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.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati has appointed Sen. John C. Rafferty, Jr., (R-44) to chair the powerful Senate Transportation Committee.

Rafferty, who has served in the Senate since 2003, replaces former Sen. Rob Wonderling, who resigned earlier this year.

"I look forward to using this new position to help improve our transportation system, which is crucial to protecting public safety and also expanding our economy," Rafferty said in a written statement. "Transportation issues affect every resident in Pennsylvania, whether it involves a daily commute to work or a bus ride on the public transit system or the movement of goods. Our goal is to have a modern, efficient system that meets the needs of its users."

Scarnati said Rafferty was chosen because of his knowledge of the issue and his interest in taking on new transportation challenges.

"As a member of the committee, John demonstrated a broad understanding of the major issues we are facing regarding transportation, and as chairman I know he will work well with the members, the House and the Administration to improve our vast transportation network," Scarnati said in a written statement.

Rafferty's Senate district stretches across Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties. His elevation to the chairman's seat should help move Southeastern Pennsylvania transportation projects to the front-burner.

For more about Rafferty, visit his Web site, www.senatorrafferty.com

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey will be the feature speaker at the annual Fall Reception and Dinner sponsored by the Montgomery County Republican Committee.

The event is Thursday, Oct. 22.

The festivities begin with a reception at 5 p.m. at O'Neill Properties at 211 S. Gulph Road in King of Prussia. Tickets are $300.

The dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. at Westover Country Club in Jeffersonville. Tickets are $40. A ticket to the dinner is included with a reception ticket.

Call MCRC at 610-279-9300 to reserve a ticket. Or email Brittany at btressler@montcogop.com

In addition to Toomey, the seven candidates for Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas as well as other federal, state and local elected officials and candidates will be attending.

Bob Mensch was sworn in today as Pennsylvania's newest state Senator, giving the Republican Party a 30-20 majority in the chamber.

Mensch, who represented the 147th House District over the past three years, is now the state Senator representing the 24th Senate District.

Mensch won a special election on Sept. 29 to complete the term of former state Sen. Rob Wonderling, who resigned to become president/CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The 24th Senate District covers about 240,000 residents in Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties.

Mensch was sworn into office during a 3 p.m. ceremony in the Senate Chamber.

"I look forward to continuing the work I started as a state Representative to develop legislation and policies that improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians and promote economic development and create new jobs," Sen. Mensch said in a written statement. "We are in a crucial time in the Commonwealth as we work to restore our economy. We must work to keep young people here. It is essential that we take whatever steps necessary to make Pennsylvania a good place to live, work and raise a family."

As a member of the House of Representatives, Mensch authored legislation amending the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law, along with bills focused on health care quality improvement.

A native of Pennsburg and resident of Marlborough Township since 1975, Mensch is married to his wife of 38 years, JoAnn, who together have raised two children, and now enjoy being grandparents to 14 year old Zackary. He holds a business degree from Valley Forge Military College.

No decision has been made on a date for a special election to fill the remainder of Mensch's House term.

Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist., will host a town hall meeting via telephone for residents of the 146th District at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

"I am hosting this town hall meeting via the telephone to give everyone I represent a chance to ask questions about what is happening in Harrisburg with the recent passage of the state budget and how state laws are impacting our community without having to leave their home," Quigley said in a press release.

At approximately 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, automated calls will be placed to residents of the 146th District inviting them to participate in the hour-long call.

Quigley stressed that at any point during the phone call, people will be given the chance to ask questions by pressing *3, and he will try to get to everyone's inquiries during the allotted hour.

Individuals unable to participate in the call who have questions regarding state matters can contact Quigley's district office at 610-326-9563.

Voter turnout was small but the victory was decisive.

State Rep. Bob Mensch won a landslide victory over Democrat Anne Scheuring to fill the vacant 24th Senatorial District seat.

Mensch defeated Scheuring by a 2-1 margin. In his home county of Montgomery, Mensch defeated Scheuring by a remarkable 72% to 26% margin. In Lehigh County, Mensch won by a 64% to 30% margin. In Bucks County, Mensch won by a 68% to 29% margin. The tightest race was in Northampton county, where Mensch beat Scheuring by a 53% to 42% margin.

With all 123 precincts reporting results, Mensch finished with 12,496 votes. Scheuring had 5,730 votes. Libertarian candidate Barbara Steever had 660 votes.

After three years in the state House representing the 147th District, Mensch moves to the state Senate, giving Republicans a 30-20 majority.

The 24th Senate District has been vacant since July when former state Rep. Rob Wonderling resigned to become president and chief executive of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

There's no indication when Mensch's seat in the state House will be filled. While Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, a Republican, got to decide when to hold a special election for Wonderlng's seat, the task of filling Mensch's seat falls to Speaker of the House Keith R. McCall, a Democrat.

With Democrats holding a slim 104-99 majority in the House, don't look for McCall to move quickly on replacing Mensch in one of the safest Republican districts in the state. Don't be surprised if McCall puts off a special election until next year.

One other interesting note. There have been three special elections this year to fill vacancies in the state Legislature and Republicans have won all three races by wide margins. That does not bode well for Democrats heading into the 2010 election cycle when all 203 House seats and 25 Senates seats are up for grabs.

Here's proof that reporters at The Mercury will go to any length (or height) to get the story. Staff writer Brandie Kessler jumped out of an airplane from 10,000 feet Saturday as part of the Community Day festivities at the Pottstown Municipal Airport. And she lived to talk about it ... and write a first-hand account of the experience. Pick up a copy of Sunday's edition of The Mercury for stories and some incredible photos from the ground and from the air. Also check out The Mercury's Web site, www.pottsmerc.com, for video of the event. That's Brandie above with tandem instructor Chuck McElwee of Keystone Skydiving Center. The top photo was taken by videographer Ali Abdullatif. The bottom photo was taken by Kevin Hoffman of The Mercury.

Now that he is a candidate for Pennsylvania governor, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel has resigned from the county's Board of Elections, according to Keith Phucas of The Norristown Times Herald.

Hoeffel, who has served as chairman of the elections board since 2008, was asked to stop down by the county solicitor, Phucas reports.

Hoeffel, a Democrat, notified fellow commissioners James R. Matthews and Bruce L. Castor Jr. on Wednesday about his resignation.

Although Montgomery County Republican Chairman Bob Kerns issued a press release Wednesday calling for Hoeffel to step down fro the elections board, Hoeffel told Phucas that he made the decision on Tuesday.

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.

The business community is lining up behind state Rep. Bob Mensch for the special election on Sept. 29 to fill the 24th Senatorial District seat vacated by former state Sen. Rob Wonderling.

Groups backing Mensch include ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB); the Southeastern Pennsylvania Area Chambers of Commerce (SEPAC); the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Pennsylvania Business Council

"With an economy in crisis, it is essential to have someone in office who understands what it will take to move Pennsylvania forward," said Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs.

Barr said Mensch understands the concerns of job creators and has voted consistently for policies that promote economic growth and job creation.

"Bob Mensch has been a strong supporter of legislation to improve Pennsylvania's small business climate by voting to lower taxes, eliminate needless government regulation, and make health care affordable for small business," said Lucien Calhoun, Chairman of the NFIB's Pennsylvania (SAFE) Save America's Free Enterprise Trust, citing some of the reasons for his organization’s support.

Those sentiments were echoed by Ken Russell, the Board Chairman of SEPAC. "Bob Mensch understands what is required to improve the business climate in the state, including addressing increasing health care costs and promoting sound energy policies," said Russell.

Tim Phelps, President of the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce, stated that in addition to his legislative record, Mensch also brings real-world knowledge to the legislature. "He brings a valuable insight to the legislature with his experience as a business professional," said Phelps, who noted Mensch worked at AT&T for 28 years.

"We need more lawmakers in Harrisburg with business backgrounds, who have seen first-hand the effects government policies have on businesses and their ability to create jobs and prosper," said David W. Patti, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Business Council. "He will be a welcome addition to the Pennsylvania Senate."

"One of my top priorities in the Pennsylvania Senate will be to rebuild our state's economy and create new jobs by addressing burdensome taxes and regulations," said Mensch. "We need to fight the brain-drain and the out of state loss of college-educated workers critical to the new economy. We also must invest in our transportation infrastructure for the movement of people and goods, encourage private sector investment in alternative energies, and revitalize main street business districts. Working together, we can help jumpstart the state and regional economy and put more Pennsylvanians back to work."

Mensch is running on a platform of returning fiscal responsibility to Harrisburg, opposing tax increases on working families and seniors, improving the state's economic environment and job creation, and enhancing local open space preservation efforts.

In addition to the endorsements from the business community, Mensch has also picked up key endorsements from law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations.

Visit Mensch's campaign Web site at www.electmensch.com

Montgomery County Republican Chairman Bob Kerns has asked Democratic County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel to step down from the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

Hoeffel announced this week that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania governor in the May 2010 primary election.

"Joe Hoeffel chairs the Montgomery County Board of Elections and can act in that capacity to advantage his candidacy for governor, Kerns said in a written statement. "He needs to step down immediately and allow for an alternate to be appointed in his place."

County commissioners who have run for office have traditionally resigned from the Elections Board "and I think Hoeffel needs to step down now," Kerns said.

"Elections should be free and fair. Hoeffel needs to step aside immediately to ensure he’s not setting the table for himself," Kerns said, noting that Hoeffel remained on the Board of Elections when he was a candidate in a contested election to be a Hillary Clinton delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

The President Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas has the legal authority to appoint a replacement to the Board of Elections once Hoeffel steps aside.

Hoeffel has been criticized frequently over the past two years for politicizing Montgomery County government. Under Hoeffel's tenure, several losing Democratic candidates have been hired to well-paying county jobs, prompting charges of cronyism.

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents 700 businesses in Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties, has endorsed state Rep. Bob Mensch for the 24th Senatorial District seat in a special election on Sept. 29.

The election will fill the vacant Senate seat previously held by Sen. Robert Wonderling, who recently resigned to serve as the president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Mensch, serving his second term in the state House, has been an ally of the business community and a strong advocate for policies that will foster job creation and economic growth, according to the Chamber.

"He brings a valuable insight to the legislature with his experience as a business professional," said TriCounty Area Chamber President P. Timothy Phelps.

Mensch was named the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce's Legislator of the Year in 2008 for his impact on the region as well as his 100 percent voting record on business issues supported by the Chamber.

More from the Chamber's endorsement:

Mensch continues to support key chamber initiatives, and he is an advocate for tri-county's regionalization efforts. His pro-business stances include investment in improved transportation infrastructure, business tax structure reform, health care reform, and tort reform. Also, as a member of the House Republican Policy Committee Task Force on Budget and Economic Policy, Mensch has remained strongly opposed to Governor Ed Rendell's proposal to increase taxes to offset proposed state spending increases.

Having worked his way through the ranks at AT&T for 28 years, he truly understands the needs of the business community. The Chamber believes that Representative Bob Mensch's dedicated leadership, combined with his community, charity, corporate, and political experiences, provides the mix needed for the success of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This is the second major endorsement Mensch has picked up from the business community. Mensch is also supported by ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

Mensch is also endorsed by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations for his support of the elimination of property taxes.

For more about the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, visit tricountyareachamber.com

For more about Mensch, visit his campaign Web site.

State Rep. Bob Mensch, the Republican candidate in the special election to fill the vacant seat in the 24th state Senate District, has been trying to get his Democratic opponent to agree to debates for several weeks without success.

