Hope. It is what I had for the Schuylkill County Republican Party in the wake of Dave Argall’s election to the state senate and his promise to mend the open wounds suffered from the years of cronyism and back room dealings that have killed our party. For me, that hope died a grizzly death today when the names of the conferees for Thursday’s 124th district GOP nominating convention were announced. Anyone with so much as a rudementary knowledge of Skook politics can clearly see that the process has been rigged in order to select long-time Argall aide, Jerry Knowles, as our party’s nominee for his boss’ old House seat.
Unlike the senate convention held in December, where a good crop of open-minded and non-partisan conferees were judiciously chosen so as not to give the even slightest hint of unfairness, which resulted in a mere one vote victory for Argall after five agonizing ballots and nearly four hours of deliberation, Schuylkill GOP Chairman Bob Ames stacked the deck for Knowles by placing known Argall/Knowles cronies on the delegation. By my count, Knowles has 9 rock solid votes going into the convention, thanks to Ames’ kindness. Among those selected were:
State Sen. David Argall (R-29): Knowles’ long-time boss.
Micah Gursky: Knowles’ former colleague on Argall’s House staff.
Sandy Christman: Currently works in Argall’s Hamburg office.
Adolph Slovik: His wife is related to Knowles.
Diane Thompson: Mother of Argall staffer Nate Thompson.
Frannie Adams: Argall’s longest and most fervent booster.
Tom Nickels: Long-time friend of Knowles and huge Argall campaign donor.
Martha Bertolet: 29th district conferee, who voted for Argall on all five ballots.
Ernie Comisac: Long-time GOP committeeman and big-time Argall booster.
For weeks, I have said that Knowles was the obvious front-runner based on the power of an endorsement from King David. I do not besmirch Argall for supporting a man who has loyally served him for nearly a decade. That is understandable, but what is unforgivable is Argall and Ames’ hubris in not even trying to mask their obvious preference. Not only did they effectively stack the deck for Knowles, they are flaunting it!
I am most livid, though, at the utter maltreatment and blatant disrespect of Barron “Boots” Hetherington. Here is a guy that has been a party loyalist and avid Argall booster for decades. In fact, he was one of the keys to Argall beating Christopher Hobbs for the 29th nod as Hetherington effectively whipped a few fence sitters back into Argall’s camp at the last minute. For his dedication to the Schuylkill GOP and unwavering support of King David, Hetherington gets served a giant turd sandwich for supper as he won’t have even the slightest opportunity to change any minds at the convention. Stay classy, guys!
Argall vowed that he would unite the party under one banner and bring an end to the old politics of the past that has placed Republicans in this rut where we currently reside. I can see now that it was all just a ruse to get people like me to shut up and jump on the bandwagon to ensure an electoral victory. Shame on me for taking a politician at his word. By now, I should know better.
59 Comments
March 23, 2009 at 11:21 pm
[...] 124th Convention Rigged for Knowles?… [...]
March 23, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Very troubling.
March 23, 2009 at 11:35 pm
I had heard the rumor and was heartily disgusted. Republicans in the 124th need to demand that Argall and the rest of the plants recluse themselves if they are to have any crediablility at all. Hasn’t this party suffered enough. How dare the newly elected senator behave so underhandedly! As for Mr. Ames shame on you also. You had the trust of the party and what you have done is to betray us all you should resign!
March 23, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Hank,
Did you ever think that if the county doesn’t coalesce behind one candidate that we will lose the seat to Roy Timpe, who is rather popular in Berks? Each candidate has good attributes, and as I am not on the committee this time I thankfully don’t have to make a difficult choice as I like Boots and Jerry both very much. Instead of jumping to everything being a conspiracy right away, did you ever think to give the benefit of doubt to the “powers that be”? They just demonstated some pretty good judgement the last few months, as demonstrated by our resounding victory. As I recall you prognosticated that “it would be very close”. Nearly a 30 point margin in a +10 district is pretty good isn’t it? I wonder where all your “conspiracy” ideas come from? Does someone in particular have your ear that has axes to grind? You just had a perfect demonstration of a well run process 3 months ago, why would they suddenly become evil schemers? Naming conferees from any area of the 124th is bound to have people with some kind of connections to Dave and/or Jerry right? As I have previously stated, I have enjoyed most of your posts and given you the benefit of the doubt on some others, but I am quickly losing confidence in your true objectives! I write not to endorse Jerry over Boots, or vice-versa, but to enlighten others who may read this of the true nature of Bob Ames and Dave Argall, who are both good people at heart. If you looked beyond the realm of politics, and if you actually knew them at all, you might be able to see that they are doing the best job they can in a rather difficult situation.
