PA 13

[TeePee4Prez]

I agree with you, Handzus, that Bard and Taubenberger wouldn't have been able to beat Torsella or Schwartz  (though Taubenberger MIGHT have been able to barely win against Schwartz) but my opinion isn't changing. Brown will win.

And as for Brown looking foolish, when did you come to that conclusion. She's got the edge on Schwartz and you know it.

Schwartz could score points by saying that electing Brown would keep the "far-right" in power but the people aren't stupid. She would then have to explain her situation...being a far-left, Pelosi-like Democrat. The people of PA13 don't want a member from an extreme wing. Brown is NOT extreme at all, Schwartz is. Brown wins in November, GOP pickup.

One thing I can say about Schwartz is she's excellent at explaining things.  She has to move to the center socially though.  You are right, this matchup is the best chance for a GOP pickup, but I still think Schwartz will still pull it off.  I thought Torsella had it in the primary given his moderation and on the local level, Torsella seemed to have more popularity plus what every paper was saying the "winnability" factor.  I must say this is Schwartz's lucky year because of what I and others have been saying about keeping the far-right in power.  If this matchup occurred in 2000 or 2002, Schwartz would be toast.  This is 2004 though, but I also realize this is not San Francisco either.  Then again right wing extremists are getting too powerful and people here know it.  I stand by my previous analysis.  I would have loved to see Torsella v. Taubenberger .  That would have been a pulverization.        

[TeePee4Prez]

I agree that Torsella vs. Taubenberger would have been an easy win for Torsella. Any idea to what % Torsella would get in this scenario?

Torsella (D): 66%
Taubenberger (R): 32%
Nutso 3rd party (probably Const.): 2%

Speaking of nutso 3rd party, staunch pro-lifers have an alternative.  This person will have some, but minor clout in this election.  I'm thinking that maybe 3, amybe 4%.  He could be our Nader!!

[TeePee4Prez]

Torsella wouldn't get THAT MUCH support. And as for the third party candidate in this election, he's a Libertarian who won't make much of a difference. McDermott, who ran in 2002 for Congress and tried to run for mayor in '03, was a staunch pro-lifer but is NOT on the ballot this year. Sorry, Handzus, but no Republican votes taken away from Brown this year

Taubenberger's a dud.  He has no chance period!  He would lose to Nancy Pelosi in this district and don't try to tell me Schwartz is that far to the left.  There are a fair number of far-left people in this district as much as there are old men that subscribe to the Catholic Standard and Times.  The moderates would go Pelosi.  As for teh 3rd party, I rememebr reading in the Northeast Times he's a staunch pro-lifer.    

[TeePee4Prez]

Oh and there is NO WAY Taubenberger would lose to Nancy Pelosi. You know that isn't true.

He would most definitely lose to Schwartz, Hoeffel, and get pulverized by Torsella.

[TeePee4Prez]

You made the statement that he'd lose to Pelosi and that is NOT TRUE. He'd lose to Hoeffel and Torsella but Schwartz...I'm not sure. Point is though, he would not lose to Pelosi.

Forgot one thing.. Pelosi's a GILF!  Hard as anything to find MILF's let alone GILF's.  Yes, she's a grandma.  How often do you see that!  Taubenberger is way far to the right and is not very good looking(not to be gay) plus the district is left-center and Pelosi is very articulate.

[TeePee4Prez]

I'll still agree with you that Section 8 has ruined a lot of neighborhoods in Northeast Philadelphia, but the program has good intentions.  I just think it's unfair that a lot of people aren't accountable for taking care of their places and in some cases people buying the home at a much cheaper price than the rest of us.  The program was meant to give people a second chance, not for an alternative way of life.  I can see people who are disabled or seniors not being subject to inspections, but others have some serious problems.  I feel Joe Hoeffel and Jonathan Saidel have addressed the need for stricter enforcement of abusive tenants quite well.

If not for the Democratic party, Philadelphia would be much worse off.  Labor unions and higher wages have increased the standard of living across the board.  Unions are still strong here, but the Democratic party is also reaching out to college students and graduates who can't find dedcent jobs with high loans.  As a result of the Bush Administration, college costs have risen by 35% and Pell Grants hgave decreased.  You will be experiencing this in what 1 or 2 years.  I feel bad for you guys.  The Bush Adminsitration has really raked you guys over coals here.  Under the Clinton Administration college was very accessible.

