Allyson Schwartz's 'Uh-Oh' Moment

Joe Geraghty from National Review Online has some news about the 13th Congressional District in Pennsylvania sure to shock the Northeast Philadelphia/Northern Montgomery County race.

Short version:  Allyson Schwartz is trailing challenger Dee Adcock in what was once considered to be a "safe" Democratic District in an internal poll of likely voters.

Schwartz, co-author of Obamacare, sponsor of the soda fat-tax, and who approved every spending item of the Pelosi-lead Congress since taking the gavel in 2006, is in the first real race for her political life.  Though she still enjoys better name recognition than Adcock, when it comes to issues - you know, the stuff that really matters - she trails the successful businessman.

Gulp.

Dee Adcock's Star Rises to "Contender"

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has released a statement elevating Dee Adcock, in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District race against the East Coast version of Nancy Pelosi, Allyson Schwartz, to "contender" status.

I wonder if the author of Obamacare, sponsor of the soda "fat tax", and darling of the trail lawyers lobby - over $1.7 million dollars in campagin contributions - ever thought her seat would be targeted?

A Primary 2010 Message

...for Tea-baggers only.

GOP's 13th Congressional Primary Debate

The one and only GOP debate prior to the primary election next week was held in Montgomeryville Wednesday night.  The event was hosted by the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots as the challengers to Allyson Schwartz lined up to face each other and state their case for representing the party against the incumbent this fall.  Josh Quinter called for 6 debates with the two endorsed Republicans, Dee Adcock and Brian Haughton, before the May 18th contest.  He only got one, but took full advantage.

Quinter was predictably well-armed with solid arguments for most of the sometimes ridiculously-complicated questions from moderator Steve Highsmith.  The topics were seemingly convenient for the lawyer, lobbed right into Josh's wheelhouse.  His knowledge on issues such as the Georgian/Ukrainian oil pipeline effect on American on energy policy and the historical effect of the Monroe doctrine on American influence in the Western hemisphere forced this politically-interested commentator checking my Blackberry for facts on the subjects myself.  I doubt the average voter has knowledge of, let alone concern with, these obscure issues.  Still, Josh impressed.

Dee Adcock is the favorite in this race based primarily on his war chest and the endorsement of the Montgomery County GOP Committee which combine to give him a natural numbers advantage.  He's not a seasoned lawyer or politician - and he'll tell you that himself - but after months of practice and several town hall type events to polish his skills, Adcock seems a lot more comfortable in front of a crowd of politically saavy voters.  Last night Dee showed he's making progress.

Brian Haughton makes no bones about his lack of political acumen.  But what's refreshing is his acceptance of this fact.  When the Georgian/Ukrainian pipeline issue was raised, Haughton simply stated, "I'm not informed enough on the issue to give you an answer on that one".  The audience applauded Brian's honesty as though they realized the question came from the world of politically obscure issues few of them think about regularly.

All 3 candidates have their flaws.  Quinter still identifies with the lawyer crowd, sometimes talking down to the audience as he tries to impress them with his knowledge.  That will work in Blue Bell, but not in Mayfair.  Adcock must learn to trust his knowledge and speak more from his heart.  If he has any chance to be Schwartz, he needs to sharpen his responses and find the fire in his belly.  Haughton has the opposite problem from Quinter - his shtick works in Philly, but the suburban crowd needs to see him take this process more seriously.

While no official polling exists on this race (seen as safely in the D corner so no one is paying attention to it), Quinter seems to be surging at the right time.  But will he make enough of an impact to erase Adcock's natural advantage?  Doubtful. However, Haughton may be the primary beneficiary of Quinter's surge.  If Philadelphia republican voters turn out on Tuesday, Haughton's natural advantage there may be the key to the race.

Is there an upset in the making?  After all, it is a numbers game.

It's Evening in America

Just before midnight, on the Christian sabbath, America as we knew her ceased to exist.

We now have a King, perhaps a dictator. After all, the President has given himself the authority to overrule any law he sees fit. He did this to 'win' the final votes needed to control the largest sector of the US economy any single politician has been able to capture.

