Politics PA

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 3/12 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, 12th district hopefuls get crucial party support, Jason Altmire hopes that all press is good press, and Manan Trivedi just won’t go away.

PoliticsPA: Trivedi wins MontCo endorsement

Trivedi, a physician, last month won the endorsement of the Chester County Democratic Committee, the largest in the 6th Congressional District.

PoliticsPA: Russell says ‘the fix was in’

Bill Russell lost Thursday’s vote by GOP conferees to determine who would have an opportunity to succeed the late John Murtha in Congress.

He told reporters afterward that the vote wasn’t a fair fight.

UPDATED: Republicans pick Burns; Russell vows to fight on

Burns will now face Murtha’s former district director, Mark Critz, in the May 18 special election, a contest sure to draw nationwide attention as Republican try to keep the political momentum gained since President Obama’s election in 2008. It offers the GOP a chance to win Ted Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat and Murtha’s congressional seat — two legendary Democrats — in back-to-back special elections.

PoliticsPA: Lentz camp criticizes Meehan revelation

Democrat Bryan Lentz’s campaign lambasted on Thursday revelations made earlier in the day that his congressional opponent, Pat Meehan, has asked the local district attorney to investigate potentially fraudulent signatures on his own nominating petitions.

PoliticsPA: Meehan asks DelCO DA to review his petitions

Congressional candidate Pat Meehan on Thursday asked the Delaware County district attorney to investigate the Republican’s own nominating petitions after he said he became aware Wednesday of possible fraudulent signatures.

PoliticsPA: Critz asks ethics office to release documents related to him

Mark Critz on Wednesday asked the Office on Congressional Ethics to release transcripts of interviews it conducted with him during an investigation into John Murtha’s earmarking practices, an attempt by the late congressman’s potential successor to quell growing questions about his background.

ON BACKGROUND: Meehan’s fundraiser, Rove’s book, Murtha’s replacement

Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week’s edition focuses on a congressional candidate’s impressive fundraiser, Obama’s potentially harmful endorsement, Rove’s new book, behind-the-scenes action in the 12th and speculation over Onorato’s ads.

PoliticsPA: PSEA-PACE to back Onorato in gubernatorial campaign

The political action committee of Pennsylvania’s largest school employee union is expected to announce its support for Dan Onorato for governor in the May 18 primary election, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

PSEA to endorse Onorato

The announcement will be made at 3:30 Wednesday in Philadelphia.

PoliticsPA: Metcalfe says he plans to ‘blind-side’ GOP officials during lt. gov run

HARRISBURG – Newly unveiled lieutenant governor candidate Daryl Metcalfe said Wednesday he would “redefine” Pennsylvania’s No. 2 job if he won election, turning it into a position that would publicly hold the governor’s feet to the fire should he try to raise taxes or increase government spending.

PoliticsPA: Hafer withdraws from race in the 12th

Former state treasurer Barbara Hafer is officially out of the race for the 12th district seat held by John Murtha until his death in February.

PoliticsPA: GOP lt gov field nine-candidates deep with Metcalfe’s entrance

The Butler County lawmaker earned enough signatures to be placed on the May 18 primary ballot, according to a preliminary list provided by the Department of State. He’s one of nine GOP candidates who will be on the ballot.

PoliticsPA: Trivedi says his campaign already showing integrity

A day after his inter-party opponent proposed they agree to not use negative personal attacks, Democratic congressional candidate Manan Trivedi responded that such an deal is unnecessary because his campaign has already committed to running a positive campaign.

PoliticsPA: New candidate to join Sestak, Specter on ballot

An Allegheny County man has apparently earned enough signatures to be placed on U.S. Senate Democratic primary ballot, according to an unofficial list provided Tuesday by the Department of State, potentially adding a wrinkle to the heated contest between incumbent Arlen Specter and challenger Joe Sestak.

PoliticsPA: Hafer supporter says she remains best candidate

“I think at the end of the day, that conclusions will be reached by not only state committee people who voted today, but even the electorate,” said John Hanna, the party’s Southwest Caucus Chairman and Hafer supporter.

PoliticsPA: Local backing, experience key to Critz’s selection

Mark Critz was chosen Monday as the Democratic special election nominee to replace John Murtha’s because of support from local party officials and experience he brings as a former top aide to the congressman, more than 10 of the state party Executive Committee members told PoliticsPA in interviews after the vote was unveiled.

PoliticsPA: Executive Committee picks Critz in race to replace Murtha

The state Democratic Party’s Executive Committee on Monday selected Mark Critz to be the party’s nominee in the race to replace John Murtha, choosing the congressman’s district director over former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer, a Democratic official has told PoliticsPA.

Check back at PoliticsPA for updates on this breaking news story.

UPDATED PoliticsPA: Pike proposes positive campaign agreement

Democratic congressional candidate Doug Pike on Monday proposed he and his inter-party opponent, Manan Trivedi, run “positive” campaigns free of personal attacks on each other, an agreement he said will help the party win the 6th District seat in the fall regardless of who the nominee is.

PoliticsPA: Gleason says health care compromise would help Democrats

“It seems to me if they don’t support the bill and it goes away, and they work with Republicans, I think it would really be to their advantage,” the chairman said. “I don’t see a downside.”

PoliticsPA: On day of final vote, Hafer supporters make last-ditch push

Barbara Hafer supporters say they are making a last-minute push Monday to convince party officials that the former state treasurer is the best Democratic candidate to replace John Murtha despite not receiving a recommendation from delegates in the 12th District over the weekend.

Their efforts appear focused on discrediting Saturday’s straw poll vote, which favored former Murtha District Director Mark Critz, and raising questions about the recommended candidate’s background.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 3/8 Edition

What’s on tap for this week in Pa. politics? A visit from President Obama, national groups start running ads in swing districts, and the field for the late Rep. Murtha’s 12th grows smaller.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 3/5 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, Specter surges ahead in the polls, approval of I-80 tolls looms large for gubernatorial candidates, and Glenn Thompson makes a surprise appearance.

PoliticsPA: Rooney says party leaders waiting for Saturday to weigh in

State Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney said in an interview Tuesday that he and other party leaders will wait for Saturday’s straw poll vote before supporting a candidate to run for John Murtha’s former congressional seat.

PoliticsPA: New York congressman endorses Sestak

At the end of a five-city tour focusing on veterans’ issues, Joe Sestak on Tuesday received the endorsement of New York Congressman Eric Massa.

PoliticsPA: Trippi, other vets to run Hafer’s campaign

Barbara Hafer announced her campaign team Tuesday for her quest to replace John Murtha in Congress, a group that includes veterans of many Pennsylvania political battles.

PoliticsPA: Hafer gets backing of Allegheny Co. controller

Barbara Hafer on Tuesday received the endorsement of Allegheny County Controller Mark Flaherty as she vies for the Democratic nomination in the 12th Congressional District.

PoliticsPA: Lackawanna Ds endorse Wagner

“The committee has found Jack’s record as Pittsburgh City Council President, State Senator, and Auditor General to be outstanding,” said Harry McGrath, Chairman of the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee, in a statement. “He also has a proven track record as a statewide vote-getter.”

PoliticsPA’s House Race Rankings

PoliticsPA’s newest feature, a monthly ranking of the most vulnerable U.S. House seats in Pennsylvania, begins today with Joe Sestak’s 7th District ranked as the state’s “most vulnerable.”

PoliticsPA: Cernic says ‘full speed ahead’

“Our campaign is full speed ahead,” Ed Cernic Jr. told PoliticsPA during an interview Monday. “We are gaining support daily.”

PoliticsPA: Sestak, responding to criticism, says ‘Republican’ worst he’s called Specter

Joe Sestak on Monday forcefully responded to criticism from Arlen Specter that the congressman doesn’t pay his campaign staffers enough, saying the incumbent Democratic senator’s attacks are the kind of political tactics voters don’t want to see.

PoliticsPA: Huber earns support from former opponent

Republican Paul Huber’s quest to replace Kathy Dahlkemper in Congress received a boost Monday when former 3rd District candidate Donna Reese endorsed his campaign.

PoliticsPA: Russell camp says Gleason opposition could hurt chances

A strategist for Bill Russell’s congressional campaign Monday raised the possibility that personal animosity between the former Army officer and state GOP Chairman Rob Gleason could adversely affect his chances of winning next week’s vote to nominate a Republican for the May 18 special election.

The conflict between Gleason and Russell is hardly a secret, and the tension between the two men has resurfaced in other recent media reports ahead of next week’s nomination meeting to replace John Murtha . But his campaign’s comment Monday is another sign it is trying to frame the selection process as driven by Republican insiders who don’t represent the district’s conservative electorate.

Podcast: On I-80 tolling, Corbett’s anonymity, and Specter’s polls

Join John L. Micek of The Morning Call; Alex Roarty of PoliticsPA and Pennsylvania Legislative Services, and Scott Detrow of Public Radio Capital News as they take on these topics, as well as the Olympics and the fine art of mixing the perfect Moscow Mule.

PoliticsPA: Critz touts district support

In the four-person Democratic race to replace John Murtha, his former district director, Mark Critz, has a clear strategy.

Win Saturday’s straw poll vote among local delegates so overwhelmingly that statewide party officials – who will officially decide who represents the party — must support him.

The Times weighs in on 12th District race

The contest to fill the seat previously held by the late Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) is quickly shaping up as yet another special election battle whose implications are likely to stretch far beyond one congressional district.

PoliticsPA: Singel endorses Critz to replace Murtha

Democrat Mark Critz won another important endorsement Saturday when his campaign announced the support of former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel, a boost to his quest to replace John Murtha in Congress.

The endorsement comes just a week before delegates from the 12th Congressional District are set to meet and recommend which candidate be placed on the May 18 special election ballot.

Hafer: I’m not going anywhere

“I’ve said this before: People get in and people get out,” she told PoliticsPA during an interview Friday. “And that’s just the way it is in politics.

“I’m committed to this race and fully expect to stay in,” she said.

PoliticsPA: Burns gains momentum for GOP nod

Republican Tim Burns’ campaign Thursday won the endorsement of an influential conservative blog and local county committee, giving it an important boost as the businessman vies for the GOP’s nomination to replace John Murtha.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 2/26 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, Joe Sestak frustrates staffers and reporters alike, Manan Trivedi lands a big endorsement in Chester Co., and, apparently, former Rep. Melissa Hart needs to get her car washed.

