What is Gene Stilp Hiding?

Gene Stilp, candidate for the 11th Congressional seat in Pennsylvania, is running of a record of requiring transparency in government.  The question for Mr. Stilp is does he talk the talk or walk the walk?

It appears as though he files by paper, delaying the public release of his reports – and disclosure of exactly who is financing his campaign – by as much as two weeks as the FEC scans and processes his snail-mail reports. Worse, it appears as though he refuses to provide this information when reporters  call to ask.

Citizens’ Voice Story on Campaign Finance for Third Quarter Report:

http://citizensvoice.com/news/smith-gives-casey-a-run-for-his-money-1.1388524

“Democratic opponent Gene Stilp, did not provide his campaign finance report to The Times-Tribune on Monday.”

Standard Speaker Story on Campaign Finance for Second Quarter Report:

http://standardspeaker.com/news/cartwright-barletta-lead-fundraising-1.1344466

“Efforts to reach Gene Stilp, Barletta's Democratic challenger, or obtain his report were unsuccessful. The deadline for filing the reports was Sunday, but the Federal Election Commission had not posted Stilp's report on its website by late Monday afternoon.”

Citizen’s Voice Story on Campaign Finance for First Quarter Report:

http://citizensvoice.com/news/holden-cartwright-rack-up-big-spending-on-campaigns-1.1299769

“A report for Gene Stilp, the Harrisburg area activist and consultant opposing Vinsko for the Democratic nomination, was unavailable.”

Here are the records of his filings, third quarter still doesn’t appear:

http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00509653

Mr. Stilp should answer the question since he squarely positioned himself as a crusader agasint government waste and corruption.

Some of his notable donations given his promise to be a crusader for the people is one from Emily Leader, attorney for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Mary Cassidy of Arnold & Porter which its many practices include representing pharmaceutical firm interests, Eugene Fleuish, no address listed, Douglas Phelps, no address listed, Carl Mayer, Mayer Law Group which among other specialties focuses on immigration issues, Holly Sebastian, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a notable one for Pennsylvanians, John Passacantando of Our Next Economy LLC, an activist/envrionmenalist who is campaigns against the coal industry.

Eachus Knew About Problems With Powell's Juvenile Facility In 2006- Casino Connection

In the Channel 13 debate between House Majority Leader Todd Eachus and formidable challenger Attorney Tarah Toohil, Eachus made the claim that he broke off ties with Robert Powell over the proposed cargo airport outside of Hazleton once he found out about the corruption. He also stated that "..not a penny of tax dollars went to that project."

Let's examine his claims and see if they pass the smell test.

First, the picture above is a scan of a disc/dvd presented to the press and attendees at the press conference held January 31, 2007 at 1:00P.M. to announce the proposed cargo airport by partner/now admitted felon Robert Powell. As you can see it was produced by the Legislative Communications Office and contains the "Seal of the House of Representatives". That proves Eachus lied about "not one penny of tax dollars went to that project."

Let's move on.

On October 14, 2009 the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice held a hearing at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg. Here is a link to the transcript of that hearing.

Todd Eachus's testimony begins on page 28 of that transcript.

He was asked "Are you aware of any complaints that have been filed wither with the Disciplinary Board, which regulates attorneys; the Judicial Conduct Board, which regulates judges,; or any other governmental investigative agencies?" Eachus's response was "No, I'm not. But to Mr.--one of the Commissioner's questions, asa a member of the Northeast delegation, it would have been around 2006, we were briefed by the Department of Public Welfare, and there were a number of people who came before the delegation to talk about the increased rates of incarceration at the juvenile level in Luzerne County."

"I think they would have been led by Mr. Cohn, who is the legislative liason for the Department, still is, for the Rendell Administration. I can't recollect exactly who the others were within the department, but there was a significant spike in incarceration which, you know, retrospectively today having conversations with the administration did not get through in a way that helped changed the system."

He goes onto state "It is troubling though that that kind of data from a state agency couldn't get through to the court system in order to help rearticulate a direction or review of the juvenile system in Luzerne County."

When asked if there was any follow up meeting Eachus conveys who the delegation was at the time. "It would have been Representative Phyllis Mundy; Kevin Blaum; who is now retired; a number of other members of Luzerne County and northeast delegation who would have been part of that briefing by the Department."

There wasn't much we could do about it legislatively because the interaction was administrative and they said not to worry, that they were going to handle it. But they wanted to raise the concern with the delegation.

There wasn't much we could do about it but they wanted to raise the concern with the delegation. I don't believe I took that paragraph out of context.

By Judge Gibbons:

Q: Mr. Leader, do you have constituents that came to your office registering complaints during the operative time frame regarding what was going on in the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County?

Eachus: I had one couple, and I'm happy to do some research to provide the information. I looked back at it. It would have been somewhere in 2006. A young couple came to me relating to incarceration of their daughter. It would have been a young girl in high school age.

Q: Could you tell us what you did?

Eachus: Well, I reached out to the court administrator....The family expressed to me that -- that the young lady was incarcerated for this theft, that she did not have any jewelry in her possession.

They were unaware that she stole anything, but the terms of the incarceration wre that if she did not return the jewelry, that she would stay in the detention center, the juvenile detention center in Luzerne County, for an indeterminate period, which I thought was a strange practice as related to how young people in the juvenile system would be incarcerated."

"I inquired. And I can't tell you whether my inquiry helped or didn't, but I can check back on my records."

I inquired but can't tell you whether it helped or not. Shesh.

That testimony is some of the most inculpatory words regarding knowledge of plain old "something ain't right here" that should spark the offensive flames in any father's mind.

Let's get to the timeline here.

2006- Eachus is told about problems at the juvenile detention facility owned in part by now admitted felon Robert Powell.

He accepts this donation from Powell.
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4

January 31, 2007- At 1:00P.M. there is a press conference to announce a proposed cargo airport outside of Hazleton. Representative Todd Eachus, Robert Powell, and Greg Skrepenak attended that conference among others.

January 31, 2007- Eachus accepts a ride on Robert Powell's jet from and to Harrisburg.

Then he accepts the following donation six days later from admitted felon Robert Powell's PAC.

February 6, 2007-
Contributor Date Amount
Conservatives for Good Government
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 2/8/2007 $5,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2

On Jun 18, 2007 Representative Dwight Evans introduces a budget bill in the House. On June 28, 2007 Representative Todd Eachus offers an amendment to that bill inserting $250 million worth of funding for Powell's proposed cargo airport outside of Hazleton.

Eachus's claim that he broke off ties with Robert Powell once he found out about the corruption is classic misdirection to the public about his real knowledge. According to his sworn testimony he knew "things weren't right in Denmark" in 2006. His platitudes are incomprehensible and incompatible with common sense and basic values. He continued to accept contributions and rides on Powell's jet.

The following is flight activity for Robert Powell's jet, N69WU. Maybe Mr. Eachus could explain to the public whether he was on any of these flights. In particular did he fly to the Bahamas, San Salvador, or the trip to the Final Four in St. Louis or Las Vegas that occured the same trip in March, 2007?  Start from the bottom of the list up to follow the flights.

