Pa. lost a legend this week. Former Sen. Arlen Specter passed away at the age of 82, after a brave and arduous fight with cancer.

In other news, the Senate and Attorney General races heat up, and we have lots of state House & Senate news. Don’t miss Friday’s Ups & Downs.

Arlen Specter Dies at 82: Former Senator Arlen Specter, the man whose career in politics spanned 6 decades and both parties, has died at the age of 82. He passed away Sunday morning from complications of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

U.S. Senate

Inquirer Poll: Casey 48, Smith 38: Is it time to hold the phone on the “Smith surge”? A poll commissioned by the Philadelphia Inquirer shows Sen. Bob Casey with a strong lead over Republican challenger Tom Smith.

Casey & Smith Schedule a Debate (Finally): Sen. Bob Casey and GOP Challenger Tom Smith will debate, both campaigns announced Friday afternoon. The event will take place on Friday October 26 at WPVI’s studio in Philadelphia.

Attorney General

Inquirer Poll: Kane Maintains Lead: Democrat Kathleen Kane leads her Republican opponent Dave Freed 41 percent to 29 according to a poll commissioned by the Philadelphia Inquirer. 30 percent of voters remain undecided.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorses Freed: “The Post-Gazette endorses David Freed because he has a comprehensive plan and the best experience to be Pennsylvania’s next attorney general.”

Top 8 Attorney General Election Stories: Here’s what happened this week in the battle between Democrat Kathleen Kane and Republican Dave Freed.

Congressional

DCCC Trims Ad Buy in SWPA: The DCCC trimmed its TV presence by about $225K in the Pittsburgh market, and it looks like Larry Maggi is cut off. They’ll still be on TV in the 12th district, but as of today Republican Keith Rothfus will have a 3-2 TV advantage over Rep. Mark Critz in the final 3 weeks of the campaign.

Environmental Groups Split in PA-8: Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick has received both praise and scorn on his environmental record, causing a split among endorsements for both Fitzpatrick and his Democratic challenger Kathy Boockvar.

Legislative Election Updates

Gil Spencer of the Delco Times went there. He rated every politico in Delco on a 1-10 scale, from state House up to Congress. Check out part 1 and part 2.

SD-15: Here’s Republican John McNally’s 1-minute candidate clip for ABC27.

SD-37: Republican Raja won the backing of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1. “We look forward working with [Raja] and greatly appreciate [his] support for the officers who serve in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said President LaPorte.

SD-49: Janet Anderson, the Republican running to replace Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie) picked up a labor endorsement in her race, the Iron Workers Local Union No. 3. “When we met with Janet we quickly learned that she understands the importance of creating jobs that allow for workers to provide for their families,” said Mark Thomas, Iron Workers Local Union No. 3 Business Manager at a press conference Friday morning at the Sheraton Hotel. “Janet has the experience we look for when supporting a candidate and we look forward to working with her in the future.”

HD-10, 15 & 16: The Beaver County Times has a brief run down on a recent debate event featuring: Bob Williams v. GOP Rep. Jim Christiana, Kathy Coder v. Dem Rep. Rob Matzie, and Michael See v. Dem Rep. Jaret Gibbons.

HD-3: Joe Sestak endorsed Dem Ryan Bizzaro in this open Erie seat.

HD-96: Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley and Pa. House Majority Whip Stan Saylor will headline a fundraiser for Tom Garman, the Republican challenging Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).

HD-112: The Times-Tribune takes a peek at this race, where Dem Kevin Haggerty (who beat Rep. Ken Smith in the primary) faces Ray Nearhood, who tragically has been in a coma since a car accident in August.

HD-118: A look at the rematch between Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne) and Terrence O’Connor.

HD-143: Read about the wide-ranging debate between Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) and Dem Joe Frederick.

HD-146: Former US Rep. Patrick Murphy endorsed Mark Painter, the Limerick Twp. Tax Collector and the Dem challenging Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montco). “Mark Painter embodies the type of person we need representing the 146th District in Harrisburg,” Congressman Murphy said. “When elected, Mark won’t waste time before tackling the big issues like rising property taxes and cuts to education spending. He is the clear choice on November 6th.”

HD-177: Sen. Bob Casey has been rather quiet on local endorsements this cycle. But Friday he threw his support behind William Dunbar, the Dem challenging Rep. John Taylor (R-Phila), according to Dunbar’s campaign. The Dunbar press release didn’t come with a statement from Casey, and said he made the endorsement at a fundraiser.

Remembering Arlen Specter

Patriot News: Analysis: Arlen Specter spent his career skillfully playing both sides of the corridors of power
York Daily Record: Local and state politicos remember Arlen Specter
State House Sound BItes: Former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter dies at 82
Capitolwire: A Capitolwire Specter Reader
Capitolwire: OFF THE FLOOR: U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, maker of history, quintessential politician, dies at 82
Patriot News: Walter Cohen recalls the late U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s presidential aspirations
Patriot News: Veteran Pennsylvania political scientist G. Terry Madonna reacts to Arlen Specter’s death
Pennsylvania Ave: Specter’s lament
Reuters: Former US Senator Arlen Specter dies of cancer

Statewide
State Impact PA: Obama designates Federal Land for Solar Projects
PA Independent: Even during time off, lawmakers can get paid
State House Sound Bites: Matt Cartwright, Laureen Cummings vie for 17th District seat
Capitol Ideas: In Harrisburg the access game never stops