PoliticsPA: Specter hits Sestak on staff pay

Citing FEC financial disclosure forms, Arlen Specter’s campaign on Thursday accused Joe Sestak of paying nearly half of his campaign staffers below minimum wage, a fact it says shows the congressman is hypocritical about the importance average families and workers make a living wage.

PoliticsPA: Democrats to nominate Murtha replacement March 8

Democratic delegates from the 12th Congressional District will convene next Saturday to recommend a candidate to finish John Murtha’s term in office, the state party said Thursday.

Two days later, the party’s 50-member executive committee will choose which candidate will be the Democratic nominee for the May 18 special election.

PoliticsPA: Wagner receives another county committee endorsement

The Warren County Democratic Committee endorsed Jack Wagner’s gubernatorial bid on Thursday, the auditor general’s campaign said.

PoliticsPA: United Way gov forum offers few new wrinkles from candidates

HARRISBURG — A Wednesday afternoon debate among four of the gubernatorial candidates featured some new distinctions in their messages but mostly retread themes and rhetoric that close observers of the race have heard many times before.

Three Democrats, Jack Wagner, Dan Onorato and Joe Hoeffel, and one Republican, Sam Rohrer, participated. State Sen. Anthony Williams and Attorney General Tom Corbett were invited but did not attend because of other commitments.

PoliticsPA: Hoeffel asks why Corbett, Williams didn’t attend forum

“I wish all the candidates were coming to these forums,” the southeast candidate said during the debate’s opening remarks. The forums, Hoeffel said, are a good way for candidates tell voters where they stand on the issues.

ON BACKGROUND: Welch’s exit, Trivedi’s boost and Sestak’s staffers

Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week, we talk Welch’s campaign departure, Trivedi’s important endorsement, and Sestak’s campaign losing another staffer.

PoliticsPA: Corbett continues to hold edge; D gov race unformed in latest poll

Tom Corbett holds a decisive advantage over Sam Rohrer in the Republican primary while the Democratic gubernatorial field is still mostly a blank slate to voters, according to a Franklin & Marshall College poll released Wednesday.

PoliticsPA: Specter continues leading Sestak in latest F&M poll

Specter leads Sestak 33 percent to 16 percent, according to the poll, with 44 percent of registered Democrats undecided.

PoliticsPA: Specter shrugs off Toomey, Sestak debate

“I can’t control that,” the senator said Tuesday during a conference call. “The business about building a professional reputation in government in politics is tough to do. And I’ve been at it for a long time.

PoliticsPA: Specter explains sudden support of reconciliation

Senator Arlen Specter said Tuesday that he now supports using reconciliation to approve health care legislation because he says he’s discovered lawmakers have used the procedural move many times in the past.

But although he thinks the Senate now has a “really good chance” to approve the health care bill, he called inclusion of the “so-called” public option in it a “longshot.”

PAU Podcast: Murtha’s seat, Williams’ candidacy and … beer freedom?

Welcome to yet another installment of Pennsylvania’s Only State Government Podcast (TM).

This special Tuesday edition of Politics As Usual finds us taking on beer sales reform; Sen. Tony Williams’ entrance to the Democratic gubernatorial primary; the special election for the late John Murtha’s seat in Johnstown and whether there was too much curling on TV during this Olympics.

PoliticsPA: ChesCo comish backs Trivedi; former county chair endorses Pike

Her support comes just days before the county’s Democratic committee will convene to consider an endorsement in the 6th Congressional District primary. Trivedi, a former Naval officer, is running against former Philadelphia Inquirer editorial writer Doug Pike for the party’s nomination.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 2/19 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, Pennsylvania politicians do battle with the media (especially in Pittsburgh), AG Tom Corbett flip-flops, and a House Republican starts a “Beer Revolution.”

PoliticsPA: Sestak says he’ll debate Toomey if Specter won’t accept invitation

U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak has repeatedly invited Democratic opponent Arlen Specter to a series of six debates before the primary, requests the incumbent has denied.

PoliticsPA: Republican field taking shape for Murtha’s seat

Former military officer Bill Russell and businessman Tim Burns began their campaigns in the 12th Congressional District before John Murtha died last week, and the two Republicans appear to be the only GOP candidates set run for the now-open seat after his death.

With one notable exception.

PoliticsPA: Wozniak won’t run for Murtha’s seat

State Sen. John Wozniak said Wednesday he would not seek to replace the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha as congressman in the 12th Congressional District, citing the opportunity he has to become a leader in the state Senate Democratic Caucus.

PoliticsPA: Democratic gov race remains intact despte Doherty’s exit

The unsurprising departure of Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty from the Democratic gubernatorial race on Wednesday likely does little to change the contest’s still uncertain landscape.

Doherty is set to announce Thursday that he will instead seek to replace retiring state Sen. Bob Mellow’s in Harrisburg, a move that been rumored for the past several days. The candidate had declared he was running for governor almost immediately after winning re-election as Scranton’s mayor late last year, but his campaign failed to gain traction in a crowded field.

Special election for Murtha’s seat to be held on primary

The special election to replace the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha’s seat in Congress will be held on May 18, the same day as the state’s primary.

ON BACKGROUND: Toomey’s interesting decision, Rohrer’s transparency and Corbett on reform

Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week we talk Toomey’s non-endorsement decision, Sam Rohrer putting an exact number on his fundraising goal, Corbett’s reform plan and why all efforts to find candidates to replace John Murtha might be for not.

Podcast: Say it ain’t so, Joe (the Plumber) and endorsement recap

And welcome to a very special edition of Pennsylvania’s Only State Government Podcast (TM).

Today, you’ll hear our very own Internet Celebrity, Scott Detrow, offer his take on the face-to-face meeting with Joe the Plumber that’s gained him renown across the Interwebs. Did Joe really say he doesn’t owe John McCain s**t?

PoliticsPA: Gerlach tries to scare Welch off with internal poll

An internal poll released by Republican Jim Gerlach’s congressional campaign Tuesday shows him beating inter-party opponent Steve Welch by nearly 70 percentage points in a primary matchup, although the incumbent did not reveal what questions it asked to produce the results.

PoliticsPA: In 3rd, Trevorrow ends campaign

Trevorrow, a doctor, was one of six Republicans vying for the party’s nomination. His departure means car dealer Mike Kelly and businessman Paul Huber likely become the favorites to win the primary.

Complete GOP winter meeting coverage

The state Republican Party produced news galore this weekend at its winter meeting. Tom Corbett and Pat Toomey were endorsed, not surprisingly, but their Republican opponents vowed to fight on. The GOP also voted to officiall support lieutenant governor candidate Jim Cawley, although critics have already questioned the process that led to his endorsement.

Catch up on PoliticsPA’s complete coverage from this weekend in Harrisburg:

PoliticsPA: Rohrer, Corbett camp throw post-debate verbal jabs

HARRISBURG — GOP gubernatorial candidates Sam Rohrer and Tom Corbett might have remained cordial toward each other during a Friday night debate at the state Republican Party’s winter meeting, but behind the scenes, the two men and their campaigns didn’t hesitate trade a few verbal barbs.

PoliticsPA: Joe the Plumber takes aim at Palin

HARRISBURG — Samuel Wurzelbacher, aka “Joe the Plumber,” took aim at former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin during a campaign event Saturday afternoon for Republican gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer.

The 2008 presidential campaign phenomenon said Palin is not the leader of the conservative Tea Party movement.

PoliticsPA: Toomey declines to endorse Corbett

HARRISBURG — Pat Toomey, just minutes after receiving the state Republican Party’s endorsement, said Saturday afternoon that he will not endorse any other GOP candidate running in 2010, including Republican gubernatorial front-runner Tom Corbett.

PoliticsPA: Cawley receives endorsement, still might face 3 opponents

Lieutenant Governor candidate Jim Cawley received the state Republican Party’s endorsement Saturday afternoon, giving the Bucks County commissioner’s candidacy a huge boost to win the GOP primary in a crowded field.

Cawley won the endorsement on the second ballot, securing 189 votes, a majority.

PoliticsPA: Corbett receives endorsement; Rohrer undeterred

Attorney General Tom Corbett won the state GOP endorsement over primary foe Sam Rohrer Saturday morning, a decision that appeared a forgone conclusion for most of the last year.

The attorney general emerged as the front-runner following his surprisingly easy re-election victory in 2008, and he has forced two Republican candidates to bow out of the gubernatorial race, former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan and U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach.

PoliticsPA: 2004 it ain’t — Toomey gets GOP endorsement

HARRISBURG — In 2004, Pat Toomey was the enemy of most Pennsylvania Republican officials when he challenged incumbent U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter in the GOP primary.

On Saturday, he was their near-unanimous pick to represent the party in the fall, possibly against the man he narrowly lost to six years ago.

PoliticsPA: State GOP will endorse in all three races

The state Republican Party decided to endorse in all three of this year’s statewide races during its winter meeting Saturday morning.

The party’s committee members will now decide to formally support a candidate in the race for governor, U.S. Senate, and lieutenant governor.

PoliticsPA: Corbett, Rohrer keep close on policy during debate

HARRISBURG — The two GOP gubernatorial candidates espoused a similar limited-government, reduced-taxes message Friday night at the state Republican Party winter meeting, with each saying state government needed to create a less hostile business climate for the economy to rebound.

PoliticsPA: Rohrer, Corbett criticize Rendell’s budget plan

Pennsylvania’s two Republican candidates Tuesday criticized Governor Ed Rendell’s budget proposal because they said the spending plan would add burdensome taxes during an already difficult economy.

The governor proposed increasing spending by $1.15 billion next fiscal year, from about $27.8 billion to $29 billion, in a budget that did not call for any tax increases. But he also outlined a plan to begin saving money for the state’s looming multi-billion shortfall in the coming years, a proposal that creates a reserve account funded by an array of tax hikes.

PoliticsPA: Onorato receives union backing

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato was endorsed by three local SEIU unions this week, including
SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, 32BJ and Workers United Pennsylvania Joint Board.

PoliticsPa: Hoeffel receives NOW endorsement

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Hoeffel received the endorsement of the National Organization for Women’s Pennsylvania chapter this week, with the group citing his commitment to supporting myriad of important issues for women.

PoliticsPA: Toomey maintains lead in latest Ras poll

Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey leads both of his potential Democratic opponents by nearly 10 points, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll released Tuesday.

PoliticsPA: Pennsylvania reacts to Murtha’s death

Pennsylvania’s politicians reacted Monday to news that its longest-ever serving congressman, U.S. Rep. John Murtha, had died at 77. Governor Rendell urged all flags at the state to be lowered to half-staff.

