Politics PA

What to look for this week? Not much from Harrisburg, but pay close attention to how Pa. lawmakers vote on health care reform later this week, will there be any surprises?

Pennsylvania’s political junkies are well aware that we’re just five days away from the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend in New York City, and rest assured that PoliticsPA will be in attendance, relaying the inside chatter.

In this week’s Weekly Primer, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta remains undecided on a congressional run, an actual “Bonusgate” trial begins, and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl can still sleep soundly.

PoliticsPA is putting different spin on the start of today’s “Week Ahead” feature. Here’s what NOT to look for this week, this month, or likely the rest of this year: “Bonusgate” part three.

Much of the focus thus far has been on the two Pennsylvania Democrats who opposed the health care bill: Tim Holden and Jason Altmire. But what about the Democrats who supported it but represent moderate districts?

U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, in particular, might have to face political repercussions for her vote. The Erie-area freshman Democrat barely beat incumbent Phil English last year and already faces at least on challenger, businessman Paul Huber. Whether Chris Carney, who represents a historically conservative district in the northeast, faces Election Day danger remains to be seen.