Philadelphia
Inquirer: The debates have a lot to tell us about the course of the Democratic preparation
Daily News: A short run-down on a few Pa politics stories
Daily News: Mark Zecca, long time city attorney, considering run for city controller
Daily News: New song released by GOP attacking Bob Brady’s character
Daily News: Concerns raised about backlog of unprocessed voter registration applications
WHYY Newsworks: Governor Christie in support of two percent property tax cap
WHYY Newsworks: Who won vice presidential debate

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Presidential campaigns spar of Libya attacks
Delco Daily Times: Gillespie Defends Romney’s abortion stance
Delco Daily Times: Beau Biden defends father’s laughter during debate
Delco Daily Times: Castellanos, a republican strategist, says Obama has no power behind him going into the next debate
Delco Daily Times: Foreign policy fact check on VP debate
Delco Daily Times: Gibbs says Obama will be “more energetic” in next debate

Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Libertarian candidates for president, statewide offices can remain on ballot
Post-Gazette: U.S. Senate Race: Democrat Bob Casey says he’ll buck his party to benefit state

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Shuster: Romney visit to break records
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Critz defending congressional seat yet again
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Dissent on health care: 12th district hopefuls disagree on remedy for law

NEPA
Times Leader: Where have candidates all gone this year?
The Times-Tribune: Haggerty faces Nearhood in 112th District
The Times-Tribune: Candidates debate issues in 118th district race
The Times-Tribune: Congressional candidates spar over future of health care
Citizens Voice: Campaign 2012: Carroll faces challenge in 118th district

South Central
Patriot News: Ann Romney to attend rally in Elizabethtown
Patriot News: Sen. Bob Casey’s lead over Republican opponent Tom Smith drops as election nears: analysis
York Daily Record: Pa. auditor general candidates compete over who’d be best watchdog
York Daily Record: Presidential race in PA could impact down-ballot candidates
York Daily Record: In York County, Democratic, Republican voter panels try to overcome polarization

Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania Ave: Casey, Smith schedule debate
Pennsylvania Ave: Pennsylvania GOP U.S. congressmen team up on Biden
Pennsylvania Ave: One-year Democrat
Morning Call: Pennsylvania feeling little presidential love
Reading Eagle: Retirees, debts to cost city $25 million in 2013

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Mike Kelly featured in Washington Post’ “Capitol Assets” piece
Erie Times-News: Actress to campaign in Erie for Obama, Wiley
Erie Times-News: Organizations to host political candidates forum Sunday
Erie Times-News: Sestak to endorse Bizzarro at Saturday luncheon
Williamsport Sun Gazette: County voters to be asked for photo ID
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Transportation funding, term limits defined by candidates

Opinions
Inquirer endorsement: Obama will do the better job
Post-Gazette endorsement: For attorney general: Republican Freed brings more experience to bear
Daily News: In a tough debate, Ryan took the lead
Reading Eagle: Harry Deitz: It makes sense whenever we pinch pennies
Reading Eagle: John D. Forester Jr.: Candidates not open to debate
Erie Times-News: Pat Howard: Colleague’s departure gives pause to ponder how long road has been
Erie Times-News: Pitts: Reality becomes left-wing conspiracy
Erie Times-News: Parker: It’s another year of the woman
Erie Times-News: Ed Mathews: Tuesday’s debate could be pivotal
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Voter ID law angst symbolic of political divide
Williamsport Sun Gazette: The ever-growing debt is shared by everyone
The Times-Tribune: Match policy, demographics
The Times-Tribune: Chris Kelly: Obama fought hard to win Scranton’s heart, but now all it’s good for is an anecdote
The Times-Tribune: Scranton up, Janesville down; causes elusive
Patriot News: Gov. Corbett is MIA on needed child abuse reforms
Patriot News: Clinton, Bush and Obama all had hand in downturn
Patriot News: Let’s talk: Why won’t Casey and Smith debate?
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: Casey, Smith should debate

Blogs
Pittston Politics: Dennis rising star statewide with Democrats
Pittston Politics: The “Private Party” saga continues, Bernardi purchases charcoal thru the school
Pittston Politics: Obama: Same old blah, blah, blah
The Liberty Blog: Crony Capitalism – Crony Socialism Nancy Pelosi Gets Richer
Keystone Progress: Insurers Pursuing Billions in Medicare Profits Make Big Contributions to Candidates Backing Ryan Budget
Jon Geeting: NIMBYs Trying to Turn Downtown Bethlehem Into a Sleepy Retirement Community
Jon Geeting: Paul Ryan Just Can’t Quit His 2005 Social Security Privatization Scheme
Keystone Politics: Gentrification Is Caused by Underbuilding on Expensive Land
Keystone Politics: Against Media Pearl-Clutching on Aggressive Debating
Keystone Politics: What Romney Bounce? Polls Show PA Statewide Races Unchanged
Keystone Politics: Philly Councilman Jim Kenney is Excellent on Immigration
Keystone Politics: Bobby Henon and the Power of Crowdsourcing Shame
Keystone Politics: Scranton, Balkanized Tax Bases and the 5 Stages of Municipal Death
Keystone Politics: Paying the Boss to Work