Mac Magdeburg
March 24, 2009 at 6:57 am
You would think that a politician like Dave Argall would know better than to play with fire. Dave, you escaped with your political life intact after the pay raise scandal. I believe that the decision you made here will finally remove you from politics. I hope that Jerry was worth it. I’ve heard that an investigation into the selection/campaigning process for this sham “election” will be forth-coming. Dave Argall and Jerry Knowles names will be front page news along with the rest of their co-conspirators for quite a while.
We demanded change and you gave us this???
Now see what we have to give you.
To the rest of Schuylkill County’s disenfranchised Republicans, we must finally unite in full force to take back our party. We must start a petition and send it to the GOP state committee. We must whole heartily back true reform candidates. We must pledge our time and money to support those candidates. If we don’t end this cycle of corruption now we have no one to blame but our selves.
Hank, please take point on this one and start a web petition.
March 24, 2009 at 7:05 am
I’d like to correct one thing. Argall was publicly saying he was going to heal the wounds. But privately he was telling people that as soon as he got into Rhoades’ chair, he was going to purge the party of anyone who didn’t already have their lips on his ring.
March 24, 2009 at 7:44 am
sour grapes@!
March 24, 2009 at 8:11 am
I posted a reply, did it get lost?
March 24, 2009 at 8:31 am
Mac,
You need to see the forest for the trees, here pal. Its not the fact that Knowles will be selected. I am confident that he would have won without outside help anyway. Its the thinking that they had to rig it for him and the fact that they did so without any scruples, that has me all fired up.
When Bob selected the 29th conferees, he went through the painstaking process of selecting delegates that were fair and open minded. He precluded any current or former staff members, co-workers, or family of any kind from being chosen. What was the result? A triumph of the republican process! We had to go to FIVE BALLOTS to get a winner by one single vote. Now, that was what you would call fair.
So, what happened here? None of those same rules applied. On this list we have Jerry’s boss, two of his co-workers, a relation, and a bunch of long-time friends! Why the change?
BTW, this seat was never in danger of being switched to a Berks seat this time around because the Berks list actually has a few of Timpe’s political enemies on it that never would have voted for him anyway.
Finally, I have a right to be angry. Dave personally promised me that he would take steps to fix this party by uniting it and not using the failed politics of the past. Because of that promise, I worked HARD to elect Dave to the senate and what do I get? A broken promise right out of the gate! I feel like a Barack Obama supporter. But unlike those robots, I am not going to sit idly by defending his actions, even though I know they are wrong.
March 24, 2009 at 8:47 am
Bill “Mac” Magdeburg, you are a idiot if you think that King David and his court jester Bob Ames (aka the Crypt Keeper) haven’t rigged this “election”. I sure do hope that Jerry wasn’t campaigning for this spot while he was employed by King David. I think that would be illegal & Boots would be within his rights to file a complaint with the State GOP & the Election Bureau.
All Boots supporters should vote for Roy Timpe. If the other 7 from Berks can be persuaded to vote for one of their own we may be able to derail this oppressive monarchy before it gathers to much steam.
WE MADE A HUGE MISTAKE GIVING KING DAVID THE SENATOR’S SEAT, WE SHOULD HAVE VOTED FOR HOBBS!!!
“POWER CORRUPTS, ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTLY”
March 24, 2009 at 9:25 am
Wow Bill, you’re the last person I thought I’d hear get caught up in the whole “better a corrupt, incompetent former Democrat from the Skook than an honest, capable conservative from Berks County” mentality. This is why our party is in the shape is it in.
