Bob Guzzardi
Encyclopedia
Bob Guzzardi is an attorney, real estate developer, conservative financier, and political activist. He is best known for his efforts to elect "reform Republican" candidates to the Pennsylvania General Assembly
after the 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
.
in 1966 and earned a law degree from Temple University School of Law in 1970. He worked as a real estate attorney and founded Chancellor Properties, Inc. to manage several rental properties in Center City, Philadelphia
. By 2006, he had sold most of his interests in these properties.
He has served on the boards of Middle East Forum
, Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
, Zionist Organization of America
, Dollars for Scholars
and Yorktown University in Colorado
.
He is known for his support of conservative reform causes, supply side economics and Israel
.
, who became known for lack of support for gay rights, became an issue with the clientele of his 12th Street Gym, which was known for being on of Philadelphia's "most gay-friendly establishments." The gym's business manager noted that all of the money donated to Santorum came from Guzzadi's personal account and not from the gym's business accounts. Guzzardi maintained that he supported Santorum because of his views on Israel
, and not his social stance. In April 2006, Guzzardi liquidates his holding in the gym, selling it to his business partner, to avoid a growing protest from the LGBT
community.
, Guzzardi began financing a large number of "reform" candidates to run against a number of incumbent legislators in the 2006 General Assembly election
. He heavily supported two primary challenges against the two Republican Leaders in the Pennsylvania Senate, Chip Brightbill and Robert Jubelirer
. He also targeted Republican Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
John Perzel by supporting candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, who were likely to vote against Perzel for Speaker.
challenge to Chip Brightbill in the Republican primary for the 48th senatorial district
in the Pennsylvania Senate. Guzzardi's support of Folmer became a campaign issue when Brightbill accused the two of running a "stealth Democrat campaign," because of Folmer's past Democratic voter registration and Guzzardi's past support of Democratic candidates. Brightbill noted that Guzzardi had financially supported Ed Rendell
, John F. Street
, Bob Casey, Jr.
in the past. Guzzardi told the Intelligencer Journal
that Folmer's challenge to Brightbill was "viable now ...because of the pay-jacking and because of people like me. I just happen to be one of those guys who happens to have a little bit of money, and is interested in good government." In the May 2006 primary election, Folmer defeated Brightbill in one of the largest upsets in Pennsylvania electoral history.
to gauge the damage that the pay raise had done to longtime Republican Senator Robert Jubelirer
. The unflattering poll results showed Jubelirer's weakness and caused reporter Dimitri Vassilaros to call Guzzardi "Jubelirer's worst nightmare" and attracted potential candidates to a race that had seemed un-winnable. Guzzardi became a strong financial supporter of John Eichelberger
, who successfully challenged Jubelirer in the Republican primary.
investigate Guzzardi.
Following the election, Guzzardi and his newly-elected allies hoped to split enough Republican votes for an alternative reform-minded candidate, possibly Curt Schroder
, to deny Perzel the speakership and to elect Bill DeWeese, who would have to deal with a "reform wing" for him to deal with. The plan worked, denying the speakership to Perzel when six Republicans and the entire Democratic caucus voted for Republican Dennis M. O'Brien
once it became clear that neither Perzel nor DeWeese had enough votes to win the speakership. O'Brien adopted several of the "reform Republicans'" proposals, including major changes in open records, leading to a new open records law in Pennsylvania. Guzzardi was invited to testify before the Speaker's Commission of Reform.
Guzzardi's internet presence includes:
Conservative Reform Network Blog, Bob Guzzardi's personal page
Pennsylvania General Assembly
The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. In colonial times , the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Since the Constitution of 1776, written by...
after the 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed pay increases for state lawmakers, judges, and top executive-branch officials. The vote took place at 2 a.m. without public review or commentary and Governor Ed Rendell signed the bill into law...
.