Allyson Schwartz (D-PA 13) and democrats in the House of Representatives approved this control, thereby rendering themselves irrelevant to the political process. Bart Stupak (D-MI 1) was fooled into thinking the President could make such a promise, which would raise him to the level of a King. If the executive order is ruled unconstitutional, Stupak will soon see his promise cannot be upheld, opening the door for publicly funded abortions. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) has been lied to, but if he dares to mention it, he would also be admitting he was bought off. Not exactly brilliant positions to find yourselves in, eh?

It's evening in America. We are no longer the shining city on the hill. That designation belongs, according to the progressive left, to our Lord, Barack Obama. Sleep well comrades!!

Is Allyson Schwartz Nervous?

When Brian Haughton announced he would become one of the potential challengers to the 13th congressional district of Pennsylvania, currently held by Allyson Schwartz, calls from Washington were made to the Philly Firefighters union in an effort to get him to back off his candidacy. Haughton didn't oblige.

Yesterday, as reported by Josh Quinter via News Talk PA, three individuals challenged the petitions of each of the three remaining GOP contenders, Haughton, Dee Adcock, and Quinter. The law firm representing those challenging the petitions, per Quinter, has ties directly to the democrat machine.

Question is, why would Schwartz go to such extreme lengths to oust her competition? Could Allyson know something we don't? Is she nervous about a national movement against incumbents which could potentially include her own seat?

Democrats are attempting to pass health care reform without an official vote. Allyson is trying to ensure her re-election without a vote, by eliminating her challengers before the primary.

Desperation shot Allyson? Call it March Madness.

Adcock Wins Montco Endorsement

Tonight was the first real test of political strength for a congressional challenger to unseat a proud progressive democrat, and Obama pawn, in a not-so-long-ago blue state. At stake was the Montgomery County GOP endorsement for Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional district and a chance to face Allyson Schwartz in November.

Six candidates were vying for the critical support of the suburban Republican committeepersons and the obvious edge it brings over any primary challengers.

After one round, Damian Dachowski and Dee Adcock were the only two candidates with enough votes to continue to round two; neither garnering the required 50% plus one needed to win the endorsement.

On the second ballot, Dee Adcock got the number he needed to win the critical support. Dachowski graciously joined Dee and the two embraced on stage. Dachowski stated his desire to ensure GOP victory in the fall campaign.

Dee's warmth and charm will contrast perfectly against the Washington insider Schwartz and Adcock has the kind of war chest Allyson hasn't faced in 6 years.

Overheard at tonight's event was that the Philadelphia half of the district is supporting the lone city resident on tonight's stage, Philly firefighter Brian Haughton. Whether this actually turns into a legit primary challenge isn't clear, but seems likely.

It forces both candidates to spend valuable money earning the primary vote, but it will also provide both candidates something they need - hard campaign experience.

Congresswoman Schwartz continues to act as though she has nothing to worry about. She's still proud to boast her influence in the Obamacare nightmare. She has no idea what she's up against. Tonight, the committee was clear - her days are numbered.

Allyson's Foes Lining Up

In the name of public service, I have sacrificed myself and attended both of the 13th Congressional District Republican candidate forums over the past week. Why? Because taking out the poster child of the progressive left, Allyson Schwartz, would be the pièce de résistance of a conservative-tea-bag sweep in November.

Six candidates are vying for the 13th district's seat and each brings their own set of endearing qualities to the table. Each possess the same conservative message which swept Steve Christie, Bob McDonnell, and Scott Brown to victories over the last 3 months. A couple hundred committeepeople and GOP die-hards came to see act two.

Here's how I see each of the contenders...

Damian Dachowski, a dentist from Huntington Valley, was first to enter the fray last summer and held the lone health care town hall in the district, at a time when the albatross of state-run care seemed inevitable. Allyson Schwartz knew better than to hold one of her own. Which gives Damian one thing the others can't claim: an early victory in this battle.

Dachowski is solid on the health care debate, but the issue may be DOA and irrelevant by the time the fall campaign is in full swing. He understands the importance of energy independence and its relation to events in the middle-east, but has yet to find his voice on some key issues. After being out in front, Dachowski's left room for others to make this a race. Will he capture the moment?

Charlie McIntyre has worked in sales for Unisys Corp. for 36 years and is a charming, likable fellow. Charlie is well-versed on all the issues and like any good salesman, is confident in the message he brings. That message is best summed-up by Thomas Jefferson, "any government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have". Amen!