Activity Log
History Search for N69WU
Date Type Origin Destination Departure Arrival Duration
28-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
08:37AM EST 09:00AM EST 0:23
20-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
11:27AM EST 11:36AM EST 0:09
20-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
11:27AM EST Diverted
11-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Manchester (KMHT)
07:14PM EST 07:50PM EST 0:36
11-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
04:13PM EST 06:22PM EST 2:09
11-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Palm Beach Intl (KPBI)
12:20PM EST 02:32PM EST 2:12
10-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Minot Intl (KMOT)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
04:50PM CST 08:13PM EST 2:23
10-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Saskatoon J G Diefenbaker Int'l (CYXE)
Minot Intl (KMOT)
09:22PM GMT 04:08PM CST 0:46
10-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Saskatoon J G Diefenbaker Int'l (CYXE)
11:17AM EST 08:15PM GMT 3:58
08-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Manchester (KMHT)
02:52PM EST 03:33PM EST 0:41
06-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
09:29PM EST 11:28PM EST 1:59
06-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Palm Beach Intl (KPBI)
05:37PM EST 08:49PM EST 3:12
06-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
04:12PM EST 04:43PM EST 0:31
06-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
10:52AM EST 11:33AM EST 0:41
05-Nov-2007
SBR1/W Saskatoon J G Diefenbaker Int'l (CYXE)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
03:44PM GMT 01:49PM EST 3:05
05-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Saskatoon J G Diefenbaker Int'l (CYXE)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
03:44PM GMT result unknown (?)
n/a
04-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Saskatoon J G Diefenbaker Int'l (CYXE)
05:20PM EST 02:10AM GMT (+1) 3:50
04-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
03:50PM EST 04:43PM EST 0:53
04-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED)
02:06PM EST 02:58PM EST 0:52
02-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED)
Allegheny County (KAGC)
03:28PM EDT 04:35PM EDT 1:07
02-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED)
01:26PM EDT 02:59PM EDT 1:33
02-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Norwood Memorial (KOWD)
01:26PM EDT Diverted
01-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Allegheny County (KAGC)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
11:09AM EDT 11:39AM EDT 0:30
01-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Allegheny County (KAGC)
09:50AM EDT 10:44AM EDT 0:54
01-Nov-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
09:00AM EDT 09:16AM EDT 0:16
17-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
04:35PM EDT 04:41PM EDT 0:06
17-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
03:30PM EDT 03:57PM EDT 0:27
17-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Capital City (KCXY)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
03:02PM EDT 03:23PM EDT 0:21
17-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Capital City (KCXY)
10:02AM EDT 10:43AM EDT 0:41
17-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
08:51AM EDT 09:08AM EDT 0:17
13-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Yampa Valley (KHDN)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
02:40PM MDT 07:41PM EDT 3:01
08-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Fort Dodge Rgnl (KFOD)
Yampa Valley (KHDN)
11:00AM CDT 10:30AM MDT 0:30
08-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Sidney Muni/Lloyd W. Carr Field (KSNY)
06:58AM EDT 08:19AM MDT 3:21
08-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Fort Dodge Rgnl (KFOD)
06:58AM EDT Diverted
02-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
09:20AM EDT 09:28AM EDT 0:08
02-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
08:27AM EDT 08:50AM EDT 0:23
02-Oct-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
07:31AM EDT 07:55AM EDT 0:24
21-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Field (KLUK)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
06:26PM EDT 07:34PM EDT 1:08
21-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Field (KLUK)
04:32PM EDT 05:47PM EDT 1:15
21-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Field (KLUK)
Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
09:34AM EDT 10:56AM EDT 1:22
21-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Field (KLUK)
06:58AM EDT 08:08AM EDT 1:10
15-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Norwood Memorial (KOWD)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
01:36PM EDT 01:48PM EDT 0:12
15-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Norwood Memorial (KOWD)
12:26PM EDT 01:14PM EDT 0:48
15-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
11:22AM EDT 11:29AM EDT 0:07
14-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Butler County/K W Scholter Field (KBTP)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
01:58PM EDT result unknown (?)
n/a
14-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Butler County/K W Scholter Field (KBTP)
12:48PM EDT 01:36PM EDT 0:48
07-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
09:30AM EDT 09:38AM EDT 0:08
07-Sep-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
08:39AM EDT 08:42AM EDT n/a
07-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
08:30AM EDT 08:31AM EDT 0:01
06-Sep-2007
SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
07:06PM EDT 09:25PM EDT 2:19
29-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE)
06:16AM EDT 08:38AM EDT 2:22
28-Aug-2007
SBR1/G Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
10:30AM EDT 11:24AM EDT 0:54
20-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
05:36PM EDT 06:16PM EDT 0:40
20-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
04:29PM EDT 04:39PM EDT 0:10
20-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
03:46PM EDT 04:03PM EDT 0:17
20-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
12:04PM EDT 12:36PM EDT 0:32
20-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
11:37AM EDT 11:49AM EDT 0:12
20-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
09:59AM EDT 10:16AM EDT 0:17
19-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
07:46PM EDT 08:36PM EDT 0:50
19-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Charleston Afb/Intl (KCHS)
Manchester (KMHT)
05:21PM EDT 07:20PM EDT 1:59
19-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Charleston Afb/Intl (KCHS)
02:42PM EDT 04:13PM EDT 1:31
17-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Charleston Afb/Intl (KCHS)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
01:44PM EDT 03:10PM EDT 1:26
17-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Charleston Afb/Intl (KCHS)
11:25AM EDT 12:48PM EDT 1:23
16-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
05:04PM EDT result unknown (?)
n/a
16-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Manchester (KMHT)
05:04PM EDT Diverted
13-Aug-2007
N265/A Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Manchester (KMHT)
03:20PM EDT 03:33PM EDT 0:13
10-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
02:00PM EDT 02:51PM EDT 0:51
10-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED)
12:24PM EDT 01:07PM EDT 0:43
09-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Rapid City Rgnl (KRAP)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
09:44AM MDT 02:34PM EDT 2:50
06-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Buffalo Niagara Intl (KBUF)
Rapid City Rgnl (KRAP)
10:10AM EDT 11:04AM MDT 2:54
06-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Buffalo Niagara Intl (KBUF)
08:47AM EDT 09:37AM EDT 0:50
06-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
07:50AM EDT 08:14AM EDT 0:24
02-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Republic (KFRG)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
12:43PM EDT 01:15PM EDT 0:32
02-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Republic (KFRG)
11:39AM EDT 12:14PM EDT 0:35
01-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Republic (KFRG)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
05:31PM EDT 06:07PM EDT 0:36
01-Aug-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Republic (KFRG)
04:41PM EDT 05:19PM EDT 0:38
28-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
01:07PM EDT 01:26PM EDT 0:19
28-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Cape May County (KWWD)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
12:01PM EDT 12:37PM EDT 0:36
28-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Cape May County (KWWD)
10:03AM EDT 10:45AM EDT 0:42
23-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Capital City (KLAN)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
04:04PM EDT 05:13PM EDT 1:09
23-Jul-2007
SBR1/L St Paul Downtown Holman Fld (KSTP)
Capital City (KLAN)
10:12AM CDT 12:14PM EDT 1:02
23-Jul-2007
SBR1/L St Paul Downtown Holman Fld (KSTP)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
10:12AM CDT Diverted
23-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
St Paul Downtown Holman Fld (KSTP)
08:25AM EDT 09:27AM CDT 2:02
19-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Cape May County (KWWD)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
09:27AM EDT 09:58AM EDT 0:31
19-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Cape May County (KWWD)
08:46AM EDT 09:14AM EDT 0:28
18-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
07:19PM EDT 07:45PM EDT 0:26
16-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Field (KLUK)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
04:46PM EDT 05:43PM EDT 0:57
16-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Cincinnati Muni Airport Lunken Field (KLUK)
03:13PM EDT 04:28PM EDT 1:15
14-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Newport News/Williamsburg Intl (KPHF)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
03:37PM EDT 04:33PM EDT 0:56
14-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Newport News/Williamsburg Intl (KPHF)
11:35AM EDT 12:20PM EDT 0:45
14-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Waukegan Rgnl (KUGN)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
08:49AM CDT 11:05AM EDT 1:16
14-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Waukegan Rgnl (KUGN)
07:34AM EDT 08:16AM CDT 1:42
