Staab steps down as senior advisor amid controversial Facebook comments, Metcalfe tells Bradford he doesn’t like men, Stolz drops out of PA-12 and endorses Linsenmayer, and Republicans move SB3.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

Staab Resigns Role as Senior Advisor to Pa. Dems After Controversial Facebook Comments: Valerie Kean Staab resigned her role as a senior advisor to the state Democratic Party in the wake of controversial comments she made on Facebook about sexual harassment claims.

Metcalfe During Hearing “I Don’t Like Men as You Might”: During a meeting of the state House State Government Committee, Republican Rep. Daryl Metcalfe responded to the committee’s Democratic chair touching his arm saying “I don’t like men as you might.”

Stolz Drops Out of PA-12 Race, Endorses Linsenmayer: John Stolz, a professor at Duquesne University, dropped out of the Democratic primary to challenge Congressman Keith Rothfus next year, and endorsed Ray Linsenmayer.

State House Republicans Move Senate Abortion Bill as Year End Nears: Late last night, Republicans moved the controversial Senate Bill 3 out of the House Health Committee, continuing the movement of the bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks.

Legislative Election Update
Morning Call: Jeanne McNeill secures late husband’s seat for 133rd district
Patriot News: Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Palmyra, announces re-election bid

Statewide
State House Sound Bites: Jobless system moves a step closer to four-year funding solution
State House Sound Bites: House lawmakers engage in extended fight over union dues
City & State: House abortion vote a prelude to next year’s gubernatorial race
Capitolwire: House Appropriations Committee votes to change how budgets are handled on party-line vote.
Capitolwire: PA House sets stage for final vote on paycheck protection bill Gov. Wolf opposes.
Capitolwire: House Judiciary panel passes Megan’s Law fix.

Philadelphia
Philly Voice: Restrictive abortion bill headed for vote among Pa. legislators
Inquirer: GOP tax bills threaten health care for many in Pa., N.J., advocates say
Inquirer: Pa. officials restore six-figure pension for former senator convicted of corruption
Inquirer: Conservative Pa. lawmaker to colleague: ‘Stop touching me all the time’
Philly Mag: PennDOT: Here’s What You’ll Need to Get a REAL ID–Compliant License
Philly Mag: Brian Sims Slams State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe for “Homophobic” Rant
WHYY: Pennsylvania voters testify in gerrymandering trial in federal court
WHYY: Pennsylvania AG, Philly police commissioner criticize conceal-carry bill in Congress

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: GOP lawmaker suggests Rep. Matt Bradford, who touched him, may be gay
Pottstown Mercury: Pennsylvania Democratic adviser quits after social media sex misconduct comments
Bucks County Courier Times: Dem adviser quits after social media sex misconduct comments
Bucks County Courier Times: State, local advocates say overhaul bill will tax health care
Delco Times: Activist group targets ‘big money’ Meehan and Costello

Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania to restrict special grants after DNC bonus controversy
Post-Gazette: Pa. Democratic adviser resigns after controversy over Facebook comments
Post-Gazette: Daryl Metcalfe: ‘I’m a heterosexual…. Keep your hands to yourself’
Post-Gazette: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge released from Texas hospital
Tribune Review: State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe says he’s heterosexual, doesn’t like men touching his arm
Tribune Review: Dollar General gains by targeting small towns, as in Western Pa.
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls going up again in January
Tribune Review: Pitt grad students to join tax protest Wednesday at Sen. Pat Toomey’s office
WESA: City Of Pittsburgh Plans To Offer Child Care To City Employees On Days When PPS Is Closed
KDKA: City Taxpayers Save Money With Less Overtime For Firefighters
KDKA: Strange Exchange Between Lawmakers Has One Declaring His Sexuality

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Lawrence County group submits winning $2million bid for YDC site
Beaver County Times: Three parks projects in county receive state grant money  
Altoona Mirror: Portage looks to evict residents
Altoona Mirror: Teacher’s career in full bloom after national honor  

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Local congressmen differ sharply on tax reform
Times Leader: Additional Luzerne County budget cuts proposed
Times-Tribune: Newly elected director to lead Scranton School Board
Times-Tribune: Ex-State Sen. Robert Mellow gets his pension back

South Central
Patriot News: Funding fix for unemployment compensation system heads to Senate
Patriot News: Pa. lawmaker to colleague: ‘I’m a heterosexual … stop touching me all the time’
Patriot News: Tom Ridge released from Texas hospital; moves to rehab facility
Patriot News: Funding fix for unemployment compensation system heads to Senate
Patriot News: Pa.’s economy reaps $766 million from its pro to youth sporting events but still ‘leaves money on the table’
LNP: 2 women chain selves to building to protest Senate tax bill
LNP: City Council seeks applications for Lancaster treasurer
LNP: State agencies, legislator strike out in efforts to keep Brunner Island open for public use

Lehigh Valley
WFMZ: Judge denies Pawlowski’s motion to dismiss charges
Reading Eagle: Wolf eyes anonymous reporting system for sexual misconduct
Reading Eagle: Reading might ask for county help in fighting blight
Reading Eagle: Reading’s former mayor seeks dismissal of corruption charges
Morning Call: Allentown State Hospital sale clears early hurdle
Morning Call: What you need to know about Allentown’s controversial stormwater fee
Morning Call: State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe: Can’t touch this

North by Northwest
Daily Item: Wolf may be preparing veto pen for pair of controversial measures
Daily Item: Senators agree with Marino bill protecting taxpayers from harassment settlements
Centre Daily Times: Street tablet project aims to promote Bellefonte’s history
Erie Times-News: Sinnott thanks Erie via electronic billboards

Opinion
Delco Times: Guest Column: Why it’s essential for Pa. to invest in education
Inquirer: Bulletproof beer delis and Cindy Bass’ misguided hot potato | Stu Bykofsky
Inquirer: Of women’s rights in the Pa. legislature | John Baer
Inquirer: Why the Republicans are passing a tax plan they know is flawed | Editorial
Tribune Review: Trib editorial: The PLCB’s ‘eating place’ crackdown
Tribune Review: Trib editorial: More reform needed to curb outrageous state-pension payouts
LNP: Pennsylvania should offer a retirement savings program for private-sector workers