March 24, 2009 at 9:33 am
Mr Magedburg are you shocked that Argall won by 30 points when he sent a flier to Democrats with his arm around Goodman and McCall saying what a great team they make????? how much harder do you think it will be now to beat McCall and Goodman? When they have a Republican opponent, they’ll send the damn flier to Republicans saying what a great team they make with Argall!! But who cares right, King Dave is on the throne, so what if we are no further ahead in our overall deficit of power in the county than when Senator Rhoades was alive.
March 24, 2009 at 9:59 am
[...] http://clarkereport.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/124th-convention-rigged-for-knowles/ [...]
March 24, 2009 at 11:33 am
I’ve heard that a public protest is planned for this afternoon outside King Dave’s Tamaqua office. Does anyone know what time? I have a friend at the Republican Herald who’s trying to cover it for the paper.
March 24, 2009 at 11:54 am
I really think this is a silly post. Micah is a long time GOP, so is everybody else on this list. They were working hard for the GOP in the 124 when Hank was in high school. Of Course they will be on the committee. Boots is a good guy, and deserves much praise from the party for all the work him and his family have done. Jerry has also been a leader in the party, although in the last few years behind the scenes. This is not backroom politics as before, it is reality. People that have served the GOP for years will have a vote and many of them know jerry very well.
Sour grapes for sure by many of the people posting here. If you have a problem with the process, call Bob, call Dave, call the people in the leadership of the Schuylkill GOP. Don’t “protest” in blogs or picket a legislative office. If you have a problem with anybody in the process, man up and say it to their face. I must give Hank a lot of credit for doing just that. By standing up and speaking his mind he has earned some respect within the party. Now please Hank , don’t use and abuse the credibility you now have.
March 24, 2009 at 12:19 pm
dogg,
My anger is not about what the result will be. As I said before, I think Jerry would have won anyway, no matter who the delegates were.
My problem is with the process (or lack thereof). Completely straying from the rules laid out during the 29th conference, which was a fair and open process, to what we have now in the 124th is a tragedy.
You have to remember that its not always about the results, sometimes its about the integrity of the process.
March 24, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Honestly, What’s wrong with the delegates you mentioned? They are all long time hard working Rs that deserve to be there. They have fought on many of Dave’s huge wins in the last 10 years. Do you really tihnk it would be fair NOT to have Micah there?
March 24, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Yes, for the same reason that Micah was not selected as a 29th delegate . . . because to do so would have reaked of bias. Bob played it straight with the 29th selection process. He totally went back on all the goodwill gained through that process by stacking it here.
March 24, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Ok give me the full list, with the people you would want off and who YOU would relace them with. Honestly Jerry has been in this game so long, everybody knows him, politics is a small circle…. BTW Micah never worked for Jerry Knowles
March 24, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Hank,
For a while I tried to give credit to Bob Ames for what I thought were good things and criticized you for your harsh comments. However this destroys all of those efforts. I am appalled by the fact that, he and Dave Argall have chosen to spit in the face of people who work hard for the party. With the dictatorial choosing of Knowles a person who does not have the base of the party supporting him we should just call the Democrats and say here is your seat take it because we do not want it. I have not talked to anyone who will work for him because he is not being chosen in a fair manor.
I want to say to Dave Argall I, as one of your biggest supporters am very disappointed. You are alienating with Bob the youth of our party and will kill our party for the next generation. You two have effectively given the county to the Democrats that is your new legacy.
March 24, 2009 at 1:07 pm
For me, the most problematic are:
Argall
Gursky
Slovik
Thompson
Christman
I would replace them with:
Maria Hoppes
Cathy Miorelli
Michelle Rudloff
Gretchen Sterns
Don Rubinkam
March 24, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Hey GOP, are you afraid to give your name? I am not saying anything negative about the personality of Roy Timpe as I don’t know him personally, but to believe that our county would be better served with a representative from Berks than from schuylkill is foolish. I don’t believe Jerry to be a corrupt person, do you all have some kind of proof that has amazingly never made it into the press? He has had some negative coverage in the papers in the past but isn’t that the case for all politicians, especially ones with R’s by their name?
As for Jane S., same deal, can you have an intelligent discussion without resorting to name calling? That is how the abhorent democrats run their smear campaigns. I am not afraid to identify myself, as I conduct myself responsibly, and have the courage of my convictions, thus I don’t need to hide my idenity. Why don’t you want to give your name madam?
