Happy holidays to readers celebrating Easter this weekend, as well as Passover this week. PoliticsPA will be on a limited schedule through Sunday.
We’re getting some good responses for our Primary Contest, where our readers get the chance to play pundit. Who do you think will be the winners of these hot races around the state? The person who guesses the most races correctly out of our list here will win the coveted designation of PA’s Top Pundit, and a shout-out on PoliticsPA.
Rep. Barletta did his best Arlen Specter impression at a town hall Wednesday night, when one woman challenged him over the budget vote and Medicare and shouting ensued. Democrats sought to include his story in a narrative of public outcry against GOP policies, Barletta’s office called it a deliberate and coordinated disruption by Democratic operatives. You can read the story and watch the video here.
And the Marcellus well spill in Bradford County looks like it has been contained. Chesapeake Energy has halted all well drilling activities while things are resolved.
Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.
PoliticsPA Reports
Rep. Barletta’s Office Says Town Hall Disruption Part Of Coordinated Effort
The office of Rep. Lou Barletta was critical today about a Democratic activist who challenged the Congressman at a town hall last night in Carbon County. Barletta spokesman Shawn Kelly said Linda Christman deliberately set a raucous tone as part of a coordinated effort by Democrats to disrupt the event.
Another Marcellus Accident
There’s been another Marcellus accident, this time in northeast PA. The DEP is working to contain the toxic water (and press).
GOP Presses Absentee Voter Controversy After Murphy’s AG Announcement
Just after former Rep. Patrick Murphy announced a run for Pa. attorney general in 2012, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania didn’t waste much time to bring up a 2010 election controversy involving questionable absentee ballot applications.
Redistricting Watch: Chair Selected for Reapportionment Commission
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court named senior judge Stephen McEwen as the chair of the Legislative Reapportionment Committee. Though all four caucus leaders had kind words for McEwen, his selection demonstrates the strong political realities of the process.
Headlines
Roll Call: Rick Santorum Increases Staff In Iowa
Early Returns: Rep. Altmire Targeted On Budget
State House Sound Bites: An Early Look At The 2012 Presidential Campaign
Early Returns: Gov. Corbett Taps Dugan for ICA
Philly Weekly: House Speaker Sam Smith Continues His Quest To Make The State House Smaller
Patriot-News: Pa. Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati Calls For Limits On Legislative Reserve Funds
Patriot-News: Pa. Gaming Board Responds To Legislators Who Created Website Critical Of The Gaming Control Board
Patriot-News: Gov. Corbett Offers Thanks For Patience During Water Problems in Harrisburg
Times-Tribune: DCNR Chief Tries To Reassure Those With Drilling Worries
Inquirer: Both Sides Frustrate Judge In Drilling Suit
AP: Driller Temporarily Agrees To Stop Operations At Pa. Wells
Post-Gazette: GOP House Members Hear Ideas For Marcellus Improvements
Fox Philadelphia: What would happen if and when the LCB is privitized?
Patriot-News: Hard Liquor Coming to Vending Machines At Supermarkets
Inquirer: DRPA Urged To Avoid Financial Advisors Who Recommended ‘swaps’
PhillyNow: Karen Brown Skips GOP Mayoral Debate; Featherman Debates Self
Inquirer: MLK High charter plan falling apart
Daily News: In 7th district, Sanchez seeks 2nd term; Savage has ward-leaders backing
Daily News: 1st district hopefuls debate issues for Council vote (with video)
Heard in the Hall: Campaign shenanigans in Packer Pack
Tribune-Review: Activists, clergy join to support ‘ban-the-box’ bill for city hires
Times Leader: Former budget/finance chief isn’t sold on county plan
Times Leader: Green Party of Pa. voices area fracking worries
Times Leader: Casey praises law enforcement, argues for funds
WFMZ: Police: Township official used badge to impersonate cop
PhillyClout: Singer campaign confirms they got Tartaglione’s DROP payment wrong
Fox Philadelphia: Could Sam Katz & PICA End Drop?
Standard Speaker: Drilling fluid gushes from gas well
The Morning Call: Two more teachers unions opt for pay freezes
Opinions
WHYY Newsworks Editorial: Should You Have To Pass A Test To Vote?
Baer Growls: Murphy’s Law?
Times-Tribune Editorial: Redistricting Needs Reform
CBS Pittsburgh: Is The North Shore Connector The Worst Use Of Taxpayer Money In The Nation?
Citizens’ Voice Editorial: Ban all gifts to lawmakers
Patriot-News Editorial: Harrisburg mayor must be out in front more often on big issues
Patriot-News Op-Ed: Don’t balance Pa. budget on backs of students
The Morning Call: One way to discourage compulsive gambling
The Morning Call: Accountability needed in campaign contributions