SUE HENRY PACKS THEM IN
Tonight Sue Henry had her first official campaign kickoff in her quest to unseat multi term incumbent Eddie Day Pashinski. More than 125 people packed into Kelsey's Bar in Ashley on a rain soaked night to add support for her efforts. What impressed me was that the usual GOP Republican suspects were there but were complimented in numbers by folks with no real leadership in the party as well as a few Independent and Democrats seeking a better representation in Harrisburg.
Henry, flanked by her family and friends announced that Tony Brooks, President of Wilkes Barre City Council would be her co chair. This is a huge boost given Brooks' popularity in the City. Plus add to that the recent GOP headquarters opening in the downtown spearheaded by party Chair Ron Ferrence and you get the feeling the Republicans are getting energized for this race. The district has never had a GOP Representative with the seat being held by Bernie O'Brien, Kevin Blaum and the aforementioned Pashinski for nearly 60 years.
The speech was short in which Henry referenced Property Tax Reform, The Opioid Crisis and the fact that "she is one of us". All those three themes resonated and wowed the crowd. Sheepishly saying that the speech might be too long, one wag in the crowd hollered, "Not longer than Eddie's!" Henry advised that she had nothing against Pashinski personally but that the time had come for a change.
Greg Wolovich, the person who stepped aside for Henry to run was delayed due to a household emergency but those in the crowd who supported him in the primary were all in for the entire GOP ticket, state and local.
Here are a few photos from the event. 
Sue Henry seen here with Tony Brooks addresses the crowd along with Linda Joseph, a key supporter from the city of Wilkes Barre.
- Journalist Andreas Mink, a U.S, Correspondent came all the way from Connecticut to the event. He'll be meeting with Democrat Wendy Cominsky tomorrow but was getting an earful rom5th District Vice Chair Lynette Villano and Chair P.J. Pribula.
Here's Sue with longtime Republican stalwart Dr. Bill Lewis along with Priscilla Keating.
Joe Peters known and respected by many in both Democratic and Republican party circles made the trek to Luzerne County to lend support. He's here with Kathleen Smith who was on Team Wolovich and has made a very nice tradition to Team Henry.
(Photo: Kathleen Smith, LuLac)