Daylin Leach: Moral giant; master debater

A friend passes along a clipping from this weekend’s Times Herald, in which the ‘Cooler’s beloved Daylin Leach tackles a recent Star Parker column called “Sodom in the Nation’s Capital“.

Admitedly, this is not one of Parker’s more tightly constructed columns, however, her point is clear: gay marriage hurts the institution of the family, and the collapse of the American family is at the root of most of our inner city problems. Anyone who has read Parker more than twice will recognize this theme as it is a common thread that runs through most of Parker’s columns.

I have transcribed Daylin’s full response and it is available below the break. It’s worth a read just to bask in the feigned outrage over the word “Sodom” in the title of the column and to watch him conjure up his very own morally relative God out of thin air then insist that his that his morality is the only right way to live, while complaining that Star Parker has no right to insinuate her religious beliefs on the rest of the world. Apparently, because Parker does not worship the lollipop and gumdrop God of Daylin’s imagination, she is neither entitled to her first amendment rights either.

The gay marriage question is one on which people of good conscience can disagree and though I am against it, I can certainly understand the opposing point of view. And if Mr. Leach had bothered to address the real issues behind the defense of marriage, I would not have a problem with his response; indeed I would simply chuckle at his ridiculous make believe God and no-one-is-ever-wrong-but-bigoted-conservatives religion and go on my way.

But what Leach does here does not in any way address the concerns of those who believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman; what he does here is simply smear anyone who opposes gay marraige as a homophobe–a knuckle-dragging bigot whose arguments are not worth addressing. For someone who claims to be “very involved” with this issue, I find it hard to believe that Daylin does not fully understand the opposing point of view on this issue. Rather than address those concerns, he instead resorts to the lazy liberals weapon of last resort: shout your opponent down with charges of bigotry.

Here’s Maggie Gallagher in a classic column from the Weekly Standard on why it is important to keep the institution of marriage intact:

In other words, while individuals freely choose to enter marriage, society upholds the marriage option, formalizes its definition, and surrounds it with norms and reinforcements, so we can raise boys and girls who aspire to become the kind of men and women who can make successful marriages. Without this shared, public aspect, perpetuated generation after generation, marriage becomes what its critics say it is: a mere contract, a vessel with no particular content, one of a menu of sexual lifestyles, of no fundamental importance to anyone outside a given relationship.

The marriage idea is that children need mothers and fathers, that societies need babies, and that adults have an obligation to shape their sexual behavior so as to give their children stable families in which to grow up.

Which view of marriage is true? We have seen what has happened in our communities where marriage norms have failed. What has happened is not a flowering of libertarian freedom, but a breakdown of social and civic order that can reach frightening proportions. When law and culture retreat from sustaining the marriage idea, individuals cannot create marriage on their own.

(…)

THE PROBLEM with endorsing gay marriage is not that it would allow a handful of people to choose alternative family forms, but that it would require society at large to gut marriage of its central presumptions about family in order to accommodate a few adults’ desires

Just because a person believes that marriage should be between one man and one woman (a view the majority of Americans hold, by the way) it does not make them homophobes. Indeed, even some gays I know do not believe in gay marriage. If you want to argue for gay marriage, do it honestly and bravely. Don’t hide behind charges of “homophobia.” It is cowardly, intellectually lazy, and fundamentally dishonest. 

And really no surprise at all, the “argument” coming from whence it does.

(more…)

 

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Brave Sir Daylin

What do you call a politician brave enough to endorse an unchallenged candidate?

What do you call that politician if he withdraws his endorsement when there is a challenger?

Senator Daylin Leach.

 

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Corbett: Conflict of Interest??

Philly Daily News:

State Attorney General Tom Corbett, now running for governor, met with state Rep. John Perzel, of Philadelphia, at a Harrisburg hotel in October 2007.

Two months later, Brian Preski, Perzel’s former chief of staff, organized a campaign fundraiser for Corbett.

In state politics, nothing about either event would seem strange. A high-profile elected official is expected to meet with members of his political party while seeking the state’s highest office.