I understand you want a better Philadelphia as do I, but being a right-wing reactionary isn't going to solve anything.  I tend to look at things from a broader perspective then make an educated decision and I trust you will.  I have my reasons for voting Democratic as you have yours for voting Republican.  I'm just basically telling you mine for being a Democrat and voting for Allyson Schwartz come November.  It's great there is someone in here from my area to discuss this with and beleive me you have had some excellent posts.

On the subject of Pelosi...    Gotta admit she's hot for her age!  Come on have a little fun here!  Gotta admit Melissa Brown's cute too, just not voting for her .  You sound like you're a real serious conservative.                        

[TeePee4Prez]

I do think a big problem for America's cities and rural areas is that they're one party dominated.

I think cities would be better off if they had credible opposition parties...just winning mayor isn't enough...

Philly would benefit immensely from a Green or a Republican party thats able to challenge the Democrats for occasional majority status on city council. Doesn't have to be all of the time...but just enough to keep things honest and efficient.

I could agree to that.  Look at Giuliani's New York.  Man did he ever trun that city around yet many New Yawkers voted fro Gore and Democratic Senators.

[TeePee4Prez]

KP, did you read the Northeast Times yesterday.  Yep, HE'S BAACK!!!  You know that extreme right Constitutionalist McDermott.  I hope the hardcore pro-lifers vote for him to take away from Brown.  Oh well!

[TeePee4Prez]

Let me ask you this...  How do you think Brown is going to answer for Bush considering the fact a lot of people here think he screwed up?  I think the rally at Fort Washington did more to hurt Brown than anything.  As I have said before, Sam Katz knew to keep his distance and he STILL got crushed.  Melissa Brown has not, she shoves his policies down our throats expecting us to readily accept them with the exception of a few social ones.  If she continues on the path she's going supporting Bush, she's toast!  I think people are more willing to table Section 8 if they see the wealthy getting breaks more so than them.  This is more of a factor in the Northeast than it is Montogmery Co. and you know it.  Melissa Brown will have to explain herself.  Schwartz does not have that burden.  Still tossup, lean Schwartz unless Bush skyrockets in ratings.    

I hate to beat a dead horse here, but where are you coming up with such baseless conclusions about Joe Hoeffel and the Democratic party.  I'm a Democrat yet I can discuss with you which members have issues.  You on the other hand have been an advertising parrot for Melissa Brown and the Republican party.  "Section 8... tort reform... medical malpractice.... Section 8... tort reform... TAX CUTS... Section 8".  Can you come up with any original ideas as to why you unabashedly support these people?  I'll break it down for you:

Section 8-  What do you think Melissa Brown will do different than what Joe Hoeffel and Jon Saidel have already done?  Considering there is a Republican president and both houses of Congress, do you think (honestly) the Northeast would be any different if Melissa Brown were in COngress right now?  I DON'T!    

Tax cuts-  Unless you live in Pine Valley or certain parts of Somerton or Morrell Park (or have a shore home in Margate we don't know about), Bush's tax cuts are not likely to benefit many people from the Northeast when looking at them in aggregate terms.  Considering the drastic increase in costs for federal and city health benefits, the tax cuts have done nothing to offest this for the incomes most people here receive.  Not to mention the drastic cuts our lcoal governments had to take as a result.  I have harped on college costs before and beleive me you will be in for the shock of your life in a few years unless you have perfect SAT's.  Tiuiton costs have increased 35% since Bush took office.  I do beleive this is a correlation to Bush' tax cuts.  I could give you a macroeconomic analysis that could take all day, but I'm giving you an idea of why I do not buy the Republican ticket on this issue.      

Tort reform/malpractice-  Form your own opinion of that.  Do you side with the doctors or the patients/lawyers?  I think the doctors are whiny @ssholes in this case that are going after the wrong people because it's easier than attacking the bad decisions of insurance companies IMO.

[TeePee4Prez]

She ran for the OLD 13th Seat in 98, lost big in the primary. Wanted to run in 00 but did not for the sake of party unity. She was not planning on running again but after the district was re-drawn, she ran in 02. Once Borski got out and Hoeffel was the Dem nominee, Melissa was NOT supposed to win. She came within 3.5 points of beating him. This time, she will win. Torsella's folks are supporting Melissa.

