Donald Trump’s path to the GOP nomination may have a road bump in Pennsylvania. It turns out Trump donated $32,000 to Pennsylvania’s own Ed Rendell, going well with his previous donations to Rahm Emanual, Chuck Schumer and Charlie Rangel.
Republican lawmakers continue to warm to a tax/impact fee on Marcellus shale. The AP reports that there is now majority support in the PA House and likely Senate for some kind of revenue generator from PA’s largest new industry.
Given recent news that some Republicans are wavering on SB1, the school vouchers bill, one conservative group is seeking to change the political calculus. The Citizens’ Alliance for Pennsylvania claims they’ve raised a million dollars and will recruit and fund a primary challenge to any Republican who opposes the measure.
Rep. Allyson Schwartz, a staunch supporter of 2010’s health care reform, is joining with Congressional Republicans to repeal a significant part of the law.
And finally, we’re continuing to get 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.
PoliticsPA Reports
Donald Trump Gave $32K to Rendell
Salon’s Steve Kornacki notes that Donald Trump donated $32,000 to Pennsylvania’s own Ed Rendell during his 2002 campaign for Governor, yet one more Democrat on Trump’s long list.
Schwartz Joins GOP to Repeal Provision of Heath Care Law
Rep. Allyson Schwartz, a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act, has joined Congressional Republicans seeking to repeal a key element of the law.
Conservative Group Threatens to Primary Wavering Republicans Over Vouchers Vote
After PA Senate Republicans showed they weren’t yet sold on a school vouchers program, the conservative organization Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania (CAP) today vowed to recruit and fund primary challengers to any Republican who votes against the bill.
Headlines
Early Returns: Rooney May Return To The U.S.
Tribune-Review: Rooney says he’s staying in Ireland
AP: Gov. Corbett Signs Repeal of Sprinkler Mandate
AP: Lawmakers (including Republicans) prepare bills to tax Marcellus gas
Early Returns: Gov. Corbett Says First Half Over In Budgetary Football Game
Politico: Liberal groups try to stoke town hall rage
Commonwealth Confidential: Moms Says Bake Sales Won’t Fill Education Budget Gap
State House Sound Bites: A Soft Launch For Corbett’s Transportation Commission
WHYY Newsworks: Lawmakers Move To Punish Court Fee Scofflaws
PhillyNow: Pa. Senators Introduce Medical Marijuana Bill
Times-Leader: Judge Issues Permanent Injunction On Sale of Bath Salts
Patriot-News: Harrisburg Water Situation Stable But ‘Beavergate’ Takes Off
Inquirer: Rise in Montgomery County Unaffiliated Voters A Mystery
WHYY Newsworks: Another Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate Steps Forward
Inquirer: Back Channels: GOP Candidates Who Could Shake Up Phila.
Daily News: In Q & A, Ramsey addresses hurdles facing his police department
Times-Tribune: Scranton City Council Democratic Candidates Perspectives On City Future Differ
Times-Tribune: It’s Snowing Politics in Scranton City Council
Delaware County Times: Darby Dems Poised For Primary Showdown
Delaware County Times: Four Dems Look To Gain Posts In Media
Delaware County Times: Political Signs Damaged, Stolen in Haverford
Inquirer: Philly’s black residents now top all groups
Inquirer: Nutter orders probe of King charter school flap
PhillyClout: Nutter to endorse Sanchez in the 7th district tonight
Post-Gazette: Governor’s transportation group sets goal
Post-Gazette: 4 vying for East End district judge seat
Post-Gazette: Patricia Sheridan’s Breakfast with Pittsburgh native Ron Paul
Post-Gazette: Court backs Erie County Councilman in free speech case
Citizens’ Voice: House GOP touts legislative accomplishments
Times Leader: Bar panel to discuss amending constitution
Times Leader: End near for drill pollution
Times Leader: Past GOP tactic useless to Dems
The Morning Call: Corbett signs his first bill into law
Patriot-News: EPA investigating Marcellus fracking spill in Bradford County
Opinions
Baer Growls: Two Sens(e)
Times-Tribune: Recycle State Recycling Law
Dave Davies, WHYY Newsworks: The Nutter Slate Emerges
Patriot-News Editorial: Off-color: New terrorism alert system is welcome change
John Baer, Daily News: We suffer at home as foreign wars drain our tax dollars
The Morning Call: Corbett budget cuts foundation
Inquirer Editorial: Bass best for Eighth
Daily News Editorial: Fail to raise the debt ceiling and it will cave in