Personal life and career
He graduated from Saint Joseph's Preparatory School in 1963. He earned a degree in philosophy from Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
in 1966 and earned a law degree from Temple University School of Law in 1970. He worked as a real estate attorney and founded Chancellor Properties, Inc. to manage several rental properties in Center City, Philadelphia
Center City, Philadelphia
Center City, or Downtown Philadelphia includes the central business district and central neighborhoods of the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. As of 2005, its population of over 88,000 made it the third most populous downtown in the United States, after New York City's and Chicago's...
. By 2006, he had sold most of his interests in these properties.
He has served on the boards of Middle East Forum
Middle East Forum
The Middle East Forum is an American conservative think tank founded in 1990 by Daniel Pipes, who also serves as its director. MEF became a 5013 non-profit organization in 1994...
, Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs
The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit think-tank focusing on issues of United States and Israel in national security. JINSA's stated aim is threefold: to ensure a strong and effective U.S...
, Zionist Organization of America
Zionist Organization of America
The Zionist Organization of America , founded in 1897, was one of the first official Zionist organizations in the United States, and, especially early in the 20th century, the primary representative of Jewish Americans to the World Zionist Organization, espousing primarily Political Zionism.Today,...
, Dollars for Scholars
Scholarship America
Scholarship America is a Minnesota-based American philanthropic organization that assists communities, corporations, foundations and individuals with fundraising, managing and awarding scholarships to students...
and Yorktown University in Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
.
He is known for his support of conservative reform causes, supply side economics and Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
.
12th Street Gym
In 2006, Guzzardi's financial support of conservative Pennsylvania Senator Rick SantorumRick Santorum
Richard John "Rick" Santorum is a lawyer and a former United States Senator from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference -making him the third-ranking Senate Republican from 2001 until his leave in 2007. Santorum is considered both a social...
, who became known for lack of support for gay rights, became an issue with the clientele of his 12th Street Gym, which was known for being on of Philadelphia's "most gay-friendly establishments." The gym's business manager noted that all of the money donated to Santorum came from Guzzadi's personal account and not from the gym's business accounts. Guzzardi maintained that he supported Santorum because of his views on Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, and not his social stance. In April 2006, Guzzardi liquidates his holding in the gym, selling it to his business partner, to avoid a growing protest from the LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
community.
Political activity and financing in 2006-2010
Following the 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed pay increases for state lawmakers, judges, and top executive-branch officials. The vote took place at 2 a.m. without public review or commentary and Governor Ed Rendell signed the bill into law...
, Guzzardi began financing a large number of "reform" candidates to run against a number of incumbent legislators in the 2006 General Assembly election
Pennsylvania Senate elections, 2006
The 2006 Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate were held on November 7, 2006, with even-numbered districts being contested. Necessary primary elections were held on May 16, 2006. State Senators are elected for four-year terms, with half of the Senate seats up for a vote every two years...
. He heavily supported two primary challenges against the two Republican Leaders in the Pennsylvania Senate, Chip Brightbill and Robert Jubelirer
Robert Jubelirer
Robert C. Jubelirer is a Republican Pennsylvania political leader. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1975 to 2006, and simultaneously served as the President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania between 2001 and...
. He also targeted Republican Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
The speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives holds the oldest state-wide elected office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Since its first session under the Frame of Government in 1682, presided over by William Penn, over 130 House members have been elevated to the speaker's chair...
John Perzel by supporting candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, who were likely to vote against Perzel for Speaker.
Mike Folmer
Guzzardi was an early and significant force in recruiting and funding tire salesman Mike Folmer'sMike Folmer
Mike Folmer of Lebanon, Pennsylvania is a Pennsylvania State Senator who represents the 48th Senate district, which includes all of Lebanon County and portions of Berks, Chester, Dauphin and Lancaster Counties...
challenge to Chip Brightbill in the Republican primary for the 48th senatorial district
Pennsylvania Senate, District 48
Pennsylvania's 48th Senatorial district includes parts of Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties.All of Lebanon CountyBerks County* Adamstown* Bethel Township* Brecknock Township* Caernarvon Township* Centerport* Centre Township...
in the Pennsylvania Senate. Guzzardi's support of Folmer became a campaign issue when Brightbill accused the two of running a "stealth Democrat campaign," because of Folmer's past Democratic voter registration and Guzzardi's past support of Democratic candidates. Brightbill noted that Guzzardi had financially supported Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
, John F. Street
John F. Street
John Franklin Street was the 97th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. He was first elected to a term beginning on January 3, 2000, and was re-elected to a second term beginning in 2004...
