Much of the focus thus far has been on the two Pennsylvania Democrats who opposed the health care bill: Tim Holden and Jason Altmire. But what about the Democrats who supported it but represent moderate districts?

U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, in particular, might have to face political repercussions for her vote. The Erie-area freshman Democrat barely beat incumbent Phil English last year and already faces at least on challenger, businessman Paul Huber. Whether Chris Carney, who represents a historically conservative district in the northeast, faces Election Day danger remains to be seen.

Rumors about an impending next wave of “Bonusgate” indictments have hovered over the Capitol for more than a year, but the chatter has picked up significantly in recent weeks. With last week’s election finished, now would seem the perfect time for Attorney General Tom Corbett to reveal the contents of an investigation most expect to be explosive.

Recent news stories indicate the attorney general will bring his long-awaited charges against Republicans this time around.

Last Tuesday’s election, which featured a near GOP sweep in the statewide judicial elections, gave every Republican candidate in Pennsylvania a boost, even if only to their campaign rhetoric. The GOP can now lay claim to political momentum in Pennsylvania, which has to be an emotional lift for a party that was battered at the polls in 2006 and 2008.

Expect the judicial-race results to be featured in every candidate’s stump speech in the months to come.

Tags: Weekly Primer

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