PERZEL & ALLY FACE SUIT OVER ANONYMOUS ROBOCALLS…
GrassrootsPA has learned that former Republican State House candidate Lowell Gates has filed a massive 7 figure lawsuit against former House Speaker John Perzel, his close political ally Michael Karp, and Karp’s former company ATX Communications for their alleged roles in anonymous robocalls against Gates in April’s 88th district primary. Appearing to have been sent from a pirated number, these repeated rounds of unauthorized calls failed to list a disclaimer and are alleged to have been slanderous, untrue and intentionally misleading. Writs of summons were filed in Carlisle against the 3 parties mentioned above.
A Capitolwire article from earlier this year noted that the unauthorized robocalls in question were traced back to ATX Communications, which was once owned by Karp. According to campaign records, AXT was used by Perzel and HRCC (which he headed while Republican Majority Leader and House Speaker) for various other campaigns calls and activities over the course of the last 8 years.
Capitolwire also noted that all of the anonymous April Primary robocalls targeted Republican and Democratic candidates and legislators that had either publically opposed Perzel or voted against him for Speaker of the House. Gates, for instance, had publically pledged not vote for Perzel if elected.
So far Gates is the only person to take formal action against the Speaker Emeritus and his allies for their alleged role in these calls. Being a tax lawyer, business owner, and real estate investor, Gates appears to have the financial and legal resources to vigorously pursue this issue. He is said to have every intention to see this out as long as it takes.
“Gates will not let this slanderous untrue attack against him, his family and business go without justice, and he plans on going after Perzel and his cronies for as long as it takes to achieve justice” said a close Gates confident.
51 Comments
What about Bob Guzzardi?
Rabbi,
1. Guzzardi did his calls legal with disclaimer and were factually accurate.
2. Perzel did not use authority line and hence were illegal.
3. Perzel pirated a number to mask the origin of the calls. Illegal as well
4. Perzel slandered and libeled Lowell Gates with innaccurte and completely false info about him. You will see in the trial.
Perzel operates like that…shady cheap shots and when somebody wins denies it although a 3rd rate reporter in Decoursey even found out were the calls were traced back to and what company.
Perzel’s sloppiness is coming home to roost as Rev. Wright would say.
Perzel should bite the dust on November 4th in my book.
I expect the ninnies in Perzel’s district to send him back, but I am optomistic that a nice fat lawsuit like this will smack him into next week.
Interesting. The discoverable information in the suit will at a minimum lead Perzel to other legal trouble with the State Ethics Commission and the Department of State. Amazing that the guy still has as much support as he does in the caucus. Turzai is widely rumored to be mounting a challenge. Could get interesting.
Looks like the Guzzardi worship never stops. Sheep are sheep. Same with the Toomey (has been) worship.
You folks who try to “out conservative” each other have been instrumental in handing the democrats the majority, and will certainly give Obama PA. This cockiness is destructive and excellent fodder for the liberal minded.
Trial? You guys are certainly dillusional. First it was the pay raise, “Perzel is finished!” Then, Bonusgate, “Perzel is going to jail!” And, now, ROBOCALLS?? Keep dreaming! Legal trouble??
I’ll believe it when I see it.
And for clarification, Perzel was not the head of HRCC. And, the current head is doing a great job raising money. His claim to fame was a $200,000 breakfast, that he sent to Grassroots to brag about. When is the last time you heard something like that from Perzel, who can raise that in one phone call?
Hey Rabbi,
Why don’t you look at that corrupt fool Perzel who destryoed the GOP and cost us the majority in 06….you never take responsibility for your actions..you sound like a Democrat..blame somebody else for problems…..this is why we are in the tank….this isn’t about Toomey or conservative, it’s about good governemnt and not letting this corrupt philly turd bring down the party anymore.
Rabbi, it is defamatory to accuse someone of a crime, particularly, without any evidence or a scintilla of truth. Unlike you, I do stand by my statements, and will admit if I made a factual error. The Hacks never sleep.
