News Stories

Sunday, September 14, 2008
Delaware County Daily Times
Vicky Thomas

The candidates speaking at the Democratic Rally for Change in Radnor are in the midst of their own campaigns, but once handed a microphone, they mostly stumped for another candidate.

"My campaign pales to Sen. Obama's," said U.S. Rep Joseph Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont. "If Barack Obama does not get in, it almost doesn't matter what I do down there (in Washington). I can't do my job without him down there."

Sestak will take on Republican Concord attorney W. Craig Williams in November.

About 50 people attended the rally in Fenimore Woods on Sunday, meeting the Democratic candidates, munching on hot dogs and being handed stickers, lawn signs and volunteer sign-up sheets.

"We got a nice group together on a Sunday afternoon," said Bruce Bikin, chairman of the Radnor Democratic Committee and coordinator of the rally. "I know most people would rather be at home watching football, but here we are, discussing serious issues and trying to get people excited and involved with the election process."

Frances Balbirnie and Lin Hammerschmidt had already decided who will get their votes in the presidential election before attending the rally.

"I was still happy I came," said Balbirnie, a Radnor resident. "Some candidates came up and met us. It was very nice."

Balbirnie signed up to volunteer for the Obama campaign at the rally.

"We can't have four more years. That's what scares me the most," she said.

Hammerschmidt, 65, of Haverford Township, said she has never been more excited about a presidential election.

"I believe given the opportunity, even though it will be a long, hard road, Obama will be the one to lead this country out of these problems," she said.

Democratic candidate for attorney general John Morganelli, the Northampton County district attorney facing Republican and current state Attorney General Tom Corbett, said the office hasn't been held by a Democrat in 28 years.

"They haven't done their job and it's time for change," he said.

Rob McCord, Democratic candidate for state treasurer, state Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, and state Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford, all praised the Democratic candidates.

"We have a great ticket up and down the line," said Vitali, who faces Republican Stephen Demilio.

Tom Quinn, who is facing Republican state Rep. William Adolph for the 165th District seat, said this election is a chance to restore the public's faith in politicians.

"I teach young people about politics, and they are naturally cynical," said Quinn. "We have to create trust in the government ... there are so many ways we can be better than we are."

Daylin Leach, D-149, of Upper Merion, who faces Republican Lower Merion Commissioner Lance Rogers for the seat being vacated by state Sen. Connie Williams, D-17, urged the residents not only to vote, but to get involved with the campaigns.

Source: http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2008/09/14/today's%20stories/20120950.txt

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
PolitickerPA.com
Alex Roarty

Sharp criticisms delivered by Republican state treasurer candidate Tom Ellis last week at the Republican National Convention drew return fire Wednesday from his opponent, who said Ellis is "intentionally misleading" voters.

Ellis said at the convention his Democratic opponent, Rob McCord, wants to invest in terrorist-supporting nations that "hate us."

"Let me be clear -- it's absolutely false," McCord told PolitickerPA.com. "I believe he's intentionally trying to mislead people."

McCord said "of course" he doesn't want to help countries that aid terrorism and supports a measure from state Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-Montgomery County) to divest from those countries.

"I'm a little surprised by the tone because I've known Tom for years," McCord said. "If he actually thought [I would aid terrorist countries], I would hope he would pick up the phone and call me. We're all patriotic Americans."

Ellis' remarks stem from an article in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published in late August.

In the article, McCord said the treasurer must avoid the danger of being "a hero today" by divesting from these companies it might hurt pensions later.

"We can do this very efficiently and at the same time ... we can help ensure the pensioners are not hurt by anti-terrorism investment policies," McCord told the paper. "I'm very much someone who believes we are all somewhat 'social investor' -- no one wants to invest in companies with bad practices."

When read those comments Wednesday, Ellis reiterated his charge.

"I think it's pretty clear, it's an easy line. You're either for it or against it," Ellis said.

"If this was 1943, would we be sending money still to Nazi Germany to get a better return on our money?" he asked.

Ellis also clarified remarks he made at the convention about state Rep. Shapiro. He emphasized that Shapiro does not support his candidacy, but does support his philosophical goal of pulling state money from countries that aid terrorists.

