December 9th Playbook

Vice President Mike Pence will make a campaign appearance near Pittsburgh on Tuesday to speak to a Veterans for Trump group, while President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Hershey on Tuesday evening in Hershey. Here is the Playbook. 

December 6th Ups & Downs: A Philadelphia Democrat is charged with stealing from her own charity, endorsements begin rolling in for the Auditor General’s race, plus President Donald Trump taps a former Ridley Park councilman to serve in a new role in his administration. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Former State Sen. J Doyle Corman Dies at 87: Corman, who served in the state Senate from 1977 to 1998, died at the age of 87, according to his son, state Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre). 

Legislative Election Update:

HD-21: Steve Zappala, son of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr., announced his intentions to seek the Democratic Party nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-Allegheny). In 2018, Innamorato bested longtime incumbent state Rep. Dom Costa (D-Allegheny) for the seat in the Democratic Primary. 

HD-99: Glenn Yoder, a former president of the Eastern Lancaster County school board, announced a Republican primary bid for the seat held by state Rep. David Zimmerman, according to LNP | LancasterOnline. Zimmerman has served in the state House since 2015 and comfortably won his most recent reelection bid in 2018 by 71 points over Democrat Elizabeth Malarkey. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Philly Clout: Pat Toomey defends Trump on impeachment: ‘Where is the crime?’
Philly Clout: Mike Turzai is thinking about running for Pennsylvania governor — again 
Philly Clout: Pennsylvania Society is abuzz about David Cohen stepping down at Comcast
Philly Clout: Joe Biden has taken ‘slings and arrows’ but stayed strong for 2020, Ed Rendell says
Philly Clout: At a packed Pennsylvania Society cocktail party, one guest wanted out. So she was born a month early
AP: Pence to make fourth visit to Pennsylvania this year
AP: Governor puts House on timetable to pass minimum wage bill
AP: Decades-old jean theft complicates commuted lifer’s release
Inquirer: Think the 2020 Pennsylvania primary won’t matter? Think again.
Inquirer: Gov. Tom Wolf commuted a man’s life sentence. Now Delco prosecutors want to send him back to jail.
Patriot News: Pa. leaders honor former Sen. Doyle Corman
Patriot News: School pension costs to rise about $100 million next year but that’s good news
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf orders state flags lowered to honor longtime former state lawmaker
Patriot News: PA Society: ‘It’s an annual tradition and a must-attend event’ for politicians and power brokers
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf commutes 8, brings clemency total to 19, the third-highest among Pa. governors
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. House passes legislation to crack down on voter suppression 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pardoned by Wolf, Philadelphia man’s prison release blocked by decades-old theft charges
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Trump rules could push nearly 290K Pennsylvanians off food stamps | Analysis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: What’s holding up appointments on this powerful state education board? 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Capitol Commemorates 78th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack
PLSReporter: 4 bills to watch for the week of December 9
PLSReporter: Did You Get The Memo? Protections for pregnant inmates, sports betting and traffic violations
PLSReporter: Tweets of the Week – December 2, 2019
Fox News: Democrats pushing forward to draft articles of impeachment for upcoming hearing
StateImpactPA: Philadelphia’s ban on single-use plastic bags moves toward passage into law
Politico: ‘Trump changed everything’: Big cities break hard left in Dem primary
National Journal: DePasquale’s Campaign Hired Recipient of Controversial DNC Bonus
Erie Times-News: Pa. 11th in US in spending per prisoner 
The Hill: Pennsylvania state lawmaker accused of stealing $500K from her charity will resign
CNN: Pennsylvania state rep accused of stealing $500k from her charity for fur coats, vacation and campaign resigns
CNN: Farmer: Trump is backstabbing the people who elected him

