By Alex Roarty and Sean Coit
PoliticsPA

In Pennsylvania politics, one weekend every year matters more than others (at least it’s more fun), and it begins tomorrow.  The cause for all of the pomp and cocktail parties is, of course, the annual dinner on Saturday night, but the Pennsylvania Society weekend has become a beast that seems to grow each year.  Whether it changes, though, is another matter.

“It’s the same thing ever year, the faces just change,” said one Pennsylvania Society veteran.

Said another: “The PA Society New York extravaganza is very much like a rodeo. It’s not necessary to attend every time to know what it is like.”

Others also emphasize although the back-room deals and public positioning seen in New York are, in the scheme of an entire election, nearly meaningless even if those attending believe otherwise at the time.

One thing to note: Yes, the parties, dinners and receptions at Pa Society are where most of the action is. But don’t underestimate the power of a more discrete watering hole to attract Pennsylvania’s biggest power brokers, particularly if they have serious business to discuss.  Such locations, of course, abound in the Waldorf and in nearby locations, but insiders point to one place in particular to keep a watchful eye on: The Bull & the Bear. While everyone is trying their best to look glamorous at the parties, the most interesting action of the weekend might take place over a couple cold brews.  During Pennsylvania Society Weekend, the Bull & the Bear is akin to Washington D.C.’s Hawk & Dove bar just off Capitol Hill – it’s a place where serious deals are made.

Assuming you’ve got the proper Rolodex and secured invitations, there are scores of events to attend, but, as is typical with politics and socializing, there are only a few places to be. Beginning Thursday night and ending Sunday afternoon, there are people to meet, places to be, and storylines to pay close attention to – here’s our cheat sheet:

The parties to be at:

Christine Toretti’s Thursday night, VIP, invite-only party at the private Club Macanudo  might be the weekend’s top event.  “If you are not at that party, you probably don’t matter much in Pennsylvania politics. Governors and Senators rub elbows with consultants and donors as they try not to talk politics for at least three hours.”  “Toretti has been hosting the party for nearly a decade and unlike most PA Society receptions, this one gets better each year.”

The Governor Mifflin Society Desserts and Cocktails – Full disclosure – two of the event’s hosts (American Continental Group and Ceisler Jubelirer) own PoliticsPA, but it is safe to say that this event has become one of the best-attended, bipartisan events.  It begins at 10 p.m., creating an instantly social atmosphere, and is never short on elected officials and high-powered, lawyers, donors, lobbyists, etc.

Pennsylvania Manufacturer’s Association Brunch – Hosted at the Met, this is a crucial watering hole for political gossip – it’s practically designed for that.  It’s not that this is an event you need to be seen at, but if you’re looking for the latest political gossip and a good read on who is making waves over the weekend, this is your place.  Almost all of Pa’s top journalists are sure to stop in for scoops.  Plus, all of the major candidates for the big statewide races in 2010 are present and give speeches.

Cozen O’Connor Reception – Cozen  O’Connor’s lineup makes this event a must-attend on its own:  Steve Cozen, Pat O’Connor, Tad Decker, Mark Alderman (formerly of Wolf Block), David Girard diCarlo (formerly of Blank Rome), Charlie Kopp (formerly of Wolf Block), plus some serious behind the scenes advisors (for both parties) that are all in-house mean that money, influence, and some high-level connections will all be present.

Buchanan Rooney Ingersoll – This party, held at the ESPN Zone in Times Sqaure,  is co-hosted by the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce.  For those who cant get into Toretti’s party (and don’t feel bad if you can’t, that isn’t an easy invite to secure), this is seen as the other, unofficial start of the Pennsylvania Society weekend.  Last year, the stars weren’t limited to the state’s elected officials – legendary Phillie John Kruk was working the crowd to everyone’s delight.  With the great venue and crowd, this is universally considered one of the best events of the weekend.

Commonwealth Club Luncheon – It’s run by the state party, so it’s no surprise that this is the go-to event for state Republicans.  With near-unanimous support for Attorney General Tom Corbett as the GOP gubernatorial candidate and full support for PatToomey’s Senate bid, the storylines aren’t as juicy as those for the Dems, but Republicans would be wise to make the rounds at this event (Plus, we’ve heard from several people that Karl Rove will be in attendance).

The Governor’s Reception- No list is complete without a nod to this event, which follows the Annual Dinner.  Hosted by Steve Wojdak of Wojdak & Associates, the lobbying firm in Harrisburg, and Ballard Spahr, the powerful Philly law firm with close ties to Rendell, this is where the folks in black-tie garb will head after dinner.

IBEW Local 98 Reception – For our money, this is your best bet for a great time in New York this weekend.

Temple University Brunch – Held on Sunday morning, the entire weekend’s festivities end at this invitation-only event, for whoever is still in town, awake, and still willing to work the room.

Storylines to watch:

Every year, Pennsylvania’s most important power brokers descend on the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City to plot the state’s political future. Every year, reporters follow close behind, ready to report on the event’s major storylines.

Here’s what everyone is looking for this year:

–          State House Democratic leadership is in turmoil after word leaked Majority Leader Todd Eachus and the man he replaced, now-Majority Whip Bill DeWeese, have received invitations to testify before a grand jury. Will New York be the setting for any behind-the-scenes maneuvering regarding possible successors?

–          The Republican Party might have more lieutenant governor candidates than sitting public officials right now. Naturally, that won’t last too much longer. With political commentator Joe Watkins, state Rep. Tom Killion, Chester County Commissioner CarolAichele, and Bucks County Commissioner Jim Cawley considered the front-runners for the job, which ones will be able to corner party bosses and convince them they can best help the ticket?

–          Each Democratic gubernatorial candidate, save Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox, will hold an event in New York. Will early front-runner Dan Onorato draw the biggest crowd, or will a lesser-known candidate like Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty attract influential politicos interested to learn more about him?

–          Who’s paying for all the receptions? As one campaign consultant told PoliticsPA, it usually isn’t the candidates. “I promise you not a lot of hard-earned campaign cash is being spent,” the insider said. “This is a corporate lobbying fest, pure and simple.”

–          GOP insiders point to receptions held by gubernatorial candidates Tom Corbett, the front-runner, and Jim Gerlach, the challenger. “Compare crowds at the Corbett and Gerlach receptions,” one said. “See who goes to both.”