“You have to give voters credit. I think they thought about how they were voting,” she said. “In the Shimkus race, look how he ran initially: to clean up state government. And then look at what was known of his own behavior while he was (in Harrisburg).”

A swarm of supporters standing along Market Street on Tuesday night began chanting “State Rep Kev!” as the newly elected 113th Legislative District representative pulled up to Stirna’s restaurant on Providence Square.

"An issue in the 113th race is Mr. Shimkus’ receipt of more than $29,000 in daily expense payments, known as per diems, over the two years of the legislative session."

‘Car, pay, per diem’

"...Mr. Murphy also said there are two main issues that need to be focused on — the economy and legislative reform. He said his first vote will be on reform, to elect new leadership in the House."

"They’re never ghosts when they are here to pick up their per diems.”

These are the words of Frank Shimkus in a 2006 candidates debate as he lashed out against the practice of lawmakers “ghost voting" on roll calls.

Yet, this morning's Scranton Times reads: "Mr. Shimkus took as many per diems as former Scranton Rep. Fred Belardi, then a member of the House Democratic leadership, did during 2005 and the first half of 2006 in the prior legislative session."