Charlie's one weakness seems to be how his style will play in the Philly half of the 13th district. There may be a slight age gap issue. Will Charlie get Philly voters fired up enough to ditch Allyson in November?

Dee Adcock is from my home of Abington. Dee is a successful businessman (W.W. Adcock Inc. out of Huntington Valley) with the sole individual ability to make Allyson nervous about how much money will available to mount a serious campaign. Adcock's dulcitone voice and warm personality give him a commanding presence.

But when the heat is on in November, will Adcock be able to find the fire-in-the belly attitude needed to take out the skilled politician Schwartz? Dee could use some work on message delivery but his style contrasts perfectly against the D.C. insider he will have to battle.

Josh Quinter performed much better tonight than round one. His knowledge is broad and he has a firm grip on the major issues. He's a young attorney and has been tagged a "rising star" by the Pennsylvania Lawyer's Association.

Quinter is also endorsed by the Association of Builders and Contractors. Though he still needs to learn how to connect with an audience and, like Dachowski, seems at times to be struggling finding his voice, he too has got potential.

Lee Falgoust is the lone candidate who has been here before. He mounted a brief campaign two years ago, but when he didn't garner the Montco endorsement, he graciously tossed his support behind Marina Kats.

Lee is also a business owner and like the others, understands the problem lies firmly with an out of control government. What Lee needs to show is an ability to motivate people to get behind him: to rally the troops.

Brian Haughton is a Philadelphia firefighter and owner of SmokeEaters Pub on Frankford Avenue in Mayfair. He's the type of guy we would all love as our representative. He's got that Philly swagger which will endear him to many voters tired of politicians like Allyson talking down to hard-working constituents.

Brian's flaw may sound personal, but it really isn't. There are a good number of committee folks in the Montco half of the district who will not relate. His desire, passion, and wit makes him very likable, but his chances of winning the Montco endorsement seem like a long shot. But this year, in this political climate, perhaps he's exactly what the 13th needs.

____________________________

To win this race, voters need to be inspired to get out of their seats for you. Simply hoping they are angry enough with the progressive-left's agenda to pull your name along with the top of the ticket isn't going to be enough to win. Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district likes to pull levers on both sides.

At this stage, there is no clear front-runner. Each will need a strong organization, smart message building, and both the Philly and Montco GOP organizations firmly behind them if they have any shot to take out Schwartz. A couple have the potential to mount serious campaigns, but these are NOT seasoned political candidates. How refreshing!

One message I have for the contenders: now is the time to step it up another notch! Allyson Schwartz has proven she can win. She will pull another Bob Casey and run a Where's Waldo campaign until you find a way to get her out in the street for a good ol' Philly brawl. Which one of you is ready to mount that challenge?

February 8th is endorsement night in Montco. What better way for me to spend my birthday?

Dachowski Talks "Fair"

In response to Allyson Schwartz's remarks yesterday regarding taxing unearned income to help pay for Obamacare, potential GOP contender in the 13th Congressional District, Damian Dachowski, has fired back,

“It’s not ‘fair’ to concentrate on taxing the unearned income of families who have worked hard for what they’ve accumulated. Take away the unearned income of the federal government. That would be fair.

“Families face enough economic challenges without the government taxing the investments they’ve made in preparing for their futures,” he continued. “The tax burden this proposed healthcare plan imposes illustrates its inherent flaws. There are other solutions to improve health care,”

Exactly. Without stealing it from taxpayers the federal government earns nothing, creates nothing.

Congresswoman Schwartz suffers from the disillusioned concept that she decides who can be successful; who can own what without penalty. After all, she's smarter than the rest of us.

Schwartz Wants the Unearned

Allyson Schwartz on FOX Business Network today stated,

"We ought to look at all income, both earned and unearned. And that's the fairest way to do it."

She wants to tax this unearned income, like rental, dividend, or capital gain income, and use the this new revenue stream to help pay for Obamacare. This additional revenue will allow Democrats to bump up the base-level value of "cadillac" health insurance plans, exempting much of her union supporters who own superior plans.

Government generates no income of it's own unless they steal it from those who work hard for it. Dom Giordano, WPHT 1210am, insisted tonight one of Allyson's potential 13th congressional district opponents call her on this statement. I agree.

