Libertarian seeks Pa. Senate post

WILKES-BARRE – Betsy Summers of Wilkes-Barre has announced her candidacy for the state Senate in the 14th District, making her the second Libertarian Party entry into a local state race.

Summers, 52, said she is ready to take on the candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties in the November general election. In fact, Summers said she would like to debate the candidates before the May 18 primaries even though the Libertarian Party will not appear on a primary ballot.

“When you look at it, what are the people’s real choices – politicians again?” Summers said. “Voters need to look at their records; these people are more part of the problem than the solution.”

State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, has announced his candidacy for the seat currently held by the retiring state Sen. Raphael Musto, D-Pittston Township. Wilkes-Barre City Mayor Tom Leighton is expected to challenge Yudichak on the Democratic side and Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban is talking about a run on the Republican ticket.

Tim Mullen is a Libertarian candidate in the 120th Legislative District, currently held by State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Kingston. West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy is expected to run on the GOP side.

“We knew something was wrong in the county back then,” Summers said. “I can tell you that as a member of the commission, I felt hog-tied.”

Summers said voters should give serious consideration to Libertarian candidates in this election.

“We don’t play the game – the political game,” she said. “We need real people in office who want to actually change things and let them know in Harrisburg that we want real change.”

Summers said she joined the Libertarian Party in mid 1990s because she felt it was the only party that doesn’t change and stays on course with a philosophy of less government, less regulation and concern about small businesses and hard-working people.

“The Libertarian Party is known to be the party of principle and common sense,” said Lou Jasikoff, chairman for the Northeast PA Libertarian Party. “We are the canaries in the coal mine and the watchdog for the electorate.”

Summers, a resident of Wilkes-Barre, is a sales representative for Midwest Veterinary Supply and is a self-employed broker for Market America. Summers has ran for U.S. Senate and most recently for state auditor general.

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Betsy Summers of W-B wants to replace longtime Sen. Ray Musto, who’s retiring.

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