Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas

Sam Rohrer to announce run for governor on Nov. 17

2009-11-06T15:02:00.002-05:00

State Rep. Sam Rohrer is expected to announce his candidacy for Pennsylvania governor at a Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Spring Township Fire Company in West Lawn, Berks County.

Rohrer sent the following e-mail today to potential supporters:

Over the past few weeks Ruth Ann and I, and our entire family have been weighing the decision to seek the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania Governor. We've approached it understanding the risk, but knowing fully the incredible need for leadership in our state and nation.

There have been few other moments in my lifetime when the collective call of duty has been greater, and the responsibility to act so urgent. More than winning elections for political parties or discovering a way for Republicans to reach a legislative majority, the 2010 campaign must be waged to give voice for the ideas and principles that matter most.

I want to personally invite you to a special Townhall on Tuesday, November 17 at the Spring Township Fire Department, 2301 Monroe Avenue in West Lawn, PA. I'm organizing this forum to announce the decision on the race for governor, and begin a statewide conversation about the challenges and real opportunities facing Pennsylvania.

We can change the direction of our state, but it will take all of us – "We the People!"

Rohrer, who has represented the 128th House District in southern Berks County since 1993, is best known for leading the fight to eliminate school property taxes in Pennsylvania. He has also taken the lead in the state's rights movement.

If Rohrer decides to enter the 2010 Republican Primary, he will face a crowded field that already includes Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and Congressman Jim Gerlach, R-6th Dist.

Rohrer announced the Town Hall Meeting at http://samrohrer.org/, which will probably turn into his campaign Web site after Nov. 17.

Until then, you can find out more about Rohrer at http://www.samrohrer.com/

If the government can't run a flu program ...

2009-11-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

10.2%

2009-11-06T12:17:00.000-05:00

The unemployment rate in the U.S. rose to 10.2 percent today despite guarantees by Barack Obama when he signed the $787 billion "stimulus" bill in February that unemployment would never rise above 8 percent. Of all of Obama's lies, this one is the biggest.

More than 16 million Americans are out of work, while Obama continues to insist that his "stimulus" package has "saved or created" 1 million jobs.

The Obama Administration has offered no proof of those 1 million jobs and has been caught several times "cooking" the numbers. The Associated Press continues to report on massive fraud involving the so-called "stimulus" jobs, whereby agencies receiving government money are counting jobs more than once or counting minimal raises given to workers as "saved" jobs to please their Washington masters.

On the same day the Labor Department released the new unemployment figures, Obama signed a 20-week extension of unemployment benefits for 1 million out-of-work Americans whose benefits had run out.

But there are another 6 million Americans who are out of work and have exhausted all unemployment benefits including extensions. Those 6 million will have to put "hope and change" on the table to feed their families as the Obama Recession continues to get worse. (A record 23 million Americans are now collecting food stamps.)

What did Lois Murphy get for $6 Million?

2009-11-05T16:41:00.001-05:00

Six of the seven Republican candidates for Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas won Tuesday.

The only Democrat elected to the bench was Lois Murphy. If the name sounds familiar, Murphy ran twice against U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach in Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, which includes Montgomery County.

Murphy lost both times, but she and the Democratic Party spend more than $6 million on those campaigns. For that kind of money, Murphy bought herself name recognition and a job in the Montgomery County Courthouse. Not exactly the halls of Congress, but it's a living.

Common Pleas Court judges earn $161,850 a year and serve 10-year terms, after which they can seek retention until a mandatory retirement age of 70. The current salary for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $168,000 per year, with annual COLA increases.

While Murphy is relatively young, she's stuck in a courtroom for the next 10 years, effectively ending her future in politics.

Talk about bad timing. Murphy committed to running for a county judge seat before Congressman Gerlach announced he would not seek another term. Murphy could have won the 6th Congressional District seat next year.

The Montgomery County Republican Committee couldn't resist taking a shot at Murphy in this statement released Thursday:

We fielded a very talented team of experienced public servants in the Court of Common Pleas race. In the campaign, we talked about the candidates, their backgrounds and their commitment to Montgomery County.

Tuesday, it was the voters turn. They spoke loudly and clearly. They rejected partisan cries and today, we are celebrating the election of 6 members of our Judicial Team to the Court of Common Pleas.

Carolyn Tornette Carluccio, Garrett D. Page, Wendy Demchick-Alloy, Kelly Wall, Gary S. Silow and Patricia Coonahan captured 10-year terms on the bench.

This victory was the result of a complete team effort. We had a terrific ticket that worked very hard. We had tremendous support from our Committee and hundreds of volunteers. We had a sound strategy and executed it well.