With just two weeks left until the Sept. 29 special election, Mensch issued an open invitation to Democrat Anne Scheuring to debate him pretty much any time, any place.

"Voters have a right to hear directly from the candidates in a civil and open debate on the issues," said Pete Peterson, spokesperson for the Mensch campaign. "The region and state face a number of critical challenges, including the need to create jobs, open space preservation, and the need to hold the line on any tax increases on working families. Voters deserve to know which candidate has a strong command of the issues and best represents their views."

(The fact that Scheuring's entire political experience consists of nine months on the Lansdale Borough Council may have something to do with her reluctance to face Mensch in a public forum. Scheuring was a last-minute candidate after several prominent Democrats declined to run in the special election.)

Ideally, the Mensch campaign would like to see three separate debates in various regions of the district "to offer voters the best opportunity to hear from the candidates and reduce long travel times," Peterson said.

Unfortunately, Scheuring has even refused to be a guest on local radio and television programs if Mensch will be on at the same time to discuss the issues, Peterson said.

"Rather than engage in an open and honest debate on the issues, Anne Scheuring has resorted to mudslinging and false attacks on Rep. Mensch," said Peterson. "Voters deserve better. Scheuring made the ridiculous claim that Rep. Mensch voted for the controversial pay raise, but he hadn't even been elected to office yet. He even donates his annual cost-of-living adjustment to charities that provide assistance to disabled individuals and victims of domestic violence."

(The pay raise accusation is a common false charge made by Democratic strategists who run campaigns from Harrisburg. It's been used before in the 2008 election cycle against Republican candidates who were not serving in the Legislature when the pay raise vote was taken in July 2005.)

Scheuring has rejected or refused to respond to numerous debates, forums and radio and television appearances with Mensch. The list includes forums with Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, PBS 39, WFMS Channel 69, and WNPV 1440 AM, according to Peterson.

Scheuring's refusal to debate may be related to her lack of willingness to address the false attacks she has made on Mensch, Peterson said.

The 24th Senatorial District seat opened up when former Sen. Rob Wonderling resigned in August to accept the position as CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Mensch is in his third year in the state House and previously served six years as a township supervisor in Marlborough. For more on Mensch, visit his campaign Web site.

Republicans should pick up at least one more seat in Congress in 2010.

Pat Meehan announced Monday he will seek the Republican nomination in the 7th Congressional District, which covers parts of Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties. The seat is held by Democrat Joe Sestak, who will not seek re-election so he can challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in the May 2010 Democratic Primary.

Meehan is the favorite to succeed Sestak. The bulk of the 7th District is in Delaware County, where Meehan was a popular district attorney before serving as U.S. Attorney for SE Pennsylvania from 2001-2008.

Pundits are predicting a big comeback for the GOP as opposition grows to the big government/high deficit policies of Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats. Republicans are expected to pick up anywhere from 20 to 40 additional seats in the midterm elections.

"Traveling across the region and state these past months, I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with many local residents," Meehan said in a written statement. "They have told me they feel their voice is not being heard in Washington, that their representatives have sold them out to special interests, that government is being imposed on them, rather than working for them. It is time our elected officials be made to answer for the decisions they make about our money and about our children's future."

"Many of the challenges confronting us here at home transcend state lines — whether it's strengthening the economy, keeping down health care costs, or helping small businesses — and the solutions will be determined in Congress," said Meehan. "I am formally announcing my candidacy for U.S. Congress because I want to restore integrity to our nation’s capital and ensure that the voice of local voters is heard on critical issues like taxes, jobs, health care, and restoring fiscal responsibility to the federal government."

Meehan announced his candidacy at three stops in the district.

"People have watched the federal government spend billions of dollars to rescue a few huge banks while hundreds of community banks failed," said Meehan. "They have watched billions being spent to keep bankrupt General Motors and Chrysler in business, while local small businesses struggle to meet a weekly payroll. They see an $800 billion stimulus bill rushed through Congress, yet a half-year later, only 1 in 10 dollars is spent and a record 6.5 million Americans are out of work."

"Voters are concerned as our national debt is expected to double in the next three years and triple within a decade to an astonishing $10 trillion," said Meehan. "That translates into $33,000 of personal debt for every man, woman and child in America. This type of unchecked spending leads to inflation, higher job-killing taxes, and a burden of enormous debt that our children and their children will carry like a millstone for generations."

From the Pat Meehan for Congress Committee:

Pat Meehan has made a name for himself by rooting out government corruption, prosecuting tough criminal cases, and implementing innovative new programs to make communities safer. In addition to taking a nationally-recognized stand against "pay to play" politics in the City of Philadelphia, Pat created initiatives to combat gang violence, crack down on nursing homes for failing to provide proper care to our seniors, reduce domestic violence, and hold drug companies accountable to consumers for fraud.

As U.S. Attorney, Meehan established an Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council, held manufacturers responsible for illegally discharging hazardous materials into the region's waters, established a group to crackdown on predatory lending, and prosecuted cyber criminals who ran illegal, worldwide Internet pharmacy operations.

Pat, his wife Carolyn and their three sons Patrick, Jack and Colin, reside in Drexel Hill, Delaware County.

For more on Meehan, visit his new campaign Web site, www.meehanforcongress.com

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations has endorsed state Rep. Bob Mensch, the Republican candidate in a special election to fill the vacant seat in the 24th Senatorial District.

In making its endorsement, the PCTA noted Mensch's "unequivocal support for the enactment of Pennsylvania House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act, pending legislation that would abolish school property taxes for all Pennsylvania homeowners and restructure a crumbling, antiquated education finance system."

David Baldinger, PCTA spokesperson and the administrator of the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition (PTCC), said in a written statement: "For 30 years the residents of Pennsylvania have been deceived time and again by phony, unsound property tax relief schemes and false promises of property tax reform. Bob Mensch has taken a definitive stance on this vital issue with his pledge to work for the passage of House Bill 1275, legislation that will at last give legitimate, sustainable relief to the homeowners of Pennsylvania through total school property tax elimination."

Rebecca Heller of the Patriot's Voice, a PCTA member group, added: "We need more people like Bob Mensch who are willing to work for true property tax reform in a General Assembly that has historically avoided a resolution to this issue. The Patriot’s Voice wishes Bob Mensch much success in his bid for the District 24 Senate seat."

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations is an alliance of 33 grassroots taxpayer advocacy groups from across Pennsylvania that is dedicated to equitable education funding reform through the enactment of House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act.

Learn more about the group's efforts at http://ptcc.us

A special election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, to fill the seat held by former state Sen. Rob Wonderling, who resigned Aug. 1 to take a position as CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The 24th Senate District covers parts of Montgomery, Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties.

ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, announced today it has endorsed Republican state Rep. Bob Mensch for the 24th Senatorial District.

Mensch, who has represented the 147th House District in Montgomery County since 2007, will face Democrat Anne Scheuring in a Sept. 29 special election to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Robert Wonderling, who resigned to head the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Scheuring is a newcomer to politics, serving on the Lansdale Borough Council since January.

The winner of the special election will complete the remainder of Wonderling's term, which runs through the end of 2010. Candidates will have to compete again in November 2010 for a full four-year term in the state Senate.

The 24th Senate District includes parts of Montgomery, Northampton, Lehigh and Bucks counties.

From ChamberPAC:

"Rep. Mensch's election to the state Senate would be a natural extension of his dedicated public service in the state House," said Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs.

Barr said Mensch understands the concerns of job creators and has voted consistently for policies that promote economic and job growth to the benefit of his constituents and all Pennsylvanians.

"With an economy in crisis, it is essential to have someone in office who understands what it will take to move Pennsylvania forward," said Barr, noting as well Mensch's past 28 years of experience with AT&T.

"For these reasons, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry wholeheartedly supports his state Senate candidacy. Constituents in Montgomery County will be well served by Mensch as their senator."

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, serving more than 24,000 members and customers statewide. For more information, visit the group's Web site at www.pachamber.org

For more on Mensch, visit his campaign Web site, http://electmensch.com

Attorney Gary Silow, a candidate for Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Judge, will be the studio guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

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

Silow has been practicing law in Montgomery County for the past 29 years.

The non-partisan Judiciary Committee of the Montgomery Bar Association has rated Silow "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" after an exhaustive review of his career.

Silow graduated from Abington High School, with honors from the Pennsylvania State University, and from Temple Law School. He has been a member of the Montgomery Bar Association for more than 28 years, and has been a practicing Montgomery County attorney since graduating from law school.

Following his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney in Montgomery County, Silow began a private practice in the Jenkintown area. Silow has lived in Montgomery County for 48 years.

For more on Silow, visit his campaign Web site, www.garysilowforjudge.com

Voters in the 24th state Senate District will go to the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to pick a successor to state Sen. Rob Wonderling, who is leaving the Senate for a job in the private sector.

Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati, who is also Senate Pro Tempore, made the decision to hold a special election instead of waiting until the Nov. 3 General Election.

That means county officials in Montgomery, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties will have to gear up for two elections within five weeks.

Scarnati's decision was criticized by Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortes, a Gov. Ed Rendell appointee.

"At a time when the state is facing a $3.2 billion budget deficit and the legislature is considering dramatic budget cuts, I am greatly concerned that a costly special election was scheduled just five weeks prior to the Nov. 3 general election," Cortes said.

The Department of State estimates the cost of the special election to range from $250,000 to $375,000, all of which will be underwritten by Pennsylvania taxpayers, Cortes said.

If Mensch wins the Senate seat, then another special election will be called to fill Mensch's House seat, Cortes points out.

Wonderling resigned his Senate seat on July 28 to take the job as president of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The Republican candidate to succeed Wonderling state Rep. Bob Mensch, who currently represents the 147th District.

There are no announced Democratic candidates.

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. announced today he will not seek the Republican nod for the soon-to-be-vacated 24th District state Senate seat held by Republican Rob Wonderling.

Castor was one of three Montgomery County politicians competing for a chance to fill Wonderling's unexpired term in a special election this fall.

Castor's surprise announcement leaves state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147th, as the likely choice to run on the GOP ballot.

The other potential GOP challenger, former state Rep. Jay Moyer, announced late Monday he's dropping out. Moyer endorsed Mensch and said he wants to concentrate on another run for the 70th House District seat that he lost in 2008.

Castor said he received plenty of encouragement from residents of Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery counties about a 24th Senate District run, but he decided to finish his term as a commissioner in Montgomery County, which is facing a fiscal crisis under the leadership of Democrat Joe Hoeffel and GOP turncoat Jim Matthews.

"If I were to run in the Special Election I would vacate my seat as a commissioner at a critical point in the budget process, leaving my colleagues to adopt a budget with no third commissioner in place or with a new commissioner who had little or no time to study the budget before being asked to act on it," Castor said in a written statement. "I do not believe that is fair to the citizens of Montgomery County to create such a situation and at this time I believe the best way I can serve the citizens is to remain a commissioner and a vocal critic of the policies that have led us to this point while offering my own suggestions on a better way to govern Montgomery County."

Castor was the top vote getter in the 2007 election to fill three Montgomery County commissioner seats. Hoeffel finished second and Matthews came in third thanks to a last-minute push by Castor to get Matthews re-elected at the request of party leadership.

Instead of joining Castor to form a GOP majority on the board, Matthews made a deal with Hoeffel to form a power-sharing arrangement, where Hoeffel supported Matthews as commissioners' chairman in return for obtaining unprecedented control of county government by a minority commissioner.