UPDATED — PoliticsPA: Rendell undecided when to hold special election

Gov. Ed Rendell said Monday he hasn’t decided whether he’ll hold a special election to replace the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha on or before the state’s May 18th primary.

The governor told reporters on a conference call that his “inclination as always is to save money” but said later congress is considering “some extra special issues” right now that demand the 12th Congressional District have representation.

PoliticsPA: Complete DemFest coverage

Check out all the surprises, drama and news from this weekend’s state Democratic Party endorsement meeting. Does the the lack of a gubernatorial endorsement help Onorato, and was Specter close to not receiving enough support? Find out by clicking on the stories below.

PoliticsPA: Saidel wins lt. gov endorsement

Former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel easily won the state Democratic Party’s endorsement Saturday, defeating former Commonwealth Court Judge Doris Ribner-Smith.

PoliticsPA: Williams hasn’t declared yet, but wants Hoeffel to drop out

He still needs to decide whether his candidacy can have the necessary support, both structurally and financially, before declaring, he said, and he wants to be “methodical” in his evaluation

PoliticsPA: Wagner wins majority but not endorsement from state Dems

LANCASTER — None of the five candidates seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination received enough support Saturday for the state Democratic Party’s endorsement, but at least four of them claimed afterward the vote totals were victories for their campaigns.

The vote, taken at the party’s winter meeting, means the candidates will compete in an open primary for the nomination. Members took two ballots, with the candidate receiving the fewest votes on the first, in this case Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, being removed for the second.

PoliticsPA: Doherty doesn’t receive nomination

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty didn’t receive a nomination for the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial endorsement Saturday, fueling speculation of recent rumors he will seek the lieutenant governor position instead.

PoliticsPA: Specter receives endorsement as Sestak vows to fight on

LANCASTER — U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter received the official state Democratic Party over challenger Joe Sestak on Saturday, giving the senator’s re-election campaign a boost in what will likely be a heated and potentially divisive primary.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Specter said as he took the podium to uproarious applause and a standing ovation from most of the Democrats gathered for the party’s winter endorsement meeting.

PoliticsPA: Williams forms campaign committee, raises $500k

The senator hasn’t decided if he’ll run for governor yet, but the formation of the committee is another step toward a campaign.

PoliticsPA: Sestak, Specter engage in heated debate

Joe Sestak and Arlen Specter took the gloves off Friday night during their first debate.

The two Democratic Senate candidates, sitting side-by-side, traded at-times sharp criticism during a roughly 30-minute session that featured questions on health care, Iran and women’s rights. The debate was hosted by the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee Women’s Caucus at the party’s winter meeting and was attended by about 100 committee members and activists.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 2/5 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, Democrats may get snowed-in in Lancaster, fundraising hauls boost Onorato and Saidel, and PoliticsPA calls for Demon Sheep-esque ads in Pennsylvania, just for fun.

PoliticsPA: Meehan camp fires back at Lentz

Meehan is “more than happy to compare records, said Campaign Manager Bryan Kendro, “including his record of fighting corruption in government, battling crime and drugs in our neighborhoods, and tackling government waste and fraud before voters.”

Politics as Usual: DeWeese, Bonusgate, and the demon sheep

Better late than never, here’s this week’s edition of Pennsylvania’s Only State Government Podcast™.

In the pod this week, we muse on the latest round of legislative retirements and Bill DeWeese’s re-election announcement; sift through the latest in gubernatorial gossip and gaze at the wonder that is the Bonusgate Trial

PoliticsPA: Thirty-three local Ds endorse Trivedi

Trivedi, a physician and Iraq war veteran, now has the support of a 103 Democratic officials, according to his campaign.

PoliticsPA: Ravenstahl backs Specter

Democratic U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter on Thursday received the endorsement of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, just days before the incumbent senator seeks the state party’s endorsement at its annual winter meeting.

PoliticsPA: Toomey on Wall St. reform, Brown, political pundits

Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey said Wednesday that the country’s financial-regulation system has “significant inadequacies” but declined, for now, to take a position on any of the reform plans proposed in congress or by the president.

“That whole process is very much evolving … I’ll be following it as it develops,” Toomey told PoliticsPA in an interview.

ON BACKGROUND: Specter’s awkward moment, Cawley’s ascension, Carney’s bi-partisanship

Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week’s edition focuses on a mini showdown between Specter and Sestak last weekend, a GOP chairman’s unusual decision, and Cawley’s continued front-runner status for the GOP’s lieutenant governor position.

Manzo testifies during Veon trial day 2

A one-time top House Democratic staffer says the caucus was focused on winning back the majority between 2004 and 2006, and used a bonuses-for-campaign work scheme to help achieve that goal.

Sestak explains position on KSM trial

Republican Pat Toomey came out swinging again today slamming Rep. Joe Sestak’s alleged support for bringing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to Pennsylvania for a civilian trial. He says that even Sestak’s fellow Democrats, like Gov. Ed Rendell, who believes KSM should be tried by a military tribunal, and Sen. Bob Casey, don’t want him tried in PA.

PoliticsPA: Sen. O’Pake backs Trivedi

The 6th Congressional District Democrat received the support of Berks County state Senator Michael O’Pake on Tuesday, his campaign said.

PoliticsPA: Congressional fundraising cheat sheet

Below is a list of all the congressional candidates’ fundraising data through the end of 2009. Many of the Republican challengers, such as former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and former U.S. attorney Tom Marino, declared only this year and didn’t have to file year-end reports.

PoliticsPA: Wagner continues to rack up endorsements

Gubernatorial candidate Jack Wagner picked up another endorsement from a local Democratic leader Tuesday when his campaign said it had received support from the chairwoman of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee.

PoliticsPA: Pike raised nearly 500k in 4th Q, much of it from personal wealth

Pike, a former Philadelphia Inquirer editorial writer, now has 10 times as much cash on hand as his Democratic rival, physician Manan Trivedi, leading his campaign to tout it is the best positioned to defeat Republican incumbent Jim Gerlach in the fall. Trivedi’s campaign had about $100,000 on hand to end 2009.

PoliticsPA: Onorato backs away from lt. gov rumors

Rumors that Chris Doherty might pair with Dan Onorato as the lieutenant governor on the Allegheny County executive’s gubernatorial ticket apparently picked up enough steam Monday to prompt an official response from Onorato’s campaign.

PoliticsPA: Finance reports show Onorato clear front-runner

Campaign finance reports released Monday seem to definitively separate Dan Onorato from the four-man Democratic gubernatorial field while raising significant questions if the other three candidates can raise enough money to even be competitive.

Combined, Jack Wagner, Joe Hoeffel and Chris Doherty have only about $1 million on hand, six-and-a-half times less than the Allegheny County executive. Onorato has a nearly $6 million cash-on-hand advantage over his closet rival, Wagner.

PoliticsPA: Patrick Murphy has $848,000 on hand

After learning just weeks ago that he would face a tough challenge from the man he unseated by only 1500 votes in 2006, Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-8) reported $847,753.64 ash on hand to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), boosted by $326,499.21 raised last quarter.

PoliticsPA: Wagner with $675k on hand

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Wagner has about $675,000 on hand after raising roughly $170,000 in the last five weeks of 2009, finance reports provided by his campaign Monday show.

PoliticsPA: Rohrer has about $100k on hand

Republican gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer has about $100,000 on hand after raising nearly $250,000 last year, his senior strategist Jeff Coleman told PoliticsPA.

PoliticsPA: Hoeffel with $230k on hand

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Hoeffel has about $230,000 on hand after raising roughly $400,000 last year, campaign finance reports provided by his campaign Monday show.

PoliticsPA: Doherty has just $94k on hand

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Doherty raised more than $1 million last year between his run for governor and re-election campaign for mayor, but those efforts left with him with just $94,000 cash on hand to finish last year.

PoliticsPA: Carney has $485k on hand

Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Carney’s campaign has about $485,000 on hand after raising roughly $150,000 during the last fundraising quarter, campaign finance reports show.

PoliticsPA: Onorato has $6.5 million on hand

Democratic gubernatorial front-runner Dan Onorato said Monday he had about $6.5 million on hand to end 2009 after raising nearly $3.7 million last year, by far the most of any of his rivals for the party’s nomination.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 2/1 Edition

In this week’s Primer, Mike Veon’s “Bonusgate” trial officially gets underway, fundraising numbers are in for the big 2010 races, and rumors of more shake-ups for Democratic gubernatorial candidates continue to swirl.

PoliticsPA: Williams continues considering gov run

As he had done a week earlier, state Senator Anthony Williams met with a group of Philadelphia leaders Saturday to discuss his possible gubernatorial run, with the indication being he’s inching closer to declaring a late but possibly game-changing candidacy.

“When I first started talking it was 2 percent out of 100, and now it’s evolved … to more like 40 percent,” he told PoliticsPA in an interview over the weekend. “I’m still not at the tipping point. I have more work to do to see if it’s possible.”

PoliticsPA: Sestak has $5.1 million on hand

The campaign for Senate candidate Joe Sestak has about $5.1 million on hand after raising $650,000 in the fourth fiscal quarter, his campaign said Monday.

The money raised represents a decline from the third quarter, when Sestak raised $750,000, and raises questions about his finances moving forward.

PoliticsPA: Trivedi raises, spends 100k in 4th Q

Democratic congressional candidate Manan Trivedi raised more than $100,000 in the fourth fiscal quarter, according to campaign finance reports, but spent nearly as much during the same period.

UPDATED: Specter raised $1.15 million in 4th, but has less cash on hand

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s re-election campaign said Saturday it raised $1.15 million in the fourth fiscal quarter and had about $8.66 million on hand to end the year.

Specter’s fourth-quarter haul was about $500,000 less than likely Republican nominee Pat Toomey, who raised $1.67 million. The incumbent still has roughly $6 million more on hand than Toomey, but he will likely have to use much of it to fend off Democratic challenger Joe Sestak in the primary.

PoliticsPA: Dahlkemper says she has $685k on hand

Dahlkemper, a freshman congresswoman, likely faces a stiff test in this year’s general election. An array of Republican candidate, including businessman Paul Huber and car deal Mike Kelly, have announced candidacies for the GOP nomination.

Politics as Usual Podcast: Doherty talks campaign, ‘The Office’

Good Afternoon, Everyone.

In advance of his appearance at tonight’s Democratic candidates’ debate at the United Progressives convention here in Harrisburg,Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty was kind enough to stop by and answer a few questions.