We're talking about "Options"?

"Practice? We're talking about practice? I mean, we're talking about practice?" You remember Allen Iverson's classic response.

Now, Democrats like Allyson Schwartz are talking "options". Options? They want us to believe Obamacare will give us better "options"?

Without making the public feel comfortable that the health care plans they currently have will be secure, the Dems know their plan is DOA.

Fat Chance Tax

My favorite Congresswoman is making news. Though I'm not sure she understands the real impact she's having.

Philly has the ban on saturated fats. Now, the nation will enjoy a $.10 tax on every soft drink sold - that's if Allyson Schwartz (D - PA 13th Congressional District) has her way. A couple weeks ago Schwartz said this would be, "a real treat", to impose a tax on each 12 ounce purchase of non-sugar free soft drink.

You heard right. This esteemed Congresswoman is leading the charge on a "Fat Tax". The money stolen from our pockets, I assume, will go to fund obesity related procedures.

Since we Americans can't possibly take care of ourselves, the almighty government is going to tax us for every bad thing we do to our bodies.

That's only fair. After all, once they provide us a public health care plan, they can mandate our lifestyles.

So, I called my Congresswoman's office. I told the staffer, a pleasant woman named Katie, who I was and wanted her to convey my opposition to this tax. Her response,

"The Congresswoman believed it was important to pass the important climate bill [a.k.a. Cap and Trade bill] to limit carbon emissions and its impact on the environment."

So I asked what a fat tax had to do with climate change,

"Well, I'm not sure, I haven't read the entire bill myself. But I certainly can pass along your opposition and see if the Congresswoman can do for you. The bill has passed the House and has moved on to the Senate."

Now, I know there is nothing a Congresswoman can do to affect the Senate vote, but what exactly was she saying? Although the Congresswoman introduced the measure, she would petition the Senate to vote it down?

Katie said she had other calls to take. I'm sure she did. But when she mentioned I was the first to contact her about this fat tax issue, I knew she was blowing smoke up my rear.

On a related issue - a dentist's name has popped up as the first potential challenger to Ms. Schwartz. Even though I'm sure he'd encourage people to drink less sugar-loaded soda, I'll bet he's against punishing people for doing so.

To be continued...

Allyson Schwartz Silence

Utilizing the old Bob Casey Jr trick of saying absolutely nothing in the midst of a campaign, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA 13) is strangely silent these days.

Silent on the bailout, silent on energy solutions, and silent on GOP contender Marina Kats' challenge to debate. Two days and counting - see clock bottom right of page.

Kats Fighting

Marina Kats, candidate for Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, joined with Horsham residents in condemning Allyson Schwartz's recent flip flop about who should control the Willow Grove Airbase redevelopment. In a letter to the Intelligencer, Kats says Schwartz,

"...disregarded the local perspective and failed at a relatively basic function of her elected position: represent your constituents."

Kats says Schwartz signed onto a federal plan (backed by Jack our-soldiers-are-murderers Murtha) which gave sole control over the airbase to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This contradicts a local authority which Allyson enabled before supporting the federal plan.

Marina is showing a firm grip on reality regarding an important local issue to several suburban communities. Republicans in the 13th should feel a lot more confident in her ability to pick apart Schwartz. This race is just starting to heat up.

Allyson Feeling the Heat

Hat tip to pawatercooler for this video of a seemingly nervous Allyson Schwartz attempting to explain away her support of a state-commissioned plan for the Willow Grove Air Base.

Fast Eddie likes it because, according to this Morning Call article , the plan...

"is feasable and would be able to financially support itself"

Of course neither Rendell nor Schwartz have to live nearby and deal with the increased congestion it will cause.

Kats Meow

It's 1979, behind the iron curtain in former Soviet-controlled Ukraine. A teenager is about to embark on a journey which will bring her to the United States and the City of Brotherly Love.

One can only imagine how Marina Kats must have felt as she left her home for the rough landscape of Philly. She didn't speak a word of English back then, so chances are Joey Vento wouldn't have served her a cheesesteak, but that was just the first of many obsticles she's since overcome.