Hoeffel has hired all sorts of Democratic Party cronies to high-paying county jobs in the past 18 months.

"For 18 months, I have warned that the spending policies pursued by the county commissioners would lead to an unavoidable budget crisis," Castor said in a written statement. "Last year my colleagues used $16 million of our savings and failed to fund $7 million in pension obligations to our county employees in order to balance the budget. They do not have that option this year. The Finance Department projects a $50 million plus budget shortfall for 2010 while reminding us that the pension obligation will come due at the end of this year -- an obligation my fellow commissioners failed to budget for and now do not have the funds to meet. I cited this failure as one of my principle reasons for voting against the 2009 county budget.

Castor is the lone voice of fiscal reason on the commissioners' board and said he will work to inform Montgomery County taxpayers about the irresponsible spending by the Hoeffel-Matthews regime.

"This year we face a mounting deficit that my fellow commissioners will attempt to blame on the economy, Harrisburg, Washington, and just about anyone and anything else they can," Castor said. "But the fault lies in their reckless pursuit of cronyism, patronage and borrow and spend governance using tax dollars to fuel their appetite. This year may be the most critical budget deliberations in the history of Montgomery County. I believe I have an obligation to see this budget process to completion and that is what I intend to do."

The 24th District Senate seat will become vacant on Aug. 1 when Wonderling steps down to take a new job as president of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Republicans should be able to hold Wonderling's seat in a special election this fall and again in 2010 when a full four-year term is up for grabs.

Democrats have had trouble finding a candidate. The leading contender, state Rep. Bob Freeman, D-136th Dist., bowed out last week after a poll showed Freeman losing to both Castor and Mensch.

Rep. Tim Briggs is a freshman Democrat who represents the 149th House District in Montgomery County.

Briggs has served in the Legislature for five months. His first major vote will be on Gov. Ed Rendell's $29 billion budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The only way to balance Rendell's budget is through major tax increases. Rendell's current budget is expected to finish $3.2 billion in the red but he still wants to spend more of your money next year.

Briggs is being pressured by Rendell and the Democratic party bosses in Harrisburg to raise taxes on his constituents to continue the out-of-control spending in Harrisburg.

If you live in the 149th House District -- King of Prussia, Swedesburg, Swedeland, Gulph Mills, Villanova, Rosemont, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Ardmore, Wynnewood, and Penn Wynne, the townships of Lower Merion (PART), and Upper Merion, and the boroughs of West Conshohocken, and Bridgeport -- you need to remind Rep. Briggs that if he votes to raise your taxes, he will not receive your vote in 2010 when he seeks re-election.

You can send an e-mail through his Web site http://www.pahouse.com/Briggs or use the following contact information:

Hon. Tim Briggs
677 West DeKalb Pike
2nd Floor
King of Prussia, PA 19406-3065
(610) 768-3135
Fax: (610) 768-3112

Hon. Tim Briggs
06 East Wing
PO Box 202149
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2149
(717) 705-7011
Fax: (717) 772-9860

I predicted a schism in the Montgomery County Republican Party over the 24th District state Senate race in a June 8 column you can read here.

Below is a copy of a letter state Rep. Bob Mensch sent over the weekend to Montgomery County GOP Chairman Bob Kerns regarding the soon-to-be vacated 24th state Senate seat held by Rob Wonderling.

It appears Rep. Mensch, who was the first to announce he is running for the Senate seat, initially had the support of Kerns until Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. also expressed interest in the seat.

From the tone of the note, it appears Kerns is favoring Castor over Mensch. Castor has not announced his candidacy yet, but is expected to enter the race. A third Republican, former state Rep. Jay Moyer, is also planning to run, but nobody is paying much attention to Moyer.

Here is Mensch's June 14 letter to Kerns:

Bob,

I was honored and flattered when you called me on June 1st to ask me to run for the 24th Senatorial District as your, County Chairman's, candidate. However, since then I've been disappointed that you have decided instead to campaign full time for Bruce Castor, so I guess your commitment to me on June 1st wasn't really worth very much.

I'm not going to recount all the incidents and occurrences in the past two weeks, but there is one large issue which screams foul, and that is the total lack of integrity to send me a copy of the poll that you insist on running to favor Castor. On several occasions, and notably, in front of others on June 5th at Republican State Committee you promised me a copy, but I've not yet received one. I understand that the other County Chairmen (Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton) have received theirs as well as Jay Moyer. I've emailed you several times asking for a copy, but to no avail. Then, earlier this evening I received a voice mail from someone by the name Ken Gates, with the message that I need to respond by tomorrow morning with any comments or changes on the poll. Funny thing though, he called from a private number and didn't leave an email or a phone number for me to respond. He said he sent a copy to me via email, but I have not received one in either of my emails, and he will be unable to present a verifiable receipt that he did. At this point, this just seems to be one more purposeful deceit in this process.

I have no doubt, despite your first commitment to me, you will continue to try to create every advantage for Castor in this polling process. Regardless, I will continue to pursue the nomination, even though I fully realize you are stacking the deck for Castor in Montgomery County. You know if Bruce is so serious about public service in the State legislature, why don't you first encourage him to run for the House seat in the 70th, which was lost by the Republicans in the last election.

You have my cell and you have my email. I expect to hear from you before this poll "goes to press". My previous two emails to you have not been responded to, but I expect that you will respond to this message.

Sincerely

Bob Mensch

Rep. Matthew D. Bradford is a freshman Democrat who represents the 70th House District in parts of Montgomery County.

Bradford has served in the Legislature for five months. His first major vote will be on Gov. Ed Rendell's $29 billion budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The only way to balance Rendell's budget is through major tax increases. Rendell's current budget is expected to finish $3.2 billion in the red.

Bradford campaigned on the promise of reducing property taxes. Ironically he is being pressured by Rendell and the Democratic party bosses in Harrisburg to raise taxes on his constituents to continue the out-of-control spending in Harrisburg.

If you live in the 70th House District -- the townships of of East Norriton (PART, Districts 01 [PART, Divisions 01, 02 and 03] and 02), Lower Salford, Skippack (PART, District 01), Towamencin (PART, Districts 02 [PART, Divisions 02 and 03] and 03 [PART, Division 03]) and Worcester and the borough of Norristown (PART, Districts 01 [PART, Divisions 02 and 03], 03 and 04) -- you need to remind Rep. Bradford that if he votes to raise your taxes, he will not receive your vote in 2010 when he seeks re-election.

You can send an e-mail through his Web site http://www.pahouse.com/Bradford or use the following contact information:

Hon. Matthew D. Bradford
1846 Markley Street
Norristown, PA 19401-2904
Office Hours: 9-5
(610) 270-1150
Fax: (610) 270-1895

Hon. Matthew D. Bradford
2000 Bustard Road Suite 6
PO Box 118
Cedars, PA 19423
Office Hours: 9-5
(610) 222-3490
Fax: (610) 222-3494

Hon. Matthew D. Bradford
117 B East Wing
PO Box 202070
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2070
(717) 772-2572
Fax: (717) 772-2360

Within 24 hours of the announcement by state Sen. Rob Wonderling that he is resigning his Senate seat to take a private-sector job, Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. and state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147, each stated publicly they'd like to replace Wonderling.

Both already have high-profile elected positions, but a chance to serve in the state Senate is too good for either official to pass up.

There's no downside for either man to make a run for the Republican nomination in the predominantly Republican district. Castor and Mensch both have jobs to fall back on.

Castor still has two years left in his four-year term as one of three elected commissioners running one of the largest county governments in the state. Mensch won re-election last November to a second two-year term in the state House.

They don't have to quit their day job to make a run for Wonderling's 24th Senate District seat. The loser simply returns to his current position. The winner gets to move to a higher-profile office.

Castor would appear to be the bigger beneficiary because he is currently in political purgatory as the odd-man out in a power sharing agreement between renegade Republican Commissioner Jim Matthews and Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel. Although Castor was the top vote-getter in the 2007 election (and basically got Matthews re-elected on his coattails), Matthews surrendered control of county government to Hoeffel rather than allow Castor to take the lead.

Although he would have the least seniority of anyone in the 50-member Senate, the Republicans have a solid 30-20 majority and can push their agenda, especially with a lame duck governor in Ed Rendell counting down the days to the end of his term.

Mensch would rather run every four years for the Legislature as a member of the Senate instead of every two years in the House. He would also like to be in the majority instead of suffering another two years in the Democratic-controlled House.

A potential Castor-Mensch showdown for the 24th Senate District seat will probably a cordial affair with both men touting their experience. Both are fiscal conservatives so don't expect any major differences on the issues. They are friends and will remain friends despite the outcome of an election.

While Mensch represents many of the same communities in the House that Wonderling has in his Senate district, I think Castor has the edge because of better name recognition throughout Montgomery County ... and beyond.

The 24th District stretches over four counties and Castor is better known as the flamboyant, two-term Montgomery County District Attorney. Castor also has more access to cash and has run larger campaigns as Montgomery County D.A. and commissioner.

And consider this scenario. Castor could win the state Senate seat in a special election this year, but make a run for higher office in 2010, say lieutenant governor, giving Mensch another shot at the 24th District Senate seat next year. Stranger things have happened.

A two-term state representative from Montgomery County is the first candidate to officially throw his hat in the ring for the soon-to-be-vacated state Senate seat held by Sen. Rob Wonderling.

State Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147th Dist., announced his candidacy via e-mail today, less than 24-hours after Wonderling said he would be stepping down.

"I wish to bring my experiences in industry and government to this opportunity," Mensch said. "I am proud that I am not a career politician, but instead am someone who truly enjoys the challenges and the satisfactions of public life."

Wonderling, a Republican serving his second, four-year term, is leaving to take the helm of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

His resignation should set off a scramble for the 24th state Senate seat, which spans parts of Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties.

Mensch was elected to the state House in 2006 and currently serves on the House Consumer Affairs, Subcommittee on Telecommunications Committee (minority chairman); Insurance Committee; and Local Government Committee (minority secretary).

For more on Mensch, visit his campaign Web site, www.electmensch.com

Opportunities to run for a state Senate seat don't come around very often in Pennsylvania. Monday's announcement by state Sen. Rob Wonderling that he is resigning his 24th Senatorial District seat to take a job as president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will prompt a lot of jockeying to replace Wonderling.

The 24th District covers parts of Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties. A prominent political figure from Montgomery County just happens to live in one of the communities within the 24th Senate District.

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, a former county District Attorney, is considering making a run for the Republican nomination for Wonderling's seat.

"I am weighing all of these factors and considering whether my experience in government and in the judicial system would offer the best representation to residents of the 24th Senate District," Castor said in a prepared statement released today. "I am continuing to discuss this decision with citizens, Republican Party leaders and my family. The most important factor in my decision is whether I think I can do more good in Harrisburg then I can in Norristown."

That's is a no-brainer. Under the secret power-sharing pact made last year by Republican Commissioner Jim Matthews and Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, Castor is the odd-man out on the three-member commissioners' board.

Hoeffel makes all the decisions and Matthews rubber-stamps them, often keeping Castor out of the loop. As long as Matthews bows to Hoeffel's wishes, Castor might as well give up the commissioners' seat since he doesn't have a role in determining county policy.

The only other rub is that Castor has been considering a run for lieutenant governor in 2010. If he runs for state Senate, it's doubtful he'll make another run for higher office next year. Would he want to be labeled a perpetual candidate like Bob Casey Jr., who is planning his next political campaign as soon as he wins an election?

