2008 is upon us...Part 1, The Senator Mike O'Pake

In a few short weeks, 2007 will be pass and the new year will be heralded into our lives. But, of course the big news is we will see a whole new round of elections. Now, being the educated populace that comprises Berks County politics, let us take a look at what may be on the horizon for next year's election cycle. While of course I care about who is President, the focus of my efforts are on the local front.

So today, let us start with Berks County's own, Mike O'Pake. The Senator can be a peculiar man but he works hard for the people of Berks County. You may not always like his tactics or even how he speaks to people or his demeanor, but you know he will fight like hell for the people of Berks County.

Now, the latest rumor is that the Republicans led by Mr. Mark Gillen, have a possible candidate to run against the Senator. Now, knowing Mr. Gillen, you can not take this gentleman lightly. Mr. Gillen will attempt to locate a candidate who can offset the Senator's reputation, specifically with Senior Citizens. I understand that they are trying to locate someone who either has their own funding stream or knows how to get it. While Mr. Gillen would not hesitate to look for a woman, I would not be surprised if we see a business person who has built a reputation of their own, within the business and financial circles in Berks County and can access the money in those circles. I would figure that Mr. Gillen would probably concentrate in the moderate circles, knowing that a far-right conservative can not beat the Senator. But if they do not find someone to fit that mold, expect another lightweight opponent in the fall.

The Senator should not have opposition within the Primary, but with the nefarious blogger not being a fan of the Senator, nor for that matter is his misguided associate from Kenhorst/RACC by way of Kutztown University, who knows what the wacko liberal left will do. (By the way, for the record, I have much respect for many liberals, especially people such as Fred Schaeff, Darlington Hoopes and Lynn Millar. I may not always agree with them, but they have earned my respect.)

Throw in the fact that the slippery councilman from West Reading is attempting to be a "green-democrat" party BOSS, we can not be sure that the good Senator would escape the Primary unscathed. But remember my fellow Berks Countians, these guys are the "real" democrats and really care about our Party and our values.

The Senator is a perfect example of a legislator who knows what it means to compromise and show a little civility toward people. The blogger and his cohorts would only respond with attacks, innuendo about the Senator and resort to their normal name-calling routine. However my friends, all you need to do is go back through the Senator's record and see what the Senator has done for Berks County. His record of accomplishments and support for our community and from our community is widespread, but I guess his conservative values penalize him and make him a "poor" Democrat, as far as the Morgan-Carabello-Morrill crowd (from now on known as the "lunatic left-fringe"), is concerned.

Well Senator, from one of your fellow Democrats who does agree with your civility, professionalism, and your willingness to compromise to do what is right for Berks County, I offer you this thought: stand strong and true to the Berks County people, as you have for these many years! We will not abandon you.

Senator, the Moderate Democrats, most Liberal Democrats and of course, the Catholic Democrats who are so maligned by the Morgan-Carabello-Morrill crew, are in your corner. But I believe Senator O'Pake, you need to send a message and I will help you yell it for all of Berks County to hear...

Tell the "lunatic left-fringe" they do not represent the value of most Berks Countians. Tell them these very simple, but elegant to-the-point words of direction...

Go to Hell!

Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood