December 21: Closing In

Luzerne County ballot box

Good Day Wednesday. Happy winter solstice. Winter begins at 4:48 p.m.

PA Weather
Ligonier | Increasing Clouds, 44
Mt. Gretna | Partly Sunny, 40
Exton | Mostly Sunny, 41

PA Sports
76ers (17-12) | WED vs. Detroit
Penguins (19-9-4) | New York, W 3-2
Flyers (11-15-7) | Columbus, W 4-3

What We’re Hearing
“To have someone potentially running a city who’s never been a part of that and doesn’t understand the ins and outs as well as another candidate — that could be a little messy.” – Siah McCabe

Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Rep. Barry J. Jozwiak.

Sign Up For The Playbook
Are you reading this online? Sign up for free and get your own subscription emailed to you every weekday morning. Join the PoliticsPA community.

Top Story

1. PA Closes In On Election Certification

The Bucks County elections board voted Tuesday to certify its November results, a development Pennsylvania officials had said was required before they can issue a statewide certification.

Spokesman Jim O’Malley said the suburban Philadelphia county’s Board of Elections wrapped up certification, although litigation over recount requests has not ended. (Associated Press)

Related

PA Election Maps From 2022 Midterm Elections. “Who prevailed in Pennsylvania’s 2022 statewide elections has long been clear: John Fetterman won the U.S. Senate race, and Josh Shapiro won the governorship. But now you can see exactly how each candidate did in your neighborhood.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Electoral Count Act Set To Deliver Another Blow To Trump. “The House isn’t the only congressional chamber taking steps this week to counteract former President Trump, as legislation to overhaul how Congress counts electoral votes is one step closer to becoming law.” (The Hill)

A Cautionary Tale Of Election Denialism In PA Midterms. “More than a month after the midterm elections, Pennsylvania still hasn’t certified its results of the 2022 election. Recount requests are holding up a process that has been playing out in sometimes dramatic fashion at the county level — producing at least one scene that should set off alarm bells for anyone concerned about election deniers refining their strategy ahead of 2024.” (Vox)What Could The Future Hold For US Rep. Scott Perry?Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry’s name appears repeatedly in the interim report released this week by the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. But how much trouble could Perry actually be facing?” (York Dispatch)

Philadelphia

2. Jeff Brown, With No Political Experience, Is Fashioning An Outsider’s Campaign For Mayor

Jeff Brown, Grocery Store Magnate, Is Running for Philadelphia Mayor – NBC10 Philadelphia

“ShopRite magnate Jeff Brown wants to be Philadelphia’s next mayor despite lacking any political experience. It’s a feat no one has accomplished in recent memory, or perhaps ever.

Wealthy people with little or no background in politics have won the top job in other big cities, like billionaire Michael Bloomberg in New York. The closest comparable figure in Philly is insurance executive Tom Knox, who fell short in the 2007 Democratic primary.” (Billy Penn)

Related

Philadelphia Transit Workers Endorse Democrat Jeff Brown For Mayor. “Philadelphia’s transit union has pledged support for Democrat Jeff Brown in the 2023 mayoral race. The Transport Workers Union Local 234 represents 5,300 workers in the city’s SEPTA transit system.” (The Center Square)

The Guilty Pleas Keep Coming In Johnny Doc’s Embezzlement Case As Two More Local 98 Members Cut Deals.Michael Neill, longtime head of the union’s apprentice training program, and Dougherty’s nephew, Brian Fiocca, are expected to plead guilty Wednesday in a $600,000 embezzlement scheme.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Blame Rise In PA Gas Tax For Likely Increase At Pump In January

Two PA Companies Partner to Fuel Economy – GantNews.com

Pennsylvania drivers don’t want to hear this but the price at the pump likely will be going up once the calendar turns to 2023.

The state gas tax, which is assessed at the wholesale level, will increase Jan. 1. Act 89 of 2013, which was signed into law during the Corbett administration, mandates this increase to pay for road and bridge projects.” (Morning Call)

Related

La’Tasha D. Mayes: Pittsburgh’s People Of The Year 2022 In Politics. “La’Tasha D. Mayes made history this year as the first out lesbian elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the first woman elected to represent her district at the state level.” (Pittsburgh City Paper)

Republican State Rep. Gaydos Running For State Speaker. “Allegheny County State Representative Valerie Gaydos (R) is throwing her hat in the ring for House Speaker.” (ABC27)

PA Judge Overturns Open Records Division, Orders Release Of Voting Spreadsheet. “A judge has overturned an Office of Open Records decision and ruled the clear vote cast record (CVR) from the 2020 general election in Lycoming County is public record.” (PennLive)

Washington County Commissioners Halt Pay Raises For Themselves, Row Officers. “Washington County’s commissioners and most of its row officers will no longer be receiving automatic 3% pay increases, starting in 2024.” (Observer-Reporter)

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

1 Thing

5. RIP Franco Harris

Franco Harris, N.F.L. Hall of Famer Who Caught 'Immaculate Reception,' Dies at 72 - The New York Times

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris has died, just days before the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 50th anniversary celebration of the Immaculate Reception, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Harris was 72. No cause of death has been revealed.

Harris authored what is considered to be the greatest play in NFL history when he caught a deflected pass inches from the ground and ran for a 60-yard touchdown with five seconds left in a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 23, 1972. (Tribune-Review)

Thanks for starting your day with us.
What did you think of today’s newsletter?
Please invite your friends to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook

5 Responses

  1. The statements saying you need a PhD to run Philly are absurd. In fact someone who ran a corporation may think outside the box more than political folks. I would not rule a businessperson out. One gave a good run for Mayor of LA in November over a heavily favored Dem politician. Folks are tired of same old same old.

  2. SCOTT PERRY is a traitor to his country and should go to jail, along with Trump and several other GOP traitors. Ethics violation is not enough for PERRY and fellow MAGA politicians.





Email:




  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


    • No. I've already decided on how to cast my vote. (81%)
    • Yes. Anxious to hear from both candidates (19%)

    Total Voters: 27

    Loading ... Loading ...
Continue to Browser

PoliticsPA

To install tap and choose
Add to Home Screen