The photo above was taken in front of the State Police Barracks in Skippack after the barracks re-opened on a full-time basis, staffing around the clock for the first time in years. The new 24/7 operation is due in part to state Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr. (R-44), state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147) and state Rep. Matthew Bradford (D-70) who pushed to reverse a cost-cutting move to institute a pilot program in which the State Police began closing the Skippack barracks for 16 hours every weekday and all weekend. Pictured left to right are Rep. Matthew Bradford, State Police Lt. David Buckley, Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr. and Rep. Bob Mensch.

Suppose they held an election and nobody showed up.

As I predicted a couple of days ago, voter turnout for the May 19 Pennsylvania primary was going to be historically low.

Reporter Carl Hessler Jr. of The Mercury filed this report about Montgomery County turnout:

Only 13.02 percent of Montgomery County's 586,630 registered voters, or 76,394 people, showed up at the polls or cast absentee ballots on Tuesday to nominate their party's candidates during the municipal primary election.

According to unofficial results, 40,515 Republicans and 35,879 Democrats cast ballots.

The turnout was even less than the turnout recorded during a similar election in May 2005, when 15.2 percent of registered voters showed up at the polls.

It's the Obama factor. So many people are disillusioned by the scam Obama pulled last November that they've sworn off voting.

Salford Township recorded the largest voter turnout at 36.1 percent, according to unofficial results. Pennsburg, with 6.4 percent, recorded the lowest voter turnout, according to Hessler.

The following Montgomery County communities reported turnout under 10 percent, which means 9 out of 10 voters didn't bother to vote on Tuesday:

EAST GREENVILLE – 7.5 percent
HATFIELD BOROUGH – 8.4 percent
MONTGOMERY – 7 percent
NORRISTOWN – 8.6 percent
PENNSBURG – 6.4 percent
PERKIOMEN – 6.7 percent
SKIPPACK – 8.3 percent
UPPER FREDERICK – 8.5 percent
UPPER PROVIDENCE – 8.5 percent

The following Montgomery County communities had the highest voter turnout:

BRIDGEPORT – 21.4 percent
LOWER PROVIDENCE – 21.3 percent
NARBERTH – 26 percent
SALFORD – 36.1 percent
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN – 19 percent
WORCESTER – 19.2 percent

Voter turnout in Berks County was 11.9 percent. In Chester County, turnout was 15 percent.

Incumbents typically have the advantage in any election, but not when voters are angry and want change.

Here's a sampling of some of the incumbents in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties who were kicked out by voters in Tuesday's primary election:

Reading School Board President Pierre Cooper

5 current members of the Owen J. Roberts School Board

Limerick Township Supervisor Renee K. Chesler

2 current members of the Pottstown School Board

2 current Exeter Township Supervisors

Lower Providence Township Supervisor Craig Dininny

Chester County Treasurer Alan Randzin

Chester County Clerk of Courts Teena Peters

Norristown Borough Councilman David Hodo

East Norriton Township Supervisor Lewis McQuirns

1 current member of the Boyertown School Board

1 current member of the Wyomissing School Board

Coatesville City Council members Patsy Ray and Kurt Schenk

School officials and some of the people who might decide on the consolidation of school districts will meet Monday at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus in Pottstown.

The House Republican Policy Committee is conducting the hearing at the request of state Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist.

The hearing takes place at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.

"Many people are interested in the proposal to consolidate Pennsylvania's school districts, but I have also spoken to those who are alarmed by the plan," Quigley said in written statement.

"School property taxes are a huge burden on people, but I am not convinced that school consolidation is the answer to lowering taxes," Quigley said. "Whatever method we choose to address the issue of school taxes, we must ensure that the priority remains providing the best education to Pennsylvania’s students."

Although the public is allowed into the hearing, it will not be an opportunity for the public to address the committee.

Five speakers have been scheduled to participate: John Armato, director of community relations for Pottstown School District; Reed Lindley, assistant superintendent of the Pottstown School District; Marsha Hurda, superintendent of the Spring-Ford School District; James Testerman, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association and Greg White, an education consultant.

Consolidating Pennsylvania's public school districts from 500 to 100 was first proposed by Gov. Ed Rendell during his annual budget address in February. His plan involves creating a commission that would have on year to formulate two consolidation strategies. If the legislature does not approve either plan, Rendell would allow the state board of education to choose the strategy.

The issue of school consolidation was studied in 2006 by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and the study found that districts of less than 3,000 students offer the most cost-effective scenarios for merger, Quigley said.

Based on enrollment figures and geography, the commission only identified 80 districts for possible consolidation.

"Certainly, if consolidation would lower school district operating costs without impacting the quality of education, it deserves examination," Quigley said. "I am looking forward to hearing the testimony of those who are closes to the issue."

When you think of famous prisons, names like Alcatraz, Leavenworth, Attica, Folsom and San Quentin come to mind. In Pennsylvania, Graterford and Eastern State Penitentiary jump out.

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections officials have settled on names for the two new prisons to be built on the grounds of the existing state prison in Graterford in Montgomery County.

Maybe they should have sponsored a contest ... or asked the inmates for suggestions. It does not appear a lot of thought went into the naming of the new facilities.

The names -- the State Correctional Institution at Skippack Township East and State Correctional Institution at Skippack Township West -- don't exactly have the ring that "Graterford" did, but they are geographically correct since "Gaterford" is a section of Skippack Township.

I'm not sure how the residents of Skippack feel about their new claim to fame: Home of the state's largest prisons, where more than 4,000 inmates will be housed.

Pennsylvania Corrections Officials Select Names for New Prisons in Montgomery County

No one is sure if it was an appearance by Tony Phyrillas or the offer of free lunch, but the Fourth Annual Healthy Lifestyles Expo sponsored by state Rep. Tom Quigley attracted about 800 people.

Quigley said the 2009 event easily topped last year's attendance of 600.

On second thought, it must have been me because there was free lunch offered last year, too.

I had the privilege of addressing a standing-room only crowd at Montgomery County Community College West Campus in Pottstown on April 17 as part of the Expo events.

With the exception of a couple of Obama campaign workers in the crowd who attempted to hijack the program, I enjoyed talking to the crowd about state and national politics.

State Senator John C. Rafferty Jr., R-44th, has announced that Pennsylvania State Police has agreed to re-open the Skippack State Police barracks in Montgomery County on a full-time basis, effective May 2.

For more than two years, Rafferty has been pushing Gov. Ed Rendell and State Police officials to reverse their decision to institute a pilot program in which the State Police began closing the Skippack barracks for 16 hours every weekday and all weekend.

Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, a clerk was available to answer phone calls and assist visitors, Rafferty says, but after these hours, the barrack would “go dark” and all calls and visitors were directed to an automated Consolidated Dispatch Center. The program began in December 2006.

"My concern has always been about public safety. People expect that a state trooper or an official clerk will be at barracks when they go there." said Rafferty, chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee.

Rafferty, whose district includes the Skippack barracks, held public hearings on the issue.

The Senate overwhelmingly approved Rafferty's Senate Bill 318 in May 2007 requiring all State Police barracks to remain open 24 hours a day, every day, but the bill was not considered in the Democratically-controlled state House last session.

It may sound like a telemarketing call at first, but don't hang up.

State Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th, is planning a town hall meeting via telephone for residents of the 146th District at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15.

"I am hosting this town hall-style conference call to give everyone I represent the opportunity to find out what is going on in Harrisburg and our community and also ask questions without having to leave their home," Quigley said in a release.

At about 7 p.m. Wednesday, automated calls will be placed to residents of the 146th District inviting them to participate in the hour-long call, Quigley said.

Individuals who do not receive the call but would like to participate can do so by calling toll-free to 1-877-229-8493 and providing the pass code 13914.

Quigley stressed that at any point during the phone call, people will be given the chance to ask questions by pressing *3, and he will try to get to everyone's inquires during the allotted hour.

And you don't have to listen for the entire hour. You can hang up at any point if you have something else to do.

For more about Quigley, visit his Web site, www.RepQuigley.com

Three SE Pennsylvania lawmakers are hosting an inaugural Alternative Energy and Environment Resource Expo in Montgomery County later this month.

The event will bring a wide range of companies and organizations from across the environmental landscape to Spring-Ford School District's 9th Grade Center on April 25

Sponsored by Sen. John C. Rafferty, Jr., R-44th, Rep. Mike Vereb, R-150th, and Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th, the Expo will give a diverse group of organizations, ranging from the Philadelphia Phillies to national, state and local environmental groups, state agencies and energy producers to auto manufacturers, organic farmers and others, the opportunity to get their message and product to residents.

"We have a diverse group of vendors, service providers, community organizations and entertainers who have expressed a willingness to participate either as an exhibitor or a sponsor of the event," Sen. Rafferty said in a release. "Each has made a commitment to encourage a positive environmental stewardship through action and community interaction."

Any organizations or businesses interested in participating in the Alternative Energy and Environmental Resource Expo, can contact Rafferty's office at 610-831-8830.

The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is free to the public.

A flawed ethics policy enacted by Montgomery County Commissioners Jim Matthews and Joe Hoeffel appears to violate the U.S. Constitution.

The new policy prohibits county employees from running for public office, effectively denying their rights as U.S. citizens to seek political office. There is also a question of whether the commissioners have any say in what elected row officers such as the district attorney can do.

The case will end up in court, costing Montgomery County taxpayers tens of thousands of tax dollars so Hoeffel and Matthews can flex their political muscles. The new policy is a blatant political ploy by Hoeffel and Matthews to prevent any current office-holders or other county workers from challenging the commissioners when their terms are up.

From an editorial in The Pottstown Mercury:

County employees were not permitted to work on political campaigns while on the county clock before the "new" policy was voted on. The addendum that they're now not allowed to seek public office while an employee of the county goes too far.

An employee of the county is not an elected official and therefore their time should not be infringed upon.

We often have to remind elected officials who get upset with us when we track them down after normal business hours that they are public servants. Obviously, that's not the case with someone who works in an office somewhere in the county courthouse.

We don't believe our county government has the right to tell those people what they can and cannot do when they go home for the evening, or when they're on their lunch break for that matter.

Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

State Sen. John C. Rafferty, Jr., R-44th, has asked Gov. Ed Rendell and the State Police to re-open the Skippack barracks in Montgomery County on a full time basis.

Rafferty thanked State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski for his recent comments at a public hearing in which he stated that the pilot program instituted by Gov. Rendell was not working and said he would ask the governor for an exemption to the hiring freeze to re-staff the Skippack barracks.

"I respect Col. Pawlowski for the courage of his convictions," Rafferty said in a statement.

The Skippack barracks is in Rafferty's district.

State Police began closing the Skippack Barracks for 16 hours every weekday and all weekend in December 2006 in a cost-cutting move.

Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, a clerk is available to answer phone calls and assist visitors, according to Rafferty. However, after these hours the barracks "go dark" and all calls and visitors are directed to an automated ACC which redirects the caller or visitor to a Consolidated Dispatch Center (CDC).

In other words, it's unlikely you'd find a state trooper at the Skippack barracks if you stopped by for help.

"My concern is for the public safety," said Rafferty, chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee. "People expect that a state trooper or official clerk will be at barracks when they go there,"

The state Senate overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 318 in May 2007 which would have required all State Police barracks to remain open 24 hours a day, every day, Rafferty said, but the was not considered by the Democratic-controlled state House Representatives in the last session.

U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach, who represents Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, announced today has formed an exploratory committee to run for governor of Pennsylvania in 2010.