PoliticsPA: Gerlach says he has 525k in ‘commitments’

Jim Gerlach’s congressional campaign said Friday it had received about $525,000 since he ended his gubernatorial campaign early this month, although the congressman did not specify how much of that money he has actually received.

The money could be a big boost to the incumbent Republican, who faces a challenge from businessman Steve Welch in the GOP primary. Welch had about $650,000 on hand to end last year, while Gerlach’s gubernatorial run left his federal campaign account broke.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 1/29 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, Pennsylvania Republicans have to be careful with the quality hand they’ve been dealt, Senator Jack Reed says “thanks, but no thanks” to Joe Sestak’s endorsement, and it’s Punxsutawney vs. PETA!

PoliticsPA: Huber has $220k on hand

The 3rd Congressional District Republican candidate has contributed $150,000 of his own money to the campaign, including $100,000 last quarter.

PoliticsPA: Morganelli says Onorato supported Corbett in 2008; others disagree

Former Democratic Attorney General candidate John Morganelli said Thursday that Dan Onorato, the party’s gubernatorial front-runner, secretly supported a Republican during the 2008 attorney general’s race.

PoliticsPA: Toomey opposes Bernanke confirmation

Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey said Thursday that he opposes the confirmation of Ben Bernanke as chairman of the Federal Reserve, saying his past leadership helped create the country’s economic crisis.

“This was a difficult decision,” Toomey said in a statement. “I have great respect for Chairman Bernanke’s intellect and expertise, and I believe he has tried to do what he believes is best for the country and its economy. However, Chairman Bernanke’s refusal to acknowledge the role the Fed played in creating the current financial and economic crisis leaves little assurance that the Fed will not repeat those errors under his continued leadership.

PoliticsPA: Sestak pulls rank on McCain

Democratic Senate candidate Joe Sestak on Thursday fired back at Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) over the former presidential nominee’s opposition to the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Politics as Usual Podcast: On the gov race, tweets and driving while texting

Good Afternoon, Everyone.And welcome to another installment of Pennsylvania’s Only Political Podcast (TM).

Join us this week as we take an in-depth look at the current state of the governor’s race; examine the implications of the state House vote ban to hand-held cell phones and text-messaging by drivers, and the importance of a ruling allowing Tweets from a Dauphin County Courtroom.

ON BACKGROUND: Sestak’s fundraising, Adolph’s election and Knox’s exit

Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week’s edition focuses Sestak’s fundraising, a new House GOP appropriations chair, and Tom Knox’s sudden exit from the gubernatorial race.

Speculation among Pennsylvania’s chattering class has set a low bar for Joe Sestak’s fourth quarter fundraising numbers. The former admiral raised about $750,000 during last year’s third fiscal quarter, a disappointment, and the number is expected to be lower for the fourth.

PoliticsPA: In 11th, O’Brien raises $200k

Democratic congressional candidate Corey O’Brien said Tuesday that he had raised just over $200,000 to end 2009 as he tries to unseat Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski.

UPDATED: New GOP candidate emerges in 3rd

Multiple GOP sources tell PoliticsPA that Butler County businessman Mike Kelly is expected to formally declare as a Republican candidate in the 3rd Congressional District in the very near future.

“He hasn’t filed yet, but we expect an announcement shortly,” said one GOP operative.

PoliticsPA: Holden gets Democratic challenger

HARRISBURG — A public policy advocate said Tuesday she will challenge U.S. Rep. Tim Holden in a Democratic primary this year, saying the longtime 17th District incumbent’s “no” vote on health care last year shows he no longer is in touch with the needs of many of his constituents.

“I’ve thought long and hard about this,” said Sheila Dow-Ford, who runs a small consulting firm in the city. “I’m in.”

PoliticsPA: Sen. Dinniman backs Specter

The backing of Dinniman, considered an influential Democrat in Chester County, is a boost to Specter as he vies with opponent Joe Sestak for support in the voter-rich southeast.

PoliticsPA: Hoeffel touts southeast roots with state lawmaker support

HARRISBURG – Joe Hoeffel and his political aides have tried to cultivate the Democratic candidate’s image as a southeast candidate with progressive principles since he announced his gubernatorial run last year.

On Tuesday, he and his campaign tried to reinforce that theme during one of three official campaign kick-off events across the state, this one in the Capitol. A small platoon of southeast lawmakers, one after another, said during a press conference that the Montgomery County commissioner paved the way for Democratic politicians to find success in the once-conservative area.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 1/25 Edition

Want to know which campaigns are off to a good start?  Then follow the money.  That’s what PoliticsPA will be doing this week when many of the 2010 campaigns report their fundraising numbers (they’re due to the FEC).  Perhaps the most telling report will be from Joe Sestak’s campaign, beaten back in recent weeks by [...]

PoliticsPA: Sen. Williams considering gov run

Hours after Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox ended his campaign for governor Friday, some of his former staffers and several city leaders met to discuss their mutual frustration over the gubernatorial race thus far.

The group was upset that none of the candidates, Republican or Democrat, seemed willing to talk directly about issues plaguing Pennsylvania such as inner-city poverty, according to state Senator Anthony Williams.

PoliticsPA: Doherty’s gov campaign raised $440k last year

Chris Doherty raised about $440,000 for his gubernatorial campaign through the end of last year while simultaneously drawing nearly $675,000 in contributions into a separate account for his mayoral re-election campaign, his campaign said Friday evening.

Combined, he raised about $1.1 million.

PoliticsPA: Rival campaigns react to Knox’s exit

Tom Knox’s exit from the Democratic gubernatorial race, and subsequent endorsement of frontrunner Dan Onorato, has shaken up the field.

The Philadelphia businessman, in addition to backing Onorato, said the other three candidates should exit to race. Dong so, he said, will help the party’s chances against the Republican nominee in the fall.

PoliticsPA: Knox ends campaign, says Onorato gives Ds best chance in fall

Democrat Tom Knox ended his run for governor Friday afternoon, citing family issues and a desire to support former rival Dan Onorato’s gubernatorial campaign.

The announcement, made during a teleconference with reporters, confirmed days of speculation that the Philadelphia businessman was ending his candidacy and endorsing the Allegheny County chief executive. It also is a major shift for the now four-candidate Democratic gubernatorial primary field, which now features Onorato, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, and Auditor General Jack Wagner.

PoliticsPA: Sestak says backroom deals led to health care setback

U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak said Thursday it was his impression after an afternoon meeting of House Democrats that the chamber didn’t have enough votes to approve the Senate health care bill, remarks that echoed similar comments earlier in the day from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

PoliticsPA: Pay-raise activists keep after Argall

Just weeks into the Republican state senator’s campaign against Democratic incumbent Tim Holden, a small but active group of citizen-reformers have made it clear they will hinder Argall’s candidacy until November because he helped engineer the pay hike. At the time, Argall was a member of House Republican leadership.

The latest example came Tuesday, when Eric Epstein, founder of the government-reform group RockTheCapital, issued a press release saying Argall received $10,200 in “per-diem” payments from March to September of last year. Lawmakers receive the payments when they attend a session or committee meeting in the Capitol.

ON BACKGROUND: Corbett on fundraising (and Costa Rica), and Pa’s 9 competitive congr. races

Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week’s edition focuses on Corbett’s fundraising, Doherty playing hardball and the plethora of competitive congressional elections in Pennsylvania.

PoliticsPA: Specter leads Sestak by 21 in latest Ras poll

The most poll’s most significant part might be the fact it shows Specter with over 50 percent support among likely Democratic voters. The senator hasn’t topped the 50-percent mark in any recent public poll in a matchup against Sestak.

PoliticsPA: Specter camp reacts to Brown’s victory

A day after Republican Scott Brown’s shocking victory in formerly deep-blue Massachusetts, Arlen Specter’s campaign manager said Thursday the Democratic senator will navigate an undeniably difficult climate for incumbents by emphasizing his history as an “independent voice” for Pennsylvania.

“Voters understand that he’s an independent voice for the state who has delivered for them during his time in office,” said Chris Nicholas, campaign manager. “And that’s what we’re going to stress.”

PoliticsPA: In five-man field, Doherty positions as darkhorse

SCRANTON – Chris Doherty will have far fewer resources than some of his Democratic gubernatorial rivals, and his name identification starts among the lowest in the field. In the five-man primary race, the Scranton mayor is undoubtedly the underdog.

But the gubernatorial candidate, sitting in a downtown coffee shop here a half-hour before the grand opening of his campaign’s headquarters down the street, says he sees a clear path to victory on May 18.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 1/19 Edition

In this week’s Primer, what should Pennsylvania politicos be watching for in today’s Massachusetts special election results? Plus Chris Carney gets another opponent in the 10th, and the highest-profile ‘Bonusgate’ trial yet starts today.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 1/15 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, John Callahan posts solid fundraising numbers, House Democrats continue to lose their leadership, and the 6th District GOP starts to resemble NBC’s late night lineup.

McCall retirement surprises colleagues

Speaker of the House Keith McCall’s (D-Carbon) sudden decision to not seek re-election shocked many of his longtime colleagues and sets the stage for a possible inter-caucus battle to claim his leadership post.

“I guess the word that pops into my mind is ‘flabbergasted,’” said Peter Daley (D-Washington).

PoliticsPA: Sestak calls for debates against Specter

HARRISBURG — Democratic Senate candidate Joe Sestak on Monday issued a call for six debates against his opponent, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, before the May 18 primary.

Each of Pennsylvania’s six media markets would host the debate under Sestak’s plan, with the first scheduled in Harrisburg.

PoliticsPA: Holden doesn’t see himself voting ‘yes’ on health care

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, speaking just hours after Republican state Senator Dave Argall officially announced his campaign against the incumbent, indicated Monday he won’t reverse his earlier stance and vote “yes” on a revised health care bill later this year.

Lawmakers will have another chance to vote on the measure after Senate and House leaders craft compromise legislation from each chamber’s version. Holden was one of two Pennsylvania Democratic congressman to oppose the measure in November –4th District U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire the other.

PoliticsPA Reports: Holden calls Argall’s pay-raise vote ‘appalling’

Democrats on Monday responded to Republican candidate Dave Argall’s congressional campaign declaration by sharply criticizing the former House leader’s support for the now-infamous 2005 pay-raise vote, saying the money grab should disqualify the state senator from holding higher office.

The criticism of Argall’s pay-raise vote, though expected, likely foreshadows what most observers think could be a bitterly fought, closely contested race for control of the 17th Congressional District.