02-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Columbus Muni (KBAK)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
11:46AM EDT 12:54PM EDT 1:08
02-Jul-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Columbus Muni (KBAK)
06:42AM EDT 09:08AM EDT 2:26
27-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Martin State (KMTN)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
07:31AM EDT 07:54AM EDT 0:23
27-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Martin State (KMTN)
06:43AM EDT 07:03AM EDT 0:20
26-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
02:13PM EDT 02:42PM EDT 0:29
26-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
10:24AM EDT 10:58AM EDT 0:34
19-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Wilmington Intl (KILM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
04:23PM EDT 05:32PM EDT 1:09
19-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
06:30PM GMT result unknown (?)
n/a
19-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
10:48AM EDT 04:53PM GMT 2:05
15-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Wilmington Intl (KILM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
05:50PM EDT 06:55PM EDT 1:05
15-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
08:04PM GMT 05:11PM EDT 1:07
15-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
12:25PM EDT 07:14PM GMT 2:49
13-Jun-2007
N265/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
03:55PM EDT 04:57PM EDT 1:02
13-Jun-2007
N265/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
03:20PM EDT 03:45PM EDT 0:25
13-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
09:57AM EDT 10:36AM EDT 0:39
13-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
07:23AM EDT 08:29AM EDT 1:06
13-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
06:19AM EDT 06:56AM EDT 0:37
10-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
06:31PM EDT 07:02PM EDT 0:31
10-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
04:42PM EDT 05:14PM EDT 0:32
09-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
11:08AM EDT result unknown (?)
n/a
09-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
11:08AM EDT Diverted
09-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Monmouth Executive (KBLM)
10:03AM EDT 10:27AM EDT 0:24
04-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
12:36PM EDT 01:02PM EDT 0:26
04-Jun-2007
SBR1/L New Castle (KILG)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
11:30AM EDT 12:01PM EDT 0:31
04-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Allegheny County (KAGC)
New Castle (KILG)
10:05AM EDT 10:44AM EDT 0:39
04-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Buffalo Niagara Intl (KBUF)
Allegheny County (KAGC)
09:13AM EDT 09:46AM EDT 0:33
04-Jun-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Buffalo Niagara Intl (KBUF)
07:45AM EDT 08:17AM EDT 0:32
03-Jun-2007
SBR/L Buffalo Niagara Intl (KBUF)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
01:27PM EDT 01:57PM EDT 0:30
03-Jun-2007
SBR/L New Castle (KILG)
Buffalo Niagara Intl (KBUF)
12:18PM EDT 01:02PM EDT 0:44
23-May-2007
SBR1/L Wilmington Intl (KILM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
07:20PM EDT 08:12PM EDT 0:52
23-May-2007
SBR1/L Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
09:21PM GMT 06:45PM EDT 1:24
23-May-2007
SBR1/A San Salvador (MYSM)
Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
08:05PM GMT 09:43PM GMT 1:38
23-May-2007
SBR1/G Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
San Salvador (MYSM)
07:21PM GMT 07:48PM GMT 0:27
23-May-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
12:13PM EDT 06:27PM GMT 2:14
21-May-2007
SBR1/L Wilmington Intl (KILM)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
03:57PM EDT 05:04PM EDT 1:07
21-May-2007
SBR1/G Nassau Int'l (MYNN)   <----------Bahamas
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
05:54PM GMT 03:20PM EDT 1:26
21-May-2007
SBR1/L Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
02:28PM GMT result unknown (?)
n/a
21-May-2007
SBR1/L Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
San Salvador (MYSM)
02:28PM GMT Diverted
20-May-2007
SBR1/L San Salvador (MYSM)
Nassau Int'l (MYNN)
11:05PM GMT 12:13AM GMT (+1) 1:08
20-May-2007
SBR1/L Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
10:28PM GMT 06:32PM EDT 0:04
20-May-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Marsh Harbour (MYAM)
02:31PM EDT 09:35PM GMT 3:04
16-May-2007
SBR1/L Allegheny County (KAGC)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
08:56PM EDT 08:59PM EDT 0:03
16-May-2007
SBR1/L Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD)
Allegheny County (KAGC)
07:59PM EDT 08:36PM EDT 0:37
16-May-2007
SBR1/L Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
07:59PM EDT Diverted
16-May-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD)
05:38PM EDT 06:08PM EDT 0:30
16-May-2007
SBR1/F Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
11:48AM EDT 12:16PM EDT 0:28
16-May-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Washington Dulles Intl (KIAD)
10:32AM EDT 11:13AM EDT 0:41
11-May-2007
SBR1/L Atlantic City Intl (KACY)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
05:33PM EDT 06:03PM EDT 0:30
11-May-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Atlantic City Intl (KACY)
04:42PM EDT 07:00PM EDT 2:18
10-May-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
01:56PM EDT 02:22PM EDT 0:26
18-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)
11:46AM EDT 12:09PM EDT 0:23
14-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Greater Binghamton/Edwin A Link Field (KBGM)
08:56AM EDT 08:55AM EDT n/a
10-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Orlando Intl (KMCO)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
01:51PM EDT result unknown (?)
n/a
10-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Orlando Intl (KMCO)
09:50AM EDT 12:15PM EDT 2:25
09-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
02:53PM EDT 04:48PM EDT 1:55
09-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA)
Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB)
03:24PM GMT 02:23PM EDT 2:59
09-Apr-2007
SBR1/G Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE)
Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA)      <----------------------Aruba
07:22AM EDT result unknown (?)
n/a
01-Apr-2007
SBR1/I Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA)
Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE)
08:44PM GMT 06:45PM EDT 2:01
01-Apr-2007
SBR1/G Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB)
Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA)
11:19AM EDT result unknown (?)
n/a
01-Apr-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB)
08:31AM EDT 10:39AM EDT 2:08
25-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
07:42PM CDT 10:37PM EDT 1:55
25-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL)
06:21PM EDT 07:14PM CDT 1:53
25-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Mc Carran Intl (KLAS)     <-----------Las Vegas
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
10:07AM PDT 05:20PM EDT 4:13
23-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL)   <---------Final Four
Mc Carran Intl (KLAS)
01:12PM CDT 02:28PM PDT 3:16
23-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU)
Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL)     <-----------Final Four
10:48AM EDT 12:10PM CDT 2:22
23-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
09:52AM EDT 10:17AM EDT 0:25
22-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Mc Carran Intl (KLAS)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
09:54AM PDT 04:48PM EDT 3:54
21-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Garden City Rgnl (KGCK)
Mc Carran Intl (KLAS)
11:32AM CDT 11:37AM PDT 2:05
21-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Garden City Rgnl (KGCK)
09:03AM EDT 11:06AM CDT 3:03
14-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Allegheny County (KAGC)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
06:45PM EDT 07:14PM EDT 0:29
14-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Allegheny County (KAGC)
05:56PM EDT 06:37PM EDT 0:41
09-Mar-2007
SBR1/F Wilmington Intl (KILM)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
01:49PM EST 02:36PM EST 0:47
09-Mar-2007
SBR1/Q Princess Juliana Int'l (TNCM)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
02:41PM GMT 01:08PM EST 3:27
06-Mar-2007
SBR1/W Wilmington Intl (KILM)
Princess Juliana Int'l (TNCM)
09:08AM EST 05:10PM GMT 3:02
06-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
Wilmington Intl (KILM)
07:19AM EST 08:24AM EST 1:05
06-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP)
06:29AM EST 06:36AM EST 0:07
02-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
05:49PM EST result unknown (?)
n/a
02-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
Morristown Muni (KMMU)
05:49PM EST Diverted
02-Mar-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL)
Pittsburgh Intl (KPIT)
04:50PM EST 05:31PM EST 0:41
28-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta Intl (KATL)
Allegheny County (KAGC)
04:19PM EST 05:36PM EST 1:17
28-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Morristown Municipal (KMMU)
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Int'l (KATL)
08:39AM EST 10:34AM EST 1:55
28-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
Morristown Municipal (KMMU)
07:50AM EST 08:12AM EST 0:22
07-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Wiley Post (KPWA)
Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
06:05PM CST 09:17PM EST 2:12
07-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Austin Bergstrom Int'l (KAUS)
Wiley Post (KPWA)
04:19PM CST 05:21PM CST 1:02
06-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
Austin Bergstrom Int'l (KAUS)
05:30PM EST 08:03PM CST 3:33
02-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Capital City (KCXY)    <---------Harrisburg
Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
10:34AM EST 10:48AM EST 0:14
02-Feb-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
Capital City (KCXY)                 <----------Harriburg
08:35AM EST 08:56AM EST 0:21
31-Jan-2007
SBR1/L Capital City (KCXY)   <------Harrisburg
Allegheny Co (KAGC)
04:15PM EST 05:10PM EST 0:55
26-Jan-2007
SBR1/L Allegheny Co (KAGC)
Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
01:59PM EST 02:29PM EST 0:30
26-Jan-2007
SBR1/L Hazleton Municipal (KHZL)
Allegheny Co (KAGC)
12:43PM EST 01:26PM EST 0:43