In addition to filing the necessary paperwork establishing a committee to help him raise money, Gerlach also launched a new Web site, www.GERLACHFORPA.com

"We are taking this process one step at a time," Gerlach said in a statement. "At this early stage we are very excited about the support we've received, and that's why I've decided to move forward with the exploratory committee. Although this isn't a declaration of my candidacy, it will allow us to ratchet up our travel around the state to speak with political, business and community leaders, help our 2009 statewide judicial candidates, conduct polling and determine if there is a clear path to victory. I suspect that by late spring we'll know whether to formally move forward with a campaign for governor."

Gerlach said his decision to take the next step toward the governor's mansion came after discussions with longtime friends, supporters, family members and political leaders across the state.

"I believe Republicans in Pennsylvania are looking for a winner and a leader who has the experience and ideas to solve the problems faced by the taxpayers, families and seniors of Pennsylvania," Gerlach said. "The exploratory committee and I are dedicated to the governing principles of smaller and smarter government, creating good paying jobs, ensuring retirement security, cutting government waste and no new taxes."

Gerlach spokesman Mark Campbell said his boss has shown he can attract voters in a highly-contested part of the state.

"Congressman Jim Gerlach is a proven winner, surviving two Democrat wave elections in one of the most difficult congressional districts in the country and winning this past fall with his largest margin of victory ever," Campbell said. "Gerlach also earned more votes in his district than any other Republican candidate on the ballot. All this despite an overall net gain of 50,000 Democrat registrations and President Obama carrying the top of the ticket with 59% of the vote."

Gerlach has been one of the few bright spots for Republicans in Pennsylvania, holding the 6th District seat despite major efforts to unseat him by the Democratic Party.

In 2006, after national pundits counted him out and Democrats spent $7.3 million to defeat him, Gerlach won by 3,000 votes in the same year Democrat Gov. Ed Rendell carried Gerlach's district with 66% of the vote, Campbell notes.

Does Gerlach have a chance? Gerlach is well known to voters in the nine counties in the Philadelphia and Allentown TV media markets, which accounted for nearly 40% of all votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, Campbell says.

And remember that little-known congressman from Erie by the name of Tom Ridge? He ended up winning two terms as Pennsylvania governor.

Gerlach will continue to operate his congressional fundraising committee until a final decision is made on his 2010 statewide bid, according to his staff.

Gerlach has said he will run for only one office in 2010, so it's likely he will give up his Congressional seat.

Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., R-44th, presided as Senate President for the day during the recent swearing-in ceremony for 24 new state Senators in Harrisburg.

Two SE Pennsylvania lawmakers are hosting a "Disease and Disability Resource Expo" to help provide constituents with a healthy start to the new year.

Sponsored by state Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., R44th, and state Rep. Mike Vereb, R-150th, the Expo is planned for Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arcola Intermediate School, 4000 Eagleville Road, Eagleville.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and promote the many resources available to residents living with, or those who know someone living with a range of diseases and disabilities from cognitive to physical, youth to elderly.
The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, go to www.senatorrafferty.com or www.repvereb.com

Reporter Keith Phucas recaps the political soap opera otherwise known as the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in a year-end roundup story published in The Norristown Times-Herald.

The problem began when Republican Commissioner Jim Matthews, reelected with the help of fellow Republican Bruce Castor, stabbed the former district attorney in the back and made a pact with Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel.

Almost every vote taken by the commissioners in 2008 was 2-1 with Matthews/Hoeffel getting the advantage over Castor.

Don't expect things to change in 2009, Phucas says.

From his story:

Based on what has transpired, expect the two Republicans to remain at odds and occasionally butt heads on policy issues going forward.

What political fallout will result long term from the rift is anyone's guess.

Read the full story, "As Montgomery County turns," at the newspaper's Web site.

The Montgomery County Republican Committee has adopted a unanimous resolution censuring renegade county Commissioner Jim Matthews.

"Since I was elected chairman and even while I was campaigning, everywhere I went, I was asked 'What are we going to do about Jim Matthews'?," county GOP Chairman Bob Kerns said in a press release announcing the censure.

"The voters I talk to feel betrayed and the Republican committee members are just devastated by Jim's actions. The voters placed their trust in Jim Matthews and Bruce Castor and the committee members put their hearts into the campaign to elect the Matthews-Castor team last year. This has been a difficult year for everyone," Kerns said.

Matthews rode Bruce Castor's coattails to re-election last November, but on Dec. 18, he announced that he had negotiated a power-sharing agreement with the lone Democrat on the three-member commissioners board. The deal made Democrat Joe Hoeffel vice chairman of the commissioners. Hoeffel then proceeded to hire all sorts of political cronies to lucrative county jobs.

Most votes taken by the board have been 2-1, with Matthews and Hoeffel getting their way over the objections of Castor.

More from Kerns' release:

"Montgomery County's voters pick the person, not the party. It's been that way for two decades and Jim Matthews and Bruce Castor campaigned on a set of priorities that are not being implemented. Instead, we're implementing the major priorities outlined by Joe Hoeffel and Ruth Damsker, but that agenda was rejected by voters in favor of a Matthews-Castor agenda. The voters have to know we don’t condone what’s happening in Norristown."

As an example Kerns cited the Hoeffel promises of hiring a Chief Financial Officer, enacting a $50 million economic development plan, and Hoeffel's record in the 1990s of running up debt and paying for budget items with bond issues.

"When Hoeffel left the Board of Commissioners in 1998 he left us with hundreds of millions in debt and just $12 million in the bank. Our AAA bond rating was threatened. It was a disaster. Hoeffel and Matthews are pursuing policies that will put us right back in the same hole. This year alone they are looking to raid the county’s dwindling savings to pay for their programs. It's not the way Republicans would run this government. Jim Matthews got elected in 1999 and again in 2007 by pointing out what a disaster Hoeffel was as a commissioner in the 1990's. Now he's forming a government with him and implementing Hoeffel's agenda? It makes no sense and our committee and the voters are confused and hurt,” Kerns said.

Since taking over control of the county party in the spring, Kerns said he attempted to "bring Matthews back to the table."

"I did meet with him in early summer in the hopes of bridging the divide between he and his Republican colleagues in county government. He made it clear that he was not interested in any kind of reconciliation. I continued to pursue the matter through intermediaries throughout the fall," Kerns said in the release.

“At some point, we have to decide to move on and accept that, based on his actions, he is not a Republican anymore. No matter how often Jim insists he is a Republican, you are ultimately judged by how you govern and your record, not your words," Kerns said.

Kerns said on Election Day many committee members reported incidents where voters stopped to express their disgust with Matthews on their way into the polls.

"In the end, Jim's actions are the actions of an individual, not the Party. That is the message I hope people take away from this resolution. The party is standing up and making its position clear. We don't agree with Jim, we don't condone what he's doing as a Commissioner and he's not representative of our Party as long as he's engaging in this behavior. Don't blame the Party for the actions of one man," Kerns concluded.

A total of 56 Republican municipal leaders, area leaders and executive committee members attended Monday's Leadership Conference, where the censure vote against Matthews was taken.

A bill sponsored by state Sen. John Rafferty Jr., R-44th Dist., to reduce the number of inspections for equipment used by police officers to catch speeders will save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

The bill has passed the House and is on its way to Gov. Ed Rendell's desk.

The bill amends the Vehicles Code to change the calibration testing requirements for radar guns utilized by the Pennsylvania State Police and police car speedometers for state and local police departments, according to a release from Rafferty's office.

Under the current system, radar guns and all police car speedometers must be tested every 60 days. Under the new legislation, the time requirement is moved to once a year.

State police should realize a savings of up to $420,000 a year, according to Rafferty. Local police departments across Pennsylvania should also see hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings, too, Rafferty says.

"With a looming budget deficit, every little bit of saving for the taxpayers must be looked at," Rafferty says. "I'm happy to assist both the state and local municipalities with this savings to their budgets."

The 60-day testing requirement was established in 1961, and has not been changed to keep up with the new technology standards, Rafferty says. Some states have established a standard for such testing at two-year intervals, he said.

As an example of the savings, each radar calibration test costs $82 every 60 days with over 850 radar guns used by the State Police – not to mention the cost of manpower to package and ship these guns every two months for testing, Rafferty said.

Margaret Gibbons, who covered Montgomery County government and politics for the Norristown Times-Herald for decades, has left the newspaper for greener pastures.

She is now writing for The Intelligencer in Doylestown, but her beat remains Montgomery County.

In a recent column, Gibbons expresses concern about the mental health of embattled Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews, who made a power-sharing deal with Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel at the start of the year. That has brought widespread criticism of Matthews, whom many feel betrayed the Republican Party that elected him.

From Gibbons' latest column:

Republican Montgomery County Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews is beginning to show some cracks from the strain under which he has been operating since he entered that unprecedented power-sharing pact with Democratic Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel III.

Matthews had convinced himself that the controversy would die down in January and that he eventually would be lauded for his so-called “statesmanship” in fashioning a bipartisan government.

That has not happened.

The criticism from those within his own party has been relentless. And Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., the top vote-getter in last November's commissioners' election but the odd man out in this administration, never misses an opportunity to yank Matthews' chain.

In the past, Matthews has simply sloughed off Castor's comments or lectured him about his acting in a political fashion rather than as an elected government official who represents everyone.

However, now Matthews is verbally flinching even before Castor opens his mouth.

Matthews went off on Castor at a recent agenda meeting when Castor simply questioned something on the agenda.

Come on, Jim, get a grip.

Read the full column at The Intelligencer's Web site.

The board of directors for SEPAC, the Political Action Committee from multiple chambers of commerce in Southeastern Pennsylvania has announced its endorsements for the Nov. 4 election.

Endorsements are based on the candidate's voting records and positions on business issues, SEPAC board chairman Ken Russell said in a written statement.

"The candidates endorsed by SEPAC recognize the needs of businesses in Southeast PA and across the Commonwealth.," Russell said. "They understand what is required to improve the business climate in Pennsylvania, including addressing increasing healthcare costs, the lowering of business taxes, putting an end to overreaching business regulations and promoting sound energy policies."

SEPAC members represent the Delaware County, Main Line and TriCounty Area Chambers of Commerce (which has members in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.)

"These three chambers of commerce represent over 5,000 members across four counties, and are the premier business advocacy organizations within Southeastern Pennsylvania," Russell said. "Our Board feels a thriving economy impacts the residents, municipalities, and institutions of the area, as well as all of Pennsylvania. Support of pro-business policies will go a long way towards keeping Southeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

ENDORSED CANDIDATES FOR GENERAL ELECTION 2008

William Adolph (R), 165th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Steven Barrar (R), 160th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Guy Ciarrocchi (R), 157th District – Candidate for State House of Representatives

Mario Civera (R), 164th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Michael Gerber (D), 148th District - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Richard Gokey (R), 130th District – Candidate for State House of Representatives

Timothy Hennessey (R), 26th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Thomas Killion (R), 168th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Lynne Lechter (R), 149th District – Candidate for State House of Representatives

Bob Mensch (R), 147th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Nicholas Miccarelli (R), 162nd District - - Candidate for State House of Representatives

Nicholas Micozzie (R), 163rd District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Duane Milne (R), 167th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Thomas Quigley (R), 160th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Douglas Reichley (R), 134th District - - Incumbent, State House of Representatives

Michael O'Pake (D), 11th District - - Incumbent, State Senate

Dominic Pileggi (R), 9th District - - Incumbent, State Senate

Terrific column by Gil Spencer in The Delaware County Daily & Sunday Times recapping the veteran columnists' impressions of political candidates who met with the newspaper's editorial board.