, Bob Casey, Jr.
Bob Casey, Jr.
Robert Patrick "Bob" Casey, Jr. is the senior U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and a member of the Democratic Party. He previously served as Pennsylvania Treasurer, and Pennsylvania Auditor General. He is the son of former Governor Bob Casey, Sr..He is the first Democrat elected to a full term in...
in the past. Guzzardi told the Intelligencer Journal
Intelligencer Journal
The Intelligencer Journal, known locally as the Intell, is the daily, morning newspaper published by Lancaster Newspapers, Inc in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It is the 7th oldest newspaper in the United States and one of the oldest newspapers to be continually published under the same name...
that Folmer's challenge to Brightbill was "viable now ...because of the pay-jacking and because of people like me. I just happen to be one of those guys who happens to have a little bit of money, and is interested in good government." In the May 2006 primary election, Folmer defeated Brightbill in one of the largest upsets in Pennsylvania electoral history.
John Eichelberger
In October 2005, Guzzardi sponsored two public opinion polls in the 30th senatorial districtPennsylvania Senate, District 30
Pennsylvania's 30th Senatorial District includes all of all of Bedford County, Huntingdon County, Blair County, Fulton County and part of Mifflin County:All of Bedford CountyAll of Huntingdon CountyAll of Blair CountyAll of Fulton County...
to gauge the damage that the pay raise had done to longtime Republican Senator Robert Jubelirer
Robert Jubelirer
Robert C. Jubelirer is a Republican Pennsylvania political leader. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1975 to 2006, and simultaneously served as the President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania between 2001 and...
. The unflattering poll results showed Jubelirer's weakness and caused reporter Dimitri Vassilaros to call Guzzardi "Jubelirer's worst nightmare" and attracted potential candidates to a race that had seemed un-winnable. Guzzardi became a strong financial supporter of John Eichelberger
John Eichelberger
John Eichelberger of Blair Township, Pennsylvania is a Pennsylvania State Senator. He is a member of the Republican Party. He represents the 30th district of the Pennsylvania State Senate....
, who successfully challenged Jubelirer in the Republican primary.
Unseating John Perzel
Because Perzel occupied an invincible seat, a direct challenger was not feasible. Instead, Guzzardi set out to unseat John Perzel from his Speakership by funding State House candidates of both parties that would refuse to vote for him in the Speaker election. He spent over $100,000 of his own money in this effort. Perzel's staff claimed that this effort was illegal and threatened to have the Pennsylvania Attorney GeneralPennsylvania Attorney General
The Pennsylvania Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It became an elected office in 1980. Currently, the office is held by Linda Kelly.- Authority and Responsibilities :...
investigate Guzzardi.
Following the election, Guzzardi and his newly-elected allies hoped to split enough Republican votes for an alternative reform-minded candidate, possibly Curt Schroder
Curt Schroder
Curt Schroder is serving his seventh term as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represents the 155th district. Schroder is the Republican Chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, and also sits on the House Insurance Committee....
, to deny Perzel the speakership and to elect Bill DeWeese, who would have to deal with a "reform wing" for him to deal with. The plan worked, denying the speakership to Perzel when six Republicans and the entire Democratic caucus voted for Republican Dennis M. O'Brien
Dennis M. O'Brien
Dennis Michael "Denny" O'Brien is the representative from the 169th Legislative District and was the 137th Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He is the majority chairman of the House Committee on Children & Youth...
once it became clear that neither Perzel nor DeWeese had enough votes to win the speakership. O'Brien adopted several of the "reform Republicans'" proposals, including major changes in open records, leading to a new open records law in Pennsylvania. Guzzardi was invited to testify before the Speaker's Commission of Reform.
Guzzardi's internet presence includes:
Conservative Reform Network Blog, Bob Guzzardi's personal page