But Corbett’s office at the time was actively investigating Perzel and Preski and others in the state General Assembly in what is now a 21-month probe known as “Bonusgate.”

Corbett charged 12 Democratic legislators and staffers in July 2008 with theft, criminal conspiracy and conflict of interest. Indictments against Republicans could come as soon as today.

 

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Election Day!

I felt that today was a good day to start writing again. This is because today is the day I say I’m done helping the Republican Party. This isn’t because I’m not a Republican, but because more to the point that I have No Idea what the Republican Party stands for anymore. I’m a conservative on a ship of moderates, which if you translate that to English means that they don’t stand really for anything except the next sound bite that will move that “Party” forward toward power again. The new song today is the same song from yesterday. This is truly one of the clearest moments in all of American History to clearly delineate the differences between Socialist principles and the Conservative values the Republican Party once stood for, what Ronald Reagan once spoke about and lived and breathed everyday proving to the world, Freedom of the Individual versus the Social Justice of the Collective. The chance to succeed or fail based on our own merits and hard work Vs. being just “too big” to fail and it’s our duty to “spread the wealth around”.

Never has there been a time to make such a clear distinction between two differing mindsets….and they fail to do so. And now I know why they have failed to do so: because the “Party mentality” of the Republicans OR the Democrats is not different at all. All they care about is power, and collecting more of it in their hands and not in ours…where it belongs.

Therefore, I now believe that I have no choice but to come to the conclusion of this: There really is no difference between the “Party” mentalities any longer. The Leadership of the Republican Party is not here to espouse my principles, which they “SAY” they believe. They don’t, and now I know it, and now I’m done helping the Party. The party is dead in my heart now.

I now have decided that I will only help individuals in the future. As soon as a Leader steps up to the plate and says “Here I am, with the bumps and hard edges and flaws and foibles of a real human being, and I believe in the Conservative principles of our Founding Fathers” I will be in there corner. This is why I believe that it was a stroke of Pure Genius that Sarah Palin left the Governor’s position in Alaska and tout the Conservative values to everyone that will listen to her. This allows her to get away from what is toxic in the Republican Party, which is the Republican Party, and maybe come back as a leader to show the way back to the principles and values that this great nation, the greatest nation ever, was founded on.

I didn’t join the military, serve my country and potentially risk my life if asked, to serve a “party” or an individual…but the Constitution of the United States of America. That is the oath all service members make. We made an oath to the Constitution. And it’s about time that I uphold that oath once again.

So, I hereby resign my position as a member of the Republican Committee here in Cumberland County, PA, effective immediately. I also re-pledge my oath to the US Constitution, like I did as a member of the US military. The next real candidate that upholds and believes those conservative values and principles espoused in the Constitution steps forward, I will be standing right behind them and helping them move our country back to sanity again, but the moment they forget the principles and values is the moment I leave them in the dust. You are either for our Constitution as the Founders created and intended it, or you’re not and that will determine whether my allegiance is with you OR I’m done with you. You choose.

 

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Campaign Checks to Cash

Didn’t this happen in the old days before campaign finance laws?

Over the past nine years, state Senate Minority Leader Robert J. Mellow’s chief campaign committee paid more than $188,000 in checks made out to “cash,” without disclosing who received the money and, in many cases, exactly what the money was used for – despite a state election law that specifically calls for complete disclosure.

“The payments to cash” – an issue not unique to the Archbald Democrat, although his committee has issued by far the most checks to “cash” of any committee statewide – raise questions about the state’s ability and interest in enforcing the state campaign finance law, as well as in whose pockets contributions ultimately wind up.

A gold star to the Times-Tribune’s Borys Krawczeniuk not only for the fantastic Ukranian name, but putting Bob Mellow’s party affiliation in the 2nd paragraph. Usually you don’t get that. Unless the perp is a Republican.

 

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Bonusgate Wrapping Up

There is a campaign to run after all.

A legislative corruption investigation appears to be nearing an end, as a statewide grand jury this week is expected to wrap up deliberations about House Republicans.

