121 Eddie Day Pashinski* D
122 Keith McCall* D
123 Neal Goodman* D
124 David G. Argall* R
125 Tim Seip* D
126 Dante Santoni, Jr.* D
127 Thomas Caltagirone* D
130 David R. Kessler* D
131 Karen D. Beyer* R
132 Jennifer Mann* D
133 Joseph F. Brennan* D
135 Steve Samuelson* D
136 Robert Freeman* D
137 Richard Grucela* D
140 John T. Galloway, Sr.* D
141 Anthony Melio* D
142 Chris King* D
143 Marguerite Quinn* R
144 Katharine Watson* R
145 Tom Peterson D
148 Mike Gerber* D
149 Tim Briggs D
150 Mike Vereb* R
151 Rick Taylor* D
152 Thomas P. Murt* R
153 Josh Shapiro* D
154 Lawrence Curry* D
156 Barbara McIlvaine Smith* D
157 Paul J. Drucker D
159 Thaddeus Kirkland* D
160 Stephen Barrar* R
161 Bryan Lentz* D
162 John DeFrancisco D
163 Nicholas Micozzie* R
164 Mario Civera, Jr.* R
166 Gregory Vitali* D
167 Carol Palmaccio D
168 Ian Thomas D
169 Dennis O'Brien* R
170 Brendan F. Boyle D
171 Joanne Tosti-Vasey D
172 John Perzel* R
173 Michael Patrick McGeehan* D
174 John P. Sabatina, Jr.* D
175 Michael H. O'Brien* D
176 Mario Scavello* R
177 John J. Taylor* R
178 Steven Rovner D
179 Tony Payton* D
180 Angel Cruz* D
181 W. Curtis Thomas* D
182 Babette Josephs* D
184 William Keller* D
185 Robert Donatucci* D
186 Kenyatta Johnson D
187 John Ritter D
188 James Roebuck, Jr.* D
189 John J. Siptroth* D
190 Vanessa L. Brown D
191 Ronald Waters* D
192 Louise Williams Bishop* D
193 Neil F. Clifford D
194 Kathy M. Manderino* D
195 Frank Oliver* D
197 Jewell Williams* D
198 Rosita Youngblood* D
200 Cherelle L. Parker* D
201 John Myers* D
202 Mark B. Cohen* D
203 Dwight Evans* D

* Incumbent
SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved End of Story

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June 16, 2008
Philadelphia Daily News
Stu Bykofsky: Comedy, charity & public servants who hold back
By Stu Bykofsky
Philadelphia Daily News

Daily News Columnist

A JOKE I like:

I was depressed last night so I called the Suicide Lifeline.

I got connected to a call center in Pakistan.

I told them I was suicidal.

They got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck.

You might hear that, or possibly something more ribald, from me Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the 18th Annual Stu Bykofsky Candidates Comedy Night, a fundraiser for Variety, the Children's Charity.

This year's show features local and statewide races.

In congressional contests, 1st District Democratic incumbent Bob Brady will return for his umpteeth appearance. In the 13th District, Republican attorney Marina Kats, a Russian emigre, is serious about challenging Democratic incumbent Allyson Schwartz.

In the 8th District, Democratic freshman Rep. Patrick Murphy is facing a challenge.

In a rare occurrence, some candidates turned their backs.

There's been a train wreck in the 2nd District. Republican challenger Mike Livingston quit the race and Democratic incumbent Chaka Fattah quit the show - in which he'd appeared in the past - sending word that he'd buy a table but that the show is not "his thing." (Maybe he feels he suffered enough in the mayoral race.)

Brady's opponent, Mike Muhammad, never returned phone calls over a period of weeks. If he's unapproachable now, just imagine him being elected. (Sorry, my imagination isn't that good.)

To my surprise, Rep. Murphy's Republican opponent, Tom Manion, declined, even declined to say why. The Variety summer camp for handicapped kids is located in Montgomery County, a part of which is in the district he wants to represent.

In statewide races, Republican incumbent Attorney General Tom Corbett will swap gags with Democratic challenger John Morganelli, the district attorney of Northampton County. For treasurer, Democrat Rob McCord faces off against Republican attorney Tom Ellis.

In a high-profile state Senate race, first-timer Larry Farnese beat two challengers to get the nomination for the seat Vince Fumo will vacate, and faces determined Republican Jack Morley.

Finally, in the 172nd state House district, former speaker Republican John Perzel is being challenged by Democrat Rich Costello, former head of the Fraternal Order of Police.

The show again will be staged at Finnigan's Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden streets. Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8 p.m. sharp.

Like the previous 17, the 18th edition of the show will benefit the Delaware Valley chapter of Variety - the Children's Charity, which works with handicapped kids. Through 2007, more than $300,000 has been raised, thanks to the public and to the generosity and public spirit of the candidates, with the exceptions I noted.

Tickets are $60 each. Reserved tables of 10 ($600, it's simple math) are available. Tickets are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to "Variety" and mailed to Variety, c/o Ellen Ganley, 2nd floor, 1520 Locust St., Phila., PA 19102. For credit-card orders, call Ellen Ganley at 215-735-0803. Tables are assigned in the order of checks received.

If any of the "public servants" who declined want to change their minds, they know how to reach me.

E-mail stubyko@phillynews.com or call 215-854-5977. For recent columns: http://go.philly.com/byko.

http://tinyurl.com/4ygz2b