"Tuesday night was a hell of a night for Republicans in Montgomery County," MCRC Chairman Robert Kerns said. "Congratulations to our entire team."

Were it not for a Democratic candidate benefiting from spending $6 million in two unsuccessful Congressional campaigns, it may have been a clean sweep for the Republican ticket.

Republicans also did very well in local races across the county, with significant victories in North Wales, Lansdale, Hatfield and Abington, to name a few.

Thank you to our volunteers, supporters, candidates, and committee people. We couldn't have done it without you. And we can't do it again in the future without you.

Military Support Organization Reaches for Christmas Miracle

2009-11-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

Military Support Organization Reaches for Christmas Miracle

Obama: Not About Me

2009-11-05T12:30:00.002-05:00

Health Care Reform Legislation Becomes Vehicle for Reshaping Immigration

2009-11-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

Health Care Reform Legislation Becomes Vehicle for Reshaping Immigration

Fast-Growing Coalition Opposing Cap-and-Trade Goes National

2009-11-05T12:29:00.001-05:00

Fast-Growing Coalition Opposing Cap-and-Trade Goes National

U.S. Chamber Blasted for Weak-Kneed Response to Climate Change Legislation

2009-11-05T12:29:00.000-05:00

U.S. Chamber Blasted for Weak-Kneed Response to Climate Change Legislation

'Talking Politics' on the radio today

2009-11-05T12:28:00.001-05:00

Tune in to "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM for analysis of the Nov. 3 General Election.

You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.

If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com'

The Obama Express

2009-11-04T16:30:00.002-05:00

Independents fuel GOP victories in Va., N.J.

2009-11-04T16:30:00.001-05:00

Independent voters helped elect Barack Obama in 2008, but appear to have abandoned the Democrats in 2009. Not a good sign for Dems as the 2010 midterm elections approach.

From The Washington Times:

In a sign that there's more trouble ahead for Democrats, voters in New Jersey and Virginia said they were driven by the economy and spending, and Republicans said their showing on Tuesday gives them momentum heading into the 2010 congressional elections.

Campaigning in Virginia, Republican Robert F. McDonnell said Democrats' "overreach" in Washington helped boost him to what was a trouncing of Democratic nominee R. Creigh Deeds. And in New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie unseated the broadly unpopular Gov. Jon Corzine despite being outspent in a solidly blue state.

Read the full story at the link below:

Independents fuel GOP victories in Va., N.J. - Washington Times

Let Your Voice Be Heard

2009-11-04T16:28:00.003-05:00

Small Businesses Get Whacked With Tax Increases in Pelosi Health Bill

2009-11-04T09:26:00.001-05:00

Small Businesses Get Whacked With Tax Increases in Pelosi Health Bill

Toomey on Tuesday's election results

2009-11-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Commenting on Tuesday's repudiation of the Obama presidency, Republican Pennsylvania Senate candidate Pat Toomey said the election results show voters oppose the extreme big-government policies of Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

From Toomey's statement:

"Last night, election results around the country and in Pennsylvania demonstrate that the tide is turning against big-government, big-spending policies. In Pennsylvania, six out of seven Republican judicial candidates were victorious in their statewide bids.

Congratulations to all of our great Republican candidates who won yesterday in Pennsylvania That tells us there is real energy in our state party, which will only continue to grow into next year."

Toomey said he was pleased with the results from neighboring New Jersey, where Republican Chris Christie upset the Obama-backed candidate, liberal Gov. Jon Corzine, and also applauded the outcome in Virginia, where the GOP candidate won the governor's race by a large margin.

“For nearly a year, the one-party monopoly in Washington has been pushing extreme policies on the American people, including government-run health care, unprecedented spending increases, and record deficit and debt levels," Toomey said. "Yesterday, voters made their voices heard. It's time we stopped the parade of bailouts, government takeovers, and record-breaking spending, and replaced it with commonsense reforms that do not bankrupt our country.”

For more about Toomey, visit his campaign Web site at www.toomeyforsenate.com

Republican Joan Orie Melvin wins seat on PA Supreme Court

2009-11-03T23:55:00.003-05:00

Republican Joan Orie Melvin won a hotly-contested seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Tuesday, giving Republicans a 4-3 majority on the court.

Melvin defeated Democrat Jack Panella in the most expensive judicial race in Pennsylvania's history. Panella raised more than $2.5 million, largely from trial lawyers and organized labor, according to The Associated Press.

With 98 percent of the state's precincts reporting, Melvin had 910,270 votes or 53 percent to Democrat Jack Panella's 806,157 votes or 47 percent, the wire service reported.

Panella was widely criticized for running a negative campaign, resorting to personal attacks on Melvin.

