Joe Sestak. Last week’s fundraising report for the southeast congressman wasn’t good news for his underdog campaign, and if he can’t raise money, everything else might be immaterial. But Ned Lamont’s endorsement early this week earned Sestak a full-day of media coverage from mainstream and liberal outlets and likely raised his profile among progressive activists across the country. If Pennsylania’s traditional donors walk lock-step with Arlen Specter, maybe rank-and-file Democrats from San Francisco, Connecticut and New York can provide some fundraising relief.

Daryl Metcalfe. Even (South Carolina Congressman) Joe Wilson didn’t shout “you lie” to veterans for speaking their mind.  We can’t add much comment to the Butler County lawmaker’s already much-maligned remarks, but we do wonder if it’s time for GOP state House leadership, Sam Smith and Mike Turzai, to distance their caucus from Metcalfe and his remarks. Also, expect Zack Byrnes to become the Democrats’ version of 12 Congressional District GOP candidate Bill Russell — someone who might not have a good chance at Election Day victory but becomes a party hero anyway for taking on an unpopular incumbent.

Jack Wagner. The auditor general and Democratic gubernatorial candidate (yes, he is running: PoliticsPA already gets press releases from his campaign.) broadsided Governor Ed Rendell’s administration again this week. The executive branch officials provide a plausible defense, but nobody can ever say Wagner, a fellow Democrat, wasn’t independent. Voters like independence.  Now if he would just start raising enough money for a single southeast TV ad …

Manan Trivedi. Former state Senator Connie Williams’ endorsement might cause some 6th Congressional District politicos to give a second look to a race they long ago penciled in Doug Pike to win. Pike remains the clear front-runner (he picked up some endorsements of his own this week), but Trivedi is a legitimate candidate. Maybe Republicans’ won’t be the only one showcasing an interesting primary battle in Jim Gerlach’s former district.

Gene Stilp takes a shot at Tom Corbett’s lack of speed in a presser marking the 1000^th day of the Bonusgate Investigation. Coincidentally, the Inquirer is leaked a story on the same day that insinuates Corbett is about to indict John Perzel and Brian Preski.Looks like AG’s fingerprints are now permanently embedded from the rotunda railings to the second floor.

Governor Ed Rendell. The state’s longtime political boss has become a pollitical liability in the eyes of some analysts. That means this down arrow isn’t just for the governor, it’s for the entire five-man field of Democratic gubernatorial candidates.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 8:12 am and is filed under Miscellaneous, PA Reports, PoliticsPA Reports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.