Written by Roberta BirosSenator Bob Robbins thought he was being slick when he teamed up with Democrat Committee Chair Bob Lark to orchestrate a write-in campaign to get Bob Robbins (a REPUBLICAN Senator for 20 years) the Democrat nomination on May 18th [read the full story HERE]. Robbins made the move with the thoughts that by holding both the R and D nominations he MIGHT actually have enough votes to defeat the Independent candidate, Roberta Biros (that’s me) in November. Unfortunately, Bob Robbins failed to understand that Bob Lark does not speak for county (or district) Democrats. A good Democrat friend of mine told me once “Bob Lark controls nothing”, and it was absolutely true.
In a whirlwind of weekend activity, “actual” Democrats have managed to inspire two (2) fellow Dems to shoot for Democrat write-in nominations on Tuesday.
Art Allen vs. Robbins in the Democrat Primary?
Art Allen, who faced Robbins in 2006 and nearly won (he did win Mercer County by the way), has signed on to run his own write-in campaign for the Democrat nod. In an effort to battle Robbins for the Democrat nomination, Allen has stepped up to attempt to hinder Robbins’ attempt by pulling write-in votes for himself.
Kathy Frederick vs. Brooks in the General Election?
In a surprise twist, Greenville native Kathy Frederick has also made the decision to step up to attempt to challenge Michele Brooks in the same fashion. Representative Brooks, who is currently running unopposed in the Primary and General Elections may have an opponent in November if Frederick can get the 300 signatures that are necessary to access the Democrat ballot.
Ooooooops!
Bob Robbins showed his hand and proved that he is desperate and will do anything to protect his livelihood (and pension).
Michele Brooks’ alliance with her “friends in low places” has also managed to paint a target on her back (and, perhaps, rightly so). By so clearly aligning herself with the Robbins/Richardson regime in 2009 and 2010, Brooks has jeopardized what should have been an effortless re-election bid.
All I can say is “too sad, too bad”.
To Allen and Frederick:
I offer my best wishes and respect to both Art Allen and Kathy Frederick, and I would like to thank them for stepping up to join the fight. It is only through political challenges that we can generate interest and passion in good government.
In Closing . . .
With all respect to Art Allen, I would like to ask the Democrat readers of this blog to go ahead and write in Bob Robbins for State Senate.
Why? Have I lost my mind?
No, not in the slightest. I am thoroughly convinced that Bob Robbins has already damaged himself permanently with this Arlen-esque move* (*an old crusty lifetime politician switches parties because he’s afraid that he doesn’t have enough support in the GOP anymore). My discussions over the past several days have proven that loyal Republicans are FURIOUS regarding this move by Robbins, and Democrats are sickened by it. However, if Robbins actually achieves the “R/D” status beside his name, it will serve as a constant reminder to every voter in this district through November and on Election Day of Bob Robbins last big mistake.
In the words of Bob Lark (4/3/2009 – read HERE), perhaps Bob Robbins would like to add additional labels to his name by joining “the Green Party . . . Socialist Party . . . or Communist Party”. I’d love to see Bob Robbins name listed on the ballot with an R/D/G/S/C beside his name. It will only further prove the point that I’ve been making for well over a year . . . Bob Robbins will do anything to protect his career as a politician and in doing so manages to stand for absolutely nothing.
Democrats, please write-in Bob Robbins for State Senate . . . I welcome the addition of the R/D to his name. It will be a reminder to every voter in November of exactly WHO the incumbent is and WHO is doing the "pandering". The choice of "Roberta Biros, Independent" will be more appealing than ever.
BLOG POST UPDATE #1:
Something to think about:
CLICK HERE to view the video of Arlen Specter explaining why he switched parties. In it he states "my change in party will enable me to be re-elected". Now for 'kicks and giggles' I'd like for you to close your eyes. Close them tight and don't peek. With your eyes closed, imagine Bob Robbins face and imagine him speaking the same words. Do you see it? Is it crystal clear in your mind? Now, REMEMBER THAT and rewind it your mind. Replay it over and over again between now and November.
Other News:
The Herald has picked up the story. On the front page today, Art Allen's announcement was given top billing [read HERE]. More important, though, was the opinion piece on page A-4 by Nick Hildebrand titled "Robbins' play for Democrat votes is curious". The article (which is not available on-line) offers a side-bar head that reads "Voters fed up with business-as-usual politics are shocking establishment figures across the nation. Could they do the same in northwestern Pennsylvania?".
