We’re caught up from the oath-a-palooza, and Pa. has a trio of new Democratic statewide officials. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.
Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane Makes History: Kathleen Kane is Pa.’s first woman to be elected Attorney General and its first Democrat. But during her speech and later as she tended to her younger son – who fainted during the event – she reminded everyone that she’s the first mother, too.
Newly-Minted Auditor General DePasquale Steps Up to Bully Pulpit: Eugene DePasquale promised to put his reform agenda into action as he was sworn in as Pennsylvania’s new Auditor General.
McCord Begins Second Term: Pa. Treasurer Rob McCord completed the trio of statewide Democrats who took the oath of office today. In his case, it’s the second time.
Dent, Fitzpatrick Join No Labels ‘Problem Solvers’: Charlie Dent and Mike Fitzpatrick have joined 22 other members of Congress as a part of the “Problem Solvers Group.” Organized by No Labels, the bipartisan collection of officials aims to bypass gridlock and address the nation’s continuing economic issues.
Meet Scott Perry’s New Team: Meet the men and women running the show for newly minted Congressman Scott Perry. If you knew Todd Platts’ staff, you’ll see that many names are familiar.
Local Elections Updates
Harrisburg: As expected, the spotlight in Harrisburg’s mayoral race has centered on the heated battle brewing between Mayor Linda Thompson and city Controller Dan Miller. Thompson officially launched her re-election campaign tonight in her church hall in uptown Harrisburg.
Statewide
Capitol Ideas: Kathleen Kane sworn in as PA’s new state Attorney General.
PA Independent: Boehm: Another Turnpike toll increase points to need to repeal Act 44
PA Independent: Turnpike tolls are up, but where does the money go?
PA Independent: WATCHBLOG: In Scranton, union blocks police chiefs from arresting suspects
PA Independent: WATCHBLOG: Kane sworn in as first female, Democrat AG
StateImpactPA: Tonight: Hear The StateImpact Story
Capitolwire: Camelot gives first public glimpse of Lottery plan at Senate hearing.
Capitolwire: PA’s new auditor general says politics won’t be a part of how he conducts business.
Capitolwire: Treasurer McCord challenges Gov. Corbett’s ‘pinched pessimism’ in inaugural speech.
Capitolwire: Kane sworn in as attorney general, pledges ‘aggressive’ leadership.
Philadelphia
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia Mayor proposing principles to pressure gun industry financially
WHYY Newsworks: Pennsylvania program finds family homes for aging veterans in need of care
WHYY Newsworks: Lawmakers hear more on Camelot vision for Pa. lottery
WHYY Newsworks: Nutter creates new office to tackle poverty in Philadelphia
WHYY Newsworks: Pa.’s new auditor general promises vigorous oversight of waterways
WHYY Newsworks: Kane sworn in as first woman, first Democrat to be Pa. attorney general
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia Mayor proposing principles to pressure gun industry financially
Philly Clout: Nutter proposes divestment from gun makers, sellers that don’t follow his 20 ‘Sandy Hook Principles’
Heard in the Hall: Nutter unveils ‘Sandy Hook Principles’ for investing
Commonwealth Confidential: Assault weapons sale ban at large PA gun show draws fire
Inquirer: Philly task force to focus on manufacturing
Inquirer: Bills would change Philly’s property-tax authority
Inquirer: Corbett obstructs his own reelection campaign
Phillynow: Inside the bid to privatize the PA State Lottery
KYW Newsradio: Mayor Nutter proposes economic principles to pressure firearms industry
KYW Newsradio: Pa. lawmakers bring legislation to advance Philadelphia’s property tax overhaul
SEPA
AP: Pa. row officers poised to take their oaths
AP: Kane sworn in as Pa. attorney general
AP: Ex-Pa. Senate Democrat ordered to prison in S.C.
AP: Supreme Court won’t hear Pa. collar bomb appeal
Pottstown Mercury: Conservationists praise renewal of tax program to preserve land
Pottstown Mercury: Heath to seek second term as Pottstown mayor
Delco Daily Times: Delco mayors ask Congress for tougher gun laws
North Penn Life: Fitzpatrick visits veteran-owned Hatfield health food company, highlights legislation to benefit veterans
Pittsburgh
Early Returns: McCord strikes campaign tone
Early Returns: Rep. Rothfus (R-Allegheny) explains Hurricane Sandy vote
Early Returns: Ravenstahl has $781K cash for reelection campaign
Early Returns: Melvin defense intervenes in sealed STD case
Tribune-Review: Mount Pleasant school board opens superintendent contract
Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh city council proposes electronic cards for parking meters
Southwest
Observer-Reporter: Robinson Twp. supervisors conclude gas well drilling hearings
Altoona Mirror: Hollidaysburg Area School District to sell two buildings
Beaver Co. Times: Freedom Area School District considers closing two schools
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Geistown considers law to regulate LED billboards
NEPA
The Times Leader: Philly girl taken from school found outside city
The Times Leader: Pa. taps British firm to run $3.5B state lottery
Times-Tribune: Scranton new tax rates may create large hole for city this year
Citizens Voice: Penn State attacks claims by McQueary
Wayne Independent: Dr. John A. Farkas named chief development officer
Wayne Independent: CVS contract discussion heats up
Standard Speaker: DA: Probe targets controller
Pocono Record: Kathleen Kane sworn in as Pa. attorney general
Lehigh Valley
AP: Camelot aims to get state lottery nonplayers to play
Morning Call: Pawlowski touts Neighborhood Improvement Zone, reduced crime in announcing re-election bid
Reading Eagle: Local state legislators get committee assignments
Express Times: Lower Macungie Township residents take fight over Jaindl land rezoning to Pa. Supreme Court
South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Penn State filing attacks McQueary lawsuit claims
Carlisle Sentinel: Corbett unveils plan to invest $10 million for at-risk youth, juvenile offenders
Carlisle Sentinel: State Department of Health reports more than 5,000 new cases of flu
York Daily Record: November election results mean change of status for Libertarian Party
York Dispatch: Social Security office announces move
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: District attorney wants defense attorney off case
Lebanon Daily News: Northern Lebanon looks toward tax hike
Roxbury News: Mayor Thompson: 2013 Campaign Kickoff (Part 4)
Today’s the Day Harrisburg: Harrisburg School District Chief Recovery Officer to Hold First Advisory Committee Meeting
North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: State College Borough Council considers support of entrepreneurial program
Opinions
Delco Daily Times: EDITORIAL: Gore’s millions not helping warming close
Daily News: To the Junkyard
Inquirer: Wrong number for Lottery
Altoona Mirror: Justices not above the law
Blogs
Jon Geeting: John Callahan should run for Lehigh County Exec instead of Northampton
Jon Geeting: Pat Toomey’s slow motion default plan a non-starter in Senate