Wagner adds campaign staff, a Libertarian candidate jumps into the race for Senate, and the Ups & Downs from the week.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

Wagner Chief of Staff Moves to Campaign: Jason High, the former Chief of Staff to Wagner, left the official office to become the campaign manager.

Sunday Show Preview: March 19th, 2017: We take a look at the Sunday morning political talk shows that will air throughout the state.

Libertarian Jumps into Senate Race: Libertarian Dale Kerns jumped into the race to challenge Bob Casey in 2018.

3/17 Ups & Downs: Life saving convoys, a candidate scaring off potential challengers, and Congressmen getting good ratings. See who made this week’s Ups & Downs!

Statewide
Capitolwire: Lawmakers renew efforts to regulate fantasy sports in PA.
StateImpact: Federal judge rejects permits challenge in new setback to Constitution Pipeline

Philadelphia
Inquirer: GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick says he can’t support Obamacare repeal in current form
Inquirer: Baer: Pennsylvania’s magical mystery budget
Inquirer: Planned Parenthood beseeches GOP moderates to save health care for poor women
Inquirer: Philly judicial candidates rely on random luck on ballot lottery
Inquirer: New LGBT affairs director says ‘it’s time to jump in’
Inquirer: Mandatory minimums don’t reduce recidivism. So why is Pa. weighing bringing them back?
Inquirer: Another day, another loss for Democrats in North Philly’s 197th District
Inquirer: Byko: Veterans Comfort House needs help
Inquirer: Philadelphia’s ‘Carnaval’ canceled amid immigration concerns
Philadelphia Magazine: Do They Still Make Republicans Like Tom Ridge?
Philadelphia Magazine: SEPTA Proposes New Fare Hikes
Philadelphia Magazine: State-Funded Anti-Abortion Group Sues Pa. Auditor General
WHYY Newsworks: Perry town hall contentious over health care, immigration
WHYY Newsworks: White House concessions to tea party on health bill could alienate some Republican moderates
WHYY Newsworks: Deni hopes to move from bench to Philly DA’s office
WHYY Newsworks: Majority supports insurance coverage for ER visits, new poll finds
WHYY Newsworks: Archbishop Chaput takes stand on plight of immigrants in the region
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. may ask rural towns to pay for police coverage in exchange for better roads
Billy Penn: Siren: Liquor in PA supermarkets might soon be a thing
KYW Newsradio: Trump’s Cut To Meals On Wheels Could Be Huge Loss For Chester County
Philadelphia Business Journal: Local banks optimistic after latest Fed rate hike
Philadelphia Business Journal: Domb-backed bill passes, regular review of city’s tax benefits to begin
Philly Voice: Move Pennsylvania’s presidential primary to an earlier date, lawmaker proposes

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Phoenixville swears in new police chief, two officers
Pottstown Mercury: Facing $1.5M gap, Pottstown shoots for no tax hike for 3rd time
Pottstown Mercury: Phoenixville school board denies fee waiver request
Bucks County Courier Times: Warminster Democrats have full ticket for municipal election
Bucks County Courier Times: Calendar of Bucks meetings today – Monday, March 20
Bucks County Courier Times: Fitzpatrick will not support ACA replacement bill
Bucks County Courier Times: Calendar of Bucks meetings this week – Sunday, March 19
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County renews contracts, increases wages, with more than 650 employees
Bucks County Courier Times: Morrisville mayor hosting Narcan seminar next month
Delco Daily Times: Call to action in Media: Hundreds pack action fair
Daily Local News: Chesco DA, DEA chief, named to head Regional Drug Strike Force
Daily Local News: Local Muslims learn how to deal with discrimination
Daily Local News: West Chester police recognized for saving lives
Daily Local News: Local reps take pipeline issue to the state level
Daily Local News: Kennett Township trails plan advances
West Chester Patch: Gov. Wolf To Speak At Chester County Event

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Gov. Wolf not closing county assistance offices in restructuring, but 70 jobs could be cut
Tribune Review: Doyle vows to vote against GOP health care plan
Tribune Review: Allegheny Township agrees to maintain street PennDOT plans to build as part of Route 356 project
Tribune Review: Springdale delays action on recycling program
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania considers raising cost of fishing licenses
Tribune Review: Tedorski, former Arnold councilman and fire chief, ‘worked feverishly’ for city
Post-Gazette: PurePenn details plans to be part of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana industry
Post-Gazette: City, developer headed for court in dispute over Penn Plaza redevelopment
Post-Gazette: Armed police at city’s public schools generating buzz during board election year
Early Returns: Move afoot to change how Pa. draws political boundaries
Pittsburgh Business Journal: Health care experts say GOP bill would hit aging population particularly hard
WESA: Senate GOP Readies For Another Assault On The Pension Problem
KDKA: Expert: Doctor Shortage Caused By Congress’ Failure To Deal With Residency Reimbursement
WTAE: Small Westmoreland County community struggles with unsafe water

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Senator: Families want choices
Altoona Mirror: Candidate information sought
Altoona Mirror: Warden: Overtime costs, staff turnover increasing
Altoona Mirror: Two candidates nixed from primary ballot
Altoona Mirror: Former mayor withdrawing bid for council
Beaver County Times: Rothfus says he remains ‘undecided’ on House GOP health-care plan

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Wolf thanks PennDOT workers in person
Times-Tribune: Bill sheds light on municipal authority actions
Times-Tribune: Justice Dept. policy may factor in internet gambling debate
Times Leader: Capitol Roundup: Wolf says Trump budget will harm Pennsylvania communities
Times Leader: Pennsylvania justices to settle line-item veto power dispute

South Central
Patriot News: Former state treasurer reveals he secretly recorded Penn State trustee during FBI probe
Patriot News: Rob McCord may have to testify in second criminal case
York Daily Record: For many older Americans, costs rise under GOP health plan
York Dispatch: Toomey introduces animal rights bill

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Christopher Pez knocked off GOP Allentown mayoral ballot
Morning Call: Lehigh County beats deficit projections
Morning Call: Bucks Co. GOP congressman says he can’t support Obamacare repeal bill
Reading Eagle: Berks County advocates long to see medical marijuana fully available  
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania officials denounce proposal to eliminate LIHEAP
Reading Eagle: President Trump’s budget blueprint draws bipartisan criticism
Reading Eagle: The Rundown: U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello speaks about against climate change

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Rep. Thompson says he will not vote in favor of proposed GOP health care bill
Erie Times-News: Lisa Austin seeks to make a difference as Erie mayor
Erie Times-News: Trish Shoulders seeks Republican nod for Erie County Council
Erie Times-News: Erie School District looks for guidance on plan

Opinion
Patriot News: Nice try, Republicans. Now come up with a real healthcare plan: Tony May
Patriot News: Yes, healthcare is complex. Will voters be patient with Congress while they figure out? Probably not: Charlie Gerow
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Council: Follow the rules, rule-makers
Tribune Review: Any day now: The congressional GOP crawl
Bucks County Courier Times: No place for police secrecy
Erie Times-News: Our view: Erie wins by speaking with one voice
Inquirer: Inquirer Editorial: City’s history shouldn’t take a back seat to development
Inquirer: Inquirer Editorial: Trump budget slaps his fans
Inquirer: Commentary: Lies catch up to GOP in Obamacare repeal fight
Daily News: DN editorial: Philadelphia teachers need a new deal, but can’t expect miracles from city