About 10 current and former GOP legislators and staffers received the equivalent of “target letters,” with invitations to testify, according to legislative aides, a lawmaker and a lawyer familiar with the case. It’s part of a broader investigation of legislators suspected of using state resources for political purposes.

“These target letters are not sent out at an early stage. They are sent out at the very end of an investigation,” said Bruce Antkowiak, a former federal prosecutor who teaches criminal procedure at Duquesne University Law School. “By the time a case gets to this point, the grand jury has probably been presented with a mountain of evidence.”

Attorney General Tom Corbett in July 2008 charged 12 people with ties to the House Democratic Caucus with theft, conflict of interest and conspiracy, accusing them of using state resources for campaign purposes. Six defendants are cooperating with the prosecution.

This is long overdue.

 

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Bonusgate Continues

McGruff wonders who is next.

The media reports trying to second guess Tom Corbett’s investigation have all been unsubstantiated hype. AG Corbett has said and did give this investigation a high priority. But the public wants action. Its the old story about the young bull and the old bull on top of the hill. The young bull wants to hurry down the hill and have his way with but one. The old bull says take your time and we can have them all.

Today’s announcement on Philly.com reveals the culmination of countless overtime hours spent on this investigation.

Prosecutors have offered Rep. John M. Perzel of Philadelphia, the former speaker of the Pennsylvania House, a chance to testify before the so-called Bonusgate grand jury in what lawyers say is a sign that criminal charges may soon be filed against him.

Perzel’s former chief of staff, Brian Preski, and as many as 10 other current and former House Republican aides have received similar letters, according to lawyers with knowledge of the investigation.

Perzel, 59, could not be reached for comment yesterday. In the past he has said he did nothing improper with the state money that is at the center of the investigation.

The letters from prosecutors, received within the last two weeks, are the clearest indication yet that state Attorney General Tom Corbett, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, is contemplating criminal charges against members of his own party in the sweeping probe known as Bonusgate.

All good things in their time, I suppose, but the closer the gubernatorial elections come, the more politically motivated it will look for Corbett.

I’m not defending any potential Republican crooks, but imagine taking down members of his own party. How would that look? a) Super dooper awesometacular or b) like he was waiting for the right moment.

A is good for the voters and potential ones, B looks like something defense attorneys wet their wingtips over.

 

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The Next Budget

Checking the Balance looks at the legislature’s summer and concludes:

In all likelihood, this 101-day-impasse will cost many incumbents their jobs. I’m sure the lawmakers realize this and are thinking of ways to save their seats. Well, this would be a good start.

Putting a “no budget, no pay” into play would be an excellent way (perhaps, the only way) for lawmakers to show Pennsylvanians they realize their mistake and our committed to preventing future impasses from occurring.

Unfortunately, history says this won’t get done and we’ll likely have another impasse next year.

This is true…. but will election year incumbents dare to dilly-dally? I suspect they’ll get something through that “makes tough decisions” and taxpayers will suffer.

… and we wont find out until after the election.

 

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Tax Payer Protection Pledges

Regarding the Tax Payer Protection pledge Republican Senator Joan Orie broke in passing our hundred day delayed budget…

Patrick Gleason from Americans for Tax Reform

[Senator Daylin] Leach opines that “it makes as much sense for a state legislator to pledge never to raise a tax as it does for a family breadwinner to pledge never to seek additional income.”

Let’s ignore the fact that this analogy doesn’t really work unless you believe that the proper role of government is to be the provider or “breadwinner” for all. Maybe Leach does. However, sticking with Leach’s family budget theme, let’s consider a better analogy for the state budget process. Here we have the equivalent of a family spending as much as it wants, with no regard for their income, savings, or the job stability of the bread winner(s). Once means have been exhausted the family, rather than stop spending, they proceed to burglarize area businesses and steal from neighbors to cover the bills. That’s how Leach and his buddies do budgeting in Harrisburg.

 

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Budget: Maybe Back to Square One

Twelve weeks overdue? Maybe thirteen?

