Is everyone playing fair?

| 29 Sep 2011 | 04:41

    With the recent arrest of former PA House Speaker John Perzel as the architect of a tight-knit conspiracy that illegally spent 10 million taxpayer dollars for sophisticated computer technology, (Telstar) to help Republican candidates win legislative races, it is worth noting that Telstar was utilized in at least two local races. The first was the 2002 Special Election for the 176th district in which Republican Mario Scavello was first elected. The second time was in the special election for the 189th district which was won by Democratic candidate, John Siptroth. Although the Grand Jury does not mention this race for the 189th specifically, there were many Republican operatives on the ground. It is almost certain Telstar was used given the Republican desire to take the seat. Given the recent debacles in Pike County with write-in ballot counting, miscounting, and Court directed re-counting; the subsequent resignation under fire of a director of elections; and the continuing partisan activities of Republican Board of Election officials, we need to ferret out other Republican practices that attempt to subvert the democratic process. The upcoming Grand Jury investigation of House Republicans provides us that opportunity. We call on Attorney General Corbett to pursue the opportunity vigorously. Julius Litman Pike County Democratic Committee