Hildebrand's question is a good one. In the article, Hildebrand openly questions Robbins' move by saying "Biros' chances of winning if she makes it on the ballot are slim but it's hard not to think her renegade bid to take out the veteran lawmaker may have something to do with robbin's sudden interest in the democratic nomination." Hildebrand later states "Biros may not be much of a challenge, but every vote counts."
It is refreshing to see that the media is seeing this story for exactly what it is. It is a last minute attempt for Robbins to hold onto his seat. He is scared and he is willing to do whatever is necessary (good, bad, or ugly) to win re-election.
A REMINDER FOR ELECTION DAY:
This is my blog and I suppose I should use it for some personal benefit, so HERE IT GOES.
For those of you that don't realize it, until just a few days ago I was the ONLY person in the 50th State Senate district that was interested in running against Bob Robbins. I announced my campaign plans a month ago. I'd like to remind you all that I WILL be on the ballot agaist Bob Robbins in November along with any other candidates that suddenly decide to join in on the race.
I am currently in the process of gathering the signatures required to be listed on the ballot, and those signatures will be submitted to Harrisburg at the end of July. At that time, I WILL take on Senator Robbins whether he is a "R" a "D" or a "R/D". I am an independent and I don't need to tie myself to EITHER party tag. You can learn more about me and my platform at the link below:
As I've stated in my comments, my dream ticket for November is as follows:
Robbins (R/D) vs. Biros (I)
Brooks (R) vs. Frederick (D)
To achieve that ticket, I'd like to request that you vote tomorrow as follows:
IF YOU ARE A REPUBLICAN, I would ask that you write in "Roberta Biros" for State Senate (don't vote for Bob, but give me a write-in just for fun). This will send Senator Robbins a clear sign that Republicans are NOT happy with his choice to seek the Democratic nomination. Bob will still win on the Republican ticket, but it gives Republicans a clear way to show disapproval.
IF YOU ARE A DEMOCRAT, I would ask that you write in "Bob Robbins" for State Senate. If you write-in Bob's name you'll help to guarantee my dream ticket of me taking on Senator Robbins directly (with an R/D beside his name for extra impact). If you can't stand to vote for Bob, please write-in my name just for fun (as I am not looking for the Democrat nomination). It would send a message, but it would also prevent Art Allen (the Democrat challenger) from entering the race (as it splits the vote 3 ways). It is my firm belief that Bob Robbins has permanently damaged himself with this move, and in the General Election the R/D designation beside his name will alienate concerned citizens of BOTH parties. This has only INCREASED my chances of defeating him in November.
IF YOU ARE A DEMOCRAT IN THE 17TH DISTRICT, I would ask that you write in "Kathy Frederick" for State Representative. A vote for Kathy Frederick will force Michele Brooks to work for her re-election this year. NO ONE should have an election handed to them. I think every elected official should have the opportunity to “ask for re-election” every term as a matter of principle.
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ReplyDeleteThey deserve what they get. Robbins pulling a Specter is hilarious. Brooks did this too her self. when you lay with dogs you're going to get fleas!
The story made front news in The Herald today, and they wrote a full commentary/editorial examining WHY Robbins would do it on page A4.
ReplyDeleteIf they thought they would do this and not raise an eyebrow or two, they were wrong. All it did was stir up the pot and tick off (and energize Democrats). Now Coconut Bob and Michele Brooks are BOTH going to pay the price.
It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it.
None of this impacts me. I'll still continue on my path to challenge Bob Robbins on his lack of a record and his role as a career politician. All he has done is further legitimize my complaints.
Bob Lark seems to be at his best when he is supporting Republican candidates. If he lifted just his little fat baby finger to help out Art Allen the last go round, Allen would have won that election.
ReplyDeleteI am sick of Roberta Biros getting trashed as not capable of winning, an irritant, etc., when she is the only one who has stood up to all these incumbents, and FINALLY because of her efforts, there will be some competition, maybe if they can pull off a lousy 300 signatures and more than Robbins.