Last point, regarding the mailer with Dave with democrats – personally I wasn’t a big fan of those ads but any politician tries to target constituent groups with ads that will be effective for those campaigns. If Dave loses the race you all would be screeming that he ran a horrible campaign. The more he wins by the less likely a serious challenger emerges the next time. We all can sit around here and gripe all we want but we aren’t the ones with our butts on the line every two or four years.
March 24, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Hank,
I forgot two things, one while I may disagree with you I did mean to give you credit for not being afraid to attach your name to your views, that is helpful to what we are hopefully all trying to acheive – a better county, state, country and party.
Second, and I don’t mean this to sound sarcastic but it is hard to convey “tone” in email, if you already assumed that Jerry would win, why would it be so upsetting who was on the committee? If Bob picked different names that vote the same way what is the difference? Our process is still way better than anything the D’s have even attempted to do.
Mac
March 24, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Argall (the highest ranking elected R in the 124, the parties only real sucess recently. Yeah I think he should have a say)
Gursky (Has probably put as many, if not more, hours on the ground and on the phone working for the GOP than anybody else on the list.)
Slovik (I think McAdoo should have a voice in the process, don’t you)
Thompson (Somebody from the three Union Twps. should make the list. BTW that is Boots backyard)
Christman (A person from Berks who probably knows the ins and outs of serving the people of her area better than anybody)
Not a bad group of people.
Maria Hoppes (her Husband has not ruled out running)
Cathy Miorelli (votes with the Ds almost everytime on Tamaqua Council)
Gretchen Sterns (Has not ruled out throwing her hat in the ring)
Don Rubinkam (first term supervisor who is being challenged in his own township)
None of these people are bad either, but as you can see, everybody comes with their own baggage and opinions……..
Who else is on the list?????????
March 24, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Bill all the evidence in the world proves against what you are saying.
March 24, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Except that those on my list don’t have a personal stake in the election of Knowles nor have they expressed a preference towards one candidate over the other. The others do.
Look, you can sit there a defend stacking the deck all day if you want. It doesn’t change the fact that the outcome of the nominating process was decided in a small room with Bob and Dave, NOT in the Orwigsburg Masonic Lodge.
People like you and Mac keep saying that “our process is better” and “its more democratic’. No, its not. At the least Ed Kleha is up front with the fact that he is handpicking the candidate. Our guys are doing the same thing, but trying to swindle gullible people into believing that they actually had a say.
March 24, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Nobody on the “bad list” has a personal stake in the election. other than wanting to see a good candidate for the 124.
March 24, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Mac,
A couple things,
1) You can put your name on anything you want, it is my right to not do that. Now you can ignore what I have to say because my name’s not on it, but your only hurting yourself because you may gain knowledge if your open minded. Remember the views are what makes a better state, country, party not the name attached to them.
2)You asked what’s the difference who chooses. Well the difference is BIG. Hank has it dead on. We all supported Argall because he won fair and square. If the process is rigged then the winner is gravely diminished. Think of the baseball players taking steroids. Lost a lot of fans, didn’t they?
3) I disagree that someone from berks won’t represent us well. Just ask if Hershey is happy with Holden or Berks with Argall. The truth is they actually get more then us because the politicians need to kiss more butt in the areas they’re not from
4) As far as Jerry being corrupt, just look at the list. Why stack the deck if he’s such a good guy?
March 24, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Hank: Why won’t you post the info on Timpe? Personal stake? “Uber” popular? Post it! Never mind. I will send to every delegate in both counties so they are aware. Thanks for proving my theory that you are just as blind as Jane and apparently with a very dull axe to grind! You are no different than the people you are trying to out. You are trying to rig the election the other way!
March 24, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Dogg,
Everyone here thinks your Jerry Knowles, now I see why. It take a lot of balls to say that Argall and Micah don’t have a personal stake in you…opps I mean Knowles. Please don’t treat us like idiots.
March 24, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Well to be honest, I am not Jerry. How does Micah have a stake. He has a nice private sector job. Dave is already in office for the next 4 years. Thompson’s son left for the private sector a few month’s ago. Christman works for the senate (I think). I am not sure how Slovik is related to Jerry (If he is then I guess he has a stake)
I know this is a very hot issue. A seat like this does not come open very often. I hope though, that when the dust settles, the party can get back to the important job of winning election, both on the state and county levels.
