Scavello Courts Democrats

State Representative Mario Scavello of the 176th Legislative District is seeking write-in votes from Democrats at the April 22 Primary Election. The purpose, he says, is to allow him to concentrate on his continued efforts in the State House of Representatives, free from the time and expense of a campaign should he have a challenger in the November election.

I, for one, will be writing in his name. His time this year is much better spent addressing all of the big issues in Harrisburg right now...property tax reform, tolls on I-80, etc.

Representative Scavello has been a dedicated advocate for the Poconos in Harrisburg since his election in 2002. He has garnered a reputation there for fighting for what he thinks is right regardless of party lines.

Governor Ed Rendell acknowledged as much during his presentation of his Economic Development Plan during his visit to Stroudsburg earlier this year. I was present for the speech and marvelled at the time the Governor took honoring our Representative for his dedication to his constituency.

Perhaps we should shrug off our party affiliations for this local election and consider Mr. Scavello the leader of the Pocono Party ??

Click here for some comments from other voters.

Writing in a candidate is a fairly simple process. Here is info on how you can write in Mario Scavello's name at the Pennsylvania Primary Election on April 22, 2008.

Who are you supporting? Please share your comments using the form below.

Comments

[Gerald I Bishop]

Scavello has been a Republican for a good number of years.Changing sides may come back to haunt him later.Look at history.

[Maureen Robinson]

Being a Democrat my adult life, I never thought I would push the lever or cast a write-in vote for a Republican. However, I will do so for Mario Scavello. He has demonstrated his commitment and dedication to our community. I, too, have had more than my fill of the Bush Administration but I do not see an association between the two. And given that he has no Democratic opponent, I see no harm by this action.

[Rusty Nash]

I have worked with Mario on Community Association and other business. Specifically on a bill that Mario opposed but that I thought was important for another Pennsylvania industry that I was very involved with. After we had some time to chat, Mario was willing to go to bat on some amendments to tighten and make the bill better that he was going to vote against, but knew would pass anyway. He was able to be true to his convictions while still working to make something better. Mario had some legitimate concerns about that bill that are still concerns to many people. I do not believe you can ask more of a representative. He dealt with the reality of that situation.
Since there were NO DEMOCRATS present on my ABSENTEE BALLOT, I was happy to write Mario’s name in. To my friend to posted above, I do not believe this could be construed as "fudging" under any circumstances. The Democrats, by not running a candidate, have already conceded the office to Mario. It make sense to extend a hand to a genuine hard working Representative for our district.
I also reject completely the blinders another poster is wearing. And I say this after posting my ballot today for all 5 Obama delegates. Mario’s election has nothing to do with President Bush. They are so far removed from each other that holding Mr. Bush’s actions against Mario makes zero sense. Mr. Obama has stated many times about how he wants to work in a bi-partisan manner for the good of the nation. Well here is a case where every Democrat could extend that hand in friendship to a Republican who is running unopposed by a Democrat. Any committed Obama delegate should understand his candidates position and be willing to embrace the position of the person he wants to lead the country.
Good luck to you all.

[Richard Hetzel]

I'm a registered independent so I can't write in Mario Scavello's name in the Democrat primary, but I would be happy to write his name in under any party, because he is good for his district.

I saw Mr. Scavello out at the Five Points intersection after its reconstruction, instructing motorists on how to use the new lanes and right turns on red. What other politician would take the time and put forth the effort to do such a thing?

Mario Scavello deserves the vote of any and every resident of his district, regardless of party, and he'll have mine in November.

[Patsy O.]

The right to vote is an important tool that can change the lifestyle of voters as well as non-voters. I respect a candidate (regardless of their party) who stands for his or hers belief even if they drown with it. Changing one’s mind is not an issue; it only becomes one when you are inconsiderate of how it will affect the people who entrusted you to represent them. In my opinion, Mr. Scavello does not appear to be a person of strong conviction. In today's world we need an individual who will stand up for the benefits and rights of his constituencies. He must say what he means and mean what he says. Unfortunately, the latter does not apply to this candidate.

[Anthony M. Stevens-Arroyo]

Scavello couldn't even get his own Republican Party to back his sales tax proposal! His switching back and forth between parties may feed his personal agenda, but it will penalize this district even more than in the past with no significant legislation in 8 years drawn up by Scavello. Sure, he uses the thousands of dollars given to each Rep for re-election by a legislature that knows how to spend tax-payers money and give themselves raises, but elections are supposed to be about policy, not personalities. The Democratic ballot should be for Democrats. You can always cross over on the ballot -- but this is too important an election to fudge the issue.

[Jim lyons]

Sorry, I cannot in good conscience support any Republican for the primary or the general election.

The past seven years of GW Bush and an endless war that need not have been waged have completely soured me on this party. On the other hand, I welcome any Republicans who feel that their party has let them down to join the Democratic party in November.

In Hope and in Peace,

Jim Lyons
Committed Delegate for Barack Obama
11th CD - Monroe County - PA