Wilkes-Barre Mayor

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
Bill O'Boyle on Facebook   |   @TLBillOboyle on Twitter

WILKES-BARRE – Two local political science professors say it will be easier for Mayor Tom Leighton to win a third term with two opposition candidates in the race.

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Leighton

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Summers

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Candidate Forum

The Times Leader is sponsoring a Mayoral Candidate Forum featuring the three candidates running for Mayor of Wilkes-Barre.

Candidates: Tom Leighton, incumbent Democrat; Lisa Cope, Republican; Betsy Summers, Libertarian.

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Wilkes University, Stark Learning Center, Room 101.

Parking: Available at Henry Student Center on the campus.

Moderator: Kevin Blaum, former state representative and current Times Leader columnist.

Election data

There are just over 15,000 registered Democrats in the city, according to the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections, and just 4,174 registered Republicans.

In 2007, Leighton garnered 4,625 votes, or 65 percent, of ballots cast. His opponent in 2007, Linda Stets Urban, received 2,401 votes, or 34 percent.

Leighton, 51, is running for a third term on Nov. 8. He is opposed by Republican Lisa Cope, 45, and Libertarian Betsy Summers, 54.

Tom Baldino of Wilkes University and David Sosar of King’s College say Leighton already has several advantages in the race, but with two candidates vying for the votes of discontented residents, the two-term Democrat becomes an even safer bet.

“With the opposition fractured, it makes it easier for Leighton to win reelection,” Baldino said.

“The two opponents split any anti-Leighton vote, not evenly for sure, but each will have his/her block of votes,” Sosar said.

Speaking objectively, Baldino said Leighton must be considered the favorite to win in November for several reasons.

“First, he is the incumbent, and as such, he has already established name recognition with the voters, and he has a record of accomplishments that both his opponents lack,” Baldino said. “Second, he has been able to raise more money than either of his opponents, which is another benefit that generally accrues to incumbents. With a financial advantage, Leighton will be able to remind his constituents of his achievements in the weeks leading to the election.

“Third, he faces two lesser known candidates, who will likely splinter the vote of those opposed to Leighton’s reelection.”

Leighton has more than $50,000 in his campaign fund, according to recent reports. Cope and Summers have said they will spend far less.

Baldino said Summers may be known to those who follow politics in the area from her previous election campaigns, but Leighton enjoys far wider name recognition.

Leighton baggage

Baldino said there are three factors that could work against Leighton’s reelection. The first being recent allegations concerning the hiring of family members and friends for summer jobs.

“That remains an issue that is unlikely to be resolved prior to the election,” Baldino said. “These allegations tarnish the mayor’s image, and it’s an issue that his opponents will raise repeatedly in the coming weeks.”

Baldino said there also remains a perception that the mayor has failed to help the city’s neighborhoods while focusing on the downtown.

“While this is perception, Leighton’s opponents will likely continue to ask the mayor to explain his behavior in these matters,” he said.

The third variable in calculating a Leighton defeat is voter turnout, Baldino said.

“With no major office, such as president or governor, at the top of the ballot, turnout usually declines,” Baldino said. “If turnout is low, those opposed to Leighton are more likely to be motivated to vote than his supporters, which could make the race exceptionally close.”

Touting accomplishments

Baldino anticipates Leighton will spend his substantial campaign funds to tout his accomplishments in an effort to stimulate turnout among the city’s residents who probably wouldn’t go to the polls this year because it’s an off-year election.

“These citizens who are content with Leighton’s stewardship of the city, but not sufficiently motivated to vote, must be roused to action by the mayor,” Baldino said. “In addition, he will want to win with as large a vote margin as possible so he can claim a mandate for his plans for the city’s future.”

Sosar said Leighton is the name voters know and with more money in his campaign fund, he will be able to get his name, views, etc. out a lot easier.

“I’ve seen some signs for all three candidates,” Sosar said. “It looks like the two other candidates are only really known in one or so regions of the city and that’s where their signs are located. One region or area of the city won’t elect a mayor. Leighton has support across the city and with more money should fare pretty well in the race.”