State Congressional candidate Kelly snags an unusual endorsement

Endorsements can help win and lose elections. Candidates vie for certain groups, unions and individuals to support them to improve their chances with voters.

In the race for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 11th District, one candidate has received an endorsement that many didn’t even know was available.

On his Web site – www.briankellyforcongress.com – Brian Kelly is “endorsed” by the late Congressman Daniel J. Flood. Dial it up and listen as Dapper Dan talks about why he supports Kelly for Congress and you should vote for Kelly “because I said so.”

Daniel John “Dan” Flood was born Nov. 26, 1903 and died May 28, 1994. He was flamboyant and served in Congress from 1945 to 1980 when he was censured for bribery and resigned from the House.

Kelly, 62, does a remarkable voice impersonation of Flood and it’s worth the time to sit at your computer and listen.

During the eight-minute endorsement speech, “Flood” refers to himself as “the mild mannered, mustachioed Messiah” and later as the “simple Savior of the Susquehanna shoreline.” Take it from someone who knew Dan Flood and heard him speak often, Kelly does a remarkable job.

But for a candidate who is facing two far more well-known Democrats in this race, Kelly had to come up with something to make him rise up. Securing an endorsement from Dan Flood certainly would turn some heads.

Kelly is trying to unseat 13-term incumbent Paul Kanjorski and he also must defeat Lackawanna County Commissioner Corey O’Brien to get a chance to take on Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, a Republican, in November.

Neither will his campaign – Kelly says he will not accept any campaign contributions. Everything voters need to know about him is on the Web site. He will also make as many public appearances as he possibly can to try to convince voters to cast their ballots for him.

“I realize this is an extremely uphill battle,” Kelly said. “I believe I am the only candidate who is not political; heck, I’m running mostly because I can’t stand politicians.”

Kelly said he dislikes what has been going on in Washington D.C. – he thinks taxpayers have been sold out.

So he has turned to an icon. He remembers Flood coming to the St. Boniface School on Blackman Street in the 1950s to judge the annual Halloween contests. Kelly always dressed as a hobo and despite smearing his face with soot from his coal stove at home, Hobo Kelly never caught the approving eye of the judge – Congressman Flood.

“I don’t recall ever winning,” Kelly said. “I was the same hobo every year, just a little older. But Flood didn’t like hobos – he preferred super heroes and robots better. I think if I had dressed up like him I would have won every year.”

Kelly said he never knew he could do Flood’s voice until 1972 when the Congressman was on TV all the time about the flood. He remembers Flood pronouncing Avoca as “A-vawk-a” and Kelly began repeating that until he got the voice down to near perfection.

The two only crossed paths once – at the 109th Field Artillery Armory – when Flood looked at Kelly dressed in his military uniform. Flood glanced at Kelly’s name badge and addressed him by name. Kelly never forgot that.

“I just thought it would be humorous to have him endorse me,” Kelly said. “And I think it means everything to have him in my corner. A person with this endorsement clearly is the frontrunner.”

Kelly laughed as he told the story and you could tell his memories of Flood remain fresh in his mind. He hopes voters go to his Web site and read about him and listen to Dan Flood endorsing him. Will Flood be making any campaign appearances on behalf of Kelly.

“You never know,” Kelly said. “I think I can call on him at a moment’s notice.”

WILKES-BARRE – Renita Fennick, executive director of the Luzerne County Republican Party, announced the GOP’s upcoming “Issues & Eggs” breakfast.

Fennick said voters in Luzerne County and surrounding areas will have a chance to meet their Republican candidates and find out how they stand on the issues at the unique forum, set for April 9 at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre.

It’s a great opportunity for voters to assess all the GOP candidates as the May 18 Primary approaches.

“Issues & Eggs” will feature local candidates who are running for federal and state offices, along with the endorsed candidates for statewide offices. A panel of local journalists will ask candidates questions on federal and state issues. Those in attendance may submit questions to be posed to the candidates.

Fennick said Congressional candidates who will attend include Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional seat; and three candidates who are vying for the nomination in the 10th District - Dave Madeira of Luzerne County; Tom Marino of Lycoming County; and Malcolm Derk, Snyder County.

State candidates who will attend include Steve Urban, 14th Senatorial District; Frank Scavo, 22nd Senatorial District; State Rep. Karen Boback, 117th Legislative District; Tarah Toohil, 116th; Terrence O’Connor, 118th; Rick Arnold, 119th; Bill Goldsworthy, 120th; and James O’Meara, 121st. State Sen. Lisa Baker has a prior commitment in Harrisburg.

Jim Cawley, the Pennsylvania Republican Party-endorsed candidate for lieutenant governor, also will attend.

“This is unique because it’s more than your typical meet-the-candidates event that political parties hold,” County GOP Chairman Terry Casey said. “It’s not just a handshake and a meet-and-greet. People who attend will be able to ask tough questions and our candidates are ready for it. This could be the only chance for voters in the 10th to see all three candidates in person, answering the same questions.”

The forum begins with a breakfast buffet at 7:45 a.m. with the program starting at 8:15 and running to 10:30 a.m. The event is designed to attract retirees, one of the biggest voting blocs, and to give people a chance to attend before heading to their workplace.

Tickets cost $20 each and include a breakfast buffet. Tickets may be purchased at Luzerne County Republican Headquarters, 41 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, or online at www.luzernegop.org.

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