Jason High (Sen Eichelberger staffer) on Facebook:

Jason High Stuck in Harrisburg hoping to get a budget done. News tonight is that the House D’s don’t have the votes to get the deal done. If that’s true…we’re back to square one.

Way to go Dems.

 

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Mensch!

Big victory for Republican Bob Mensch in the 24th Senate District.

With a 100% of the districts reporting, Mensch takes 66.2% of the votes, to Scheuring’s 30.3%.

His victory is at least 10 points better, than the prior two elections which included the incumbent Rob Wonderling.

Maybe it was Mensch getting his voters out in big(ger) numbers or the voters first opportunity to show displeasure with Democrats, or as Nate Benefield emails, Mensch’s anti-tax positions … either way – the Democrats need to be concerned going into this fall’s local elections or next year’s gubernatorial or federal elections.

Senator-Elect Mensch will have to wait for the election’s results to be certified before he’s sworn into his office.

As to the replacement for his state house seat… the special election would need to be called by the Speaker of the House (Democrat Keith McCall). Given the balance of power in the House and the 147th’s strong Republican lean, don’t look for the election to be anytime soon.

Quite possibly even in the spring.

 

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Pa Sen 24: Results

Update: Mensch wins easily.

Lehigh County

Northampton County

Bucks County

Montco

State’s website

Update – 8:35pm: One precinct in in Lehigh – Mensch 65%, Too Busy 32%, Not Interested 3%

Update – 8:50pm: Eight districts in Lehigh – Mensch 63%, Too Busy 32%, Not Interested 6%

Update – 9:00pm: Thirteen districts in Lehigh – Mensch 60%, Too Busy 32%, Not Interested 7%
I’m a little surprised to see Steever, the totally token libertarian gaining.

Montco, Bucks & Northampton not reporting anything yet.

Update – 9:10pm: The state’s website has results from Northampton County included, where Scheuring is stronger. Their overall count stands at 55% – 39% – 6% with 30% reporting.

Lehigh county is reporting roughly two to one for Mensch. He’s built up and 800 vote lead in 19 of their 23 districts. No results from Bucks or Montco.

Update – 9:20pm: Overall, the state shows 57% – 36% for Mensch, Lehigh is nearly done counting, still showing 2 to 1 for Mensch, with a 1000 vote lead. Bucks has 2 districts in, also showing 2 to 1. Northampton is halfway done voting with the vote evenly split. Montco has yet to show any votes.
Unless Scheuring turned out all of her friends in Lansdale, it’s hard to see how she makes up the 1000 votes in Montco… (which is mostly Mensch’s house district)

Update – 9:30pm: State: 61 – 34%. 1700 vote lead… Bucks is halfway done counting adding 700 to Lehigh’s 1000. Nothing back from Montco yet. Hello? Is anyone there?

Update – 9:33pm: Montco reports 22/40 precincts. Mensch is up 2 to 1 and has a 1400 vote lead just in Montco. 3100 overall.

I call it. Mensch wins. Look for the candidates to replace Bob in the 147th to announce tomorrow or the next day.

Update – 9:40pm: Bucks shows 19/24 68% for Mensch, a lead of 1150. Lehigh 22/23 64% for Mensch, a lead of 1200, Montco 22/40 66% for Mensch, a lead of 1400. Northampton shows 53% for Mensch, with a 300 vote lead. State website shows him at 62 – 39, with a 4100 vote lead overall.

Update – 9:50pm: That’s all folks…. with 80% in, Mensch leads 63 – 32.

Congrats to Senator Elect Mensch.

 

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Pa Sen 24: Vote Today

If you’re in the 24th Senatorial District (Upper Montco, Upper Bucks, Parts of Lehigh & Northampton Counties) today is your special election day.

Go vote for Bob Mensch.

 

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Pa Sen-24: Pretty Lazy

Steve @ Bucks Right is shocked, shocked, that the Intellegencer endorsed a Republican.