You're partially right that there will be SOME Torsella folks that will support Melissa, though not many.  You also have to remember the Bard folks that will support Schwartz.  This is a strange district.  Just because one person in your backyard gave an opinion, doesn't mean it's the rule.  The statistics do not favor Brown here.  She has some explaining to do.  I'll admit I looked at Brown after Torsella lost but after I found out some more, I backed right off.  If she were like Specter, I would definitely consdier her, but she is on Bush' jock strap and you know it and it will hurt her bigtime!

[TeePee4Prez]

Speaking of Lautenberg, I think Schwartz should do a poll and if she's down by more than 5 rigth now, she should pull a "Lautenberg" and put Torsella in her place.  There is no reason the GOP should pick PA-13 up unless the candidate is THAT liberal.  I choked after Torsella lost, I'll admit it.  He was the better candidate, but please remember this is not 2002.  

[TeePee4Prez]

Handzus, you should really consider Brown. You know what needs fixing in this district. Atleast consider it.

I have considered it.  I'm voting Schwartz!  My mind is made up.  I gave Brown a second look after Torsella lost and I don't like what I'm seeing.  I'll admit I was very worried this seat may fall into GOP hands after Torsella lost, but I think Brown is getting a lot of criticism in the Inquirer and NE Times to an extent and her stump in Fort Washington may in fact hurt her.  I'm not a 100% fan of Schwartz, but I can honestly say I find her principled.  Brown is a dirty, canniving campaigner and she is not winning me over right now.  I don't think she knows the Northeast as well as you think she does.  She looks like someone that's desperate for votes and will do anything to get them.  When I sat down and thought about it for a little bit, I came up with this conclusion.  I'd rather have a far-leftie that's principled and is acting like a representative rather than a moderate right that's canniving and sucking up to someone I don't particularly like right now.    

[TeePee4Prez]

Melissa Brown knows the Northeast. She's spent a lot of time here and knows what issues are important to the NE voters.

Brown will make a great congresswoman and hopefully you will realize she is the best for this district.

Some of your posts have me laughing.  The fact that you and a lot of people in the Northeast can't see through this garbage is pathetic.  For being such cynical sports fans, I'm surprised people aren't telling that princessy doctor to go take a hike!  Really, Joe Torsella fits the character and ideals of this district the best, I'll admit, but a lot of people aren't seeing what's wrong with Melissa Brown.  She'll say anything to get your vote then will likely represent the doctors and millionaires who are paying her.  Don't want to piss them off, eh?  The methods she is using to get our votes wants to make me vomit.          

[TeePee4Prez]

Melissa Brown knows the Northeast. She's spent a lot of time here and knows what issues are important to the NE voters.

Brown will make a great congresswoman and hopefully you will realize she is the best for this district.

Some of your posts have me laughing.  The fact that you and a lot of people in the Northeast can't see through this garbage is pathetic.  For being such cynical sports fans, I'm surprised people aren't telling that princessy doctor to go take a hike!  Really, Joe Torsella fits the character and ideals of this district the best, I'll admit, but a lot of people aren't seeing what's wrong with Melissa Brown.  She'll say anything to get your vote then will likely represent the doctors and millionaires who are paying her.  Don't want to piss them off, eh?  The methods she is using to get our votes wants to make me vomit.          

Are you kidding me?! whats fake about her? The fact that shes going to give up a very lucrative medical career to make 150k a year in congress? Granted, thats a lot of money but it pales in comparison to her current salary. Melissa Brown does not have to care about us but the fact that she has run so much shows that she does care. Why would she risk being called a racist and fight section 8? Why else would she give up all of her money to be a congresswoman? Why else is she standing up against Mayor Street for trying to cut the funding to Firemen? Tell me son, what is wrong with fighting for Docs? We NEED them. We dont need greedy trial lawyers. Melissa Brown DOES NOT NEED TO RUN FOR CONGRESS. She is making tons of money and has a very comfortable live that she will be giving up to run for congress. Allyson Schwartz has not outlined any plans, and she thinks she will win by running on her record. If she is relying on her liberal voting record then she better get out now! Melissa is most qualified to go to congress, especially more qualified than Schwartz - that is why you Dems are so scared right now. God Bless Melissa Brown!!!!!