Are Allen and Frederick more interested in getting on the ballot to defeat Robbins/Brooks, or is it the Lark (and The Kochems-es, let's not forget) insane hatred of Biros?
Actually, from what I've seen, ROBBINS' attempt to get the write-in was crafted WITH LARK (in a mid-night meeting around a fire while dancing naked no doubt). Lark thought it would be a cute way to get back at me. As I understand it the reason that he gave was "my behavior last year". I'm not quite sure why Bob Lark would complain about my behavior, but that is what was said.
ReplyDeleteI find it funny that I wasn't "Democrat enough" to run against Richardson last year (according to Lark), but Robbins is "Democrat enough" to get the nomination. I have to admit that I look forward to seeing the Democrat slate cards come out this summer listing Kathy Dahlkemper and Bob Robbins one after the other as a team. According to Bob Lark, they list ALL of their candidates on the slate cards and I can only assume that will include Robbins too. I can't wait. I'll ask to distribute the cards for him. It would be great advertising for me.
As far as Allen and Frederick, I have a sense that these two came out from the "other half" of the Democrat party. That would be the half (or 5/6ths even) that can't stand Bob Lark. They caught wind of the secret deal that Lark made with Robbins and they decided to combat it with their own candidates.
My question is, where were all of these people for the past 3 months when I've been screaming about the fact that there were no challengers.
As far as the Kochems-es, I'm sure that they were in on the Lark/Robbins deal. They probably discussed it as a group over dinner or something (no doubt paid for by taxpayer dollars some how).
The dream ticket for me?
I want to see Robbins (R/D) vs. Biros (I)
and I'd love to see Brooks (R) vs. Frederick (D)
I know Kathy Frederick and with her campaign experience I think she can pull off the signatures to get on the ballot against Ms. Brooks. We aren't in her district or my hubby would write her name in on the Dem ticket. As an Independent I can't vote tomorrow. Too bad.
I could not bear to write in Bob Robbins, sorry, Roberta. I never want to have to admit I actually voted for him, so I wrote your name in instead.
ReplyDeleteBermuda,
ReplyDeleteI had an interesting day campaigning at th epolls yesterday. Most Dems rejected the pleas by the Robbins supporter to write his name in but their were a few brain dead who actually think that he is doing a good job! I guess not doing nothing really important and bringing home some pork is doing a good job to them. And too many have forgotten about the mid-night pay raise!
To my surprise, there were more than a few Republicans who made deroggatory comments to teh Robbins supported and then signed Roberta's petition.
The biggest surprise was the last minute Brooks write in campaign that popped up. I thought ,much better of Michele than to stoop to this. Her supporter would even tell people that it was un-fair for someone to launch a last minute write in for the Democrat ticket so that's why she was doing it. They also tried to justify it by saying Mark Longiotti does this every election and gets write ins for the Republican nomination. SO two wrongs make a write?
Jason:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your write-in vote. I was getting signatures for my petitions at the polls yesterday as people 'were exiting' the polls. I can't tell you the number of folks that said "I wish I had known about you before I went in to vote as I would have written your name in instead of voting for him".
There are plenty of people that feel the same way that we do. We'll find out in a few weeks what the ballot will look like in November but I'm looking forward to it either way.
Robbins (R) vs. Biros (I) vs. Allen (D)
OR
Robbins (D) vs. Biros (I) vs. Robbins (D)
One of the best visual aides that I had yesterday when getting signatures were the "Democrats write in Robbins" yard signs at the polls. People of both parties were in disbelief and the signs were my proof. THE BEST visual aid, however, was Senator Robbins himself. He visited the poll where I worked for 12 hours yesterday. During the 45 minutes or so that he was there, I received THE MOST signatures! I used HIM as my visual aide and was able to persuade even more folks to sign on with me. I wished he could have been there all day!
Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Bermuda shout out! It has been my nickname for about 7 months now and I like it.
Michele Brooks has forced many of us to take a closer look at her behavior, and I find it interesting that you are also questioning her actions.
It is no secret that I was a Michele Brooks supporter. However, time has managed to peel away a few layers of the onion and I'm beginning to get a better sense of what Michele Brooks is all about. Over the weekend I was told that Ms. Brooks has had a few negative comments about me to friends, and yesterday I was verbally attacked by one of her henchmen in a Robbins/Richardson-like move. Michele Brooks is not honest enough to talk to me personally, but she will attempt to attack me through surrogates.