If you are still with this article there is more. As part of the House Democratic Caucus Mr. Eachus and Company hired the law firm of Sprague and Sprague, the same firm that represented admitted felon Robert Powell in 2008. He not only hired Richard Sprague but also sat in audience with him as Sprague "educated" him on the casino industry.

Sprague said his own outreach to legislators was limited to personal visits in 2008 with eight senators and representatives, including House Majority Leader Todd Eachus (D., Luzerne) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R., Delaware).

"When I went to each of them," Sprague said, "my opening statement was 'I am here, and I don't want you to do a thing for me. . . . I'm here to introduce myself.' "

You may also recall the connection between Sprague, Powell, and other judges in the Luzerne County courthouse who testified against former Judge Ann Lokuta.

Betty Roccograndi of the Times Leader wrote December 7,2008 The links between Sprague, Powell, Conahan and other Powell pals who testified against Lokuta is disturbing, and any fair-minded person has to wonder whether Sprague’s objectivity was clouded even a little bit.

The Citizen's Voice printed this observation in May, 2010.

Richard A. Sprague, a prominent Philadelphia case, remained on the case despite representing former Drums attorney Robert J. Powell, who has pleaded guilty to paying kickbacks to two former Luzerne County judges.

That relationship has compromised Sprague's ability to conduct a fair and impartial hearing, Lokuta's attorneys, George A. Michak and Ronald V. Santora, said in an appeal filed today with the state Supreme Court.

The depth of the connections continue. Mark Sheppard, formerly of Sprauge and Sprague representing Robert Powell on former Judge Michael Toole.

When asked if Toole had taken a payoff from Powell, one of Powell's attorneys, Mark B. Sheppard, formerly of Sprague & Sprague and now a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, said he could not comment.

"It would be inappropriate for our client or I to comment at this time, except to say that Mr. Powell continues to cooperate fully with any investigation," Sheppard said.

Sheppard, along with other attorneys from Sprague & Sprague, had previously authored a letter released to the media in February disputing the notion that the money Powell paid to Conahan and Ciavarella amounted to kickbacks, and instead said that Powell was the victim of a judicial shakedown.

"First, it is grossly inaccurate to suggest that our client ever sought or had any influence in the sentencing of any juvenile offender. In fact, Bob Powell never offered to pay a single penny to these former judges. Instead, Bob Powell was a victim of their demands for payment," the letter said.

Got off the beaten path so back to the casino business.  Look how Eachus helped one particular casino.  Although Foxwoods is not part of the association where Sprague is involved this story may point to the reason tavern owners are having such a hard time getting small games of chance legislation passed in Harrisburg that would help save their industry and jobs.

How Foxwoods got a leg up

Time was not on the casino's side. Access to heavy hitters was.
By Jennifer Lin, Mario F. Cattabiani, and Amy Worden

Inquirer Staff Writers

Autumn was make-or-break time for the Foxwoods Casino in Philadelphia.

Opposition in neighborhoods and City Hall had stalled the project. Lenders had grown wary as casinos elsewhere struggled. State regulators set a final deadline: Foxwoods had to open by May 2011, or lose its license.

Foxwoods needed help in Harrisburg.

So its lawyer and lobbyist, Stephen A. Cozen, turned to an old friend whose campaigns he had generously supported: Gov. Rendell.

Then Cozen called on legislative leaders - Democrats Todd Eachus and Dwight Evans in the House, Republican Dominic Pileggi in the Senate. It was as if someone had drawn Cozen a map. Indeed, someone had.

"I advised him to talk to everyone in leadership, on both sides of the aisle," Rendell remembered.

By December, a 42-word sentence appeared on Page 55 of the 230-page bill to legalize poker and other table games at Pennsylvania casinos.

It said the state Gaming Control Board could extend a casino's license for "36 months . . . or December 31, 2012."

Those words spelled hope for Foxwoods' future.

Cozen said Gerber had suggested he talk to the House majority leader, Eachus (D., Luzerne). Later, Gerber began checking in with negotiators about the Foxwoods extension - not to lobby, Gerber said, but just to get progress reports.

An anxious Cozen phoned the House majority leader.

Eachus said Cozen had voiced concern about rising resistance from local lawmakers. (In a recent interview, Eachus defended the bill, saying casinos unbuilt meant state revenue uncollected. "It's a balance-sheet issue.")

He assured Cozen the Foxwoods language would stay..

I will end this post by returning to the open ended contract let out by the House Democratic Caucus to Sprague and Sprague in the amount not to exceed $100,000.00. It commenced on November 03, 2008 with no end date. The HDC was to inform the firm when it no longer needed its services.

Guess it didn't pass the smell test did it?

Rangel Spells Trouble for Democrats

When will Paul Kanjorski return or donate the money from Charlie Rangel?

DeWeese Held Over For Trial

A hearing was held today concerning charges leveled against State Representative Bill DeWeese in the Bonusgate investigation by AG Corbett's office. DeWeese stepped down earlier this year as House Majority Whip as a result of the charges but refuses to resign his office. He won the Democratic renomination for his office by the voters in his district in the spring.

The Post Gazette reported that Kevin Sidella, one of his aides, testified earlier today about the magnitude of campaign work he performed for DeWeese at the expense of Pennsylvania taxpayers.

Legislative aide Kevin Sidella was disenchanted with his assigned tasks of arranging meals and car washes for his boss, state Rep. Bill DeWeese, and there wasn't enough legitimate work to go around.

