Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley spoke to Carbon County Republicans at their annual spring rally last night and, in a rallying tone, told them "now is not the time ot rest on your laurels."

About 75 people attended the event held at the Nesquehoning Community Center.Also speaking briefly were GOP president MaryEllen Salerno as well as various candidates for the May primary election.Serving as master of ceremonies was Michael Sofranko, vice president of the club.Prospective candidates introduced were:• Carbon County Commissioner - Incumbent Wayne Nothstein and Thomas Gerhard, running as a team, and Bob Dages.• Recorder of Deeds - Todd Koller.• Sheriff - Steve Armbruster.• District Judge - Bill Kistner, seeking the office of Bruce Appleton who is not seeking re-election.• Beaver Meadows Borough Council - Jim Leonard.• Jim Thorpe School Board - John Partenio and Bill Allison.• Franklin Township Supervisors - Rodney Green.In addition, President Judge Roger Nanovic is seeking retention of judge in Carbon County.Present at the event were State Senator David Argall and State Representative Doyle Heffley, who both offered comments.Salerno stated that the Republicans have an office located at 198 S. First St. in Lehighton.Cawley said the 2010 elections were great for Republicans, but urged them, "Do not let up now."He said when he and Governor Tom Corbett took office, there was a $4.1 billion deficit in the state, "the biggest deficit in our history"Despite the deficit, the governor has no plans to increase taxes."Our problem isn't that we're not sending enough money to Harrisburg," he said. "Our problem is it is not being spent wisely."He said he's been hearing that many Pennsylvanians don't believe Governor Corbett will keep his word to not raise taxes."Let me tell you something about my friend Tom Corbett," said Cawley. "He says what he means and he means what he says and he keeps his rod."He said the governor is using a "zero-based budget approach" and will go to every state agency for verification of expenditures."We are going to cut the cost of government by 10 percent at least over the next four years," said the speaker.He stressed that there will have to be difficult choices made. "We have to realize this is going to be a shared sacrifice," he said. "Together we can build a Pennsylvania that Ronald Reagan would be proud of."Cawley told the Republican club, "Go out there for the 100th anniversary (of the birth of Reagan) and win just one more for the Gipper."