She is proving that she is a Robbins clone. She will DO ANYTHING and will STEP ON ANYONE to keep her much coveted elected office. I HATE to admit when I am wrong, but I have to say that I was wrong about Michele Brooks.
Much like many people before me (including poor Ed Franz), I was dooped . . . plain and simple. It disappoints me, but I can’t argue with what I see with my own eyes and what I hear with my own ears.
My PA-3 wrap-up thoughts:
ReplyDeleteOther pundits may spin things differently, but the GOP's congressional primary just showed conservatives in Western PA at their dysfunctional worst. Any momentum that conservatives could have channeled from the tea party movement was muted as the right failed to coalesce behind any one of four candidates.
Instead, Mike Kelly won the GOP nod. Kelly describes himself as a having a "moderate platform," and supports government bailouts such as the TARP program and cash-for-clunkers. How on earth did local conservatives fail to capitalize on voters' utter disgust with the establishment? Why, when Kentucky and Utah are celebrating tea party-led political wins, did PA-3 get saddled with a car salesman with a flamboyant personality and an apparent love of big government?
Let us count the ways. The Butler "Two Tea Parties" Debacle. Clayton Grabb signing Steve Fisher's name to an unauthorized 'press release.' Martha Moore and Fisher failing to raise a dime. Ed Franz's bizarre, Lee Wishing/Grove City College fueled campaign, in which it become hard to tell if Franz or Wishing was the actual candidate. Grabb writing that emergency rooms should refuse patients, and demand cash or credit cards instead.
To say that the establishment GOP won this campaign is the understatement of the year. They now have a Specter-in-waiting in Kelly, whose effusive personality is his best (only?) asset and whose policy views provide little separation from incumbent Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper. (All this is fine with me, by the way. I'm a libertarian and has gotten to used to the idea that I live in a moderate district where the best I can hope for is a congressional rep who will at least work with the White House to reduce federal efforts in the vastly failed 'war on drugs,' or correct some of the civil liberties violations of the Bush administration.)
But locally, I want to see the GOP establishment go down--hard. We need ideas; we need strong fiscal public policy. We don't need career politicians like Bob Robbins, who dole out taxpayer funded pork like it's his personal piggy bank. Who vote themselves midnight payraises while constituents struggle to pay bills and keep their homes.
Now here is my question to fiscal conservatives in Mercer County: are you going to stop going it alone or are you going to coalesce behind a candidate for state senate? Are you willing to drop your petty differences to get involved with a candidate with real ideas, with a commitment to smaller state government, and with a proven track record of fiscal conservatism?
Are you ready to get together to support Roberta Biros for state senate, and send Bob Robbins to retirement, once and for all? Because I am. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents--we can all get together on this one. Let's bury the necessary hatchets (if I am willing to go campaigning with the Pokrants and Jeff Black, for instance, anything is possible) and work together for Roberta, and show what we can do when we are united to bring fiscal responsibility to Harrisburg.
Wow, Jason. I am humbled.
ReplyDeleteYou and I were at what seemed opposite ends of the spectrum just a few weeks (probably months) ago. You gave me an opportunity to answer hard questions and you listened to my responses carefully. I really appreciate that.
I tried to be a ‘good Republican’ and I did my best to be a ‘good Democrat’, but both parties closed their minds to the issues and made it only a matter of politics. I tried to ‘play politics’, but that failed. I’m really not interested in politics anymore. As a true independent, I have been working to build a coalition of concerned citizens regardless of party. I am concerned about those that have ‘upset the apple cart’ in our area. They have taken our government and made it a game of politics rather than a responsibility of public service.
I have one very direct question for the readers of this blog . . . Are you willing to work together with me as a team to ‘upright the apple cart’?
This is something that my wife and I have been talking over this morning: the idea that our legislature is far too expensive, that career politicians like Robbins and Stevenson are doing part-time jobs but getting paid full-time with Cadillac benefits to boot.
ReplyDeleteIf tea party people and other fiscal conservatives want to wield some serious power in 2010, why not DEMAND that a bill be passed to cut down the size of the legislature?