Shapiro has pushed a bill in the legislature that would direct the state to divest in terrorist-supporting countries.

Reached Wednesday by PolitickerPA.com, Shapiro said he is not familiar with Ellis' plan and emphasized he supports McCord "100 percent."

Source: http://www.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/1694/mccord-fires-back-ellis

Sunday, August 24, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Kari Andren

The race for state treasurer, held every four years, isn't one that attracts a whole lot of attention from voters or reporters.

That's the problem faced by both the Republican candidate for treasurer, Tom Ellis, and his Democratic opponent, Rob McCord.

The men, both from Montgomery County in suburban Philadelphia, are running to become the state's new chief financial officer.

Problems attracting publicity, and their home county, aren't the only things they share. Each holds two Ivy League degrees, each has two children and each is 49 years old.

And each says he has big plans if elected to replace Robin Wiessmann, the current treasurer, who is not running.

Mr. Ellis, who holds an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, is a public finance attorney at a Philadelphia law firm, Ballard Spahr Andrews and Ingersoll, Gov. Ed Rendell's former law firm, and is a former chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

The state treasurer's job "is actually tailor-made for my background," Mr. Ellis said.

"Most people don't even know we have a state treasurer. You run for this position because you feel you can do something for the people of this commonwealth."

Mr. McCord, who holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard and a master's degree in business administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, works as a venture capitalist. He co-founded Pennsylvania Early Stage Partners, three venture capital funds that invest in early-stage life-science and information technology firms.

"My professional experience, my education and my personal experiences" are what made him want to run for treasurer, Mr. McCord said.

"I'm not one of these business leaders who never tasted economic insecurity. I have a sense of what that can look and feel like ... and that's helping to shape this race for me."

The treasurer oversees a department with more than 500 employees and an annual budget of $60 million. The salary is $141,000 a year.

Mr. Ellis said his main goal as treasurer would be to make sure money that comes into the state is invested at the best rate and the lowest cost. He also wants to revamp the state's college savings plan.

Mr. Ellis said often people are investing in college savings plans outside of Pennsylvania -- if they are investing at all. He said he would like to see a tuition break if residents used their college savings money at a state institution.

He also would like to implement campaign finance reform measures and see the state divest from companies that do business with nations that support or harbor terrorists.

If Mr. McCord wins, he has three main goals: create jobs and help develop companies; increase economic security, especially in managing pension funds for senior citizens or soon-to-be seniors; and use innovation to increase returns on investments.

He also wants to push "green investing," helping people get loans to make their homes more energy efficient.

Mr. McCord is cautious, however, of divesting state funds from companies dealing with terrorist nations. He said the treasurer must avoid the danger of being "a hero today" by divesting from these companies when, in the long-term, it causes a negative effect on pensions.

"We can do this very efficiently and at the same time ... we can help to ensure that pensioners are not hurt by anti-terrorism investment policies," said Mr. McCord. "I'm very much someone who believes we are all somewhat 'social investors' -- no one wants to invest in companies with bad practices."

The treasurer's race, while generally an obscure statewide contest, deserves more attention than it usually gets, according to Chris Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College.

"When you really look at the treasurer's office, it's really important," Mr. Borick said.

The treasurer "is basically the chief financial officer for the state of Pennsylvania, with a multi-billion-dollar budget annually that has to be managed."

But if there are no scandals or financial irregularities, Mr. Borick said the position slips off voters' radar.

"In a state as large as Pennsylvania, with a budget as large as Pennsylvania's (over $28 billion), having someone who's qualified and capable in that office is important," he said.

The office also frequently acts as a springboard to other elected positions within the state. But neither candidate is looking at future positions right now.

Mr. McCord, who would not completely rule out a future run, said he is not planning one at this time.

"I think for most treasurers, the odds are with them running again ... but I'm not someone who needs to hold public office. That's not what I've organized my life around."

Mr. Ellis is sure he will not seek another elected office.

"I think you go, serve your time in government and then go back to the private world," he said. "I'd like to do eight years as treasurer and go back and practice law some more."

Kari Andren is an intern with the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents Association.

Source: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/08237/906356-178.stm

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.