Vice President Biden visited PA yesterday to announce the administration’s plans to put America’s railroads on track. The abortion clinic scandal is breeding a surprising degree of bipartisanship, and Republicans and Democrats work to respond. The Sestak ad, you know the one, won an award as the “Toughest TV Ad” in 2010. The State House is looking at ways to block the health care reform in PA. And the Luzerne County cash-for-kids scandal is moving forward in court.
Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.
PoliticsPA Reports
Biden Announces High-Speed Rail Initiative at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station
Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood visited 30th Street Station in Philadelphia today to highlight the Obama administration’s proposals that will increase high-speed rail throughout the United States.
Casey Ready to Talk Jobs in 2012
Senator Bob Casey knows that his re-election will hinge on one thing: the economy. Casey showed this weekend at the Democratic State Committee meeting he knows how to speak the language. Even to a partisan audience, all of Casey’s remarks focused on the economy and jobs.
Republicans and Democrats Are on the Same Page Regarding Abortion Scandal
For the first time in history, Republicans and Democrats alike seem to agree on one of the most heated topics in American policy: abortion. Pennsylvania Republicans and Democrats are both taking action to address the West Philadelphia abortion clinic scandal.
Sestak Re-Elected Ad Wins “Toughest TV Ad” Award
The ad that ended the career of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter has won a national award from Campaigns & Elections magazine. “The Switch” was one of three winners in the “Toughest TV Advertisement” category. Former Congressman Joe Sestak’s ad agency, the Campaign Group, also won the distinction of “Best Bare-Knuckled Street Fight Victory” for their client’s defeat of the 30-year Senate institution.
Headlines
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh prosecutor chosen as Attorney General
Early Returns: Poll, zeitgeist against Santorum
AP: State Senators promise investigation into Philly abortion clinic
Early Returns: Pelosi honors Murtha
Delaware County Times: Rep. Meehan: Transportation is key
Pennsylvania Ave.: Obama calls Coach Tomlin after the game
Inquirer: Gov. Corbett’s low profile attracting attention
Fox Philadelphia: Are Corbett’s reforms enough?
Early Returns: Beauty Queen Works at Rendell PAC
Post-Gazette: Jury selection complete in Orie trial
Patriot-News: Harrisburg Mayor Thompson under fire for comments on gay, Jewish political opponents
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania House approves 6-bill package aimed at reform
Tribune-Review: Pennsylvania officials accused of neglect charging taxpayers for lawyers
Times-News: Rep. Kelly to hold town hall meetings
Early Returns: Rabinowitz not candidate for Allegheny County Controller
Citizens’ Voice: Toohil calls or moratorium on Hazleton MinSec referrals
Citizens’ Voice: Ciavarella asks for ‘fair shake’ (Luzerne Corruption trial)
Times Leader: Mericle admits paying other officials (Luzerne Corruption trial)
Newsday.com: Prosecutor: Ex-Judge took kickbacks, extorted money (Luzerne Corruption trial)
Sun-Gazette: State’s budget planning worries Northern Tier schools
Sun-Gazette: Gas-drilling company will lease state game lands in Tioga County
Wayne Independent: Federal lawsuit filed against Delaware River Basin Commission
Altoona Mirror: Pa. House bill targets health coverage
Post-Gazette: Democrats try again for state tax on Marcellus Shale
Post-Gazette: Obama proposes more high-speed passenger rail service
Post-Gazette: New clean air rules will create jobs, report suggests
Post-Gazette: Two workers, fired over Obama email, file suit
Times Leader: Toohil wants state moratorium on MinSec placements
Times-Tribune: Ciavarella jury chosen
Politico: Santorum: Sarah skips CPAC for C-notes
Opinions
Mark Guydish, Times Leader: It’s been two years: Judge saga goes on
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Energy plan has questions
Philadelphia Daily News Editorial: Pushback on health reform bodes ill for unemployed
Times-Tribune: McCall appointment raises eyebrows
Times-Tribune: Ok U.S. judges, end emergency