Monday, March 10, 2008

Family Feud

Some supporters of state Senate hopeful Tony Bompiani of Hempfield are still second-guessing the Democrat endorsement of attorney Chris Huffman of Rostraver.

Bompiani was backed by Westmoreland County commissioners Tom Balya and Tom Ceraso, retiring state Rep. Tom Tangretti and Allen Kukovich, director of the Southwestern Regional Office of Gov. Ed Rendell.

But that couldn't garner the endorsement. Bompiani lost by an 82-79 margin. The Democratic Party's victor will face off in November against incumbent Republican Robert Regola, who faces no opposition in the April 22 primary.

Some in Bompiani's camp question whether party by-laws were circumvented, but county Chairman Dante Bertani says they were not.

One issue: Huffman works as a part-time assistant public defender under Bertani, the county's public defender.

"I didn't do anything to help Chris out," Bertani said.

Bertani conceded that since the start of the year he has filled almost 50 vacancies on the committee, including nine appointments made in the week leading up to the county convention. Bertani pointed out that party by-laws contain no provision outlawing the practice, a situation he believes should be rectified. Among the appointments were three teachers from Hempfield Area School District, where Bompiani served as a school director during contentious contract negotiations.

Bertani intends to propose a change in the by-laws to prohibit the appointment of committee members within 30 days of the convention.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_556279.html

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Didn't do anything to help Chris out? Oh, you mean like have your family members cirulate petitions for Chris? Of have your son, count the votes at the Convention?

Anonymous said...

It's funny how Danny got 50 people to commit to being appointed to the committee, but none of them were willing, or conserned about the party enough to run for the position. There are many us who were elected and have been committee people for years. Maybe thats why there are so many people who were elected leaving the committe. I wonder if this group of appointees will seek to run for the office next year or will they just wait to see if they are needed at the convention. They better watch maybe someone who wants to serve there community will run against them.

Anonymous said...

I don't understand how the public does not see how unorganized and unprofessional the democratic committee has been lately.

The voters need to step up and vote for what makes sense in their hearts, and vote for the right guy.

Do not just vote for someone because your told to do so. Vote because of what you believe in.

Anonymous said...

Time to turn up the heat and enthusiasm!!! The voters will decide this election, (not a pre-programmed machine)!!! Danny and Chris make a fatal error. They arrogantly underestimate the intelligence of the voters. They stack the deck with appointed comittee people (vs. elected) before election shortchanging the people and giving them "token" representation. This poor judgment and lack of integrity may not be illegal. It is not illegal to walk with poop in one's pants either, but common sense should prevail from the stench alone. We no longer want Mr. Huffman's brand of phoney baloney, self-serving representation. Mr. Bompiani, you are the people's chosen "Public Defender". Get busy defending your neighbors and friends. WE NEED YOU!! Quality over muck anyday.

Anonymous said...

why is it that Chris Huffman doesn't mention on his site that he was endorsed by the county committee? Why doesn't chris Huffman list on his website that he works for Dante Bertani? Maybe he knows that one was engineered by his boss and maybe he isn't very proud of his work for the county!

Anonymous said...

I've been closely following the democratic primary because Dr. Bompiani is our only shot at beating a republican. I hope the voters see through arrogant Huffman and vote for someone who actually cares! Bertani & his puppets try to sway the votes for the endoresement because they doesn't want anyone in office who is smarter than them. You see how proud Huffman was to receive the endorsement--it still isn't on his website.