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Pennsylvania Society is abuzz about David Cohen stepping down at Comcast
Philly Clout: Outsider Kendra Brooks learns how to play the inside game at Pennsylvania Society
Philly Clout: At a packed Pennsylvania Society cocktail party, one guest wanted out. So she was born a month early
Inquirer: Bugs, missed meds, disrepair: Inspectors found violations at homes run by Movita Johnson-Harrell’s nonprofit while authorities say she was collecting cash
Inquirer: Philly FOP boss visits President Trump at White House to criticize DA Larry Krasner
Inquirer: Philly students rally against climate change in Center City, won’t be punished for missing class
Inquirer: Norman Berson, 93, longtime state representative and champion of liberal causes
Inquirer: New Pa. law aimed to disarm accused domestic abusers within 24 hours. Hundreds in Philly haven’t turned in guns.
Inquirer: Philly wants to bring back a version of an old strategy to fight gun violence. Specifics are pending.
Inquirer: Philly’s real estate boom spurs fear of eviction among one building’s senior citizens 
WHYY Newsworks: Left-wing challenger Nikil Saval announces bid to unseat Pa. Sen. Larry Farnese
WHYY Newsworks: Hoping to oust Trump, voters in Philly get ready to run for DNC delegates
WHYY Newsworks: Robert Costa on political reporting, history in the making, and `bewilderment’ in the Capitol
WHYY Newsworks: Philly students join in national Climate Strike
Philadelphia Tribune: Acting Philly police commissioner promotes officers accused of misconduct
KYW Newsradio: FOP president resumes war of words with Krasner over gun violence after meeting with Trump
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia may finally get single-use plastic bag ban, but advocates say bill may have fatal flaw
KYW Newsradio: Bill to fight bedbug infestations is up for final vote in Philadelphia City Council next week
KYW Newsradio: ‘I can’t just wallow in terror’: Students rally again against climate change
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia’s child welfare system is steadily improving, DHS says
Billy Penn: This is how much Philly’s big buildings are contributing to climate change
Philadelphia Magazine: Philadelphia is the Worst City for Politics
Philadelphia Magazine: All the Drama Over the 10-Year Tax Abatement Bill, Explained
Philadelphia Magazine: In “Assault on Privacy,” Philly Police Routinely Reveal Mental Health Status of Missing City Residents
Philadelphia Magazine: Meet the 18-Year-Old Youth Organizer Fighting for a Greener Philly
Philadelphia Citizen: Ideas We Should Steal Festival 2019: Can States Save The Country?  
Philly Voice: Philly D.A. Krasner calls Joe Biden ‘dumbest guy’ at Penn event

SEPA
Daily Local News: Pipeline activist to challenge incumbent Dem state legislator
Daily Local News: Trial date set for dispute of overtime pay to Chesco sheriff’s boyfriend
Daily Local News: Pa. lawmakers unveil 5 options to address school property taxes
Daily Local News: Public invited to have a say on future of Pennsylvania state parks
Daily Local News: ‘Lots of smiles’ as children go Christmas shopping with Chesco sheriff
Delco Daily Times: Delco D.A. in war of words with Wolf, Fetterman in dispute over clemency for inmate
Delco Daily Times: GOP Wish List: Council eyes $55M in county projects
Delco Daily Times: West Chester U. tops for student voter engagement
Inquirer: Democrats crowd-source agenda in transition to power in Delaware County
Inquirer: Gov. Tom Wolf commuted a man’s life sentence. Now Delco prosecutors want to send him back to jail.
KYW Newsradio: War of words over release of convicted murderer being told to deal with outstanding shoplifting charge in Delco
Pottstown Mercury: Sen. Muth, Rep. Webster to host holiday scam information session

Pittsburgh 
City Paper: Steve Zappala, son of Allegheny County DA, is running for state House District 21
City Paper: Workers at LGBTQ service center Persad vote to unionize with United Steelworkers
Post-Gazette: Idea for presidential candidates’ forum in Pittsburgh started in nation’s capital
Post-Gazette: Fitzgerald, Butler County commissioners to receive inaugural “Moe” Coleman Award
Post-Gazette: After record year for TV blackouts, Congress pushes broadcasters, cable companies to bargain in good faith
Post-Gazette: Is shale development worth the costs? A CMU study says no.
Post-Gazette: Rally for action on climate change held Downtown
Post-Gazette: Oversight board approves $75,000 to continue naloxone program at Allegheny County Jail
Tribune Review: Murrysville council, Olympus Energy continue working out possible fracking well conditions
WESA: New Post-Election Campaign Finance Reports Show Conservancy As Major Backer For Parks Tax

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Joyce opposes drug price plan
Beaver County Times: Impeachment rally planned for Beaver the day before House vote is expected
Beaver County Times: Time changed for Pence’s visit to Rochester VFW
Beaver County Times: Bill would offer alternative for suspending driver’s licenses
Beaver County Times: Commissioner Sandie Egley opens up about battle with skin cancer
Observer-Reporter: Staniszewski appears for hearing, expected to take plea
Observer-Reporter: Municipalities may have option to provide internet service under state proposal
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: U.S. attorney names law enforcement coordinator
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Senate to introduce reform on driver’s license suspension
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Feeling the heat: Food stamps shift could strain food banks, impact families

NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County budget tensions mounting
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre city council to decide on location of proposed sewer system sale
Citizens Voice: W-B parking fine collection rate still lags
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County commissioners ready to collaborate, cooperate
Times-Tribune: Forest City mayor, a native of the Bahamas, shares his vision for borough

South Central 
Patriot News: Pa. leaders honor former Sen. Doyle Corman
Patriot News: School pension costs to rise about $100 million next year but that’s good news
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf orders state flags lowered to honor longtime former state lawmaker
Patriot News: PA Society: ‘It’s an annual tradition and a must-attend event’ for politicians and power brokers
LNP | LancasterOnline: Former Elanco school board president to challenge Zimmerman in Republican primary
LNP | LancasterOnline: 5 GOP House members who got toppled by primary challengers in Lancaster County
LNP | LancasterOnline: 19 elected officials you’ve never heard of will be key in the 2020 GOP primary in Lancaster County

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Northampton County passes budget with no property tax increase for second straight year
Morning Call: Here’s how much that Lehigh Valley college education is worth
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania lawmakers unveil 5 school property tax options for review 

North by Northwest
WTAJ: Former PA State Senator J. Doyle Corman has passed, according to son, Sen. Jake Corman
Erie Times-News: How federal legislators voted, week ending Dec. 6
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Officials: Changes to SNAP could affect thousands statewide

Opinion   
Inquirer Editorial Board: Pa. lawmakers address child abuse — but don’t go far enough
Inquirer Editorial Board: New food stamp rule says if you don’t work, you can’t eat 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Reasonable and humane: Minimum wage bill is a step forward for workers
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Liberty vs. security: Concerns about facial recognition tech must be addressed
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A sharp eye on parks tax: Hold Pitts­burgh Parks Con­ser­vancy to its prom­ises
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Password protection: Court rightly rules for individual privacy
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Better practices: Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media should use resources to improve management
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Steer clear for safety: Brake for those responding to roadside emergencies 
LNP Editorial Board: We need to be the empathetic helpers Mister Rogers wanted us to be
Tim Kearney and Katie Muth: Pa.’s recently approved statute of limitations reform fell short. This is how
John L. Micek: How Trump’s SNAP cuts will hurt people leaving prison, report | Friday Morning Coffee
George Newman: Pennsylvania criminalizes accidental overdoses to the detriment of its people
Karen Kane: An unconscionable means to a worthy end
Paul Muschick: How Pennsylvania’s biggest elections reforms in 80 years started in the Lehigh Valley
Susan L. DeJarnatt: Update Pa’s charter school law to foster innovation, bolster accountability
Joseph N. DiStefano: Will David L. Cohen do for the people of Philadelphia what he did for Comcast?
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: World leaders laugh at Trump, kids held at border not so much
Tim Hartman: Who says we need a handheld cell phone ban? | Editorial Cartoon
Abraham Gutman: Why drugs and violence concentrate in Kensington — and what Philadelphia can do about it | Brain Trust
Post-Gazette Commentary: George Zimmerman’s loser streak continues
Post-Gazette Commentary: Remembering Pearl Harbor, and the sacrifice of the Trumps
Ruth Ann Dailey: Open to interpretation
Will Bunch: What a greedy, slimeball firm like McKinsey & Co. tells us about ‘the cancel culture’ 
Inquirer Staff: By 2041, Philadelphia summers might feel like — Orlando?
Trudy Rubin: Trump’s most dangerous behavior on Ukraine may not be an impeachable offense 
Jan Mutchler: Turning gray and going into the red: The true cost of growing old in America
Rich Goldberg: Jewelers’ Row construction will help one of Philly’s most historic areas evolve for a bright future 
Maria Panaritis: ‘Read this story, dirt bag!’ and other tales of Americans being uncivil long before Twitter or Trump 
Rachel Valletta: Will Philadelphia and the Northeast U.S. lose our seasons to climate change? Not if we can help it. 
Christine Flowers: Delivering justice in cases of pure evil
Keith C. Burris: Mayor Mike and Mister Rogers
David M. Shribman: The impeachment impasse

One Response

  1. Jr. Jr. Zap running for legislature…loser, loser. He’s a boozer. When the voters are reminded of the Zappala family Cash for.kids juvenile jails STILL operating in PA., He won’t even get on the ballot. Jethro Bodine, campaign manager, is as close to an elected office as he can aspire. Maybe he can get another 40 k handout from Erin if she ever runs for anything again Doubtful.

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  • 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%)

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