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Top Story

1. PA’s Undecided Voters On Their Looming Decision: ‘I Want to Know More About Kamala’

“Paul Johnson voted for Donald Trump in 2016 but thought he botched his first term, so Johnson voted for Joe Biden in 2020.

Now the retired contractor from West Oak Lane isn’t sure what to do in the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Johnson is one of a small but powerful group of undecided voters in Pennsylvania who say they plan to vote in the race but have yet to make up their minds.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Elsewhere

Voter Registration: Pennsylvania GOP Continues to Gain But Democrats Grow In Key Blue Areas. “We’re only about a month away now from Pennsylvania’s October 21st voter registration deadline and Republicans continue to make gains statewide.” (Penn Capital-Star)

Trump to Return to Western PA Battleground As Harris Surrogates Make Her Case. “As if there was still any doubt about the central role Western Pennsylvania will play in the November election, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will return to the area Monday evening — even as Democratic rival Kamala Harris has deployed surrogates to the area in the past several days and plans to return to the state herself later this week.” (WESA)

• Trump Returning to Western Pennsylvania Today; Harris Reportedly in PA Mid-Week.  (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Trump Refuses Harris Call For October Debate. (CNHI News)

Trump vs Harris Boiling Down to a One-State Race. “So why is Pennsylvania so important? Because flipping two states is easier than flipping three. Or put even more simply: 2 < 3.” (Asia Times)

PoliticsPA Poll Tracker. “Here is the PoliticsPA Poll Tracker that compiles the latest polling numbers from reliable outlets that survey likely and registered voters in the Keystone State.” (PoliticsPA)

State

2. What PA’s US Representatives, Senators Said When Asked If They’ll Accept Election Result

“Sen. Bob Casey and 10 U.S. House representatives from Pennsylvania, including one Republican, expressed commitment to certifying the results of the presidential election, no matter whether former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris is victorious.

The USA TODAY Network emailed 17 congressional representatives and two senators from Pennsylvania the same question: After the states certify their election results, will you accept the outcome and vote in favor of certifying the results regardless of which presidential candidate wins?

There was no response from seven GOP representatives when asked whether they would accept the vote outcome.” (USA Today Network)

Elsewhere

Fetterman Says Fracking Won’t Be Deciding Issue in PA Presidential Race. “‘I totally support fracking. So does the Vice President Harris,’ Pennsylvania’s U.S. senator says.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Perry’s Actions Speak Louder Than His Words That Election Results Are “Will of the People”. “Benjamin Franklin is given attribution for the quote, “Well done is better than well said.” For Rep. Scott Perry (R-10), his actions may speak louder than his words.” (PoliticsPA)

AG Candidate Sunday, GOP Contenders In PA House Races Get Support From Yass-Backed Fund. “Republican attorney general nominee Dave Sunday and GOP contenders in eight Democratic-controlled state House districts have received at least $7.7 million in television advertising support from the PAC backed by conservative mega donor Jeff Yass.” (Penn Capital-Star)

PA Election 2024: A Complete Guide to the Candidates For U.S. Senate. “Voters in Pennsylvania will help determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate when they choose between five candidates on Nov. 5.” (Spotlight PA)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Amid Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric, A Central PA Fruit-Belt Community Embraces Diversity

“For generations, white, followed by Black and then Hispanic migrant farmworkers have provided the backbone of the vast orchard industry in York Springs, contributing to Pennsylvania’s position as the fourth-highest apple-producing region in the country.

Amid the contentious national rhetoric over immigration, York Springs offers a unique response to the ongoing — and baseless — portrayal by many Republican leaders from Donald Trump on down, that immigrants are ruining the country, bringing with them a surge in crime, gang violence, disease and are taxing local services.” (PennLive)

Elsewhere

Zelenskyy Offers ‘Thanks,’ Locals Show Support As Ukraine’s President Visits Scranton Ammunition Plant. “Inside the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said thank you over and over.” (WVIA)

PA Unemployment Rate Holds Steady Again. “For the 11th consecutive month, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate in August remained unchanged over the month at 3.4%.” (PoliticsPA)

‘PA Fair Elections’ Election Denial Group Set to Observe Lancaster County Voting Machines. “The Lancaster County Board of Elections granted PA Fair Elections access to observe logic and accuracy testing, which is closed to the public but open to certain organizations, candidates and the political parties.” (LNP | Lancaster Online)

Does Voter Registration Status Affect Your Health? Hospitals Say Yes, and Are Signing Up People to Vote This November. “Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Main Line Health are among the Philadelphia-area hospital systems helping patients register to vote.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Home Rule Vote Could Start Next Chapter for Wilkinsburg. “A proposal for a stronger mayor and more flexible taxing power depends on voter approval.” (Public Source)

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

• On Immigration, Donald Trump Offers Only Division and Disaster. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Inside the Lawyerly Sleight of Hand Behind Trump’s Efforts to Overturn the 2020 Election. (Mark Bowden)
• The Nation’s Dark Mood May Decide the Election, Even Though It’s Wrong. (Bruce Ledewitz)
• What I Say to Candidates and PACs That Want My Money (Besides “No”). (D.B. Fall)
• To Save Lives, I’m a Republican Doing Everything I Can to Make Sure Donald Trump Is Defeated. (James C. Greenwood)
• Voters Beware: Some Campaign Ads Are Outright Lies. (Mark S. Singel)
• Tim Walz and the Politics of Football: Democrats Tackle the Manhood Game. (G.F. Fuller)
• Penn State Stages Another Strike at Student Journalism. (Greensburg Tribune-Review)

1 Thing

5. Huge Australian King Penguin Chick Pesto Grows Into Social Media Star

“A huge king penguin chick named Pesto, who weighs as much as both his parents combined, has become a social media celebrity and a star attraction at an Australian aquarium.

Weighing 22 kilograms (49 pounds) at 9 months old, Pesto is the heaviest penguin chick the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium has ever had, its education supervisor Jacinta Early said on Friday.

Pesto’s global fame has grown with his size. More than 1.9 billion people around the world had viewed him through social media, an aquarium statement said.” (AP)

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