Sestak receives support from Western Pa. officials

Joe Sestak’s campaign said Monday it had received support from five Pittsburgh-area public officials: state Senator Jim Ferlo, City Controller Michael Lamb, city council members Bruce Kraus and Doug Shields, and 14th Ward Chair Barbara Daly-Danko.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 1/11 Edition

Just as Pennsylvania’s 2010 races, opponents, and story lines appeared to be set and ready to play out, Republicans in SEPA turned the tables in the blink of an eye.
First, GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Gerlach dropped from the race and re-entered his competitive 6th District seat, causing a stir among the bevy of Republicans vying [...]

Onorato campaign says it’s raised more than $8 million

The campaign press release did not say how much cash it has on hand. It said it will release its full financial disclosure report on the filing deadline, Feb. 1, although it added some of the money was left over from Onorato’s 2007 re-election as Allegheny County chief executive.

PoliticsPA Reports: Why Gerlach left the gubernatorial race

As former gubernatorial candidate Jim Gerlach announced last week that he would seek another term in the U.S. House, political players in the Keystone State said that the failure of Gerlach’s gubernatorial bid stemmed from his decision his relatively late entry into the primary against Attorney General Tom Corbett.

PoliticsPA Reports: Schroder signals he’s staying in race

Sixth District Republican candidate Curt Schroder, considered one of the front-runners for the GOP nomination, indicated Thursday to PoliticsPA he plans to continue for his campaign even if Jim Gerlach decides to seek re-election.

PoliticsPA has heard from several sources that Gerlach will try to retain his seat after dropping out of the gubernatorial race, although the congressman has said he has not decided yet.

PoliticsPA Breaking News: Gerlach drops out of the governor’s race

Congressman Jim Gerlach dropped out of the gubernatorial race Thursday, citing a lack of money as his principle reason for exiting.

Gerlach’s exit means the Republican field now has only two candidates, state Rep. Sam Rohrer and Attorney General Tom Corbett.

PoliticsPA Reports: Altmire to face primary challenger?

U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire (D) might feel pressure from his left ahead of his second vote on the Democratic Party’s health care bill, according to one prominent local Democrat.

The 4th Congressional District incumbent’s opposition to the House’s health care bill, which he voted against in November, angered many local Democrats, said Jim Burn, chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Party.

ON BACKGROUD: Barletta’s opponent questioned, Rendell goes after Sestak, again

ON BACKGROUND: Every week, PoliticsPA will give you a taste of the buzz, rumors and gossip floating around Pennsylvania’s political wags. This week’s feature focuses on revelations about Lou Barletta’s GOP for, state Rep. Will Gabig’s future, and Governor Rendell’s continued criticism of Joe Sestak.

The revelation Lou Barletta’s Republican opponent, Chris Paige, was a longtime Democrat until recently sparked the Hazleton mayor’s political guru, Vince Galko, to seemingly imply to the Times-Tribune that Paige’s motives for running weren’t pure.

PoliticsPA Reports: Hoeffel raises $400,000 in fourth quarter

Montgomery County Commissioner and progressive gubernatorial candidate Joe Hoeffel announced today that his campaign has raised less than $500,000 in the fourth quarter, meager figures for a statewide candidate at this point in the game.

PoliticsPA Reports: Argall doesn’t deny he’s running for Congress

HARRISBURG — State Senator Dave Argall is running for congress according to a local county chairman and sources familiar with his thinking, but the longtime Harrisburg lawmaker continued to play it coy when asked Tuesday about his campaign.

“We’ll have some things to say to you on Monday,” Argall told PoliticsPA during a brief interview Tuesday. The senator had just emerged from the Senate Republican Caucus, where lawmakers were discussing legislation that would allow table games in Pennsylvania casinos.

PoliticsPA Reports: PACleanSweep founder announces run for LG

Russ Diamond, positioning himself as a reform candidate, announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in a release this morning.  Diamond founded PACleanSweep, a reform group started in 2005 in response to the midnight pay raise scandal in the Pa. state legislature.
Other Republicans pursuing the seat are Bucks County Commissioner Jim Cawley, Chester County Commissioner Carole [...]

UPDATED: Meehan raises $580k in 4th quarter

PoliticsPA has learned Republican congressional candidate Pat Meehan raised $560,000 in the fourth fiscal quarter, a sum that bring the total amount he’s raised to $775,000. The former U.S. attorney now has more than $600,000 on hand, according to a Republican source familiar with the campaign.

PoliticsPA Reports: Argall will run against Holden

State Senator Dave Argall will announce he’s running against U.S. Rep. Tim Holden (D) next Monday, multiple sources tell PoliticsPA, setting up what will be one of the state’s most closely watched races this year.

The announcement will occur about 6 p.m. at the Tamaqua Railroad Station in Schuylkill County, according to Bob Ames, chairman of the Schuylkill County Republican Committee. Another independent source close to Argall, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the time, place and nature of the announcement. The source added that after the event in Schuylkill County, Argall on Monday will visit each of the 17th Congressional District’s other four counties to hold similar kick-off rallies.

PoliticsPA’s Best Political Stories of the Decade

Wow, what a decade! Whether it was in-state drama surrounding late night pay raises for lawmakers or multi-year (with no end in sight) corruption scandals, Harrisburg hasn’t been short on story lines. PA made waves on the national level, too. Presidential candidates now fight harder than ever for commonwealth’s electoral votes and Pennsylvanians (like Casey, Ridge, Rendell, Santorum) have become major players in national politics. Now, House races in the 6th and 7th have already captured the attention of national observers, Specter’s party switch has created two heavyweight battles (primary/general) for the PA’s Senate seat, and the race for governor in PA is on everybody’s radar. On to 2010 and beyond!

PoliticsPA’s Top 10 Stories of 2009

Arlen Specter, Budget impasses, Tom Corbett, Joe Sestak, Pat Toomey, and Bonusgate: Each made news in 2009. But which story received top billing as our biggest story of 2009?

It was a busy year in Pennsylvania politics, although it’s likely only a set-up for the craziness to come in 2010. PoliticsPA does its best to recap all the action.

PoliticsPA Reports: Lentz calls for Eachus to resign

In a letter to House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, 7th District congressional candidate and current state Senator Bryan Lentz said that the Pennsylvania House Democratic caucus requires “reorganization focused on developing and executing reform.” Part of that reorganization, Lentz said, should be Eachus’ resignation, followed by a special election to put new caucus leadership in place.

Republican candidate: Carney news like a ’slap in the face’

Republican congressional candidate Malcolm Derk said Wednesday night the news that national Republicans courted U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-10) to switch parties was “shocking” and “very disappointing.”

PoliticsPA Reports: State GOP says it wasn’t involved with Carney switch attempt

Pennsylvania Republicans wasted little time Wednesday night distancing themselves from the national GOP’s unsuccessful attempt to persuade U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D-10) to join the party.

The Pennsylvania Republican Party had no part in courting Carney, according to spokesman Mike Barley. Party officials in Harrisburg found out about the effort when Politico published a story about Carney’s possible party switch Wednesday afternoon, he said.

Specter: Health care bill not perfect, but still important to pass

The bill isn’t perfect, but Senator Arlen Specter said Saturday that he views the health care compromise in the Senate as a positive, if flawed, step toward health care reform.

“I can understand people being disappointed … but we’re moving in the right direction,” the senator told reporters during an afternoon conference call. “Not far enough, but in the right direction.”

PoliticsPA Reports: Michael Meehan elected GOP S.E. Caucus Chair

Philadelphia attorney Michael Meehan was elected Thursday the Republican Party’s southeast caucus chairman, sources tell PoliticsPA.

The position was vacant after former Delaware County GOP Chair Tom Judge stepped down earlier this year.

UPDATED: Corbett’s name ID vaults him to front, D field a mystery

Another poll, another indication Tom Corbett is the undisputed, though early, gubernatorial front-runner. The Republican attorney general leads U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach 38 percent to 12 percent in a primary matchup, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday. The findings are in sync withother polls on the race showing Corbett with a big lead.

Former Congressman Walker backs Schroder

Former U.S. Rep. Bob Walker endorsed Curt Schroder’s 6th District Congressional candidacy, his campaign said Wednesday.

Specter-Sestak primary keeps getting nastier

The Specter campaign again blasted primary opponent Joe Sestak yesterday for missing two congressional votes. “Congressman Joe Sestak missed two more votes yesterday evening in the House of Representatives but found time to participate in a liveblog minutes after the missed votes,” Specter spokesman Christopher Nicholas said in a release. “It’s no wonder that people have begun referring to Cong. Sestak as NoShowJoe.”

PoliticsPA Reports: Rohrer again presses for Senate Republican ‘Bonusgate’ investigation

Hours after the latest round of “Bonusgate” charges, Republican gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer on Tuesday again said Attorney General Tom Corbett needs to investigate the Senate Republican Caucus for its “legendary” political operation.
“By all counts, the Attorney General’s work is half way there,” Rohrer said in a statement obtained by PoliticsPA.

More ‘Bonusgate’ charges to come Tuesday

Attorney General Tom Corbett will unveil Tuesday at 1 p.m. the third round of charges connected to his office’s wide-ranging public corruption investigation, known as “Bonusgate.”

A press release from the attorney general’s office didn’t reveal who the charges would be filed against. So far, 22 people connected to the House Democratic and Republican caucuses have been charged.

PoliticsPA Reports: Corbett clear early front-runner from either party, according to poll

Republican gubernatorial front-runner Tom Corbett is leading each of four Democratic opponents by more than 10 points in a hypothetical general election matchup, according to a new Rasmussen Reports poll released Monday.

PoliticsPA Special Report: Divisive Amendment to Health Care Bill Caps Pitts’ Anti-Abortion Career

WASHINGTON – Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.) is not one of the most high-profile lawmakers in Congress – or even in the Pennylvania Congressional delegation. He’s served seven terms in the U.S. House, representing a district that includes all of Lancaster County and part of Berks and Chester counties, as well as 24 years in the state House, yet he’s a cipher to most Pennsylvania voters and relatively obscure even to many political insiders.

Pennsylvania Society Notes: New candidate in the 10th, Hoeffel’s confidence, Toomey’s donors

NEW YORK — Rumors, musings and random notes gathered from a the annual gathering of Pennsylvania’s political “elite.” This edition focuses on Joe Hoeffel’s, a possible new challenger for Carney, and Pat Toomey’s burgeoning donor list.

PoliticsPA Reports: Argall publicly indicates he might challenge Holden

NEW YORK — State Senator Dave Argall publicly acknowledged for the first Saturday that he is considering a run for Congress in the 17h District.