Spencer on U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak:

Candidate Most Easily Angered by a Question — Incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont. When asked, "Where do you live?" he responded, "I own a house in Edgmont." Yes, came the follow-up, "but do you live in that house?" Sestak’s terse reply, "I LIVE in Edgmont, SIR!" (To his credit, Joe apologized later for getting "testy.")

Spencer on state Rep. Daylin Leach, who is seeking a state Senate seat:

Candidate Most Outraged by Opponent's Spinning of His Record — State Rep. Daylin Leach, a Democrat running for the 17th District state Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Connie Williams, at GOP opponent Lance Rogers, for Rogers' claiming Leach wanted to make it easier for drug users to evade punishment for driving under the influence. A Rogers' mailing that featured an overturned school bus presumably smashed into by some coke-headed friend of Leach's had him spluttering at the unfairness of it all.

"My kids' teachers get this," he carped.

Spencer on Sestak's opponent, Craig Williams:

Best Candidate Nobody Ever Heard Of: Craig Williams, Republican for Congress in the 7th District. Smart, personable, articulate and tough. He’d give Sestak a run for our money if anybody could figure out who he is. (I say "our money," because Joe sure spends a lot of it on his franking privileges — some $640,000 worth.)

Read more of Spencer's column at the newspaper's Web site.

I know why this man is smiling.

With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, Republican Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) is sitting on a $700,000 campaign war chest.

That doesn't bode well for his Democratic challenger, Bob Roggio, whose campaign has failed to catch on with voters in Gerlach's suburban SE Pennsylvania district.

Gerlach, who is seeking his fourth two-year term in the House of Representatives, has just launched a district-wide television campaign highlighting his independent record in Congress.

From the Jim Gerlach for Congress Committee:

The campaign of Congressman Jim Gerlach will file its quarterly finance report Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission, showing nearly $2.2 million raised for the cycle, $300,000 of which was raised recently, and over $700,000 available for the final three weeks of the campaign. The campaign also launched a new television advertisement district-wide.

The television ad running on network and cable highlights the Congressman's long record of being rated one of the most independent Republicans in Washington by two non-partisan publications, National Journal and Congressional Quarterly.

The ad also contrasts with Bob Roggio, who stated earlier this year that the very first thing he would do in Congress is repeal tax cuts that have saved Pennsylvania families over $2,000 per year, a disastrous economic policy during a recession and economic downturn.

Second, despite "candidate" Roggio claiming that the environment is a top priority, the ad informs voters of official Environmental Protection Agency records filed by Roggio's company between 1989 and 1996 showing that the corporation released over 245,000 pounds of toxic chemicals into the air.

Finally, "candidate" Roggio says he wants to bring jobs to Pennsylvania. The problem is, numerous press reports beginning in 1995 show that Roggio's company accepted millions in corporate welfare and tax breaks to close its Pennsylvania plant and move over 500 jobs out of state.

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. has endorsed Lance Rogers for the vacant 17th District seat in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Castor, who served two terms as Montgomery County District Attorney, also took some shots at Rogers' opponent, state Rep. Daylin Leach.

Rogers, a moderate who was an independent before he won the Republican nomination in April, is facing Leach, one of the most liberal members of the Pennsylvania House, in the race to succeed Sen. Connie Williams, who is not seeking re-election.

The Republican Party has an opportunity to add to its majority in the state Senate by picking up this traditional Democratic seat. And the seat Leach is giving up in the House, the 149th District, will likely go to Lynn Lechter, a Republican.

Here is Castor's endorsement:

As Montgomery County Commissioner and former District Attorney, I have closely followed the races for Pennsylvania State Senate in our region. One race in particular has captured my attention due to the back and forth between the candidates on an issue that is of great importance to law enforcement. The issue is Pennsylvania's DUI law and I am writing to set the record straight. Lance Rogers is correct. Daylin Leach did attempt to weaken our DUI law in 2003.

In 2003, I worked with other District Attorneys throughout the Commonwealth to craft amendments toughening Pennsylvania's DUI law to help make our streets safer. Our legislation proposed a zero tolerance policy for illegal drug use by drivers. Specifically, the legislation provided that any driver caught with illegal drugs, e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, etc., in their bloodstream would be required to serve a mandatory minimum 7 day jail sentence.

Our legislation was ultimately approved, making it illegal in Pennsylvania to drive a motor vehicle after using illicit drugs. The law, however, was not without its critics. On July 7, 2003, State Representative Daylin Leach proposed an amendment which would have destroyed our zero tolerance standard by making it legal for drivers to operate a motor vehicle while they had been using illegal drugs. When introducing his amendment, Mr. Leach stated that he felt that the zero tolerance standard went too far and was unfair. Not surprisingly, Mr. Leach's amendments engendered criticism from both his Democrat and Republican colleagues. He consequently withdrew his proposal. I reviewed a word for word transcript of the House proceeding where Mr. Leach attempted to weaken our bill. That transcript is part of the public record for all to see.

Mr. Leach's claims that he authored legislation which actually strengthened Pennsylvania's DUI law is false. His proposed amendment would have eliminated Pennsylvania's zero tolerance standard and would have weakened Pennsylvania's DUI law by making convictions far more difficult to obtain. It is not surprising that my law enforcement colleagues from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) have chosen to withdraw their previous support for Mr. Leach and endorse Mr. Rogers.

Instead of directly addressing these facts, Mr. Leach claims that Mr. Rogers has engaged in negative campaigning. As a former District Attorney, I can tell you that Pennsylvania's zero tolerance policy plays an important role in making our streets safer. I am relieved that Mr. Leach's amendment was not adopted. Voters need and deserve to make an informed decision in this race and there is nothing negative about informing voters of a candidate's true record.

Bruce Castor
Montgomery County Commissioner
Former Montgomery County District Attorney

For more on Lance Rogers, visit his campaign Web site, http://www.lancerogers.com/

The Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 147th state House District has pretty much conceded the race to the Republican incumbent with three weeks to go before voters cast ballots.

Albert Van Anglen told The Mercury he was pushed into the race by Montgomery County Democratic Party leaders but isn't planning to do any active campaigning to unseat incumbent state Rep. Bob Mensch.

No signs, no mailers, no knocking on doors, no debates. It sounds like Van Anglen may not even bother to vote on Nov. 4, who told reporter Evan Brandt "I don't have time for running a campaign."

However, Van Anglen said if voters elect him, he is willing to go to Harrisburg to collect the $76,000 starting salary for a House member.

With that kind of attitude, would any voter in his right mind send Van Anglen to Harrisburg? It sounds like Van Anglen would rubber-stamp whatever the Harrisburg party bosses put in front of him.

Mensch, serving his first term in Harrisburg, has supported property tax elimination, government reform measures and voted against Gov. Ed Rendell's deficit budget for 2008-09.

Read the full story on the 147th District race in The Mercury.

For more on Rep. Bob Mensch, visit his campaign Web site, http://electmensch.com/

Two great quotes from Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. about the Barack Obama campaigns efforts to woo convicted felons on Election Day.

From an article by Chris Friend in The Philadelphia Bulletin:

Bruce Castor, Montgomery County Commissioner and former District Attorney, disagreed with the emphasis placed on registering felons.

"Obviously, the Obama folks are going after the 'criminal vote.' Frankly, that is one voter block I'd rather not appeal to," Mr. Castor said. "Elections are about getting more votes than the other side, but what does it say about your candidate that you are reaching out to the nation's felons for support?"

Mr. Love emphasized that the felons have paid their debt to society, stating that, "We feel this is something that should be encouraged, and is a positive thing."

Registering felons, he said, is just a small part of a much larger effort to register the general public, explaining that he is involved in the registering of ex-offenders based on his legal expertise in this area.

"If we believe in getting the vote out, then we should believe in getting it out for every eligible voter, regardless of who they are or where they live. In my own community, in my own way, I have worked to get the 'common man' registered as well," Mr. Love said.

Mr. Castor cautioned Democrats, who are much more active as a political party in registering ex-offenders.

"I know the Democrats are the 'big-tent' party, but with the criminals under the big top, the rest of the Democrats better keep their hands on their wallets," Mr. Castor said.

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.

Guess who's speaking at the monthly breakfast meeting of Women EXCEL (Executive's Coalition for Excellence & Leadership)?

That's right. Yours truly. The topic for the Oct. 17 event is "Woman and Politics."

If the prospect of having breakfast with Tony Phyrillas sounds appealing to you or you're interested in finding out more about EXCEL, visit http://www.ywcatricountyarea.org/

If you show up at the polls on Nov. 4 sporting a T-shirt, hat or button supporting your favorite candidate, you will be asked to remove or cover up the item, says the man in charge of conducting elections in Montgomery County.

"It's pretty clear, under the state Election Code, that no electioneering is permitted in the polling place," Montgomery County Voter Services Director Joseph R. Passarella told The Mercury, explaining his department solicitor's take on the situation. "There really is no gray area here."

Passarella's comments were backed by the three elected county commissioners, who also serve on the county board of elections.

The county's position differs from a recent ruling by state officials, who issued a letter to all 67 Pennsylvania counties at the behest of the American Civil Liberties Union, the far left advocacy group.

Passarella emphasized the state department's opinion is advisory only. Under the law, counties are responsible for regulating their polling places, he said.

So leave the campaign buttons at home on Election Day.

If you don't comply with the rules, constables will be on hand to assist you in removing the campaign paraphernalia.

Read the full story in today's edition of The Mercury.

The Montgomery County Commissioners are taking their show on the road this week.

The commissioners are planning their second evening meeting of the year on Thursday.

It replaces the normal morning session in Norristown. Those meetings are sparsely attended.

The goal of the evening meeting is to give Montgomery County residents an opportunity to see their elected county officials in action.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at Old Mill House, Central Perkiomen Valley Park, 1 Plank Road, Schwenksville.

Democrats continue to hold (and build on) their registration lead in Montgomery County, which had been solidly Republican for hundreds of years.

Democrats became the majority party in the county for the first time in modern history just prior to last April's primary elections, says reporter Margaret Gibbons.

The Dems how hold a 16,893 lead in registered voters over the GOP in Montgomery County, Gibbons says.

As of Aug. 27, 2008, the county now has 253,773 registered Democrats and 236,880 registered Republicans, Gibbons says.

Montgomery County Democratic Chairman Marcel L. Groen told Gibbons he expects the Democratic surge in registration to continue.

"I think the public is just unhappy with the Republican Party on both a national and local levels and that is reflected in the registration," Groen said. "We continue to offer good candidates both nationally and locally with whom the public can identify and whom the public believes is listening to their concerns and offering real solutions."

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor Jr., a Republican, said during a recent visit to "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" that Montgomery County is the key to winning Pennsylvania in the Nov. 4 election. (The radio show is on every Thursday from 5-6 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM)

That doesn't bode well for Republicans.

Read Gibbons' full story in The Norristown Times Herald.

Election Journal.org, a Web site "dedicated to raising public awareness of vote fraud and election irregularities," has noticed that the Barack Obama campaign is encouraging convicted felons to get more involved in the political process by registering to vote (and presumably support an Obama presidency.)

The Web site, which specializes in "Fraud, Cheating, Dirty Tricks, Absurdity, and other election news," notes that Pennsylvania has 10,000 registered sex offenders. Many schools are used as polling sites in Pennsylvania.