Lowell Gates is to be highly commended for taking this on. He is an honorable man with an unblemished reputation ( accusations are not blemishes ).
Good to see that he is not letting this go. The delay in filing tells me that this has been carefully researched legally and factually. Discovery will be interesting. Perzel is vulnerable in his district and his involvement with Philadelphia Parking Authority is not a plus. Rich Costello is having trouble raising money because Perzel has blocked unions and usual D donors from giving to him. Rich is a Righteous Democrat, unlike Perzel, a phony Democrat,although not as bad as Jim Matthews in MontCo.
Earmarxist – I beg to differ. You Guzzardi and Toomey sycophants have destroyed the party. You children are worse than the entire democratic party.
Guzzardi, I will see you in court, you hack!
Too bad the evidence leads to Perzel and you Rabbi….you are the ones who are under investigation for bonusgate, and cost us the majority, not Toomey…..but keep thinking that. your delusion will be your undoing…
earmarxist you Guzzardi-kissing hack: keep dreaming. This so-called investigation is a sham and a waste of money that Gates could be using to support Obama, his candidate of choice (literally)
hack? how have I profited from political involvement?
Rabbi What is your name?
Guzzardi, you are like Gomez Adams – the more you waste your money, the better your return. You have profited substantially by permeating your liberal ideology into unseasoned sycophantic minds who are bought by your money. You and Ray Zaborney have conspired to destroy the republican party! How dare you!?
Bob, it’s Sheldon Whittiker the 3rd.
Rabbi, Did the pay raise and Perzel’s corrupt governance not cost the GOP it’s majority?
Please explain how Toomey costs us this?
Rabbi,
Why the shot at Zaborney? I thought he was a good establishment hack like you?
Rabbi,
This is classic “Blame the victim” mentality. Those of us who appreciate conservative PRINCIPLE, and stand firm against the unrelenting slouch to the left, are not to blame for the failure(s) of the Republican Party.
We place conservative principle above party loyalty. I would think that a Rabbi would appreciate such a stance.
Everyone knows Guzzardi is wrapped up with Zaborney and such hacks. I just can’t take this abuse anymore!
pork-Toomey is a has-been and costs us by going on air condemning McCain. Sure, McCain is a horrible choice for president, but Obama is horrible! And Toomey is trying to get Obama elected. This shocks my conscience!
Conservative goddess-you talk the conservative talk, but we are on to your nightlife!
Rabbi – The Republican Party destroyed itself — long ago.
You and your ilk will stand alone against a Democrat tide because of your unwillingness to ever compromise on your fancy conservative principles. In case you hadn’t noticed, Pennsylvania is a blue state and becoming bluer every day. You need to accept that someone who agrees with you 75% of the time (Egad! The Moderate Republicans) is better than someone who agrees with you 0% of the time (Democrats, Liberals, Etc.)
Do tell, “Rabbi”…….
Nightlife? Am I missing something? LOL…..you’re no Rabbi. No Rabbi would come into a public forum to libel and slander anyone, let alone those who stand for conservative principle.
I’m happy to see Lowell is pushing this issue. We (meaning people trying to clean up government) can’t let insider party hackers push us around.
Conservative Goddess–ah, but you make me feel like a rabbi. No woman has done that before! However, Bob Guzzardi has come close…but that was three drinks into a fundraiser.
Zabourney?
Where is Michael Karp from and what else does he do? And you know what? This is GREAT. If Bob had anything to do with it, bravo and shame on you mysterty Rabbi
Yes, because of the likes of the young Toomey disciples. Praise be to Pat! For he alone is worthy! Oh Holy Pat, you were cast down by Darlin’ Arlen, but ye shall rise again! Glory to Pat in the highest!
Michael Karp is a businessman who cares about children–he started a number of schools for the less fortunate. Some hate him because he’s Jewish. But, hey, this is a biggoted country as 86% of the blacks said they will vote for Obama Bin Biden.