“Talk to me in a couple of weeks,” Argall told reporters during a brief interview when asked about a potential candidacy. He was attending a morning event hosted by the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association at the Metropolitan Club.

PoliticsPA Reports: English says more 3rd District candidates to emerge

“I think in the next month, we’re going to see a surprising amount of activity there,” former Congressman Phil English told PoliticsPA on Friday. English, who didn’t identify the candidates to retain their confidence, was attending the annual Pennsylvania Society event here.

Pennsylvania Society Notes: Musings on Platts, Barletta, English

Rumors, musings and random notes from a the annual gathering of Pennsylvania’s political “elite.” This edition features buzz on a successor for Todd Platts, thoughts from Phil English, and news of Lou Barletta’s new (old) campaign manager.

PoliticsPA and Politics Magazine: Pennsylvania’s 100 Most Influential Politicos

Politics magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Republicans and Democrats in Pennsylvania will be published in the January 2010 issue–which happens to have Gov. Ed Rendell (D-Pa.) as a guest editor–but we are publishing the list online ahead of this weekend’s Pennsylvania Society dinner.

PoliticsPA Analysis: Ramaley verdict bad news for Corbett, but far from devastating

Former state Rep. Sean Ramaley’s acquittal Thursday is an early stumble for GOP gubernatorial front-runner Tom Corbett that will raise questions about the rest of his “Bonusgate” investigation among some Republicans, analysts and GOP insiders told PoliticsPA after news of the decision swept across Pennsylvania.

But the jury’s decision doesn’t nearly derail the attorney general’s campaign, they agreed, as long as he can secure convictions before the Republican primary.

PoliticsPA Interview with LG candidate Joe Watkins

While speaking with PoliticsPA, Joe Watkins made one thing very clear: He wants Tom Corbett to be the next governor of Pennsylvania, and he’ll do whatever he can to help that happen.

PoliticsPA Reports: Trivedi secures Carney endorsement

“Through his work as a physician, healthcare reform advocate and military officer, Manan Trivedi has shown an admirable dedication to service,” Carney said in a statement.

PoliticsPA Reports: Specter withholding judgment on new health care bill

Arlen Specter said Wednesday that he needs to review the new health care compromise reportedly reached in the Senate before deciding whether to support it, but said he would consider voting “no” if it lacked a public option.

The senator said he hasn’t received a detailed briefing on the agreement, which reports indicate doesn’t have the government-run insurance plan. The Senate Democratic caucus was scheduled to discuss it later in the day.

PoliticsPA Reports: Barletta says next year’s run about national issues

U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski’s allocation of federal money to companies controlled by his relatives was a major issue last election, one of the reasons he only narrowly survived against Hazelton Mayor Lou Barletta.

But the man once again challenging the longtime incumbent Kanjorski indicated Wednesday next year’s election will have a different focus, one that hinges on national, not local issues.

PoliticsPA Reports: On gas tax, Hoeffel contrasts himself with Corbett, not Onorato

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Hoeffel on Tuesday called for a five percent severance tax and increased environmental regulation for companies drilling in the state’s Marcellus Shale natural gas reserve, an aggressive stance on what might become one of the gubernatorial campaign’s defining issues.

PoliticsPA Reports: Knox unveils energy plan but faces questions over event location

HARRISBURG – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Knox unveiled Tuesday a plan to have Pennsylvania state government purchase electricity wholesale, a move he said would prevent a large electric-rate increase for residents and businesses that could occur when rate caps expire at the end of this year.

But Knox’s press conference, held in the Capitol’s media center, was dogged by questions from reporters about whether his campaign should have held the political event at a taxpayer-funded facility.

PoliticsPA Reports: Senators Mensch, Folmer endorse Schroder

Sixth District Congressional candidate Curt Schroder has received endorsements from local state senators Bob Mensch and Mike Folmer, the Republican’s campaign said Tuesday. It’s another sign Schroder, a longtime House lawmaker, has the support of the district’s Harrisburg representation. His campaign announced in late November it had received support from an array of Schroder’s House colleagues, including gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer.

PoliticsPA Reports: In 6th, Republican Costello drops out

The 6th District GOP field has one fewer candidate after local official Ryan Costello announced Monday he is withdrawing his candidacy, leaving four Republicans left to campaign in the highly competitive primary.

PoliticsPA Reports: Rohrer seeks to capitalize on Obama’s visit

Republican gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer is taking to the talk radio air waves to respond to, and gain attention from, President Barack Obama’s visit to Allentown on Friday.

The state lawmaker is running an ad on Lehigh Valley conservative talk radio station WAEB for one day, a short spot that touts Rohrer’s stance on trying to limit the power of the federal government over state government.

PoliticsPA Reports: Congressman Murphy backs Onorato

Southeast Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy has endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County Executive’s campaign said Friday.

PoliticsPA Reports: Christie touts win in NJ as roadmap for Meehan

GLEN MILLS — GOP congressional candidate Pat Meehan received a fundraising boost Wednesday night from the man whose campaign he might need to emulate to take back the left-leaning 7th Congressional District.

Republican New Jersey Governor-elect Chris Christie participated in back-to-back fundraisers for his former U.S. attorney colleague, events Meehan’s campaign said raised more than $250,000 in one night. The later of which, held at the swanky Concordville Inn, also featured the newly elected executive touting his winning campaign strategy in New Jersey as a template for Meehan to use in the southeast district.

PoliticsPA Reports: Big names join Pike’s fundraising team

Two of Pennsylvania’s most well-known fundraisers have joined Democratic congressional candidate Doug Pike’s finance committee, his campaign said Wednesday.

Richard Schiffrin, former national finance co-chair for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and Bill Titelman, an influential midstate lobbyist, were two of the nine people to join the committee. They will help Pike add to the more than $900,000 he’s already raised, much of which has come from his personal fortune.

PoliticsPA Reports: Barletta to decide on run next week

Republican Lou Barletta will announce whether he’ll run for congress next Wednesday, his former campaign manager said in an e-mail sent to reporters.

“In recent days many of you have reached out to me or to Mayor Barletta directly to inquire about his potential candidacy in Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District,” Vince Galko wrote. “This is an important decision and Mayor Barletta is giving it the strong consideration it deserves.

PoliticsPA Reports: Specter opposes troop increase, Sestak supports

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter said Tuesday night he opposes President Barack Obama’s plan to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, saying he is “not persuaded it is indispensable in our fight against Al Qaeda.”

PoliticsPA Reports: Pike, Trivedi set early nasty tone in daylong squabble

Sixth District Democratic candidates Manan Trivedi and Doug Pike engaged in their first public spat Tuesday, with each candidate questioning their opponent’s abortion-rights credentials.

Pike, in an editorial published Tuesday morning, criticized the congressional Stupak Amendment, a provision included in the House Democratic health care bill that would further restrict funding for abortions. In the editorial, he said he was the only “publicly pro-choice candidate” in the race, a dig against Trivedi.

PoliticsPA Reports: Argall continues exploring congressional campaign

Despite publicly denying he was interested in the seat, Republican state Senator Dave Argall is still seriously considering running against Democrat Tim Holden in the 17th Congressional District, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell PoliticsPA.
“I know that he is giving it strong consideration and I wouldn’t rule it out,” said one Republican official familiar with Argall’s thinking.

“I say he runs.”

PoliticsPA Reports: Dahlkemper discusses Afghanistan trip, Obama’s war plans

Just hours before President Obama will speak to national television cameras about his plans for the war in Afghanistan, which include tens of thousands of additional troops, Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3rd) spoke to reporters about her recent “fact-finding” trip to Afghanistan.

PoliticsPA Reports: Former Pike supporter endorses Trivedi

The campaign for Democratic congressional candidate Manan Trivedi unveiled on Monday 16 endorsements from local Democrats, a list that included one Berks County official who had previously supported Trivedi’s inter-party opponent, Doug Pike.

Fred Sheeler, Berks County Recorder of Deeds, withdrew his endorsement of Pike in September after Trivedi, an Iraq war physician, entered the race. Sheeler said at the time the emergence of Trivedi, who is a family friend, forced him to reconsider his earlier endorsement of Pike, a former Philadelphia Inquirer editorial writer, because the race’s political landscape had changed. But he had not publicly switched his endorsement until Monday.

Politics as Usual Podcast: Week of 11/30

Because things are kind of sleepy and slow today, we’re taking a leisurely cruise to the 2010 races for U.S. Senate and the governor’s office. We’ll also drive-by the ongoing debate over table games, and we’ll make a pit-stop at the first of the Bonusgate trials.

PoliticsPA Interview with Patrick Murphy

In his interview with PoliticsPA, US Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-8th) discusses the New Frontier award he received Monday, his continuing efforts to repeal DADT, and his Turkey Day plans.

PoliticsPA Reports: Leach withdraws Pike endorsement

Democratic State Senator Daylin Leach has withdrawn his endorsement of 6th District Congressional candidate Doug Pike, the lawmaker told PoliticsPA on Monday, an unusual decision for any politician that indicates how dramatically the district’s Democratic primary has been reshaped in recent months.

Pike, a former editorial writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, faces former Iraq war physician Manan Trivedi for the party’s nomination.

Schroder’s House colleagues endorse his campaign

State Rep. and 6th District Congressional candidate Curt Schroder received the endorsement of seven of his local House colleagues Monday, his campaign said.

Those lawmakers who endorsed Shcroder include Reps. Tim Hennessey, Chris Ross, Jim Cox, Doug Reichley, Kate Harper and Mike Vereb. Each represents part of the the 6th District.

PoliticsPA Reports: Gerlach: Don’t ‘anoint’ Corbett yet

HARRISBURG — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Gerlach acknowledges his opponent Tom Corbett is the early favorite for the party’s nomination. The southeast congressman said Monday he just hopes the GOP’s power brokers don’t try “anoint” the attorney general, a move Gerlach argued would repeat the party’s gubernatorial mistakes of the last decade.

PoliticsPA Reports: Sestak, Specter use Sunday to argue about Afghanistan

The Senate campaigns for Democrats Arlen Specter and Joe Sestak engaged in a squabble Sunday over who first staked out a position on troop levels in Afghanistan.

The incumbent Specter held a conference call late last week announcing he would support a troop increase in the Asian country only if it’s deemed necessary to eliminate Al-Qaida. Committing more troops is unpopular with many Democrats, who want to withdraw.

UPDATED Santorum endorses Corbett

Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum has formally endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett, another sign the GOP front-runner has locked up nearly all the support from his party’s establishment. The story was first reported by GrassrootsPA, which posted a letter from Santorum asking voters to contribute to Corbett’s campaign.