The Web site asks if Pennsylvania residents want convicted sex offenders to wander in and out of schools on Election Day?

"How long does it take for a PREDATOR to figure out his voter registration card puts him is striking distance of hundreds of kids?" the site asks.

Read the full post, "Violent Felons Can Vote in Elementary Schools" at Election Watch.org

More fallout from a sign Barack Obama supporters put in the front window of their Pottstown headquarters encouraging felons to register to vote. The sign was on display on August 14 when the office opened. After The Mercury reported about the sign over the weekend of August 16-17, the sign was removed on August 18 and replaced by a large carboard cutout of Sen. Barack Obama. For more Alan MacBain cartoons, visit his blog, Tooned In

In the wake of a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling, state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th Dist., wants Gov. Ed Rendell and State Police to re-open the Skippack barracks on a full time basis.

The Supreme Court ruled Aug. 21 that Rendell did not have the authority to veto language in the 2005-06 budget bill. The vetoed language required a public hearing prior to the closing of any State Police barracks, according to Rafferty.

On Dec. 18, 2006, the State Police began closing the Skippack Barracks for 16 hours every weekday and all weekend, Rafferty said.

Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, a clerk is available to answer phone calls and assist visitors but after these hours, the barracks "go dark" and all calls and visitors are directed to an automated system that redirects the caller or visitor to a Consolidated Dispatch Center.

"My concern is for the public safety. People expect that a state trooper will be at barracks when they go there." said Rafferty, who is chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee.

"The Senate was very concerned about the safety of Pennsylvania residents who may need to go to a State Police barracks, and inserted this language into the budget bill," Rafferty added. "Unfortunately the governor did not share that same level of concern and vetoed the language. You can't put speculated savings ahead of public safety."

Rafferty also noted that the Senate overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 318 in May 2007 that would require all State Police barracks to remain open 24 hours a day, every day.

The bill has languished in the state House of Representatives for more than a year, Rafferty said.

Rafferty is urging House leadership to pass this important piece of legislation before the end of session this fall.

Rafferty plans to address this issue at the hearing for the new nominee for commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Two years ago, Joe Sestak was the challenger trying to unseat an entrenched incumbent in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. Funny how things change. Today, Sestak is the incumbent trying to hold on to his job by avoiding his challenger.

From the Craig Williams for Congress campaign:

The Craig Williams for Congress campaign today expressed disappointment in Congressman Joe Sestak for his refusal to confirm a date set by the League of Women Voters for an issues debate with Republican candidate Craig Williams. The League of Women Voters informed the Williams campaign that they were forced to cancel the tentative date for the debate after Sestak refused to even discuss a possible date with their League's leadership.

"The League of Women Voters is an all-volunteer organization who has only one interest: good government and civic discourse," said Jim Knapp, campaign manager for the Williams for Congress campaign. "But Joe Sestak refuses to even grant them the courtesy of providing potential dates for a debate with Craig Williams. Ironically, Joe Sestak ran for Congress in 2006 under the guise of open and responsive government. Two years later and Joe Sestak has already forgotten who sent him to Congress."

Joe Sestak has similarly avoided any type of planning discussions with the Williams campaign, which since June has sought a meeting to discuss the potential for six town hall style policy discussions and three formal debates on the issues. Repeated efforts to enter into exploratory discussions with the Sestak campaign have been continuously rebuffed.

"Joe Sestak refuses to address the energy crisis and he just voted for the largest federal budget and tax increase in our nation's history," said Knapp."No matter how many times he tries to dodge the debates, Sestak cannot hide from his voting record."

Sestak has repeatedly attempted to claim that he will not begin his re-election campaign until later in the fall, even as he raises millions of dollars from contributors around the country and makes the talk show circuit on behalf of other Democratic candidates.

"This type of lame excuse is what you would expect to hear from a politician who has lost touch with voters. I think voters are smart enough to see through his sham."

For more on Williams, visit his campaign Web site.

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. will be the guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas and Mike Pincus" at 5 p.m. Thursday on WPAZ 1370 AM

Castor will discuss county finances and his plan to restructure county government. Listeners can call in with questions or comments during the live broadcast at 610-326-4000.

You can also listen to the program online by going to www.1370WPAZ.com and clicking on the "live audio" button at the top of the page or you can listen to it at The Mercury Web site at www.pottsmerc.com

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. will be the guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas and Mike Pincus" this Thursday at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

The one-hour program is hosted by Tony Phyrillas, city editor and political columnist for The Mercury, and Mike Pincus, a political strategist based in West Chester.

Call with comments or questions during the live broadcast at 610-326-4000.

You can also listen to the program online by going to www.1370WPAZ.com and clicking on the "live audio" button at the top of the page or you can listen to it at The Mercury Web site at www.pottsmerc.com

This is wrong in so many ways, I hardly know where to begin.

The Barack Obama campaign opened an office in Pottstown this week. Nothing unusual about that. The Obama camp is flush with money, some of it from questionable sources, so it can open an office in just about every city, township or borough in the United States.

If you're walking by the Obama office on High Street in downtown Pottstown, you may notice a sign in the window that encourages people to register to vote (presumably as Democrats). But right next to the bold letters "REGISTER TO VOTE," there's also this: "FELONS CAN VOTE"

Who in their right mind would be encouraging convicted criminals to register to vote? The Obama campaign for one. Is Obama that worried about the outcome of the Nov. 4 election that he's courting felons?

And why is this particular sign on display in downtown Pottstown? Is the borough known for its large "felon" population? Would the Obama campaign put up a similar sign in a more affluent community?

Pottstown residents should take offense at the implication that "felons" are walking down the street on any given day.

Some people may be under the impression that convicted felons are not allowed to vote. That's not the case in Pennsylvania.

From the Pennsylvania Department of State Web site:

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled on December 26, 2000, that the Pennsylvania law prohibiting convicted felons from registering to vote for five years after their release from prison is unconstitutional. Consequently, if completing an older version of the Voter Registration Mail Application (VRMA) form, a convicted felon who has been released from prison may make application to register to vote by striking through the felony conviction line at Section 9(2) on the VRMA and signing his or her name.

[Please note that convicted felons who are incarcerated on the date of a primary or election are not eligible to vote, irrespective of whether they are registered. However, pretrial detainees and misdemeanants are eligible to apply to register to vote and/or to vote by absentee ballot if they otherwise qualify to vote under law.]

So the law is clear. If you've committed a crime and served your sentence, you are eligible to vote. If you're still doing time, you can't vote. (But that hasn't stopped the Democratic Party from sending volunteers into prisons to register voters. This happened in 2004 right before the Bush-Kerry election.)

There's a certain "win-at-any-cost" mentality among Democrats that is unseemly. Barack Obama may become our next president after Nov. 4, but does he really want the "felon" vote to put him over the top?

I've said before in many posts about Barack Obama that you have look at the company he keeps. Anti-American loons like Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Former members of the Weather Underground terrorist group. Indicted politicians and political contributors from the Chicago political machine. And now convicted felons.

Barack Obama keeps telling us that he's a new style of politician. He can bring the nation together. The rhetoric doesn't match the reality.

Barack Obama voted 97 percent of the time with Democratic leadership in the Senate in 2007, according to Congressional Quarterly. You can't get more partisan than that.

All that talk about a new style of politics is just talk. Obama craves power. Obama craves influence. He'll take money from anyone. He'll take votes from anyone ... including convicted felons.

Crooked politicians beware -- at least in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman has announced the formation of a public corruption unit within her office.

The goal is to investigate allegations of malfeasance on the part of public officials.

The unit will probe complaints from the public regarding elected officials or people in positions of trust who may have violated the public trust for their own financial benefit or simply for power, Ferman told reporter Margaret Gibbons.

The unit will investigate theft-based crimes, abuse of authority and ethics violations, Ferman said.

While the D.A.'s office has always investigated public corruption, a specific unit has not been assigned to the task, Ferman said.

From Gibbons' story:

Citing the public outrage stemming from the results of public corruption investigations in Washington, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Ferman said, "The public has lost confidence in many of their elected leaders and in government as a whole. We want to do what we can to help restore that confidence in government at the local and the county level."

"I feel it is important that our residents know that there is an office in Montgomery County where they can raise their concerns, where those concerns will be taken seriously and where nobody need fear official retribution," said Ferman.

Too often members of the public "feel something is just not right" but do not know how to address those issues, Ferman said. Now, she continued, they will have a place to voice concerns about public corruption.

"I want this office to be pro-active," Ferman emphasized.

Read Gibbons' full story in The Times Herald.

State Rep. Carole A. Rubley, who has held the 157th state House seat since 1992, is leaving on top.

Unlike many of the two dozen incumbent lawmakers who chose to retire at the end of this year rather than face voters, Rubley remains popular with constituents and would have won re-election easily had she chosen to seek another two-year term in the state House.

The Phoenix has a story today about the two candidates attempting to fill Rubley's shoes: Republican Guy Ciarrocchi and Democrat Paul Drucker.

Drucker, knocking on doors to introduce himself to voters, had trouble connecting with a potential voter until he told the woman he's running for "Carole Rubley's district."

From The Phoenix: "I said I was the Democratic candidate for the 157th district," Drucker said. "The woman who opened the door had a kind of blank stare. I said 'Carole Rubley's district.' Then she got it."

Drucker is an attorney and a former Tredyffrin supervisor.

Ciarrocchi, also a lawyer and a former Tredyffrin supervisor, is on leave as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6th).

Both are pushing a reform agenda, according to The Phoenix.

This is going to be a close race and Rubley will have a big say on who succeeds her.

If Rubley makes a very public and very enthusiastic endorsement of Ciarrocchi, the GOP should retain the seat.

PolitickerPA.com, a new Web site devoted to Pennsylvania politics, takes a look at the 146th state House District, where incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Quigley is facing a challenge from Democrat Jim Pendergast.

Quigley has held the seat since 2004 and is well-regarded by most constituents. Quigley has pushed for the elimination of property taxes and has also taken the lead in the House to reduce the state income tax and roll back taxes on businesses.

PolitckerPA.com reporter Dan Hirschhorn says Quigley has more money to spend on the campaign, giving him an edge over Pendergast, a political newcomer.

But Hirschhorn also notes that Democrats have been making strides in Montgomery County in recent years.

From Politicker.com:

Republicans still have a slight edge in voter registration in the district, which includes Pottstown, Lower Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove and Royersford. In the end, much could hinge on how voters lean in the presidential race. If enough go Democrat and punch down the ballot on that side, Quigley could become another victim of the county's turn away from Republicans.

Read the full article at Politicker.com

The Montgomery County Republican Committee has called on state Rep. Rick Taylor, D-151st Dist., to reimburse the state for what it terms illegal "bonus" money state workers received for working on Taylor's 2006 campaign, according to reporter Margaret Gibbons.

Montco GOP Chairman Robert J. Kerns said Taylor should pay back the part of the $15,185 bonus in state money that state legislative aide Rachel Manzo received for work she did on Taylor's campaign, including serving as the campaign manager in the couple of weeks leading up to the November 2006 election, Gibbons says.

Manzo, the executive director of the state House Democratic Policy Committee, was among the dozen Democrats arrested last week on political corruption charges involving the payment of "bonuses" to state employees for their work on Democratic campaigns, Gibbons writes.

Taylor won the 151st District House seat in 2006, the same year Democrats took a majority in the House after 12 years of Republican control.