Any elected official who doesn't vote for this proposal should be voted out, anyway. If you are motivated to keep your job as a legislator, then you will move to co-operate and become a part-time civil servant...not a taxpayer-funded leech who rarely works, campaigns constantly, and just makes Harrisburg more expensive.
Now is the time for such a bill. We need only to find a champion to sponsor it.
I can't agree more. Part of my political platform is the support of a constitutional convention that would reduce costs by moving our legislature to part time.
ReplyDeleteBelow is the web address of a brief on-line article on the topic:
http://wduqnews.blogspot.com/2009/12/efforts-for-state-constitutional.html
There are several groups that I know of that are active in this issue. The first is the Commonwealth Foundation (http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/) and the other is the Citizens Alliance of PA who sponsors EmpowerPA.org (http://www.empowerpa.org/).
The only way to achieve the goal is to get rid of the legislators that are absolutely unwilling to support the change (all of the old-timer politicians that have no intention of leaving on their own). That would include . . . Bob Robbins.
To that end, I believe that it is important to shed light on just how much Bob Robbins takes versus what he actually does in office. Please check out my right to know request, sent today:
ReplyDeleteDear Senator Robbins:
Our full-time legislature, of which you are a member, is a massive waste of taxpayer funds. Citizens are paying huge salaries and benefits to full-time legislators, such as yourself, to do what amounts to a part-time job. Your record indicates you have done nothing to stop this kind of waste in Harrisburg; instead, you have contributed to the problem. Your recent and needless campaign to be listed as a Democrat on this fall's ballot shows that you waste considerable time and resources campaigning, instead of solving the problems of Harrisburg's many fiscal excesses.
Please provide me with copies or extracts of the following documents, pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right to Know law.
-Documentation of your legislative salary and any and all additional benefits, including health insurance and pension, for the most recent year available
I believe I am entitled to view, examine, or receive copies of the above under the state's Right to Know law. I am willing to pay the cost of copying the items; I can be contacted at 724-458-0341 or by email at jasonreeher@yahoo.com, or by letter at the address below. Thank you.
Jason Reeher
144 E. Main St.
Grove City, PA 16127
724-458-0341
Excellent point, Jason.
ReplyDeleteIf you are so inclined, you should also research the costs that were involved in having Mr. Robbins LEGISLATIVE STAFF involved in his campaign. As you are aware, “Bonus Gate” proved that legislative staff that is paid for by the taxpayers SHOULD NOT be allowed to be involved in campaigning . . . especially on the public dime. It is ILLEGAL and individuals have already been indicted for that very act.
Was Election Day a state holiday that I’m unaware of? I stood at a poll in Crawford County (Vernon Township) and watched a Robbins’ office employee work the polls for him ALL DAY (Robbins sweatshirt and all). Was that a vacation day? Did she get compensated in any way for that devotion of time, effort, and energy? I also witnessed Mr. Robbins himself at the same poll. Later in the day I witnessed Michele Brooks in the very same spot. Who is paying for all of this? I would suspect that it is the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.
I would love to see an examination of the payroll records of the legislative employees of both Robbins and Brooks. Do we have ‘hanky panky’ right here in NWPA? Where is Tom Corbett when you need him? Oh, that’s right . . . he only investigates Democrats.
Request number two has thus been submitted:
ReplyDeleteDear Senator Robbins:
As you are probably aware, taxpayers are more concerned than ever about government spending. Some Pennsylvania legislators have recently been indicted for misusing their legislative staff, paying them with taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes--which is of course illegal.
I am requesting assurance that this is not the case in our district.
Please provide me with copies or extracts of the following documents, pursuant to Pennsylvania's Right to Know law.
-Documentation of all of your legislative staff members assignments and compensation, if any, for May 18, 2010.
I believe I am entitled to view, examine, or receive copies of the above under the state's Right to Know law. I am willing to pay the cost of copying the items; I can be contacted at 724-458-0341 or by email at jasonreeher@yahoo.com, or by letter at the address below. Thank you.
Jason Reeher
144 E Main St
Grove City, PA 16127
724-458-0341
Thank you Jason for doing your part to push for good government. It takes hard work from all of us, and you've proved that you'll turn the heat up where it's needed. We need MORE PEOPLE to get involved in exactly this way. Your demonstration serves as an example for others. Thanks for keeping us posted.
ReplyDelete