Listen to me SON, why do you think I'm on here diming you and Keystone Phil out?  It's because you and your buddy buy into this mind-numbing propaganda and call it fact.  Melissa Brown would have never heard about Section 8 unless some of the Philly GOP told her about it.  The GOP is trying to get their paws into anything they can.  And you don'tr think Melissa Brown is going to get kickbacks from this?  THINK AGAIN!!  The prestige of being in Congress is why a lot of people run.  Why would I want a Congressman or woman who unabashedly supports tax cuts for the wealthy?  Why would I want someone that thinks this facist @sshole in the White House deserves all the money he needs for his needless war games?  As I have said before the city and state have more power than her to stop Section 8.  Why do we need another GOP Congressperson to do this?  You guys have enough of them.  And is the problem solved? NO.  Melissa Brown will do no different to Joe Hoeffel has already done and nor can she.  Do you honestly think Joe Hoeffel or Allyson Schwartz thinks Section 8 is an alternative lifestyle and should be tolerated?  NO!! They would be foolish to think that.  Is it such a bad program to give someone a second chance provided they don't abuse it? NO.  Do I mind it for the elderly or diabled? NO!

On tax cuts, energy indpendence, the military, and most issues, I support Allyson Schwartz.  END OF STORY!!! You must think you are going to convert me... ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!

[TeePee4Prez]

Son, grow up and look at the FACTS!!! City and State has more control over Section 8??? Its a Federal Program, son! Joe Hoeffel and Ally Schwartz is not/will not be tough on Section 8 because everyone on Section 8 are Democrats! Melissa Brown will be able to, and will, work to put Section 8 on hold until it can be fixed!

As for your "kick back and prestige" comments, you are right and wrong. Yes, Melissa will gain Prestige, but please, tell me what kind of kick backs can she (a millionaire) possibly get that will equal anything she can get on her own and get easier?! Your a dud!

I'm sorry you are really f**king stupid!!  SIEG HEIL!! HEIL MELISSA BROWN!!  RAH!! RAH!!! RAH!! SECTION 8 BAD!!! REPUBLICANS GOOD!! RAW!!!!  STREET BLACK!!! STREET DEMOCRAT!!! DEMOCRAT BAD!!! DEMOCRAT LIKE SECTION 8!!!

When your paying out your @ss for college, don't come crying about how you got little financial aid.    

[TeePee4Prez]

so much anger, Handzus. Calm down. So you're going to lose PA13. Atleast you'll have a good member of Congress.

It's the city and state that controls how Section 8 is run.  Yes, Section 8 is federally funded, but the problem isn't funding, it's landlord-tenant rules.  What will Melissa Brown do different?  NOTHING!!  Sorry to be angry, but you are really buying into to mind numbing BS propagnada and speaking down to me because you think I'm a destructive liberal.  I'd rather be a liberal than support Bush's moronic policies!    

[TeePee4Prez]

Yes, Street is Black... so are Allan Keys Herman Cain and Clarence Thomas. I know you Dems in Philly love to call us racist for not liking someone who happens to be black but that has nothing to do with their poor ability. If we were racist, Thomas wouldnt be on the court and Keys and Cain wouldnt be some of the most conservative folks alive.
Yes, Section 8 is bad. It is bringing down property value and bringing crime into otherwise good neighborhoods.
No, not all Democrats are bad. Jim Kenney and Mike Nutter are great democrats.
Well I am glad you got your point out there. And I would also like to congratulate you on proving me wrong. Wait, I did that to you! Tell me, what have I ever said that was ed up or incorrect?

It's not that Street is black.  It's the blind association people make with Street and Democrats in general.  You seem not to bring in the blackness, but unfortunately people do and I was just bringing it to light.  Mike Nutter is a great Dem as well.  So is Joe Hoeffel, Ed Rendell, Allyson Schwartz, and John Kerry.

[TeePee4Prez]

I just talked to someone about Section 8 today who actually works in that department.  Here's a run down of how it's actually run.  You're right it is federal funded.  However, it is for the states to decide whether they want it and for the local government to manage it.  

Ok, Mr.SmartyPants GOP, what is Melissa Brown proposing on doing to stem Section 8 in Northeast Philadelphia??  I haven't seen anything on her website or the papers that is different that any other candidate.  Someone must have drilled in your little head that a Democrat will automatically let Section 8 run rampant and not feel anything for Northeast Philly homeowners.  Most of what has been coming out of your mouth suggests that.  Do you honestly think if Allyson Schwartz is confromted with the question of Section 8 housing she'll say "It's a well-managed program and our more fortunate neighbors should be tolerant of whatever challenges the tenant presents"?  Come on buddy, even some of her most ardent suppoters such as Jon Saidel and Joe Hoeffel have addressed this issue rather harshly and I don't think she's that stupid.  

