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Reaction to state Sen. John Yudichak’s switch from Democrat to Independent was swift once news broke on Tuesday, with the chairman of his former party apparently caught off guard.
“This is certainly a shock, and I’m upset by this news,” said John Pekarovsky, chairman of the Luzerne County Democratic Party. “We hate to lose one of our senior leaders.”
Yudichak, who has been in the state legislature since 1999, began his most recent four-year term in January.
“I give John a lot of credit for keeping this party afloat through the years,” Pekarovsky said.
Pekarovsky mentioned state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, as someone who would step up and take on some of the leadership role that Yudichak embodied during his time with the party.
“Eddie’s upset by this, too,” Pekarovsky added.
Pashinski declined comment when contacted by a reporter on Tuesday.
Lawmakers weigh in
But other legislators from both sides of the aisle did offer their thoughts on Yudichak’s switch.
“John has been a dedicated public servant for many years. I expect him to continue serving our region professionally,” said Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Avoca.
“Like every representative and senator, John knows his district better than anyone. If he believes the best way to serve the constituents of the 14th Senatorial District is as an Independent, I respect his decision,” said Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-Nanticoke.
Mullery also commented on the impact that political party could have on a legislator’s reputation with voters, regardless of the issues at hand.
“Party politics has become increasingly tribal. Simply having an R or a D after your name generates automatic antipathy from a large swath of your constituency, regardless of your positions on the issues.”
On the Republican side, Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, offered warm remarks on Yudichak’s record as a lawmaker in the area.
“During our time serving together in the state Senate, John Yudichak and I have worked together in a constructive manner on a wide range of regional initiatives and projects and significant pieces of legislation. I have deep respect for his commitment and his people-first approach to helping families and communities,” Baker said.
“Those qualities are what matter most in public service, not party affiliation. The frustrations he expresses in his announcement are ones we all should give serious thought to.”
Representative Tarah Toohil, R-Butler Township, echoed Baker’s sentiments.
“I am proud to call Senator Yudichak our senator,” she said. “Senator Yudichak has always put people first over politics. He is an absolute role model in bi-partisan efforts and has always been able to remain fiercely independent despite political pressures.”
Toohil also commented on the Democratic Party’s shift to a more progressive platform.
“Northeastern Pennsylvania and Luzerne County, in particular, is having a very hard time with the direction in which the new Progressive Democratic party is headed. This is reflective of the concerns of many constituents who have been switching to the Republican party.”
Yudichak said he is committed to serving out the remainder of his term, after which he has said he will weigh his options.
