Simmons announces his primary challenge to Dent, Murphy admits to an affair, Toohil announces she is not running for Congress in the 11th and puts her support behind Meuser, Republican state House members propose an alternative budget plan, the latest Politically Uncorrected, and our reader poll asks who the Democrats should nominate in the state Rep. John Taylor’s district. Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!
Simmons Officially Enters Race to Challenge Dent: State Rep. Justin Simmons officially announced he is challenging Congressman Charlie Dent in the Republican primary next year, setting up a pro-Trump challenge to Dent’s moderate stance.
Murphy Admits to Extramarital Affair in Statement: Congressman Tim Murphy admitted to an extramarital affair in a statement from his lawyer this afternoon.
Group of House GOP Members Propose Plan to Close Budget Gap: A group of state House GOP members proposed a plan to close the $2.2 billion budget gap without increasing taxes.
Toohil Not Running For Congress; Endorses Meuser: State Representative Tarah Toohil announced today that she will not be running to replace Congressman Lou Barletta, and she is putting her support behind former Revenue Secretary Dan Meuser.
Politically Uncorrected: Assassination: A Fool’s Errand: Our history haunts us. Four American presidents have been assassinated with another twelve attempted or foiled attempts against incumbent presidents, stretching from Andrew Jackson in the 19th century to Barack Obama in the 21st.
Reader Poll: Who Should the Democratic Party Nominate in the 177th State House District?” With Republican state Representative John Taylor announcing his retirement, many Democrats are looking to run for his seat next year and we want to know who they should nominate.
Judicial Election Update
Judge Maria McLaughlin received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania State Education Association’s Political Action Committee for Education.
“I am extremely proud to have received this endorsement from the educators of our great commonwealth. Dedicating ones life to the education of our youth, is a noble vocation. Education is power, and these men and women are giving the next generation of our Commonwealth the tools needed to keep PA strong for generations to come. Their support means the world to me,” McLaughlin said.
Paul Lalley was endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.
“I am incredibly honored to have the support of the Pennsylvania Builders Association and the hardworking Pennsylvanians they represent. With the support of the Builders Association and so many others, I know my campaign for Commonwealth Court will be successful on November 7,” Lalley said.
Statewide
State House Sound Bites: Protesters push PA Republicans to stand with DACA
State House Sound Bites: House GOP budget met with skepticism from Democrats, Senate, Wolf
State House Sound Bites: Challenges persist in funding election system upgrades
StateImpact: Sunoco contractors challenge residents’ presence on pipeline right-of-way
StateImpact: Sean Spicer to address Shale Insight conference in Pittsburgh
StateImpact: Gasoline price spikes caused by Harvey on par with Katrina
StateImpact: DEP says Sunoco violated agreement on Mariner East 2 drilling
Capitolwire: Wolf calls on House GOP to scrap ‘nonsense’ special fund plan, vote on Senate package.
Capitolwire: Transportation funds big part of House GOP revenue plan.
Philadelphia
WHYY: Pa. House budget plan gets skeptical response from Wolf, Dems and Senate
WHYY: Congressmen say the IRS’s 529 college savings program should expand to include trade schools
Inquirer: After a century, Philadelphia struggles to figure out what the Parkway should be
Inquirer: Pa. joins more than a dozen states in suit over DACA decision
Billy Penn: Philly DACA supporters marched through Old City as President Trump halted the immigration program
Billy Penn: West Philly’s abandoned police HQ plan and what comes next for 46th and Market
SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: New Hanover supervisor questions overdevelopment in township
Bucks County Courier Times: Wolf administration calling for universal blood-lead testing for young Pennsylvania children
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County adds $4 million to 2017 budget expenses for prison, coroner, DA costs
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Congressman Tim Murphy issues statement on extramarital affair
Post-Gazette: Dozens show up at legislator’s office to protest president’s plan to end DACA
Post-Gazette: Sean Spicer to speak at shale conference in Pittsburgh in September 6, 2017
Post-Gazette: Think Pat Toomey had an awkward town hall moment? Here are 7 more
Tribune Review: GOP Hopeful Paul Mango: ‘We Are Not Growing the Pennsylvania Economy’
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania Congressman Tim Murphy admits to extramarital affair
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh region’s job growth stalled since 2012, Fed analyst says
The Incline: After Trump’s DACA announcement, protesters stand up for Dreamers across Pennsylvania
KDKA: Protesters Gather Outside Reps. Murphy & Rothfus Offices, Demanding Passage Of DREAM Act
KDKA: GOP Hopeful Paul Mango: ‘We Are Not Growing The Pennsylvania Economy’
WPXI: Harrisburg-area health system now part of UPMC
Southwest
Beaver County Times: House GOP members propose using money from reserve funds to balance state budget
Altoona Mirror: $88M project under review
NEPA
Times Leader: Toohil won’t seek Barletta’s seat; will support Meuser
Times Tribune: Scranton pension board seeks dismissal of double pension lawsuit
Times Tribune: Judge: Cordaro’s latest appeal should be denied
Times Tribune: DACA decision leaves immigrants, activists wondering what’s next?
South Central
Public Opinion: Shuster, Toomey & Casey want immigration on the front burner
Patriot News: Protesters take pro-DACA message to Barletta, Toomey and others
Patriot News: Wolf, lawmakers call for enhanced efforts to combat sexual violence through ‘It’s on Us PA’ campaign
Patriot News: Gubernatorial candidates have differing views about the ‘Taxpayers’ Budget’
Patriot News: GOP gubernatorial hopeful Paul Mango paints his ‘vision’ for bringing jobs, children back to Pa.
Patriot News: Pa. requests extension to comply with Real ID license requirements
Patriot News: Trump sends Marino’s drug czar nomination to Senate for confirmation
Patriot News: Republican state lawmaker announces primary challenge for 15th Congressional District
LNP: Sergeant Deputy Sheriff Chris Leppler secures Lancaster County GOP nomination in election to replace Mark Reese
LNP: County commissioners urge state action to save Three Mile Island, other nuclear plants
LNP: House GOP group wants to tap $2.4 billion in special reserve funds to fill state budget gap
Lehigh Valley
Reading Eagle: Undocumented immigrants living in Berks protest end of ‘Dreamers’ program
Reading Eagle: State House Republicans push new plan to balance budget
Reading Eagle: Supporters of DACA recipients rally across Pennsylvania
Reading Eagle: Gov. Wolf requests another extension on Real ID implementation
Morning Call: Is the budget pain coming for Pennsylvanians?
Morning Call: Bethlehem raises eminent domain possibility for Sands property
North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Locals protest Trump’s DACA decision
Meadville Tribune: State rolls out new rules for police body cams
Opinion
Delco Times: Editorial: The American dream takes a nightmarish turn
Inquirer: What must be done to save the ‘Dreamers’ from Trump politics
Inquirer: Fiscal watchdog required for all tax dollars
Inquirer: Auditor General DePasquale: Legalize marijuana in Pa. to boost revenues and create jobs
Inquirer: Why House Republicans aren’t serious about Pa.’s budget deficit
Bucks County Courier Times: State budget scare tactics
Tribune Review: Clear the air on medical marijuana panel
Post-Gazette: Foul, but no crime: Local police, don’t file charges for silly question at Toomey town hall
Patriot News: Open Records decision on medical marijuana was a win – but more work needs to be done | Editorial
Patriot News: Pitt, PSU leaders: The House needs to step up and pass our funding bills | Opinion
LNP: There has to be a better way to fund a budget than raiding rainy day funds