PoliticsPA Reports: Perzel continues voting in Harrisburg

He might be indicted, but John Perzel showed up to work in Harrisburg on Monday.

The former Speaker of the House participated in the afternoon’s voting session despite Attorney General Tom Corbett charging him with 82 criminal counts last week in connection with alleged misuse of more than $10 million in taxpayer money. The charges against Perzel and 9 others connected to the House Republican Caucus were the second wave of Corbett’s public corruption investigation, known as “Bonusgate.”

PoliticsPA Reports: DNC buys radio ads against Dent, Gerlach

The DNC has bought air time on Lehigh Valley- and Philadelphia-area radio stations to criticize U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent’s and Jim Gerlach’s “no” vote on the Democratic health care bill last week, the group said Monday.

PoliticsPA Special Report: In Republican Congressional District, Carney Avoids a Top-Tier Challenger… for Now

WASHINGTON—In an election cycle that’s rapidly turning sour for Democrats, second-term U.S. Rep. Chris Carney (D) has become something of a bright spot, thanks to a combination of savvy positioning and sheer luck.

In case you missed it: Thursday’s non ‘Bonusgate’-news

PoliticsPA was a little consumed with Attorney General Tom Corbett’s “Bonusgate” indictment all day Thursday, but that doesn’t mean politics across the rest of the Keystone State took a hiatus. Here are some of the stories we missed while riffling through a 188-page presentment:

PoliticsPA Reports: House GOP leader Smith responds to Perzel allegations

Republican House Minority Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) called the allegations unveiled Thursday against former leader John Perzel and nine other people connected to the caucus “alarming and shocking,” but he said the onset of the investigation nearly three years ago has been a catalyst for change among the current leadership team and rank-and-file members.

PoliticsPA Reports: Corbett vows not to resign, but can he keep up his dual roles?

Shortly after announcing the next wave of his office’s “Bonusgate” indictments, Attorney General Tom Corbett reiterated Thursday that he will not resign his position to become a full-time gubernatorial candidate despite telling reporters the investigation will continue with no immediate end in sight.

“I’m not running against any of these individuals,” Corbett said, referring to the men and women his office has filed charges against. “I’m not running against any member of the House or the Senate. I have a job to do, and we’re doing that job.”

UPDATED PoliticsPA Reports: Corbett charges Perzel, 9 others in second wave of Bonusgate indictments

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Tom Corbett on Thursday filed a sweeping set of charges against Republican and former Speaker of the House John Perzel, Republican and former House Appropriations Chairman Brett Feese, and eight of their former or current staffers, alleging they illegally used millions of taxpayer dollars for campaigns and then obstructed the attorney general’s investigation into the practice.

PoliticsPA Exclusive: NJ Governor-elect Christie to appear at Meehan fundraiser

Hoping to build upon a recent upswing in GOP momentum, 7th Congressional district candidate Pat Meehan will host a fundraiser in Philadelphia Dec. 2 with New Jersey Governor-elect Chris Christie, sources tell PoliticsPA.

PoliticsPA Reports: Doherty touts record in Scranton

Newly minted Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Doherty said Tuesday that reinvigorating Pennsylvania’s ailing cities, small and large, is the key to Pennsylvania’s future, and he said his tenure as Scranton’s mayor proves he knows how to do so.

“I believe we have to invest in our urban cores and small towns to bring this state around,” he told reporters shortly after officially announcing his candidacy a few hours earlier in Scranton.

PoliticsPA Reports: Argall says congressional rumors untrue

State Senator Dave Argall is “99 percent” certain he won’t run for Congress against Democrat Tim Holden next year, he told PoliticsPA on Tuesday.

Many GOP insiders have speculated that Argall was considering a congressional campaign, at least in part because he’s a visible Republican well-positioned to campaign in a moderate district. The 17th Congressional District slightly favored John McCain during last year’s presidential race but has a Democratic representative, Holden, who easily cruised to victory last year by nearly 30 percentage points.

PoliticsPA Reports: In Pa. politics, do female candidates have the edge?

Analysis of Republican Joan Orie Melvin’s 6-point victory last week against Democrat Jack Panella focused on the GOP’s resurgence and their opponents’ no-show turnout. Pundits said Panella’s campaign lost the race when it lost most of the southeast while Orie Melvin’s western-Pennsylvania roots helped her win the region handily. Nobody disputes turnout and regional politics played the biggest role in the unexpected success. But amid the mountains of analysis emerged another question among Pennsylvania’s chattering class: Did the fact that Orie Melvin is a woman also give an advantage?

Politics as Usual Podcast: Week of 11/9; About last Tuesday …

Pennsylvania’s Only State Government Podcast (TM) returns this afternoon to sift through the still-smoldering remains of last week’s electoral returns. And we’re thinking the Big Thoughts: Was last week a referendum on the first year of the Obama administration? Why did Democrats stay home? And did thePennsylvania GOP make inroads sufficient enough to guarantee even more rambling and incoherent e-mails from Republican State Committee?

PoliticsPA Reports: Murtha’s GOP opponent stops by his D.C. office

Tim Burns tried to get a jump-start last week on an early debate with his campaign opponent, U.S. Rep. John Murtha.

The 12th District Republican candidate made an impromptu appearance in the longtime Democrats’ Capitol office Thursday after participating in an afternoon rally against the Democratic Party’s health care bill.

PoliticsPA Reports: Altmire, Holden oppose health care bill

U.S. Reps. Jason Altmire and Tim Holden voted against the Democratic health care bill Saturday night, the only Pennsylvania Democrats in Congress to oppose the party’s major policy initiative.

Their votes are likely meant to placate the moderate district each represents and deter any challenger in next year’s election.

PoliticsPA Reports: Barletta eyeing late Nov. decision on campaign

There’s about a 50 percent chance Republican Lou Barletta will once again run against Democrat incumbent Paul Kanjorski in the 11th Congressional District, a Republican source familiar with his thinking told PoliticsPA.

Expect a decision by the end of the month, the Republican official said, after Barletta has made an unrelated announcement earlier in November.

PoliticsPA Reports: Knox touts wealth as key to reform

Tom Knox acknowledged Thursday that his plan to reform campaign finances would help wealthy candidates, such as himself, who wouldn’t face any restrictions on how much they can donate to their own effort.

But the Democratic gubernatorial candidate said during an afternoon conference call with reporters that the people of Pennsylvania might benefit to have a personally wealthy governor because he or she could help end “pay-to-play” politics.

PoliticsPA Reports: Knox positions as reform candidate

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Knox on Thursday will unveil a list of government and electoral reforms he says he’ll bring to Harrisburg if elected, including vows to enact stringent campaign finance reform and force sitting public officials to resign if they undertake a campaign for new office.

“Because I am not a career politician, I have no stake protecting Harrisburg’s business-as-usual culture,” Knox said in a statement his campaign provided PoliticsPA. “If elected governor, it will be my priority to work to restore public confidence in the ability of state government to respond to the needs of families, and not just the demands of politically connected special interests.”

PoliticsPA Reports: Nyquist, Long team up for new firms

Former Senate Republican top aide Todd Nyquist has joined GOP campaign guru Mike Long to create a government affairs and political consulting firm.

The government firm will be called “Long, Nyquist and Associates.” The campaign operation will be called “LNA Consulting.”

PoliticsPA Reports: In 6th District, Dinniman backs Trivedi

Democratic Congressional candidate Manan Trivedi has received the endorsement of local state senator Andy Dinniman, his campaign told PoliticsPA Wednesday, another sign the underdog Trivedi is a contender to win his party’s nomination in the 6th District.

“We have a great opportunity in reclaiming the (sixth district) in Manan Trivedi,” Dinniman said in a statement. “His knowledge, his service to his community and country, both as a physician and an Iraq War veteran, have prepared him well for the halls of Congress.”

PoliticsPA Reports: Orie Melvin defeats Jack Panella in S.C. battle

Pennsylvania Republicans scored a momentum-boosting victory Tuesday night when GOP Supreme Court candidate Joan Orie Melvin defeated Democrat Jack Panella in the first statewide race since President Barack Obama won here last year.

The race will provide fodder for Republicans that they now have momentum in 2010 to reverse Democratic gains of the last two election cycles. For Democrats, it’s a disheartening defeat for party that holds a 1.2 million voter registration advantage in Pennsylvania.

If Philly voters can’t reach polls, Panella wants extension

Jack Panella’s campaign didn’t ask to extend polling hours in Philadelphia, but if voters in the city are having trouble reaching the polls because of the Septa strike, the campaign would support such an extension.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to vote, and if there is a problem for some in voting because of the strike, we should do what we can to let people vote,” said Dan Fee, spokesman for the Democratic candidate for Supreme Court.

PoliticsPA’s Election Day Special: The races you should be watching

Right here, we’ll keep you up to date on the big statewide race (for the vacant Pa. Supreme Court seat) and a handful of local races that have piqued our interest. As always, check in throughout the day for updates:

PoliticsPA Reports: Brabender, Baker try to make politics into entertainment with ‘Zolitics’

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvanian Republican Congressman Bob Sanders declared his candidacy for Senate late last month, calling himself a “commonsense conservative” committed to lowering taxes.

If you hadn’t heard of Congressman Sanders until now, don’t worry. He’s a fictional character for a new politics-themed show called “Moving Numbers,” and the “declaration” he made two weeks ago was actually contained in a mock press release issued to reporters.

Politics as Usual Podcast: Week of 11/2

This week’s edition of Pennsylvania’s Only Statewide Political Podcast (TM) finds the loyal PAU crew battling through some technical gremlins to bring your recommended daily allowance of political gossip, sports anecdotes and grilling tips. Included in this week’s edition: The state Supreme Court race takes a nasty turn, officials make a last-ditch effort to toll I-80, and the Turnpike Commission’s bad week with law enforcement.

PoliticsPA Reports: Cohen considering Congressional run

The GOP field seeking to replace Jim Gerlach in the 6th Congressional District might soon have a another addition, and the new candidate sounds markedly different than the rest of the field — maybe different than any other Republican candidate statewide.

Howard Cohen, a 68-year-old Lower Merion resident who served as former Governor Dick Thornburgh’s first revenue secretary, told PoliticsPA he’s close to officially declaring his candidacy in the southeast district.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 11/2 Edition

Pennsylvania’s first statewide election in a year arrives tomorrow. Here’s what to look for:

PoliticsPA Reports: Republican Cohen to declare in 6th

Four Republicans are now challenging for the GOP nomination in the 6th Congressional District.

