Usually in this feature, politicians get an up arrow for a good fundraising haul, shrewd political maneuvering, or legislation we think is worthwhile … but rescuing orphans from Haiti?! How could the Guv not get our approval this week?  Plus, his approval ratings are bound to get a boost with headlines like “Rendell Rescuing Orphans.”

Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County chief executive and leading Democratic candidate for Governor, lost a primary opponent and gained an endorsement from Tom Knox, the millionaire Philly businessman.  That leaves Doherty, Wagner, and Hoeffel as his primary opponents … for now.

Arlen Specter has gotten some nasty responses to his radio discussion with Minnesota Rep. and conservative darling Michelle Bachmann after the longtime Pa. Senator told Bachmann repeatedly to “act like a lady.” The conversation, which took place on “The Big Talker” in Philadelphia, reminded Specter of “a TV talk show.” To be fair, Bachmann kept repeating that she “voted for prosperity.” How do you respond to that?

The shocking upset in Massachusetts on Tuesday has re-energized the GOP nationwide, but Pennsylvania Republicans deserve recognition for the significant support they lent to their party brethren in the days before the election.  Truckloads of Pa. Republicans left one commonwealth for the other, knocking and doors and phone-banking in the run-up to Tuesday’s shocker.  Already with leads in a number of key 2010 races, the Pa. GOP appears ready to rumble.

Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-11) is feeling the love from the Obama administration, telling PoliticsPA that the President’s proposals for financial reform fall right in line with his amendment to the Consumer Protection Act.  Check out the full PoliticsPA interview with Kanjorski later today.

In the wake of Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts, U.S. Reps. Tim Holden (D-17) and Jason Altmire (D-4) must feel good about their “no” votes on the healthcare bill. Each congressman represents a moderate district and likely faces a tough opponent in the fall — Dave Argall against Holden, Mary Beth Buchanan against Altmire. But unlike many Democrats, they’ve already insulated themselves from voter anger over the health care.

Tags: Up & Down

This entry was posted on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm and is filed under Miscellaneous. 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.