March 24, 2009 at 3:15 pm
If you believe your candidate would win – convince them to run against him in the primary in 18 months (if he gets it) and see how that goes. Better yet – you run.
Everybody gripes about politicians without knowing who they are or what they believe in. Why do you think Argall owes Jerry Knowles anything? Thinking that he would work to appoint somebody base on “owing them one” is ridiculous.
Also – how will his nomination (if he wins) set back the party? What does the party in the district stand for? Explain it to me.
The fact is – these are all opinions. The votes that actually occur on election day are the final word. If the GOP is putting somebody in here it is somebody they think will hold the position through the first primary against the dems. This would mean you are in the minority.
Also – when are we going to stop with the bi-partisan nonsense and work to improve our communities?
March 24, 2009 at 3:21 pm
BerksWatch,
I like Roy Timpe. I was actually do a profile on him and Pat Daly last night, until the delegate names came out. Its all about what is fresh in the news.
BTW, “uber-popular” means very, very popular.
March 24, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Well I am not even sure who is responding in the “My right” section, is that Jane S. or GOP? Not having the courage to reaveal who you are says something very strong regarding your character particularly if it was Jane S. who personally attacked me by calling me an idiot. I may disagree with some posts but never attempted to trivialize or belittle the poster. I never said Roy would be a poor choice just that I knew the candidates from Schuylkill and felt they both could do a good job. Has anyone noticed the unbelievably short time window we have to conduct this? As someone else posted, anyone that wants to run in the primary can and if they prove to be a better candidate, a better republican, we will have a chance to get to know them then, unfortunately right know we in Schuylkill haven’t had the oppurtinity to get to know Roy Timpe.
Mac
March 24, 2009 at 3:40 pm
It is good that you have expressed you thoughts on who you would like to see in the 124th R slot. You, or Mr. Timpe for that matter, should contact the delegates and explain why he is the best choice to fly the banner for the GOP in the 124.
March 24, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Mac
No I’m neither Jane or GOP. But you proved my point. Instead of worrying about my name or insulting my character maybe just read what I have to say with an open mind. You have no idea why someone may not want to put their name down. Maybe I’m at work and don’t want mt boss to know I’m blogging. Maybe I know one of the candidates and don’t want to hurt feelings. May I work at the courthouse and can’t damage relationships. Please don’t act like your situation should fit my situation.
You belittle me by saying I have no courage and call into question my character then in the very next sentence you say you’d never trivialize or belittle someone. Read your own post, Mac.
March 24, 2009 at 5:02 pm
If you do a search on the web on the names of the candidates, there’s a website for Timpe – it’s http://www.roytimpe.org but I don’t see any websites on anyone else that’s been listed.
March 24, 2009 at 6:07 pm
How’d your meeting go Bootsie? Did ya get enough $&^%’s to follow you. You are the biggest gosh darned crybaby there ever was! Trying to rig a rigged election? Hahahaha! You’re just as bad as the people you’re whining about. Hank, ask him about his meeting. You know of what I speak…
March 24, 2009 at 6:10 pm
“My Right”,
You prove my “character” point – if you are not supposed to be blogging at work, or are afraid to hurt someones feelings etc. why would you be commenting in the first place? It is too easy to say untrue or hurtful things when hiding behind a computer screen. Whatever the reason, when people hide and can type things with impunity I do consider that a character issue. What I stated was that I don’t attempt to trivialize someones VIEWS but I can’t given them significant weight when they are afraid to even identify themselves. I also am trying to give a perspective, is that not ok? Are you being “open minded” as you stated? That said I do feel very strongly that if you have strong enough convictions to state them you should attach your name, if you can’t or won’t you shouldn’t post. The internet and blogs have had many positive effects but one VERY negative effect is that anonymous posts can begin to take on the appearance of truth if they are repeated enough. It is easy to lie or slander when you know you won’t be held accountable, that was my point. I have now gotten way off point, I didn’t intend to turn these posts into personal discussions except in relation to Hank, who has the courage to attach his name to his views. As you can tell if you read my initial post I was commenting on the process and how it relates to the people who have come under attack, namely Bob and Dave. If anyone is not happy with the process they have the opportunity to put their own name out there, or back another name, for consideration in the next primary. Given the situation we have, short time frame, short election cycle etc. Bob has been doing the best job possible. Does anyone realize the time he has put in traveling to Harrisburg, meeting with party representatives etc? It has become a full time job since late summer. Try to give some consideration and civility before jumping to conclusions that he has some evil alterior motive all the time.