Let the record reflect my criticism of Pat Toomey on two occassions. First, when he endorsed Rick Santorum for reelection. Second when he endorsed Saylor for retention.
We did not destroy the Republican Party. The Republican Party destroyed itself.
What is the real problem here? Are Corbett’s footsteps getting too close for comfort? Why the attack on principled conservatives who happen to be Republican? Well, some are still Republican. Others left the party.
What am I missing here Rabbi? Do you know Lowell personally? How is the man that was criticized for being ‘too conservative’ now back Obama?
What a bunch of nonsense. I never bother with this site. Now I know why.
you are bothering with it now….
You’re crazy. Sometimes I skip school just so I can stay home and post on this site all day. It has given me a new lease on life.
Well, maybe some good meaning Republicans or just plain folk can send some $$$ along to Costello…the Dems who have been helping Perzel are not pushing and he won’t be tied to anybody when he wins…a tough guy with backbone…Harrisburg won’t know whta him THEM…send HELP NOW I just did http://www.richcostello.com
Rabbi,
Two things:
First,
There are plenty of Republicans who are disgusted with the PA GOP organization. It will not take long on this site to see the number of postings expressing their opinion of Party hacks, dirty tricks, etc. with in the PA Party. Also, many of us are veterans of the pay raise battle and saw the way that the Legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle worked to fight us tooth and nail, using the party organization to hang onto power.
If the Republican party were not in the pocket of Perzel and the hacks, Guzzardi, Diamond, etc. would not be getting the backing that they are. Are Guzzardi, etc. perfect angels. No, but compared with what we seen in Harrisburg, we will take a chance on their faults.
Second,
Because we know and value the regular posters to this site, we are suspicious when someone new anonymously starts spouting off, attacking someone, even if there is validity to their claims. Call us an insular bunch, but we have seen it too much to just let someone come in unchallenged.
Paul Moore
Actually, too many RINOs in the republican party have made it what it is today. A total failure. Find a way to keep RINOs out and live up to the promises to serve the people and the republican party can make a comeback. Put Perzel and his D counterpart in jail and maybe the tide will turn.
I think Bob is looking out for “we the people”. Ray Zaborney is an idiot. I had too many conversations and emails with him about his strategy to get Lynn Swann elected governor. He didn’t want to hear his strategy was going to make Swann the biggest loser in history. But then I was wrong about that, Swann was only the second biggest loser in history. Could Zaborney be a RINO? I mean the guy seems intent on making republicans lose when he runs their campaigns!
Paul,
Absotutely correct.
insular – characteristic of an isolated people ; especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
Sometimes a revolution draws a diverse crowd..I’ll say the more the merrier…but you have to get in the game….if you know anyone In philly, in the NE part, get them in touch with Costello’s campaign…it can be the proverbial snowball effect…Perzel wants to get back as Speaker, and start all over again…but he can’t if he’s sitting in Boca Raton in January instead of Harrisburg…get ‘er done…
I look at it like this – Gates needs the money to prepare for loss of future earnings when the disciplinary board takes away his license.
CG, if your idea of nightlife is studying and discussing conservative values, as well as driving a honkin’ big diesel-powered truck, then you’re alright by me!
Actually, Jeff Coleman is intent on making republicans lose when her runs their campaigns!
John Perzel will be our next Governor, not that has-been Pat Toomey
What the heck are you drinkin’, dude?
Dems were even wearing Perzel pins when he was running for Speaker. What’s wrong with this picture?
Yeah….that about sums it up. I really know how to live, don’t I?
But I’d really like to learn about all this fun I’m supposed to be having……..live vicariously through the rumors!!!
Perzel wasn’t just paying for anonymous phone calls. Durso would never have voted for Speaker Perzel.
