Obama and Biden choose McGinty, Kasich is coming to PA and we cover the first PA-8 Democratic debate. Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

PA-Sen: Obama and Biden Endorse McGinty: The President and the Vice President are backing the Senate candidate.

PA-Sen: Opponents React to President’s Endorsement of McGinty: Sen. Toomey, Joe Sestak and John Fetterman respond to the President’s announcement.

Pres. Obama Endorses Shapiro for AG: The President comes out in support of Josh Shapiro’s Attorney General campaign.

Rafferty Announces Support From Several County GOP Officials: The Republican candidate for Attorney General announces support from Republican County officials from across the state.

PA-8: No Fireworks, Plenty of Policy at First Dem Debate: Steve Santarsiero and Shaughnessy Naughton face off in Bucks County Tuesday night.

Kasich Hits the Ground in PA: The Ohio Governor will be in Philly Thursday night, before heading to Hershey on Friday.

PA-Sen: McGinty Earns Multiple Labor Endorsements: Her campaign is looking to find momentum in the final month.

Legislative Elections Update

SD-5: Incumbent State Sen. John Sabatina got the endorsement of the Communications Workers of America Local 13000.

“We’re proud to endorse Senator Sabatina,” CWA 13000 President Jim Gardler remarked. “He’s fought for higher wages and working families throughout Pennsylvania. He’s the only choice.”

“I’m delighted to count on the CWA’s endorsement,” Sabatina said. “They are a vital partner in the Pennsylvania labor movement and have been an advocate for fair wages and working Pennsylvanians. I’m proud to be their partner in Harrisburg.”

The 5th district consists of Northeast Philadelphia.

SD-9: GOP candidate Tom Killion won the endorsement of the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 11 and the Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27.

“Tom Killion has been a strong supporter of our law enforcement officers, both as a member of the House of Representatives and as a member of Delaware County Council,” said Joe Fitzgerald, President of the Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police. “He has always been there for our members and we are proud to endorse him for Pennsylvania Senate.”

“Killion has a strong record on public policy issues related to deterring and preventing crime and making our communities safer,” said Kevin Moore, a Trustee of the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 11. “He has a family member who is a police officer and understand the risks our members face on a daily basis. We know that he will be a strong supporter of our police officers in the Senate.”

“It means a lot to have the backing of the Chester and Delaware County law enforcement and public safety community,” said Killion. “I have the utmost respect for the work our law enforcement officers do on a daily basis, putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. As a member of the Senate, I will support our police and work to ensure they have the tools and training that they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively while they protect our families, homes, and businesses.”

The 9th district consists of parts of Chester and Delaware Counties.

Statewide
Pennsylvania Watchdog: How Pennsylvania charter schools are funded
StateImpactPA: Pipeline protester takes to the trees to stop construction
State House Sound Bites: Schools Eye State I.O.U. on Construction Costs
PLSReporter: Sec. Weissmann provides update on the Consumer Financial Protection Initiative

Philadelphia
Inquirer: Kane’s hiring of Castor draws fire
Inquirer: Little known Vodvarka ordered off of Pa. Senate ballot
Inquirer: Voter party switching sows primary intrigue in Pennsylvania
CapitolInq: Fetterman blasts McGinty, Sestak in Senate primary
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. awash in tide of last minute voter registration
WHYY Newsworks: Philly councilman if third penny of soda tax is really worth it
Philadelphia Business Journal: Small business owners sour on presidential candidates

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: State approve permit for new Falls landfill
Delco Daily Times: Willowbrook residents sue to block condo sales
Bucks Local News: Veterinarians lose court appeal on plan to build horse hospital on Sattherwaite property in Lower Makefield
Daily Local News: In 9th state senate race: Democrat Marty Molloy gets PSEA nod; state Rep. Tom Killion, R-168, of Middletown is backed by FOPs

Pittsburgh
WTAE: Rep. Marc Gergely’s hearing on gambling postponed
WESA: One County Commission Look To Give More Power To Another Commission
WESA: County Review Commission Recommends Bump In Executive, Council Pay And Other Changes
Post-Gazette: Obama, Biden endorse Mcginty in Senate primary
Post-Gazette: Obama endorses Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania’s AG race
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice calls for review of emails of everyone in state porn scandal

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Bartolotta bill would create registry of available psychiatric treatment beds
Beaver County Times: Beaver County officials consider effects of buyout offer, including impact on 911 center
Altoona Mirror: State funds concern county
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Ruling in Komar city manager case adds to Johnstown’s turmoil

NEPA
Standard Speaker: Senate bills focus on building lead issues
Times Leader: NEPA nonprofits say state funding mechanism leaves them at risk
Times Leader: Luzerne County manager search committee sets April 26 target date to recommend three finalists for top county job
Times Leader: Raymond J. Keating: Time to stop attacking the energy sector

South Central
Patriot-News: U.S. Senate candidate Joseph Vodvarka ousted from April primary ballot
Patriot-News: Court upholds dismissal of charges against former Penn State officials
Patriot-News: Obama, Biden throw support behind Katie McGinty in U.S. Senate race
York Daily Record: Pa. Senate race: ‘The most expensive,’ experts predict
York Dispatch: Amended recovery plan shifts focus to York City district structure
LancasterOnline: Community colleges, state system schools sign ‘reverse transfer’ pact

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Northwestern Lehigh School Board to vote on fact finder’s report in teacher negotiations
Capitol Ideas: Sanders to open campaign office in Bethlehem
Capitol Ideas: Full statement on Obama, Biden endorsing McGinty
Reading Eagle: No significant ‘brain drain,’ report finds, but Berks faces challenges

North by Northwest
Go Erie: Campaigning is tough work for Erie-area candidates
Go Erie: Millcreek schools continue budget deliberations
Centre Daily Times: County schools still awaiting state funds

Opinion
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Hotline response validates lifting statute of limitations
Altoona Mirror: Renew budget urgency
Inquirer: Would consumers bear full brunt of soda tax?
Inquirer: Give civic leader ‘Johnny Doc’ his due
Inquirer: On April 26th, vote to abolish Philadelphia Traffic Court
Pottstown Mercury: Senator Wagner: Many more reforms needed in Harrisburg
Post-Gazette: UPMC’s raise: Higher pay will make a difference to its workers
Patriot-News: A prescription to crash the millionaires’ party in Pa. politics

Blogs
Citified: Insider: Kenney Didn’t Break His Promise to End Stop-and-Frisk
2 Political Junkies: But Michael Hayden IS A War Criminal