Melvin's victory, which restores a one-seat majority that the GOP lost in 2007, continued a good night for Republicans, who have won the governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey.

Four Republican candidates for four open Pennsylvania Superior Court seats and two Republican candidates for two open Commonwealth Court seats were also leading their respective races at midnight, although final results were not in yet.

The Republican comeback is here!

In blow to Obama, Democrats lose NJ, VA governor races

2009-11-03T22:36:00.003-05:00

In a stunning upset, Republican Chris Christie defeated Democrat Barack Obama ... I mean Jon Corzine ... to win the New Jersey governor's race Tuesday.

Despite spending $23 million dollars and having Barack Obama campaign for him three times, Corzine, the free-spending liberal and Obama doormat, was tossed out by New Jersey voters in a a clear repudiation of the Obama agenda.

Christie's victory in heavily Democratic New Jersey should send shock waves through the Democratic Party establishment. Earlier in the evening, Republican Bob McDonnell won the Virginia governor's race in another litmus test of Obama's failed presidency.

Look for Democrats in Congress to bail out of Obama's big government, big deficit socialist agenda overnight.

Obama himself told New Jersey voters that the Christie-Corzine election was a referendum on his 10 months as president.

Corzine ran a nasty campaign of personal attacks, including making fun of Christie's weight.

The 300-pound Christie told supporters at a victory rally Tuesday night "we are going to pick Trenton up and turn it upside down."

With 75 percent of precincts reporting by 10:30 p.m., Christie had 50 percent of the vote compared to 44 percent for Corzine. Independent Chris Daggett had about 5 percent of the vote.

(Update: With 97 percent of precincts reporting at midnight, Christie had 49 percent of the vote compared to 44 percent for Corzine. Daggett finished with 5 percent.)

Democrats fear triple blow on Election Day

2009-11-03T17:38:00.002-05:00

One year after the election of Barack Obama, voters could send a strong message they don't like the direction the country is headed by sweeping Republicans into office in the governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey and the special election in New York for a House seat.

Democrats fear triple blow on Election Day | csmonitor.com

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Don't Be Fooled: Abortion is in Health Care Bill

2009-11-03T17:36:00.002-05:00

Pennsylvanians Urged to Vote in Nov. 3 Municipal Election

2009-11-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

Pennsylvanians Urged to Vote in Nov. 3 Municipal Election

PA's New Deficit Reaches $160 Million

2009-11-02T16:49:00.000-05:00

It may be a new fiscal year, but Pennsylvania is experiencing the same problem. The state is spending more money than it takes in. That practice led to a record budget deficit last year and caused a 101-day budget impasse.

It appears Gov. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Legislature haven't learned a thing.

New figures released today by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue show fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $8.8 billion, which is $160.2 million, or 1.8 percent, below estimate.

The new fiscal year began July 1, although the state Legislature was 101 days late in approving a new budget.

The state finished the 2008-09 fiscal year with a $3.25 billion deficit.

From the Revenue Department:

Secretary of Revenue Stephen H. Stetler today reported that Pennsylvania collected $3.5 billion in General Fund revenue in October, which was $19.5 million, or 0.6 percent, less than anticipated.

Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $8.8 billion, which is $160.2 million, or 1.8 percent, below estimate.

Sales tax receipts totaled $696.6 million for October, $37 million below estimate. Year-to-date sales tax collections total $2.7 billion, which is $89.3 million, or 3.2 percent, less than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in October was $719.9 million, $13.7 million above estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $2.9 billion, which is $84.2 million, or 2.8 percent, below estimate.

October corporation tax revenue of $116.6 million was $500,000 above estimate. Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $658 million, which is $7.8 million, or 1.2 percent, above estimate.

Other General Fund revenue figures for the month included $61.2 million in inheritance tax, $800,000 above estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $242.8 million, which is $5.3 million below estimate.

Realty transfer tax was $26.1 million for October, $1.4 million above estimate, bringing the total to $108.3 million for the year, which is $2.3 million less than anticipated.

Read the full release at the link below:

PA Revenue Department Releases October Collections

'Change Conservatives Can Believe In'

2009-11-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

Gary Bauer Expects 'Change Conservatives Can Believe In'

PA Department of Health Provides Update on H1N1 Vaccine Distribution

2009-11-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

Pennsylvania Department of Health Provides Update on H1N1 Vaccine Distribution

State lawmaker wants to restrict billboards

2009-11-02T16:36:00.002-05:00

Rep. Adolph crafts billboard legislation - The Delaware County Daily Times : Serving Delaware County, PA(DelcoTimes.com)

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Obama Stands Up To Wall Street (Yeah, Right)

2009-11-02T16:32:00.000-05:00