That's why he took on campaign fundraising, Mr. Sidella testified this morning in a preliminary hearing for Mr. DeWeese, D-Waynesburg.

"There was only so much work to go around. There wasn't a lot of work left," said Mr. Sidella, who is testifying under a grant of immunity.

Prosecutors now say it was a crime for Mr. DeWeese to keep Mr. Sidella on state payroll while his work days were consumed with political work. Mr. Sidella said he maintained the campaign check book, provided talking points for Mr. DeWeese's fund-raising phone calls and dug up dirt on political opponents.

It is illegal to use state resources for political work.

As Tracey Mauriello reported this afternoon DeWeese's defense was "We all did it" mentality.

Asked whether he was concerned that political work was being done on state time, Mr. DeWeese told the grand jury this: "That was not unusual. That was part of the culture. Looking back it was wrong. We shouldn't have done it but it was part of the political culture on Capitol Hill."


Prosecutors said Ms. DeWeese's own words helped them make their case during a preliminary hearing today.

"The defendant has clearly admitted to the crimes with which he was charged," prosecutor Kenneth Brown said.

Mr. DeWeese's attorney, William C. Costopoulos, disagreed, saying the Democratic state representative from Waynesburg "has not admitted to any crime" and that the charges against him are politically motivated and petty.

Whether he is guilty will be up to a jury.

It's a wonder with that statement why DeWeese went to trial.

DeWeese encouraged his protege Todd Eachus to run for Tom Stish's seat in 1995. DeWeese and his cronies poured money into successfully getting Eachus elected and Stish ousted. DeWeese mounted Stish's parking space sign on the marble fireplace in his office, so in his words, "he would never, ever forget."

Funny how life has a way of biting one in the arse.

Here is a report from Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review outlining testimony concerning Todd Eachus's role in the Bonusgate matter.

In grand jury testimony, former aides identify him as aggressive and portray a politically ambitious lawmaker climbing the ladder in the House. He previously served as policy committee chairman and also chaired the House Democratic Campaign Committee.

Former staffer John Paul Jones said he was brought onto Eachus' staff "solely" to do political work. He said he had a "beard assignment" that he was supposed to be working on "alternative energy" issues.

"But you didn't study alternative energy?" a prosecutor asked him. "No," Jones told the grand jury.

Jones testified that Eachus wanted to spend "soft dollars" through state-paid public service announcements so the campaigns would spend less of their resources.

There were occasions, Jones testified, where he and another aide were called in to provide staff support so Eachus could make fundraising calls in his office.

From the Seattle Times: But Eachus told WNEP-TV in Scranton this week that he was shocked and saddened "to see colleagues of ours having problems. But I say this, that anyone who has created a problem should face justice."

Maybe the local Northeastern Pennsylvania media outlets would like to explain why this information hasn't made it to print here when it makes all the way to Seattle.

Barletta Lead Kanjorski In Fundraising This Quarter

In this article by Andrew Seder it was disappointing to read the headline. Instead of highlighting that Lou Barletta outraised Paul Kanjorski this quarter in campaign contributions the headline reads "Carney, Kanjorski rolling up fundraising leads".

You will find this statement buried in the article.

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta received $15,482 more than 13-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke the past quarter.

A significant fact left out of Seder's report is that Paul Kanjorski is over $1 million behind in fundraising when you compare his "Cash On Hand At Close Of Reporting Period" highlighted in this report. On the July, 2008 report Kanjorski states there was $2,174,387.47 on hand. On the July, 2010 report Kanjorski only has $1,058,311.12 on hand.

If you look at Carney's figures he has $792,891.83 on hand this quarter according to this July, 2010 report .

For the same report in 2008 he had $1,149,388.00 on hand or a 32% reduction.

That fact points to the difficulty being reported in the national media that Democrats are having a difficult time fundraising this year. In the words of Joe Biden I believe a 32% and a 50% reduction between 2008 and 2010 is a "big **** deal".

Kanjorski Seeking Banking Interests Money For Election

Despite being on member of a committee that decides on banking regulation a report that appeared in the Times Leader today details the efforts of the Kanjorski campaign to seek money from those he regulates for his re-election effort.

“Now, after railing against Wall Street when the media is watching, Kanjorski goes back to his Wall Street friends with his hand out,” said Shawn Kelly, Barletta spokesman. “It’s hypocritical and it’s shameful."

Tory Mazzola, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, criticized the Nanticoke Democrat for seeking the Wall Street financial support.

“With one hand he’s writing the legislation while the other hand asks Wall Street for campaign cash,” Mazzola said. “It’s business as usual for this career politician.”

“The fact is that the ink is not even dry on this bill, and everyone in town is still getting fundraising requests from members of the conference committee and all sorts of other people who were beating up on Wall Street,” said the banking official in Politico, citing Reps. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and Kanjorski as two conference committee members who recently sought Wall Street contributions. Maloney and Kanjorski would not comment to Politico.

“It’s unseemly at best, and right now we are just not inclined to say ‘yes,’ ” the official said.

When Kanjorski faced off with O'Brien in the May primaries here's what he had to say about donations from those he regulates.

"If you look at my campaign contributions, they come from people that are on all sides of all issues. It doesn't mean a damn thing. I don't pay any attention to it. I couldn't tell you what they contribute. But they're insignificant," he said.

According to the OpenSecrets website 60% of donations to the Kanjorski campaign came from PAC's for 2009-2010 and that doesn't include the personal donations from corporate members of those PACs. Once again Kanjorski and Mitchell are misleading the public and stretching the facts to win an election.

In the same article about the Kanjorski/O'Brien contest Ed Mitchell had this to say about buying Kanjorski's vote.

"Paul Kanjorski may take campaign donations from banks and brokers PACs, but he stands up to Wall Street. He's leading the fight to break up big banks and brokerage companies," Mr. Mitchell said. "Paul Kanjorski's vote is not for sale.

Let's see how well Mitchell's statement stands with the litmus test. The blog "Accounting Principles" wrote this post about Politics and Accounting regarding campaign donations and influencing an outcome.

With the aid of $286,000 in campaign donations to the 33 members of a key House subcommittee, the Fair Value Coalition, the lobby group set up by the banks, succeeded in getting the industry rule-making body, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, to give the banks immense latitude in suspending mark-to-market rules.

The Wall Street Journal on June 3 published an investigative report detailing the banks’ use of campaign fund monies to get their way. The Journal reported that the banking coalition spent a total of $27.6 million in the first quarter of 2009 on its lobbying effort.

It focused its drive on a House Financial Services subcommittee chaired by Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a Pennsylvania Democrat. Kanjorski received $18,500 from Fair Value Coalition members in the first quarter. Over the past two years, Kanjorski has received $704,000 in contributions from banking and insurance companies, the third-highest among members of Congress.

This summer the weather has been much hotter than last year. The same can be said about the race between Kanjorski and Barletta.

Ed Mitchell- When Will Paul Pay The $250,000 Owed To The DCCC?

In today's Times Leader Bill O'Boyle writes a column about Kanjorski's campaign money vs. Lou Barletta's campagin funds.

There seems to be on factual piece missing from this article. Boyle writes

According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission in Washington, Kanjorski, of Nanticoke, has $952,233 cash on hand and no debt as the November general election looms.

In fact Paul Kanjorski owes a $250,000 payment from his campaign funds for dues assessed to him by the DCCC that has not been made. I call that debt.

If Kanjorski's campaign were to make that payment instead of $952,233 on hand the CFC would have $702,233. Since Ed Mitchell stated it costs approximately $100,000 per week to advertise on television Mitchell will only be able to buy seven weeks of air time.