Southern Berks News, The (Boyertown, PA)
June 11, 2008
Section: News
Page: 5, 6
130th District campaign flier is under investigation
Author: Heather Tassmer; News Editor
Article Text:
An anonymous campaign flier attacking a candidate of the April 22 primary election for state representative of the 130th District is being investigated, a county official said.
The flier attacking Aaron Durso, pastor of Love Christian Fellowship and vice president of the Birdsboro Borough Council, was distributed the day before April 22, said County Commissioner Christian Leinbach, who serves on the county election board with the other commissioners.
The flier urged area citizens to vote for candidate Richard Gokey, chairman of the Amity Township Board of Supervisors. Gokey said he had nothing to do with sending out the flier and doesn’t know who distributed it.
The board approved submitting the flier to the Pennsylvania Department of State to be investigated after Gokey met with the board on May 29.
“Our goal is to find out who sent out the flier,” Leinbach said. “We want people to know if you do this, we’re not going to ignore it. We’re going to go after people who violate the law.”
According to state Campaign Finance Reporting Law, to distribute political advertisements or communications, one must have the permission of the political candidate or candidate’s committee and the advertisement must state that the message was authorized or paid by the candidate.
Election Code states that if the candidate doesn’t give authorization to the advertisement, the distributor must include who paid for it.
Leinbach said there may have been more than one person involved in sending out the flier and that the literature was distributed in Birdsboro, Exeter and Amity.
The message printed on the flyer accused Durso of not working, not paying property taxes and of murdering someone in 2004.
Leinbach said after the Berks County district attorney looked into the message, he found Durso didn’t have a criminal record and the murder mentioned didn’t occur. Durso said everything about the flier was false except for the part about him not paying property taxes.
He is exempt from paying property taxes due to a veteran disability status, he said.
Durso said he developed a seizure disorder while serving with the U.S. Air Force in support of the Persian Gulf War.
He said he doesn’t think the flier cost him the election and the reasons Gokey beat him in the representative race are because he out-spent him and out-campaigned him.
Another negative part of the flier is that it made it seem like he and Gokey didn’t get along, Durso said.
“I will support him in the race for state representative,” he said.
Durso said that he and his family aren’t worrying about the flier and are moving forward.
Gokey said the flier was sent to him as an e-mail after the election.
“I was disappointed and appalled the flier was sent out,” Gokey said. “Negative campaigning isn’t good for anyone and has no place in politics.”
He said that he feels the flier cost him some votes.
Gokey will be running against incumbent Rep. David Kessler (D-130) in the November general election.
The district includes townships of Amity, Colebrookdale, Douglass, Earl, parts of Exeter, Oley, Pike, Rockland, Ruscombmanor and Union townships and the boroughs of Birdsboro, Boyertown and Fleetwood.
According to Campaign Financing Law, if someone commits a violation, it would be a misdemeanor and the person would have to pay up to $1,000 in fines or would be imprisoned “of not less than one month or two years, or both in the discretion of the court.”
Copyright 2008, Southern Berks News, The (Boyertown, PA) – a Journal Register Company Property, All Rights Reserved.
The only way that Perzel will get the nomination is if the Republican party FORCES the other primary cantidates off the ballot. IF they do, it will disenfranchise a group of Republicans and we will end up with another “Swann Dive” like 2006.
To those on this site who want to see responsible open government, we need to work NOW to make sure that Perzel, or any other machine Politician does not go unchallenged in the Republican primary. He will have plenty of ammo against Perzel. Just run the clip of his visit to the Pittsburg school with pigs in the background. Or all his statments about Lancaster cow milkers (Or was that tatoo artists…) If this does not get run in the primary, it sure will get run by the Democrats in the general. Outside of Philly, Perzel is damaged goods.
We may also do what we can to have a third option available in November 2010.
.
Rumor has a deal has been brokered between Perzel and Shapiro: Perzel for governor and Shapiro for Lt. Governor. This should be an interesting development.
Rabbi, Now you have gone beyond the believable.
Thanks for letting us have some fun with you and getting us going.