Mac
March 25, 2009 at 9:08 am
Mac,
I agree with you about attacking people without putting your name on it. But I disagree with you about wanting to share an idea or make a point without your name attached. I think what you may be forgetting here is that this is all people’s opinions. I think Argall is wrong for “stacking the deck”. If you don’t think so, good for you. We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one.
March 25, 2009 at 10:46 am
BTW looking at the complete list. This in not a lock for Knowles. It is a rather far and balanced list.
March 25, 2009 at 11:02 am
I have posted with my real name so that my opinion counts to Mac. Because apparently if you us an alias on the internet you are some how a bad person, who should keep their mouth shut. I have lots to cover so I will move on.
The fact is the process is supposed to be fair. Having a gaggle of Argall followers and Knowles bag carriers on the committee who will decide who gets the privilege to run for this seat hardly seems fair.
I keep seeing people saying these are long time supporters and hard workers for the party. Ok I will concede that. But there are other out there who have worked hard for the party and don’t have the specter of bias looming over them. Mac you say these on the current list have no biased.
Personally I do not know them. But after reading this blog, I see there are strong connections to Knowles himself and Argall. They we obviously put in this position for that reason, because Argall wanted to be able to influence their decision. This is not about Knowles (though I personally would like to see anyone BUT him) it is about the appearance of impropriety. We as a party should be above this sort of slanted process. It actually violates the principals of conservatism.
As for the comments that we should not “ “protest” in blogs or picket a legislative office.” What? I have never seen any of these people face to face, frankly most of us never will. So because we have not seen them face to face, we have no business blogging? We have no business picketing to get our points across. People blog to voice opinion. People picket so they know there are others who feel the same way they do, and both are done to bring to light to those who may not know that there is a problem or opposition to what ever the topic is. Your premis is we should all dutifully shut our mouths unless we happen to bump into these people is well shocking for some one who is posting comments on a blog. I would not have known the close ties all these people have to Argall and Knowles had Hanke not posted this particular blog. SO I personally THANK him for it. Guess I can’t do that unless I do it face to face according to dogg?
Dogg this party should be pushing a conservative agenda here at the grass roots level, winning elections will come after you do that. Having a OBJECTIVE of winning elections is how RINO’s end up on our tickets. That is exactly how we are stuck with Specter for so many years. Pursue a conservative agenda and give the majority of people who are actually conservative in nature someone they will be happy to vote for, so they can vote for an ideal rather than a party.
March 25, 2009 at 12:43 pm
My Right,
I can agree with you that sharing a political idea without attaching your name is ok, but most of the posts digress into attacks, like calling Bob “the crypt keeper” or Dave “King Dave” and suggesting alterior motives. That is what upsets me so much. If people have positive ideas to improve our party please step forward and try to enact them, there are plenty of opportunities.
March 25, 2009 at 1:46 pm
If anyone wants more information about me please visit my site at http://www.pdaly.com. I am currently seeking the nomination for the 124th. Thank You. Pat Daly
March 25, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Well said Mr. Daly. We must stop fighting an do what is best for the district, the area and the state. Your level headed thinking is an excellent example for us all.
March 25, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Other people on the lsit have connections to the other candidates that have not been mentioned.
Also, Instead of spreading rumors or picketing, call somebody up at ask them. Check the phone book. I think almost everyone in question, including Knowles (I have not checked, but I don’t see why he wouldn’t be) are in the phone book.
March 25, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Daly thinks he actually will get a vote or two with his Mr. Rogers routine. That’s hilarious. After he walks out of the convention hall with ZERO votes, I hope Knowles walks up to him and whispers in his ear “Welcome to the jungle”
Daly might want to give up politics and take up ballet or scrapbooking or something.
March 25, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Ya, we can just pick up the phone and start calling around.
Get real.