“We’ll just have to wait and see what he comes up with,” said Ed Mitchell, spokesman for Kanjorski’s campaign. “Mr. Barletta claims to be a major fundraiser nationally, but it seems like he is lagging behind.”

It is a fact that Lou Barletta For Congress has raised more money at this point in time than in the 2008 race.

Kanjorski claims to be a powerful person in Congress.

Democratic leaders assess dues on members of their caucus, ranging from $800,000 each for top lawmakers to $150,000 annually for less powerful members.

Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a Pennsylvania Democrat who won re-election with 52 percent of the vote, has not paid his $250,000 DCCC dues despite almost $1.2 million in the bank.

So how powerful is he if his DCCC dues assessment is only $250,000 out of $800,000 potential?

As for Kanjorski's campaign money I point to a comment left on the O'Boyle article. (V)irtually all of Kanjorskis money comes from Wall Street banks, insurance companies, credit unions, and others that he is supposed to regulate. Aren't those types of conflict of interest what Kanjorski has been howling about with the fiancial institutions he claims need regulating?

Rendell and Leighton- A Donation Come True

A poster put a comment on this article about Mayor Tom Leighton. SOP commented on the $5,000.00 donation the Committee To Election Tom Leighton made to Governor Rendell in 2008. According to this document which is a phone directory of key office people located in the Governor's office there is a listing for Kelly Leighton, daughter of Tom Leighton. It's amazing what a $5,000.00 donation will do with a wink and a nod.

Kanjorski's Donations There Outta Here- Well His District Anyway

According to this article in the Pennsylvania Independent Paul Kanjorski found 57% of his campaign money outside the borders of Pennsylvania.

According to a map of congressional districts, Paul Kanjorski (D), the 13-term Congressional incumbent, officially represents the people of northeast Pennsylvania's 11th congressional district. But Mr. Kanjorski's campaign wallet tells a different story, with 57 percent of personal contributions toward his re-election campaign coming from outside the state.

Mr. Kanjorski's case, funds come from 30 different states. During the current election cycle, he has received more than $46,000 from people in New York and more than $34,000 from people in Washington, along with donations from as far away as Ogden, Utah, and San Diego, California. Of his $116,000 in contributions from inside Pennsylvania, nearly $70,000 has come from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh combined, and neither of those cities are part of Mr. Kanjorski's congressional district.

"This is further evidence that Paul Kanjorski does not have any support on the ground from this congressional district," said Vince Galko, a spokesman for one of Mr. Kanjorski's potential Republican opponents in November, Hazelton Mayor Lou Barletta.

P.S. One fact not noticed on the initial post. Look at the money Joe Sestak raised compared to Paul Kanjorski. So much for seniority.

Leighton's Campaign Finances- Ethical Issues

The Times Leader ran an article about donations from Marvin Slomowitz and William Rinaldi in reference to the dredge project in Hazleton. For some unknown reason reporter Andrew Seder brought State Rep. John Yudicahk into the donation picture without doing a similar look at Wilkes Barre Mayor Tom Leighton. Of course those on the inside know that Rep. Todd Eachus and Congressman Paul Kanjorski are supporting Leighton's efforts against Yudichak in the Senate race to replace retiring Senator Ray Musto's seat.

A look at Leighton's campaign finance records on the Luzerne County website reveals some interesting information.

Within the 6th Tuesday Pre-Election Campaign Finance Report the following donations bring up some curious questions. Diamond Manufacturing Company is listed as a $400.00 donor on 06/246/2009 found on page 16. Diamond Manufacturing is listed as a corporation on the state's Corporation Bureau. Pennsylvania prohibits direct corporate donations to campaigns.

In the 2nd Friday Pre-Election CFR in 2008 West Side Hammer Electric Inc, another corporate donor, of Bethlehem is listed as a donor in the amount of $300.00 on 07/09/2008.

Seder failed to point out Marvin Slomovitz's donation to Leighton on 05/27/2009 in the amount of $300.00 found on page 12.

Falzone Realty is listed with a donation of $300.00 on 03/27/2009 (and 06/12/2008) found on page 12 but a search for that entity failed to produce any results on the Corporate Bureau, Department of State licensing or Switchboard.com.

Oddly enough Falzone Towing Service, Inc., another Pennsylvania corporation, is listed at the address, 365 Pierce Street, Kingston, on the CFR and the Corporate Bureau. Since there is no listing at the Department of State for a realtor there seems to be a huge question about the validity of that donation.

Kane for District Justice is listed as a donor on page 10 in the total amount of $500.00 listed as $300.00 on 06/11/2009 and $200.00 on 06/29/2009. According to the Judicial Cannon 7 District Justices are not permitted to engage in political activity of this type. (1) A judge or a candidate for election to judicial office should not: (c) solicit funds for or pay an assessment or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate.

Robert Mericle gave a $300.00 donation on 06/10/2009 listed on page 19 and was charged by the U.S. Attorney's office on 08/13/2009. It had been common knowledge that Mr. Mericle was Participant No. 2 in a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney on January 31, 2009 in the Luzerne County corruption scandal. Why did Tom Leighton accept the donation and why wasn't it returned?

On the in-kind contributions list are donations from Rodano's Restaurant and Patt Patte. If you read this Legal Opinion from the Chief Counsel of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board gift certificates awarded as prizes must be for food only, as the awarding of gift certificates that include alcoholic beverages would be prohibited for the reasons provided in response to your first question. Was there a disclaimer on those gift certificates?

In the 2nd Pre-Primary 2008 CFR Leighton lists a loan to himself from the campaign on 01/17/2008 in the amount of $2,000.00 found on page 6. He repays the loan back to the campaign on 04/01/2008 found on page 5. Loans to committees are permissable but loans from a campaign committee to oneself is another question.

In the 2nd Friday Pre-Election CFR from 2008 the report lists a fee for a bounced check on 07/25/2008 found on page 25.

One suspects Leighton felt comfortable with his reports and didn't anticipate Ray Musto's retirement or the scrutiny his candidacy would cause.

Mr. Eachus Maintains Innocence

Todd Eachus has tried to escape the public eye with regards to Bonusgate. However residents of the 116th should be wary of those claims. Let's read a story from Philadelphia and the Associated Press on Wednesday December 23, last.

Witness: I was hired as House aide to politick
By MARK SCOLFORO

Associated Press

HARRISBURG - The majority leader of the Pennsylvania House directed campaign activities by legislative employees and raised campaign funds from inside the Capitol, according to witness testimony in transcripts obtained by the Associated Press.

The witnesses in the widening probe, which has reached top levels of the state General Assembly, allege conduct by Todd Eachus similar to that for which 25 others have been charged.

Eachus has not been charged, and the allegations date to before he was elected majority leader a year ago.

John Paul Jones, a $62,000-a-year legislative research specialist until December 2007, told the grand jury that Eachus, D-Luzerne, brought him onto the state payroll after the November 2006 election, which returned Democrats to the majority in the House, with a cover story about his legislative work.

"That was sort of like the code of, here's what I do, but really I was solely there as a political guy," Jones said.

Jones testified that Eachus told him he considered the General Assembly's capability to produce public service announcements a free tool to help incumbents get re-elected.

For nearly three years, state Attorney General Tom Corbett has been investigating whether state lawmakers and their aides used legislative employees and state-owned equipment for campaign purposes.

