Posted on 02/18/2004 6:20:47 AM PST by ellen_rometsch
Mark Pazuhanich is on administrative leave from his duties as a Monroe County judge until criminal charges [of sexually molesting a ten-year-old girl at a Hilary Duff cincert]against him are resolved, but he will apparently be a factor in local politics for the foreseeable future.
The Monroe County Republican Committee once again has a leadership fight on its hands, and Pazuhanich is going to be an issue. Those who actively supported him in his election campaign are going to be called upon to defend their judgment in backing a candidate who was charged shortly after the election with child molestation and drunkenness.
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Helen Diecidue has filed nominating papers to run against incumbent GOP County Chairwoman Linda Womer in the April 27 Republican primary. Womer comfortably fended off the challenge of Diecidue's late husband, Tony, in 2002 to win her second two-year term as chairwoman, an unpaid position.
Womer said the latest effort to oust her as party chairwoman is being orchestrated by Pazuhanich supporters in last year's election. She said that Karen Clarkson, who privately administered the oath of office to Pazuhanich in January after the judge-elect was discouraged from attending official swearing-in ceremonies, and Pazuhanich ally Bill Quinn are among those who circulated nominating petitions for Diecidue's party challenge.
"So it seems certain it's the Pazuhanich group running someone," Womer added.
Diecidue says that Pazuhanich has nothing to do with the actions of those who circulated her nominating petitions.
"Definitely not," Diecidue said. "Karen is a committee person. Billy Quinn is a committee person. I don't know what that means. It's a big lie.
"Out of the 9,000 that voted for Mark Pazuhanich, am I not supposed to get any of their signatures? She is stooping so low," Diecidue added.
Clarkson also objected to Womer's linkage of the leadership challenge to Pazuhanich.
"I don't think that Linda Womer is promoting unity in the Republican Party by saying that," Clarkson said. "I was personally asked by Helen to circulate one of her petitions. That was a personal decision by Helen and I agreed to help her."
Quinn couldn't be reached Tuesday for comment.
Diecidue issued a prepared statement on her platform.
"Among my immediate goals for the Republican Party are the revitalization of our party committee, establishing a diverse membership on the executive board which will reflect the full membership of our party," Diecidue's prepared statement read. "I pledge also to meet regularly and openly with all members of the party and assure candidates of excellence for our future."
Diecidue, who is the Monroe County register of wills/recorder of deeds, said that as party chairwoman she will reach out to residents and try to achieve consensus.
"I feel strongly that creative leadership will bring together the Republicans, independents and all voters of good will here in Monroe County," Diecidue wrote. "As a party chair I will help create an atmosphere of welcome for all those who seek to strengthen the community in which we live, and to work with those individuals and families who have already helped to make Monroe County a great place to work and to live."
Diecidue says she will strengthen the GOP's slight edge in county registered voters.
"The Republican Party, under my administration, will also have a headquarters established for all future election time activity," Diecidue added. "It will be a gathering place for all to get information, assist candidates and learn about the election process."
Womer says she'll concentrate on electing Republicans. In last year's municipal and county elections, Republicans won 23 of 27 races, she added.
"I'll stay focused on the other Republican candidates' elections," said Womer. "That will be my first point of duty, and my own election will come second."
Despite her success, Womer has been criticized by some Republicans for failing to back all its candidates. Though Pazuhanich won the Republican primary for county judge last year and went on to win the general election, Womer backed Republican Art Zulick's third-party general election bid after Zulick narrowly lost the primary.
Shortly after his election, Pazuhanich was charged with child molestation and public drunkenness during a teen concert in Wilkes Barre. Last week, Pazuhanich agreed to go on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of those charges.
By DAVID PIERCE Pocono Record Writer dpierce@poconorecord.com
Copyright © February 18, 2004, Pocono Record
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