Now, nearly 30 years later, she's the president and founder of a respected litigation firm, and president of the Russian-American Chamber of Commerce. Marina is also on the board of Einstein Hospital, Temple's Presidential Advisory Board as well as Temple's School of Law Alumni Board.

She's been honored by the Governor as one of the "50 Best Business Women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania", and one of Pennsylvania's "Super Lawyers" as described by Philadelphia Magazine.

It's a good ol' American Story. Leaving communism behind for capitalism, leaving socialism for a piece of the American Dream, at the height of the cold war. Finding success despite the odds. Even though the Obama's are calling for change, it seems to me Marina proves things in the USA are just fine, as is.

On Monday, Montco's half of the PA-13th congressional district will endorse a candidate to challenge the incumbant democrat. Those I talk to give her a good chance at gaining the endorsement.

Given her credentials, Marina will succeed at one thing Raj Bahkta never could: Causing Allyson Schwartz to lose sleep.

Falgoust Running in PA 13th

Upper Moreland Municipal Chairman Lee Falgoust announced his intention to seek the republican nomination in PA's 13th congressional district via a January 18th letter to GOP Committeepeople in Montgomery County.

Falgoust joins Marina Kats, a personal injury attorney from Elkins Park, in an attempt to capture the seat presently occupied by Allyson Schwartz. Either candidate faces an uphill battle against one of Southeastern PA's best-funded liberal (as in way out in left field) Democrats.

Origianlly from New Orleans, Falgoust is the President and Founder of Crosslink Technology Group, LLC and coaches both girls softball and soccer in Hatboro and Willow Grove.

Someone Check on Schwartz

"The decision of President Bush to commute the prison sentence of Scooter Libby is outrageous. We have long known the President considers himself unaccountable to the American people, and it is now crystal clear: he considers all members of his Administration above the law. This choice by the President demonstrates yet another case of his terrible lack of judgment. Scooter Libby lied to a grand jury and he lied to the FBI, but the President apparently believes Libby's lies were acceptable."
-Allyson Schwartz (D) PA-13th July 5th 2007

Oh Congressperson Schwartz, your memory and recollection are starting to worry me. Perhaps you should see a specialist. I hear the Cuban doctors are swell people.

First - the "leaker" was known to prosecutor Fitzgerald - THE DAY HE ASSUMED THE JOB. His (the leaker) name, as I'm sure you must know, was Richard Armitage. Armitage, a Clinton appointee from the State Department - not the oval office - told Bob Novak about Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson's connection.

Despite this knowledge, Fitzgerald proceeded with the investigation. What he could possibly be investigating, once he knows who the leaker was, is baffling at best. However, that evil Bush administration didn't aim to stop the investigation.

Second - Valerie Plame was NOT covert, undercover, nor unknown to anyone who was remotely interested at the time. However, she is the wife of Wilson, and she sent her husband to Northern Africa to dispute claims by Bush of Iraq seeking yellow cake, as the President did in his famous State of the Union address in '03. Wilson, who was apparently so convinced that Bush had made up the yellow-cake claim, failed to mention this to anyone until a report he wrote 6 months after his visit to the region. After her "outing", the media tour the Wilson's went on sure didn't make Valerie appear like someone wanting her status to be covert.

Third - Bill Clinton pardoned 14o people and commuted the sentences of several others in August of '99 , including 16 members of FALN. This group of Puerto Rican nationalists, was convicted of 120 bombings in New York and Chicago.

Now let's compare. On one hand, we have Scooter Libby. Fact: Libby didn't out Valerie Plame, Richard Armitage did. The investigation that followed was therefore a witch hunt. Without interference from the Bush administration, Libby was still asked to testify under oath. He was found guilty of lying under oath, despite the prosecutor's admission of "no underlying crime of outing (Plame)". Bush commuted his sentence. Still, Libby paid a $250,400 fine.

In the other corner, Bill Clinton (former President of the United States and lawyer) lied under oath and paid a fine. Further, he commuted sentences of criminals which can, at the very least, be seen as curious. Hillary agrees with me on this one; at least she did when she was running for the Senate (link). Would Allyson view these as critically as she does President Bush's communtation? Does the 13th District of Pennsylvania representative understand this action is completely within their constitutional rights as occupant of the oval office?

Now exactly who is "above the law" Mrs. Schwartz??