The scandal began with news that millions in bonuses had been quietly handed out to employees of the General Assembly, and a series of five grand-jury reports has alleged that many of those bonuses were part of a conspiracy that also involved state contracts and computer equipment, as well as some of the highest-ranking members of the state House and aides.

The transcripts were provided on the condition of anonymity by a person connected to the defendants, who are expected to go on trial in January.

Eachus declined to comment, as did a spokesman for Corbett, a Republican running for governor.

But Eachus told WNEP-TV in Scranton this week that he was shocked and saddened "to see colleagues of ours having problems. But I say this, that anyone who has created a problem should face justice."

In a May 2008 grand-jury appearance, Jones said that while he was working for the House Democratic Campaign Committee in the run-up to that pivotal 2006 election, he and another campaign committee employee worked closely with Eachus out of an office in the Capitol's East Wing.

He said they helped Eachus phone Democratic state representatives to pressure them either to donate to the campaign committee or promise to spend a certain amount on their own races.

"As Todd would often say, he wanted to spend what he called soft dollars, which were government dollars, on public service announcements so that we had to ultimately spend less hard campaign dollars," Jones testified.

Did Jones testify that Eachus directed the use of GOVERNMENT dollars aka OUR MONEY, on public service announcements so they wouldn't have to use campaign donation dollars?????? Todd, care to explain.

From SOP post dated December 5, 2009

In the Standard Speaker article Eachus spokesman Brett Marcy had no comment when asked Thursday whether Eachus has been asked to testify. That is a curious statement given when asked back on July 7, 2009 by the Times Leader the reply was Brett Marcy said Eachus was not among the legislators who testified before the grand jury, nor was he interviewed by any law enforcement officials regarding the Bonusgate case." -- WB Times Leader 7/7/09 according to those great folks at CasablancaPA.com. When the answer is no there is an explanation. Take it from there.

Here's How The Republicans Can Rise To The Occassion

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under Fast Eddy Rendell is $3 billion in the hole.
Below is a list of donations made to the Luzerne County Democratic Party as well as state and federal Democratic office holders. And the press has the audacity to blame the Republican party for the world's woes.

Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 10/31/2005 $500.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 6
Go to Top Go to Bottom
22 Expenditure Details 22
Recipient Date Amount

LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 4/19/2005 $6,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Go to Top Go to Bottom
23 Expenditure Details 23
Recipient Date Amount

LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 9/30/2005 $6,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 5

Recipient Date Amount
COMMITTE TO ELECT MARY ANN PETROLL (Mary Ann Petrilla)
BULLEN TWP, PA 12/24/2003 $5,000.00
Description -
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 7

Recipient Date Amount
LUZERE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COM.
WYOMING, PA 18644 9/9/2003 $1,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 4
Go to Top Go to Bottom
33 Expenditure Details 33
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMM
WYOMING, PA 18644-0221 8/22/2003 $2,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 4

Conservatives for Good Government <------------------------------------------------------------------------ Powell In disguise
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 2/8/2007 $5,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2

Contributor Date Amount
Conversatives for Good Government
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/29/2005 $10,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2005 Cycle 5

Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4


Multi-Candidate Committee
Pittsburgh, PA 15259 2/8/2007 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2

Pittsburgh Future PAC
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 3/15/2007 $1,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Wonder where they come from

Onto Cigarette Money from the guy who champions health causes

Altria Group, Inc. PAC
Washington, DC 20001 7/25/2006 $340.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4

Contributor Date Amount
Altria Group, Inc.PAC
Washington, DC 20001 1/26/2006 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1

Contributor Date Amount
Altria Group, Inc.PAC
Washington, DC 20001 1/26/2006 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1


Friends of Dave Lupas
Pittston, PA 18640 10/26/2006 $125.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 6

Contributor Date Amount
Friends of Dave Lupas
Pittston, PA 18640 1/10/2006 $125.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1

Bob Powell Campaign Donations

CARNEY, CHRISTOPHER
VIA CARNEY FOR CONGRESS
09/15/2006 1000.00 26930454491
01/18/2007 2100.00 27930554825

POWELL, ROBERT
DRUMS, PA 18222
SELF-EMPLOYED/ATTONEY-AT-LAW

KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
10/16/2006 500.00 26930504848
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTORNEY

KLINK, RONALD P
VIA CITIZENS FOR RON KLINK
06/18/1999 500.00 99020071438

POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTY-AT-LAW

KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
01/18/2000 1000.00 20035374539

POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP

KLINK, RONALD P
VIA CITIZENS FOR RON KLINK
03/08/2000 500.00 20020101072
03/08/2000 500.00 20020101072
06/30/2000 500.00 20020182550

POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF EMPLOYED/ATTORNEY

EDWARDS, JOHN
VIA EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
03/31/2003 2000.00 23990753014

POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF-EMPLOYED/ATTONEY-AT-LAW

KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
10/26/2002 500.00 22992803736

POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP

DASCHLE, THOMAS ANDREW
VIA NEW LEADERSHIP FOR AMERICA PAC
08/11/2004 1000.00 24020882189

POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY

GEPHARDT, RICHARD A
VIA GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC.
06/30/2003 1000.00 23991413028

POWELL, ROBERT J
HAZLETON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP

EDWARDS, JOHN R
VIA EDWARDS FOR SENATE
08/13/2002 1000.00 23020030061
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTORNEY

CASEY, PATRICK RAYMOND
VIA CASEY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
10/26/1998 500.00 98033964986

POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
POWELL LAW GROUP

HOEFFEL, JOSEPH M
VIA HOEFFEL FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
06/30/2004 1000.00 24020612151

POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY

KERRY, JOHN F
VIA JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
05/27/2004 2000.00 24981235798

POWELL, ROBERT J ATTY
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP

CASEY, PATRICK RAYMOND
VIA CASEY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
10/13/2000 500.00 20036350484

POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC)
12/21/1999 -10.00 20035340116

POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF EMPLOYED/ATTORNEY

EDWARDS, JOHN
VIA JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
02/12/2007 2300.00 27930590513

POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ.
DRUMS, PA 18222
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY

PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
10/06/2006 5000.00 27930756092

POWELL, ROBERT J ESQUIRE
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY

CASEY, ROBERT P JR
VIA BOB CASEY FOR PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE
06/30/2005 900.00 26020571636
06/30/2005 2100.00 26020571721
12/31/2005 1000.00 26020623257
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
POWELL LAW GROUP

PENNSYLVANIA SENATE 2000
06/28/2000 2500.00 20020182372

POWELL, ROBERT S MR.
SKILLMAN, NJ 08558
SELF/REAL ESTATE

KERRY VICTORY 2004
05/28/2004 500.00 24961686861
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
POWELL LAW GROUP

DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
06/29/2000 2000.00 20020231266

Contributor Date Amount
Powell Law Group
West Hazleton, PA 18201 10/17/2000 $100.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2000 Cycle 5

Contributor Date Amount
Powell Law Group
West Hazleton, PA 18201 6/20/2001 $250.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2001 Cycle 7

Contributor Date Amount
Robert & Debra Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 9/15/2000 $400.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2000 Cycle 5

Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums, PA 18222 10/21/2004 $250.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2004 Cycle 6

Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 8/4/2004 $750.00
Occupation: Lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2004 Cycle 4

Contributor Date Amount
ROBERT POWELL
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201 5/5/2004 $500.00
Occupation: LAWYER
Employer: POWELL LAW GROUP
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: EACHUS, TODD FRIENDS OF
Report: 2004 Cycle 3

Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4

Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 5/16/2002 $150.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: FRIENDS OF TODD EACHUS
Report: 2002 Cycle 3

Contributor Date Amount
ROBERT POWELL
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201 3/5/2004 $500.00
Occupation: LAWYER
Employer: POWELL LAW GROUP
HAZLETON
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: EACHUS, TODD FRIENDS OF
Report: 2004 Cycle 2

Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums, PA 18222 7/12/2005 $260.00
Occupation: Attorney
Employer: Powell Law Group, P.C.
PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2005 Cycle 5

Bonusgate-Bonuses And Political Contributions

Tracie Mauriello of the Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau writes an interesting piece about bonuses that are part of the Bonusgate investigation and political contributions made by those charged in that scheme.

