PoliticsPA’s latest Congressional vulnerability rankings are in, Bartletta looks to challenge Casey, and Dent is making moderates a force in the House.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

PoliticsPA’s 2018 Congressional Vulnerability Ranking: Over the past five election cycles, this column has ranked the most vulnerable seats in the Pennsylvania congressional delegation. It’s been a couple cycles since we’ve seen as many potentially competitive races as we do this year.

Barletta to Challenge Casey in 2018: Congressman Lou Barletta told GOP officials he will be entering the race to challenge Senator Bob Casey next year.

Dent Looks to Make Moderates Strong Force in the House: In a new profile from Politico Magazine, Congressman Charlie Dent discusses how moderate Republicans are becoming a force in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Statewide
State House Sound Bites: Lawsuits likely if PA expands online sales taxation
State House Sound Bites: Congressman Barletta likely to challenge Casey for Senate
State House Sound Bites: House members prepare for severance tax fight
StateImpact: Democratic lawmakers ask FERC to investigate Mariner East 2 pipeline builder

Philadelphia
Inquirer: Philly taxpayers on the hook for ‘councilmanic prerogative’
Inquirer: What’s happened to Philly’s plans for a safe heroin injection site?
Inquirer: GOP Rep. Lou Barletta edges toward challenging Sen. Bob Casey
WHYY: Barletta to seek U.S. Senate seat held by Bob Casey
WHYY: EMILY’s List targeting Philadelphia area Republicans in 2018
Philadelphia Business Journal: Bill expanding fireworks sales in Pennsylvania would bring in estimated $3M

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Ex-Reading mayor due in court on corruption charges
Pottstown Mercury: Area congressmen join group to stabilize health insurance markets
Bucks County Courier Times: Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Problem Solvers Caucus, propose Affordable Care Act fixes

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Report: Trump crafted son’s misleading Russia statement
Tribune Review: Republicans stumbled on health care; tax reform won’t be any easier
Tribune Review: Clutching his nachos, macho Christie chews out fan
Tribune Review: Lou Barletta to seek Senate seat held by Bob Casey
Post-Gazette: White House opioid commission to Trump: “Declare a national emergency” on drug overdoses
Pittsburgh Business Journal: Health care: Insurance subsidies status uncertain
WESA: Barletta To Seek U.S. Senate Seat Held By Bob Casey
KDKA: Scaramucci Ousted From White House Communications Post

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Rothfus’ legislation would overturn CFPB arbitration rule supporters say protects consumers from Wall Street
Beaver County Times: Budget bill passes state Senate without support of local GOP lawmakers
Observer-Reporter: Source: Barletta to seek US Senate seat held by Bob Casey
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Source: Scaramucci out after 11 days in White House

NEPA
Times-Tribune: AP source: Barletta to seek US Senate seat held by Bob Casey
Pocono Record: Insurer threatens to sue if Pennsylvania tries to take $200M
The Times Leader: Despite reports, Barletta will not confirm U.S. Senate run against Casey

South Central
Patriot News: Insurer threatens to sue if Pennsylvania tries to take $200M from fund
Patriot News: GOP gubernatorial candidates butt heads over Wagner’s reference to West Point as a ‘free education’
Patriot News: AP source: Barletta to seek US Senate seat held by Bob Casey
Patriot News: Pipeline company buys farm where protesters built wooden structure
Patriot News: Obama-backed redistricting group raises nearly $11M in first 6 months
LNP: Pipeline builder buying Conestoga farm where opposition is headquartered; protesters vow to continue movement
LNP: Pennsylvania Senate approves bill seeking Medicaid work requirement in 35-15 vote

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Senior GOP senators say time to move on from health care, despite Trump’s push
The Morning Call – Capitol Ideas Blog: Pa. legislators sign on to bipartisan health care proposal
Reading Eagle: Indictments must end rot in Reading government
Reading Eagle: U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan seeks greater protection for kids in custody cases

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Legislative tally: State Senate passes bill to decrease budget deficit
Centre Daily Times: Pennsylvania grapples with new sentences for juvenile lifers
Centre Daily Times: Insurer threatens to sue if Pennsylvania tries to take $200M
Centre Daily Times: Stats shed light on opioid misuse among youth, prescriptions in central Pa.
Erie Times-News: Source: Barletta seeks US Senate seat held by Casey
Erie Times-News: 32 days without a complete Pennsylvania budget

Opinion
Inquirer: Philly taxpayers on the hook for ‘councilmanic prerogative’
Inquirer: Pennsylvania gas industry the fuel to solve budget woes
Inquirer: Former Brady opponent calls for answers on 2012 primary allegations
Daily News: How Brady’s blind ambition could kill Obamacare
Post-Gazette: House alarm: The state budget needs lower chamber action
Altoona Mirror: Trump lacking ‘spiritual center’
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Gender inequality in politics stark
Express-Times: Pa. should stick with impact fees on gas drilling letter
Erie Times-News: Our view: Harrisburg must finish passing budget
Erie Times-News: Kevin Cuneo: Mayor’s race takes on added meaning after GE decision
Patriot News: Scaramucci firing: John Kelly, who ‘doesn’t suffer idiots or fools’ just proved it: Analysis