GOP press releases

These are the recent Luzerne County GOP press releases as they came across the electronic wire.

www.luzernegop.org

Dec. 17, 2010

WILKES-BARRE -- Luzerne County Republican Executive Committee is asking Stephen A. Urban to resign his position as county commissioner “to preserve the checks and balances” guaranteed through the county code.

Republican County Chairman Terry Casey said the request was not a personal jab against Urban, who announced earlier this week that he was switching his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat.

“We want to make sure that the efforts of all registered Republicans and especially those who worked on Steve Urban campaigns and donated money to him do not go unnoticed,” Casey said.

“These volunteers and voters put their faith in Steve that he would work on their behalf and represent their interests as a minority,” Casey said. “Having no minority representation in county government is a danger to us especially in light of the corruption that has come to light in the wake of one-party rule.”

Casey said the county organization is investigating every opportunity and legal course of action but hopes it will not come to that.

“I am disappointed in Steve’s actions and would hope that he would consider stepping down,” Casey said. “Steve has always filled his role as the minority voice in county government and he has the opportunity to continue his legacy by gracefully resigning and allowing a Republican to fill his unexpired term.”

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CONGRESSMAN-ELECT MARINO ASSIGNED TO TWO KEY HOUSE COMMITTEES

U.S. Rep.-Elect Tom Marino, R-Lycoming Township, has landed positions on two key congressional committees.

Marino was notified Wednesday that he will join the U.S. House Homeland Security and Judiciary committees when the 112th Congress convenes next month.

U.S. Rep. Pete King of New York will chair the Committee on Homeland Security which oversees the Department of Homeland Security operations. Chairman of the Judiciary Committee is Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas.

Marino said he is pleased and honored to be selected to two committees that are close to his heart and mirror his experience.

“I don’t think there is anything more important than to serve on a committee that is dedicated to protecting our people and our land,” Marino said. “Our focus not only will be to prevent terrorist attacks but to eliminate the terrorists.”

The newly elected congressman from the 10th District believes his legal background, including his prosecutorial work, makes him an ideal match for the Judiciary Committee.

“My 18 years of experience will help me with this committee that writes criminal law, protects the law of the land and strives to keep our children safe,” Marino said. “This committee is often referred to as the guardian of the Constitution and I cannot think of a more noble mission.”

Marino is one of 10 members of the Judiciary Committee and one of two former U.S. Attorneys assigned to the panel that will focus on strengthening national security, protecting intellectual property, and preventing frivolous lawsuits, according to Chairman-Elect Smith.

Other members of the Judiciary Committee include Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana, who is considered as a possible presidential contender, and Rep. Tim Griffin, Arkansas, who a freshman who served as U.S. Attorney from the Eastern District of Arkansas. Marino, 58, served as a U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

King said the priorities for the Committee on Homeland Security include: stopping the Obama administration’s plans to transfer Guantanamo detainees and try them in civilian courts; holding hearings on the plans to close Guantanamo; holding hearings on the attack at Fort Hood; and enacting additional border security legislation to curb illegal immigration.

Contact: Renita Fennick
570-239-8851