I think I have stated my other concerns quite clearly in here and you can see why I'm voting for Allyson Schwartz in November.    

[TeePee4Prez]

Hey, KP.  Keep all PA-13 posts to here.  Has potential to be a hot topic with our home district getting a ton of play in here !!!

[TeePee4Prez]

How did Schwartz beat Torsella in the primary?  That is beyond me.

Where's that BAN function they have on IRC?

[TeePee4Prez]

How did Schwartz beat Torsella in the primary?  That is beyond me.

Where's that BAN function they have on IRC?

huh?

You know the one where SOMEONE KICKS YOU OFF FOR BEING SO GODDAMN ANNOYING???  I swear to God Tweed, do you have a freaking life?  Yeah, i was reeling a little after Joe Torsella lost the primary essentially giving the GOP a good, but not definite shot at the PA-13 seat.  Do you honsetly think you're funny?

[TeePee4Prez]

lol...

I guess you are still angry at me for being angry at you after you took a vote away from Seige.  I had accepted it as history but it seems as if you can't do the same.

I was asking the question because I like Torsella and I foresaw him as the Dem nominee against Santroum in 2006 until he lost by a few % in the primary to Schwartz.

My mistake, I thought you were still busting my balls for that.  Yes, i can forsee him as a potential nominee.  Despite the fact Torsella lost, he is more moderate than Schwartz and should do better statewide.  He would also have massacred Melissa Brown in the PA-13 general.

[TeePee4Prez]

I've been reading some posts on Brown on the PoliticsPA forum.  Wow is she ever getting killed by her own  party and Bard supporters are backing Schwartz.  If I'm not mistaken Bard crushed Brown in Montgomery Co., didn't she Keystone Phil?  KP, the odds of Brown winning are ever decreasing by the day.  Section 8 is her only saving grace here in NE Philly and you know it.  That can be smeared and her record with Bob Asher, Tom DeLay, and Co. will be known.  Oh and as for her being a "business owner", didn't she and her husband bankrupt an insurance company?  Just thought I'd bring this to your attention Keystone Phil.  Yeah, KP, this is REALLY someone I want in Congress!  

[TeePee4Prez]

How can you be so sure about Torsella supporters goign for Brown?  Hmm, Torsella even said in his concession speech he is backing Schwartz.  Bard is not backing Brown.  And why do you think people in NE Philly voted Torsella in what was really a nothing primary for us Dems?  Probably because they do not want the conservatives getting another rubber stamp.  I can tell you, as I have many times, I voted Torsella and I will be voting Schwartz in November.  She is not as far to the left as you think.  Her weakness was she played a little too much on the womens issues in the primary and Torsella went for the "meat and potatoes" issues.  From what I'm reading Schwartz is getting drastically better on those issues.  Brown on the other hand is harping on Section 8 and malpractice issues and saying how great Bush is.  I'll admit I had to sit down and think about Schwartz v. Brown after the primary.  I took about a month or two to realize Schwartz is the better choice and is sounding better by the minute.      

[TeePee4Prez]

In what way in your infinite judgement is Schwartz close to Street?  Yeah, I did not vote for Street, but giving Bush another rubber stamp, if God forbid he's reelected, is not something I'm comfortable with.  Clearly Torsella was the better Dem candidate, but Schwartz is not too far off from him.  Yeah, she's a bit of a liberal feminist.  Look, at least 50% of the NE part of the distirct will go Democrat on name and union recognition alone.  They will be somewhat inclined to overlook Brown's shenanigans because of the uncertainty of Bush with labor.  Most people can not comprehend tax cuts as well as I can, but they do comprehend labor.  In 2002, Hoeffel still got over 50% of the NE vote and that was post-9/11.  Labor issues are a little more to light here than in 2000.  I can still see Schwartz pulling off 55% of the Northeast vote on labor alone.  As for Montgomery Co, Bard voters will definitely be more inclined to go Schwartz than Torsella for Brown, though I can see party crossovers.  People in the NE did take notice to that Fort Washington rally and some of the responses in the NE Times and Daily News were not too kind.  Brown has the greater likelihood of falling on her face than does Schwartz.