March 26, 2009 at 7:05 am
Dave said in the paper he has an open mind. He was down here in northern Berks not to long ago telling people he is supporting Jerry Nowles. How can he have an open mind if he already supporting somebody? Right before his own election a few weeks ago, he told some of us he was going to be chairman of a committee as soon as he won. After 20 years of supporting Dave I don’t think I can believe him anymore.
March 26, 2009 at 7:58 am
Mr. Daly,
I’m sorry but I disagree. I think that democracy is worth fighting for. In my opinion the reason we won the 29th senate seat was because the process to nominate Argall was so democratic that everyone was able to get behind the winner. Because this process is rigged there is no way for supporters of the losing candidate to support the winner. I say keep up the fight. Democracy is more important then Harrisburg being 105-98 or 103-99.
March 26, 2009 at 8:24 am
“laughing out loud”: You know nothing about me or my politics. Because I choose to take the high road, it’s a “Mr. Rogers” routine? You are the one who has no clue! I’ve walked through jungles that would make even the most seasoned of pols turn back. Say what you will, you bitter, bitter person. You are exactly what this party can do without. May I send you a voter registration form? Just make sure to include your real name!
March 26, 2009 at 9:18 am
I feel so sad for many of you on this page. You are too afraid to talk to the people yourselves. You are too afraid to run for office yourselves so you sit here and rip the names of good people without the facts. (you are not getting the whole truth from Clarke’s “report”) Very sad. Very sad indeed.
March 26, 2009 at 10:17 am
Rob: I agree that democracy is the most important thing here. But I disagree with your assessment that this thing is rigged. I am a candidate myself. I have faith and I believe in the process. I know many of the people on the current conferee list. When I made my calls to them, I did not ask who they were backing and for that matter, I did not even ask them if they would back me. Doing so would diminish their role in this process. So, my point is this; because one candidate claims to have 3 delegates backing him and is angry because another person has more, that the process must be “rigged” is absurd and childish. Turning this seat over to McCall and the democrats is not an option!
March 26, 2009 at 3:12 pm
FlipFlop,
Your comment is out of line. Your post is base and undignified. I’ve known Boots for 35 years. Whatever else may be going on here, he is an intelligent, caring, generous, and above all, honest man. Those who have followed his lead are privileged to do so because he leads with heart and manages with intelligence and integrity.
March 26, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Mr. Daly, this isn’t a matter of some people being childish. It is a matter of YOU being incredibly ignorant of how the system works. Some things are just COMMON SENSE. Appointing family and friends of candidates as delegates does not make much sense in anyone’s world but yours.
March 26, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Hank: Thank you much for allowing me to post on your site. I remain hopeful and positive that the individuals sounding off about this process at some point will address issues and solutions instead of political attacks on those seeking the nomination. Take care. Pat D.
March 26, 2009 at 8:54 pm
[...] biggest fans. In contrast, Jerry won his nomination a few nights ago when GOP Chairman Bob Ames compiled the list of Knowles homers as conferees, securing a certain victory tonight. That is not democracy. That is not the republican way. And [...]
March 27, 2009 at 10:50 am
dogg you say people are afraid to talk to these people.
It is not fear, it is lack of opportunity, I don’t know these people from jack. According to your logic one could not have a discussion at work about these topics because they have not gone up to Knowles spoke to him. Plus you have no clue if anyone here has spoken to any one about any topic they comment on here.
YET you still come on here and post constantly? Well you don’t know me or the rest of us, so please unless you call and talk to me and every one else on this board first do not comment online about me any more. Follow your own advice.
This here is a free exchange of ideas. It is not a newspaper. It is a blog, a place where people opinions are put out for other people to consume.
PS I do contact people when I feel it necessary. I contacted the Schuylkill GOP about this very topic. I contacted the State GOP about this very topic. Anything I say on this site or my own blog site I will gladly repeat to Jerry Knowles or President Obama. Do no presume to know people you do not know.
March 28, 2009 at 11:16 am
People should realize that while I ran as a Republican, I am truly a Libertarian. I am a member of http://www.BerksLiberty.com I tried to hide it as best I could but some nosey bugger found me out and told everyone. That’s what cost me and my pal Bootsie (sounds so cute saying it like that) the election.