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10/20 Ups & Downs

Natalia Rudiak shows strength to the nation, Casey has another big fundraising quarter, Marino withdraws from a Presidential appointment for the second time, and a record setting fine is ordered for a PAC.  See who made this week’s Ups & Downs!

Up-Arrow4-2 Natalia Rudiak. Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak’s story of sexual assault is being heard around the country as part of the #MeToo campaign, bringing more attention to the issue.  It cannot be easy to relive her experience over and over in interviews, but doing so is a selfless act of public service.

Down Arrow Tom Marino. Congressman Tom Marino was a central figure in the Washington Post/60 Minutes report detailing the effects of a law he introduced that undermined the DEA’s ability to fight the opioid epidemic. The maelstrom of scrutiny led him to withdraw his name from consideration for a Presidential appointment for the second time, following public equivocation from President Trump. The news will likely increase Marino’s chances of facing a challenger for re-election.

Up-Arrow4-2 Bob Casey. Senator Bob Casey’s third quarter fundraising numbers put him at over $7 million cash on hand, continuing his trend of raising large amounts of money for next year’s election that is expected to be another expensive Senate race in the state.  

Down Arrow Brian Fitzpatrick.  Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has gained two primary challengers for his seat in the last 2 weeks, and a Democratic opponent.  In a swing district like the 8th, Republicans will need as much money going into the general election as possible to win, which becomes harder when fending off primary challengers.  

Down Arrow

Joe Torsella. State Treasurer Joe Torsella went back on his word that he would not give out a loan from the treasury unless a revenue package was passed into law.  The move expectedly drew the ire of Republicans and will likely stay in opposition research files for 2020.

Down Arrow

Citizens Organizing for Pennsylvania’s Security.  The Democratic PAC was hit with a record setting fine from Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Abbe Fletman of $60,000 for failing to disclose $160,000 in contributions.  

Bonus Up/Down: Every week, PoliticsPA will be including a bonus up or down, that is exclusive to Playbook email subscribers.  To sign up to see the bonus arrow click here.

The tweet of the week goes to Post-Gazette Reporter Chris Potter (And the thread following) for his take on Primanti Brothers’ announcement of free sandwiches for Amazon employees if Amazon picks Pittsburgh.

3 Responses

  1. I wouldn’t think Republicans will want to bring up Torsella’s action when he points out their inept politicizing of the budget AGAIN that will cost taxpayers dearly.

  2. Hat’s off to Councilwoman Rudiak for her moving display of strength and bravery. There is incredible pressure in the political world for women to remain silent about a pervasive culture of sexual harassment. I hope more women in politics and government will come forward and that their male colleagues will join them in speaking out to help put an end this.

  3. Fitz gets a down arrow because of a few challengers? The Fitz family is like the gold standard of elected officials in PA8 and the incompetent jokes of Dem leadership can’t win anything. Everyone knows this. When Fitz wins re-election despite lousy Trump poll numbers know-nothing Dem leadership will be scratching their heads in disbelief like they did in Nov 2016.

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