Howard Cohen, a private business consultant with an extensive background in government, told PoliticsPA that he will officially declare his candidacy next week. The former Pennsylvania revenue secretary said he has filed with the FEC and set up a preliminary campaign Web site.

PoliticsPA: Franklin & Marshall poll shows Pa. voters are pessimistic, undecided

By Sean Coit
In a new Franklin & Marshall College poll released today, Pennsylvanians expressed dissatisfaction with the economy, the direction of the state, and most of their elected officials.
More than a third of Pennsylvanians are suffering economically, and most believe that the current recession is far from over.  Per usual, public opinion of national, state [...]

PoliticsPA Reports: Orie Melvin, Panella turn up heat on Supreme Court battle

HARRISBURG – The state’s Supreme Court candidates have slipped brass knuckles over their political fists eight days before the election.

Republican nominee Joan Orie Melvin threw the first punch Monday. Her opponent, Democratic nominee Jack Panella, has accepted large campaign contributions from the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, she said, the kind of large donation that should lead voters to ask if he can impartially dispense justice.

Politics As Usual Podcast: Week of 10/26

With the Frankenbudget behind us and table games on hold, the PAU crew lives up to its billing this week … by going deep on the 2010 campaigns. Is Governor Ed Rendell now a hindrance to Democratic gubernatorial candidates? And what about those lesser-known 2010 candidates like Bill Kortz and Peg Luksik – why don’t reporters talk about them when sizing up the campaigns?

More Democrats endorse Pike in 6th

U.S. Rep and Philadelphia party boss Bob Brady and former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel have endorsed sixth congressional district Democratic candidate Doug Pike, his campaign said Monday.

Pike, frontrunner for the party’s nomination, also said he has received the support of Chester County Democratic Secretary Adam Thomas and Phoenixville Council President Henry Wagner.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Primer: 10/26 Edition

Sixth district Congressional candidate Doug Pike released another wave of endorsements Monday morning when former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel and U.S. Rep. and Philly party boss Bob Brady publicly declared their support. Is there anybody left to back Democratic insurgent candidate Manan Trivedi, besides former state Senator Connie Williams? Or will Pike continue his slow [...]

PoliticsPA Reports: Parties differ on whether court race will predict 2010 success

It’s Pennsylvania’s first statewide race since President Barack Obama’s crushing victory here last year, but should analysts draw conclusions about where the state now stands politically based on one relatively low-profile judicial campaign? Yes, says Muhlenberg College pollster Chris Borick, but only with the understanding that the results won’t make a perfect political barometer.

PoliticsPA’s Weekly Opinion Roundup

This weekend, one thing was clear: Pennsylvania’s newspapers love Joan Orie Melvin. How much their endorsements will help the GOP nominee for Pennsylvania’s vacant Supreme Court seat remains to be seen, but in a low-profile race, high-profile endorsements from the Inquirer, Post-Gazette and Patriot-News can’t hurt.

PoliticsPA Reports: Rothenberg calls Pa. ‘the state to watch in 2010′

Legendary political handicapper Stu Rothenberg spoke with PoliticsPA to discuss the 2010 races in Pennsylvania, which he expects to be among the closest nationwide. Pennsylvania, he said, appears likely to follow the right-leaning nationwide trend, much to the benefit of Republicans desperate to regain crucial seats in the state.

PoliticsPA’s Up & Down: 10/23 Edition

In this week’s Up & Down, a few southeastern candidates are gaining momentum, the Governor doesn’t look so hot, and Pa.’s own version of Joe Wilson gets a big down arrow.

Politics As Usual Podcast: Sestak says he’s stronger in general election than Specter

Our special guest today is U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-7th. And unless you’ve been trapped under something heavy for the last six or so months and haven’t been able to get near a newspaper or television, then you probably already know that Sestak is challenging U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., in the 2010 Democratic primary.

Sestak says Specter’s polling numbers show he’s a general election failure

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak said Thursday that his opponent Arlen Specter’s poll numbers show him to be a political liability in the general election.

Politically Uncorrected: Until the Bitter End

Since 1970 Pennsylvania has had an unbroken string of two term governors – Milton Shapp, Dick Thornburgh, Bob Casey, Tom Ridge, and now Ed Rendell. Most of them have behaved in a familiar pattern. They fashioned modest second term agendas, exhibited little stomach for long nasty political fights, and were largely content to let the legislature have its way. Each, by the waning years of his second term, had lost interest, influence, or both in state policy and politics. Consequently, they, like the proverbial “old soldier,” were content to just “fade away” as their terms ended.

PoliticsPA Reports: In 6th, more unions back Pike

Sixth District Congressional candidate Doug Pike said Wednesday he has received the endorsement of four labor groups. The front-runner for the Democratic nomination already had received the backing of seven other labor groups.

The four groups to back him Wednesday were Elevator Constructors Local 5, United Mine Workers of America, American Postal Workers Union Local 89, and Amalgamated Transit Workers Local 1345.

PoliticsPA Reports: Pa. Democratic Party files suit to block some judicial ads

The state Democratic Party on Wednesday filed a lawsuit designed to head off any campaign ads against its judicial candidates from a group outside of Pennsylvania that doesn’t reveal its funding sources.

Ads from such groups are already illegal, the party said in a statement, but their prohibition didn’t stop a Virginia-based conservative organization from running ads against Democratic candidates in 2001 and 2007.

PoliticsPA Reports: Obama’s grassroots group tries to rally students on health care

The White House’s grassroots campaign arm spent its day in Pennsylvania on Tuesday calling college-aged people to urge advocacy on health care reform, an issue officials from the group say disproportionately affects younger citizens because they lack insurance in greater numbers.

PoliticsPA Reports: Ds try to capitalize on controversial GOP Obama ad

A Supreme Court campaign ad from the state Republican Party that featured Barack Obama’s name spelled with the communist hammer and sickle turned into a fundraising pitch for Democrats on Tuesday.

Specter’s Obama event raised less than thought

Last month’s presidential fundraiser for Sen. Arlen Specter in Philadelphia was billed as a $2.5 million event, or thereabouts. But with the filing of campaign finance reports last week comes evidence that it was more like a $1.9 million fundraiser. And even then, only $784,000 went to Specter, the reports show.

Lamont, Sestak discuss endorsement on “Hardball”

Joe Sestak’s announcement Monday that he had received Ned Lamont’s endorsement didn’t go unnoticed by media both local and national. The two appeared together on several radio shows, including Ed Shultz’s program, participated in a live chat on Crooks and Liars, and, as you can see below, went on Hardball. Those media events don’t include [...]

Trivedi experienced, confident in rookie campaign

Manan Trivedi is a new face and a relative unknown in Pennsylvania politics, but the Berks County Democrat appears poised to mount a serious campaign in his first foray into the political realm. He joined PoliticsPA to discuss his young campaign and his high-profile race for the Democrats’ nod in Jim Gerlach’s 6th district.

Lamont on Sestak: His values ‘come from the heart’

Former U.S. Senate candidate and netroot-left hero Ned Lamont said Monday that he endorsed Joe Sestak’s insurgent Senate campaign against incumbent Arlen Specter because Democrats can trust the congressman’s political positions.

“He shares Democratic principles,” Lamont told reporters on an afternoon conference call shortly after the formal endorsement in Philadelphia. “It comes not from calculation. It comes from the heart.”

Up & Down: 10/16 Edition

In our first Up & Down on our revamped website, the environment has a bad week, Kanjorski and Altmire woo some key donors, and an unsung hero gets his due praise.

PoliticsPA’s Alex Roarty: Walker backs Corbett

Former southcentral Pennsylvania Congressman Bob Walker on Thursday endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett, the attorney general’s campaign said.

PoliticsPA’s Sean Coit: Pennsylvania’s Political Dynasties

In light of Sen. Ted Kennedy’s death and the re-ignition of discussion on the famed Kennedy political dynasty, PoliticsPA decided to take a closer look at similar dynasties that exist (or have existed) here in Pennsylvania. Nothing quite like the Kennedys, of course, but Pennsylvania has had its share of powerful political families, too.

PoliticsPA’s Alex Roarty: ABC backs Toomey as candidate calls for stimulus to be rescinded

HARRISBURG – Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey said Tuesday that Congress should rescind unspent parts of the federal economic stimulus package and instead use the money saved to cut payroll taxes.

PoliticsPA’s Lou Jacobson: As Giants Specter and Sestak Slug It Out for Senate, Kortz Tries to Find a Niche

WASHINGTON–Recently, a veteran lobbyist in Harrisburg noticed state Rep. Bill Kortz’s minivan, with large letters on the side advertising the legislator’s campaign for Senate. The lobbyist, who was meeting with another political insider, mentioned offhandedly, “Hey, did you know Bill Kortz is running for state Senate?” The political insider set him straight: “No, he’s running for U.S. Senate.”

Welcome to the NEW PoliticsPA!

Today, we are thrilled to introduce the new PoliticsPA.com!

In many ways, we’re still the same: We will continue to provide news on all things Pennsylvania politics and the analysis that tells what it means. Our trademark interviews, insider information and expert commentary aren’t going anywhere.

But, as you’ve already noticed, we’ve also changed. A lot.

Up & Down: 9/25 Edition

State legislators announced that the budget impasse had, well, passed (sort of). Still, though, the sides clearly aren’t together on many of the crucial details. One not-so-minor detail: Despite funding cuts for education, social services, and the performing arts, legislators will keep about $100 million in “Walking around money.”

Specter to Sestak: Vote or Quit

Arlen Specter’s campaign has consistently snipped at its Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, for missing votes. On Thursday, it took the new criticism to a new level – start voting, Specter wrote to Sestak in a letter supplied by his campaign, or get out of the race.

Pennsylvania’s Best Political Scandals

Let’s face it. One of the biggest reasons we LOVE politics is the scandals–the ones that make you laugh, shake your head, or fly off into a rage. Here’s our list (in no particular order) of some of the more memorable ones from yesterday and today.

Source: Don’t Bet on Turzai Congressional Run

Republican Pittsburgh lawyer Keith Rothfus’ declaration Tuesday that he is running in the 4th Congressional District puts pressure on Mike Turzai, the state House Minority Whip who is seen as the GOP’s best hope to unseat incumbent Democrat Jason Altmire, to decide whether he’ll enter the race.

Out of Father’s Shadow, Bill Shuster Looks to the Fast Lane

Just eight years into his Congressional career, Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) is quietly gaining stature in Washington – and stepping out of the long shadow of his father, former House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bud Shuster (R-Pa.).