The indictments handed down last week by two separate grand juries allege an elaborate scheme orchestrated by top Democratic leaders to illegally use taxpayer funds to support Democratic campaigns.

Read the full story in today's edition of The Times-Herald.

Todd Stephens is a highly regarded assistant district attorney in Montgomery County. He's also the Republican candidate for the 151st State House seat now held by Democratic state Rep. Rick Taylor.

Montgomery County Democratic Party boss Marcel L. Groen wants Stephens fired from his job in the district attorney's office.

Groen (sounds French doesn't it?) offered some convoluted reason for seeking Stephen's dismissal. Something about jeopardizing the federal Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees and employees in programs that receive federal funds from participating in partisan political activities.

By the same logic, Gov. Ed Rendell should have resigned his office before spending 6 full weeks campaigning for Hillary Clinton. Pennsylvania is the beneficiary of billions of dollars in federal funds, right?

Anyway, if all this sounds like a political hatchet-job, welcome to Marcel Groen's world. The Demo party boss has been emboldened by recent registration gains by Democrats in the county and the elevation of county Commissioner Joe Hoeffel as kingpin thanks to a secret deal made with GOP turncoat Jim Matthews.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman appropriately rejected Groen's request to fire Stephens.

"This is why the public thinks politicians are such idiots," Ferman told reporter Margaret Gibbons. "Todd Stephens is a dedicated public servant devoted to the cause of protecting kids against Internet predators. In addition to being a tough-as-nails prosecutor, he spends countless hours educating parents, children and educators on how to protect kids against Internet predators. And this is the kind of dedication these knuckleheads want us to stop? Give me a break."

Do you think the Democrats are worried about losing the 151st House District? Taylor has accomplished nothing in Harrisburg. Stephens is the real deal. You better believe Montco Democrats are afraid of losing the 151st House seat.

Blogger Bill Shaw at WRITEMARSH! has some thoughts on Groen's request and a terrific illustration that puts the whole matter into perspective.

Read the full story about Groen's request in today's edition of The Times Herald.

For more on Todd Stephen's bid for the state Legislature, visit his campaign Web site, http://www.toddstephens08.com/

U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach has fought three tough campaigns to win Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District.

Gerlach, seeking his fourth two-year term, has a special incentive to win re-election in November.

Gerlach has dedicated his campaign to his mother, Helen, who recently passed away.

From Gerlach's campaign Web site:

"To Mom: This Campaign's For You!"

"As many on our campaign team know, my mother, Helen Gerlach, passed away on May 14th at the age of 79. For those who knew her, she was a vibrant and energetic individual absolutely passionate about politics and public service. For the past 14 years, she worked as a legislative assistant for Pa. State Senator Mary Jo White in NW Pa. And, boy, did she enjoy the work of helping constituents, representing Mary Jo at community events and visiting young children in local schools. In fact, she was so committed to her work that she did not take one sick day during those 14 years until just 3 days before she passed. But that was Mom- thoroughly committed and dedicated to whatever she did.

And that certainly describes Mom in her family life. Widowed at age 32 with 3 kids age 7, 5 and 6 weeks, she refused welfare and went to work raising us with the values of honesty, determination, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Through her work ethic and on a shoe-string budget, she managed to raise us in a loving and nurturing home, take us on a week's vacation every year, and even put us through college. Her approach was to raise us with "love, roots and wings" and she accomplished that to the highest level. And she continued, in later years, to provide that same nurturing and support to her 8 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren.

To many in NW Pa., and her colleagues in Harrisburg, Mom was known as "The Helenator" for her dogged determination to help constituents and her
"can do" spirit.

As my dear friend Hud Voltz put it when he learned of her passing: "She rode high in the saddle, with her boots on, and packin' plenty of heat!" Did she ever! But that "heat" was really just a powerful combination of love, commitment to family, compassion for her fellow human beings, a terrific sense of humor, and sheer willpower.

So as my family and I continue to mourn the loss of this unbelievable individual, our grief is balanced with our recognition of how God has blessed us in allowing us to share our lives with her. And as one who has the honor to serve fellow citizens as their elected representative, I constantly strive to exercise her essential qualities of fairness, decency and common sense..

So for what Mom meant to me, her family, and her community, I would like to dedicate the remainder of this campaign to her!

The Loving Son of The Helenator-

- Jim

Read more about Jim Gerlach at his campaign Web site, http://www.jimgerlachforcongress.com/

An Associated Press-Yahoo News poll released Monday says that 9 in 10 Americans have been hit hard by skyrocketing gas prices and have had to adjust their lifestyle because of the high costs of gas.

That 10th person must be one of those well-to-do Barack Obama supporters. Or it might be Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi who gets to shuttle around the country on a taxpayer-paid airplane.

Democrats still don't get it about gas prices, which have risen 50 percent in the past six months.

Further proof that Democrats are clueless when it comes to the plight of working Americans comes in the form of a radio ad sponsored by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that makes a joke out of high gas prices.

The ad buy features a comedian imitating President Bush and joking about gas prices.

U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach, a Pennsylvania Republican, issued a statement Monday saying the suffering of American families is not a laughing matter.

"Pennsylvania families' real pain and suffering over high gas prices isn't funny and isn't a joke," Gerlach said in a written statement. "The DCCC just doesn't get it - $4.00 gas is really hurting America's working families and political jokes like this won't hide their Party's inaction on this issue, or lower the price of gas. Bi-partisan solutions are needed, and needed now."

In a national radio address over the weekend, Gerlach noted that Democrat plans to raise taxes on oil companies will only raise gas prices for families even higher, since higher taxes get passed through to consumers, according to his campaign staff.

Gerlach stressed innovation, conservation, and most importantly, increasing our own domestic energy supply through safe off-shore drilling, says the Jim Gerlach for Congress Committee

Gerlach's press release also offers this stunning fact: Gas prices have increased 75% since Democrats took control of Congress, and the energy package referenced in the DCCC attack ad was the exact same one supported by Barack Obama and half of the Democratic leadership in the House in 2005. Democrats and Republicans need to come together in a bi-partisan effort to lower gas prices.

"My opponent opposes off-shore drilling and believes we need to tax consumers further," Gerlach said. "That 'head-in-the-sand' energy plan will push gas prices dramatically higher tomorrow and in years to come. At the end of the day, I think we can both agree that making jokes about gas prices during these tough times is inappropriate, and I call on my opponent to publicly condemn the DCCC ad."

It's high noon for Pennsylvania smokers on Friday the 13th.

Gov. Ed Rendell plans to sign Senate Bill 246, Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act, at noon on Friday at The Ambler Theater in Ambler, Montgomery County.

That's in the home district of state Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, who was instrumental in getting the smoking ban passed.

The ban will take effect 90 days after Rendell adds his signature, so start smoking more over the summer. By fall, smokers will be hunted down as criminals, facing fines and jail time if they light up in the wrong place.

For directions and parking information, visit www.amblertheater.org

I dare you to go to the ceremony and light up while Rendell is signing the bill.

The Montgomery County Commissioners are taking their show on the road starting tonight.

The "show" is their weekly board meeting, which some have likened to a circus thanks to the antics of Democrat Joe Hoeffel and Democrat-wannabe Jim Matthews.

The first road trip begins tonight at 7:30 in the Upper Dublin Municipal Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington.

This gives Montgomery County taxpayers who work during the day to pay their taxes or those who can't get to Norristown for the morning meetings an opportunity to see how their tax dollars are spent.

One other road trip is planned: a Sept. 18 meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the recently refurbished Old Mill House in the county's Central Perkiomen Valley Park in Perkiomen.

The commissioners traditionally hold their bi-weekly meetings in the commissioners boardroom at 9:30 a.m. in the county-owned One Montgomery Plaza high-rise office building in Norristown, according to reporter Margaret Gibbons.

The scheduling of the two out-of-Norristown meetings came about through the persistence of Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., who repeatedly said that these evening meetings will give more citizens an opportunity to see the commissioners at work, Gibbons said.

From state Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th District:

HARRISBURG — State Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) was among House members to stand in support of legislation calling for stricter rules regarding parole at a state Capitol news conference hosted Wednesday by Reps. John Perzel (R-Philadelphia), John Taylor (R-Philadelphia), and George Kenney (R-Philadelphia).

Referenced during the event was the recent death of Philadelphia Police Officer Stephen Liczbinski, whose murderers each had long criminal records.

Quigley said, "When Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says that these men should not have been out on the street, it means we are past due in overhauling the current parole system. I am in full support of the legislation that will be introduced to confront the problems inherent to the system."

Pending legislation would attack shortcomings of the parole system in the following ways:

1) Eliminating parole for any violent offender convicted of rape, robbery, murder, aggravated assault, or any crime with a gun.

2) Eliminating early release programs for offenders convicted of a violent crime or a crime involving a gun.

3) Requiring that all mandatory five year sentences for gun offenses be served consecutively and not concurrently with sentences for other crimes.

Quigley is also in favor of tougher and longer sentences being imposed on repeat violent offenders by Pennsylvania’s judges.

"The current formula of prevention and rehabilitation for criminals who are repeat offenders does not work by itself," added Quigley. "The added component of stricter penalties needs to be implemented in order to reduce the rate of recidivism."

Statistics released during the event show there are 1,331 violent fugitives unaccounted for, according to the Pennsylvania Parole Board.

Robert J. Kerns, the new chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee, is accusing Democrats of bringing "Philadelphia-style pay-to-play" to Montgomery County government, according to reporter Margaret Gibbons.

"The Democrats have put a 'For Sale' sign on our county courthouse," Kerns says. "It's reprehensible."

Montgomery County voters elected what they believed was a Republican majority last November, but Jim Matthews turned his back on the voters and made a deal with Democrat Joe Hoeffel to share power on the three-member commissioners' board.

That left Republican Bruce Castor out of the loop and turned Hoeffel loose to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to hire political pals and award contracts to politically-connected firms.

"(Montgomery County Commissioner) Joe Hoeffel and his Democratic cronies have put their integrity up for sale to the highest bidder," Kerns is quoted as saying in Gibbons' article.

Read "Kerns claims pay-to-play" in today's edition of The Times Herald of Norristown.

How serious is Lance Rogers about winning the 17th District state Senate seat?

Rogers recently quit his job to campaign full time until the Nov. 4 election. That's how serious the independent-turned-Republican candidate is about going to the state Senate.

Rogers plans to knock on 15,000 doors throughout the 17th District between now and Election Day, according to his campaign.

Rogers, an attorney, resigned his position at the Pepper Hamilton law firm "to run a full-time grassroots campaign, introducing himself to voters throughout the summer," according to his campaign.

"Whether its lowering property taxes, making health care affordable or holding politicians more accountable, meeting voters on their doorstep and personally talking to them about their hopes and concerns is the best way to understand the real problems we face in Pennsylvania," Rogers said in a press release.

Rogers notified his law firm on Feb. 26 that he would resign his position, effective May 2.

"Although we are disappointed to see a dynamic and talented colleague leave our firm, we understand the demands of running for political office," said Larry ("Buzz") Wood, a litigation partner at Pepper Hamilton in Philadelphia. "We wish Lance the best of luck in his campaign and future endeavors."

Rogers defeated Lisa Paolino in the April 22 GOP primary. He faces state Rep. Daylin Leach, who continues to collect a check from taxpayers while he campaigns for a new job.

The 17th District state Senate seat in Montgomery and Delaware counties is held by Democrat Connie Williams, who is not seeking re-election.

For more information on Rogers, visit his campaign Web site, www.LanceRogers.com