The Strategy Memos

We're not sure what the percentage is, but a large percentage of voters have no clue what their representatives do on a municipal level. No wonder no one votes. Don't they know it makes it hard for us to spread juicy rumors about conflicts on a municipal level?!? Still, we've got the commissioners race, which is starting to turn heads again. With the end-all be-all just over 30 days away, its time to go full speed. Republican victories are won and lost in grassroots politics, so we're watching to see who does it effectively and quickly.

Five weekends of trench warfare stand between winners and losers and its a fact (albeit a sad one) that 20% of voters decide who to pull the lever for at the poll. So, for those of you who are about to receive an early-morning Saturday knock from Rick Rovegno or Karen Gunnison, here's a quick synopsis of the winning strategy for each camp (we'll even guarantee that our strategy would get a win):

Barclay Camp: The message is simple. Tons of volunteers means tons of supporters. They support me, so you should too. Plus, I've got a massive ad budget, so you'll be seeing the Barclay name alot. And hearing it too, we're guessing. Still, take a look at the shape of the county and remember who got you there. The Chairman, that's who.

Gunnison Camp: Take a look at how hard I've been working over the past 3 months. I've been everywhere, to every meeting, and have met every Republican in the county. Many times. Its only a taste of my dedication to my job, and you'll have that fire tenfold when I'm commissioner. Plus, don't be scared by a bully pulpit - it's almost impossible for a single commissioner to change the entire lay of the land in 4 years.

Eichelberger Camp: Take a look around. Cumberland County is at the top of its game in every way imagineable, and Bruce Barclay didn't do that himself. With the state goverment as uncertain as it is, its hard to imagine your life getting astronomically better. But its easy to imagine it getting worse with Karen Gunnison in office.

Cecconello Camp: Proven experience on a municipal level. With a borough like Carlisle, which is nearly split 50/50 down the party lines, its damn near impossible to make everyone happy. Which is what makes me so good. Moderate Democratic leadership will keep your taxes low but your programs flourishing. My strong stand is something that you're not getting from Rovegno.

Rovegno Camp: For a guy who gets held down by his two older brothers and picked on, I do pretty good for myself. And its not like you've gone to a local meeting of any kind and not seen me there. I'm as involved as it gets, so why risk making things worse. Tact, intelligence, and incremental compromise.