When Bill DeWeese was House Democratic leader in 2002, he gave his Harrisburg aides $1,000 or $2,000 bonuses.

Six of the recipients contributed identical or nearly identical amounts to Mr. DeWeese's re-election and the House Democratic Campaign Committee that year or in 2003, records show.

Nine other recipients that year made lesser contributions to the two committees.

The bonuses and contributions came to light in the discovery phase of a criminal investigation into allegations that the House Democratic caucus used tax dollars to subsidize campaigns.

You will read vehement denials about a link between the bonuses awarded and campaign contributions in the article but this about sums it all up.

One recipient of a 2002 bonus, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, said the House Democratic Campaign Committee sent mailings to employees' homes with lists of staffers who had contributed to various campaigns.

"I'd see the list and say, 'My name's not on it. I'd better give in case DeWeese or Veon is looking," the recipient said. "I made sure I gave at least something to Veon, DeWeese and the campaign committee, even if it was just $50, just to be on the list."

What strikes me odd is the audacity of those involved still feel their behaviors was/are acceptable and normal. People in Harrisburg better start "getting it." Notice I don't say Democrats or Republicans. Both parties are complicit in the culture that flourishes in our state Capitol. It is the way our constitution allows the majority party to control everything that happens. There should be no majority or minority. There should be a union of people who work for the greater good of this Commonwealth. I guess I better stay on my medication to quell these common sense thoughts. Forgot that's the other blog.

Rendell Defends Another Big Donor

While not being quite as arrogant as Blagojevich he certainly resembles him in some ways. Brad Bumsted at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes another story about a donor to Ed Rendell's campaign that received a no-bid contract. Is it me or was(is) there a hugh fury about no-bid contracts in Luzerne County? The amount of no-bid contracts by Rendell is evoking crys of "pay-to-play."

Rendell on Thursday strongly denied the allegations, saying the contract had nothing to do with campaign contributions.

F. Kenneth Bailey of the Texas law firm Bailey Perrin Bailey LLP donated $59,200 in cash and airfare to Rendell in the seven months before the contract award and $31,900 after the agreement was signed, records show. He gave $25,000 to the Democratic Governors Association.

Bailey did not return phone calls for comment.

"Ken Bailey would have gotten the case whether I knew him, or whether or not he had ever contributed to me," Rendell said.

On that note Governor does Pennsylvania lack qualified lawyers to defend the state?? Does the state of Texas get the tax dollars or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

"This is huge pay-to-play. That's all it is," said Mark Schwartz, a former staffer for the late House Speaker K. Leroy Irvis, D-Oakland. A potential judgment or settlement in a pharmaceutical case could be worth "hundreds of millions of dollars," said Schwartz, a Bryn Mawr lawyer.

Bailey Perrin would get 15 percent of any award, but nothing if it loses the case.

Rendell and most of Harrisburg still don't get it. The public wants more accountability and integrity from its government. If it looks like a dog and smells like a dog we don't care that it was groomed. We expect and should be able to read that the values demonstrated by our leaders inspire us to act in the same way. What this lesson teaches us is money leads to an abuse of power and privilege.

Brad Bumsted can be reached at bbumsted@tribweb.com or 717-787-1405.

Rendell Received $3.8 million in Donations From Casino Investors

Pennsylvania's 12th slot casino operation will be located at the Valley Forge Convention Center. According to Chris Friend at The Bulletin the Philadelphia investment group collectively donated $3.8 million to Governor Rendell.

The Valley Forge casino’s investor group is headed by Ira Lubert, chairman of GF Management and a co-founder of Lubert-Adler, a real estate private equity firm. Mr Lubert has contributed $141,000 to Gov. Rendell’s campaigns.

He is also a partner in a money management company in which more than $1 billion from the state’s two largest pension funds has been committed. Those pension funds paid Mr. Lubert’s firm $8 million in fees last year. Mr. Lubert has been associated with numerous other businesses that have made significant contributions to Mr. Rendell.

According to the Lubert-Adler corporate Web site, Mr. Lubert was the principal and founder of TL Ventures, whose employee and business donations totaled $62,000.

Mr. Lubert is listed as a co-founder of LLR Partners and Rubenstein Partners. Employees of both firms contributed $109,400 to Mr. Rendell.

The investors are represented by the Ballard Spahr law firm, which has a long history of intimate relationships and high dollar donations to Mr. Rendell.

Ballard is the Democratic governor’s former firm. Brothers-in-law John Estey and Adrian King Jr., both partners at Ballard, served as chief of staff and deputy chief of staff to Mr. Rendell, respectively, and have contributed $35,000 to his campaigns.

If you read the rest of the article all the donations he highlights total $3.8 million.

Murtha Goes After Earmarks When Effort To Investigate Is Thwarted

CBSnews.com

President Obama, is really the change you said you were going to bring to Washington?

On March 11, 2009 Obama signed the $410 Billion Congressional earmark spending bill in hiding. From the Star Tribune out of Minneapolis- President Obama said on Wednesday that he will sign an "imperfect" spending bill packed with special projects in order to keep government running, but he vowed that it will be the last one and proposed ways to curb lawmakers from abusing the process in the future.

Evidently nobody told John Murtha. According to CBSnews.com Murtha wants another $134 million in earmarks for his district. He posted the requests on his website.

From CBSnews.com: Four of the earmark requests from Murtha’s office are for current or former clients of a lobbying firm, the PMA Group, that is currently under federal investigation for connection to possible "straw" donations to Murtha and other Democratic members of the House.

PMA Group clients include: Advanced Acoustic Concepts ($5 million request), Argon ST ($8 million request), MTS Technologies, Inc. ($5 million request) and Planning Systems Inc. ($2.3 million request).

Two requests totaling $3.7 million are for Pennsylvania State University, but the Murtha's office says they are not intended for the Electro Optic Center (EOC) in Freeport, Pa. which has received millions in defense contracts and has been the subject of recent scrutiny by the FBI.

Please refer to my previous post where Kanjo and Carney voted to table a motion to investigate (1) the source and timing of past campaign contributions to Members of the House related to the raided prominent defense-lobbying firm; and (2) earmark requests made by Members on behalf of the firm's clients.

While a number of entities with connections to Murtha are under federal law enforcement scrutiny, Murtha himself has not been named as the target of the investigation.

President Obama, what was that about proposing ways to prevent lawmakers from abusing the process. Kanjorski and ethics is like oil and water. And Carney should know better.

Oh, one other minor detail. Murtha missed a deadline to start disclosing his ties to political action committees(PACs) as required by law. From CQ Politics: Some senior congressional appropriators are among those with known connections to committees that did not register as leadership PACs, until after being asked about missing the deadline. They include: Reps. John P. Murtha , D-Pa.,

Do you recall when Murtha called his constituents "rednecks" and "racists" last fall?