Glenn Eckhart is one of the partisan smiley faces in Lehigh County. Eckhart had backed Marc Grammes for state rep in the primary race, to replace retiring Julie Harhart. Another candidate, Cindy Miller, successfully challenged Grammes' nomination petition. The Republican victor ended up being Zach Mako, a young man backed by Harhart. Like dutiful partisans, Grammes and Eckhart are now baking cakes for Mako. The fly on the cake icing is that both of them are totally aware of how unprepared Mako is for such a position. I suspect that they expect Democrat Phillips Armstrong to prevail, allowing Grammes his fourth try in 2018. But, never mind that, Mako is the party's candidate this election, and they're baking him a cake.
As a disclaimer, I should reveal that I tested the water to run as an outsider Republican, but received no feedback from the party machine. As an independent on the ballot in 2014, even the Morning Call conceded that I stood out in the debate with Harhart and the Democrat.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteLoyalty and favors are a big part of the process/game. I don't want to be too cynical but in life it usually pays off. When people run for public office they need "friends" to help. The best way to have those friends is to have been one in the past. If one wants to run for office and get help from the regulars they need to play the game first.Good ideas...good luck with that.
scott@7:41, nothing wrong with your "process", especially if you appreciate the mediocre.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I remember Julie Harhart when she ran for the first time, she was to say the least, not experienced, often melted down in debates and forums, sometimes very inarticulate,she was given little chance by the political class of winning. She however did win, and was re-elected 10 times since then. The people of her district liked her, thought she was honest, and gave her a chance. I suspect if she was still running she would be re-elected. I know nothing of Mr. Mako, but If I was a betting person, I would not bet against anyone she has endorsed.
ReplyDeleteray@4:56, in the primary, using harhart's campaign manager, mako sent out an unprecedented amount of mailers and robo-calls, which proved to be a successful tactic. i expect the same, if not more, for the general election. armstrong is well liked; i suspect that it will be close, unlike harhart's easy wins.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that Mako decided to use Tom Severson a political consultant who was "convicted and placed on three years of probation after a guilty plea in 2010 to filing fraudulent campaign expense expense reports, as well as tampering with public records.
ReplyDeleteThe first decision this guy makes when entering public life is hiring a crook. His campaign finance reports show an an in kind from Severson and Harhart's finances show 2,000 in expenses paid to Severson the crook and yet these were not reported as in kinds on Mako's report. Looks like Severson is up to the very same game that got him convicted in the first place.
roberts@11:31, i can only assume that harhart arranged for mr. severson's services. he advised her for the 2014 debate, referenced in my post.
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