Probably the single best indicator of how poorly run Scheuring’s campaign has been is how it forced The Intelligencer, one of the Bucks County newspapers run by lefty Calkins Media, to begrudgingly endorse her pro-life, pro-gun Republican opponent.

Scheuring was more or less drafted to run for the seat on the Democratic side, and her lack of knowledge of state issues showed during our interview. Though clearly sincere, she tended to speak in generalities (her recurring themes were common sense and accountability), and when pressed on specifics, her answers were uninformed and inconsistent. She admitted she has a lot to learn. Nothing wrong with such an admission, but we expected a candidate who was better prepared.

She also scored negatively with our board for her refusal to participate in a series of Chamber of Commerce-sponsored debates with her two opponents. Her reason: She thought the debates would be too political. But this is politics we’re talking about, isn’t it?

Debates too political? Because she told the Courier-Times she was too busy.

The Democrats couldn’t find anyone to even try?

 

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Pa Sen 24: Anne Scheuring Still Too Busy

You might remember that last week I mentioned that the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce would be having an community forum for the 24th District’s Senator candidates.

I joked,

You know what the best kind of debate is?
The kind where an empty chair stands in for the Democrat.

Well…. here’s how it turned out.

mensch-forum

On a radio interview last week she claimed she was too busy running for office to go to voter events like this one.

 

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Pa Sen 24: Anne Scheuring is Very Busy

That’s a pretty lame excuse.

Republican Bob Mensch and Libertarian candidate Barbara Steever early on had accepted invitations to appear on a candidates’ forum hosted by Darryl Berger of WNPV-AM Radio.

Scheuring initially spurned the invitation, as she had other invitations for debates or forums proposed by several chambers of commerce as well as area television stations.

However, Berger said he received a call from the Scheuring campaign on Thursday advising him she would participate in his hour-long show.

Although arriving seven minutes late for Berger’s program, the Lansdale councilwoman said she was “not ducking anything.”

Admittedly, Scheuring said, she turned down invitations to joint candidate nights sponsored by various chambers of commerce “because I will not take part in partisan debates.” She claimed the chambers and their members are financially supporting Mensch, a former Marlborough supervisor who now serves in the state House.

As for other proposed debates/forums, Scheuring said, “The schedule is so busy and the campaign is so compressed, there is just no time.”

That’s funny, because Bob seems to have the time. He’s also got a job in Harrisburg to get to every once in a while.

What a joke.

 

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Re: Respecting the Office

To briefly recap, late last week Senator Daylin Leach (D-Rimshot) and I had been twittering about decorum of politicians and respecting offices. Mostly inspired by Congressman Joe Wilson’s “You Lie”, it was picked up on PoliticsPa.

As I read his tweets I can’t help but remember his old blog, leachvent, and the pages of hilarity direct towards then President Bush. He did such a good job of it, that all kinds of people got annoyed an he ended up shutting it down.

Eventually the tweet-off drifted toward “extremists” on both sides… but it ends on a great note.

More below the break…

(more…)

 

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On our New Budget

Nathan Benefield looks at the new $28 billion budget.

 

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200K to ACORN from Pa

Nate Benefield at the Commonwealth Foundation is trying to figure out how much of our tax dollars went to ACORN.

It isn’t an easy question to answer, given the lack of transparency in the Pennsylvania state budget. However, we can give a preliminary partial answer, using DCED’s Investment Tracker: ACORN got at least $205,000 in state grants since Nov. 2007. We used that date, since (HT Steve Miskin), the Pennsylvania Department of State gave ACORN a cease and desist notice at that time.

Did anyone tell Senator Casey about the Cease & Desist?

 

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Pa Sen-24: Community Fora

You know what the best kind of debate is?

The kind where an empty chair stands in for the Democrat.

The Upper Bucks and the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chambers of Commerce are jointly holding a 24th Senate District Candidate Forum in Spinnerstown on Monday Sept 21st at 6:30pm.

Republican Bob Mensch has committed to the event.

Democrat Anne Scheuring is somewhere else…. not sure where.

The special election is on the 29th of the month.

 

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