It’s Democrat debate night. Bartos steps off trail. Meet the GOP candidates for lieutenant governor. Pittsburgh praises PA film tax credit. Here is the Playbook.
PA Weather
New Castle | Showers, 60
Newport | Chance Showers, 60
Nazareth | Mostly Cloudy, 62
PA Sports
76ers (lead 3-0) | won at TOR, 104-101; SAT at TOR
Flyers (23-43-11) | tonight at MON
Penguins (43-23-11) | tonight vs. BOS
Phillies (5-8) | won at COL, 9-6; FRI vs. MIL
Pirates (5-7) | lost at MILW, 4-2; today at CUBS
Union (5-1-1) | SAT at MONT
News
PA Governor Race: Follow The Money: Democratic Governor: Our third look at the money involved in the 2022 primary election is focused on the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor – Josh Shapiro.
- Meet the Candidates: GOP Lieutenant Governor: The least-heralded race on the May 17 primary ballot is that of lieutenant governor on the Republican side. Here is information on each of the nine candidates.
- Reader Poll: Who Should the GOP Nominate for Lt. Governor: Although not as high profile as the other Keystone State races … we’d like to hear your opinion on the lieutenant governor’s race.
- Spotlight PA: Pa. primary election 2022: 5 takeaways from Spotlight PA’s Republican gubernatorial debate
- Delaware Valley Journal: McSwain Campaign Shows Momentum, But Will It Survive Trump’s ‘Anti-Endorsement’?
- Delaware Valley Journal: GOP Lt. Gov Candidate Schillinger Meets Trump, Says He’s ‘Sharp As Ever’
PA Senate Race: ‘How to watch the Democratic Pennsylvania U.S. Senate debate’: ABC27 reports that “Lt. Governor John Fetterman, Congressman Conor Lamb, and State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta will debate at 8 p.m. from the abc27 studio in Harrisburg. The debate will be broadcasted to all 67 counties in the Keystone State and livestreamed to millions more.”
- PennLive: U.S. Senate candidate steps off campaign trail after surgery; plans to make Monday’s debate
- York Daily Record: McCormick battling Oz in heated GOP U.S. Senate primary race
- Post-Gazette: U.S. Senate candidates John Fetterman, Conor Lamb finally will square off on Harrisburg debate stage Thursday
- NPR: Trump’s endorsement of Oz reframes the Pennsylvania GOP Senate contest
- Fox News: Trump endorsements of Oz, Vance aren’t deterring Cruz, Pompeo in key GOP Senate primaries
- National Journal: How Herschel Walker and John Fetterman’s fans give their campaigns an edge
- Vice News: ‘Anti-Woke’ GOP Candidate Totally Forgot He Used to Condemn ‘Structural Bigotry’
- New York Times: For David McCormick, the Christmas Tree Farm Is a Fraction of His Wealth
- Inquirer: ???? We’re roasting the 2022 candidates | Election Newsletter
‘Pennsylvania needs rental assistance and eviction diversion programs, activists and lawmakers say’: WITF reports that “several state lawmakers, researchers and activists gathered in the state capital to call for an inclusive, permanent fund to help renters in the commonwealth.”
‘Could Pa. finally extend OSHA protections to public school teachers and trash collectors?’: WHYY reports that “for decades, Pennsylvania lawmakers have tried and failed to extend federal health and safety protections to teachers, sanitation workers and other public sector employees in the state. But this year, the effort could hit a turning point — with a state-backed study that may chart a path.”
‘Pa. First Lady Frances Wolf, educators, discuss proposal for increased funding for Pre-K’: WHYY reports that “Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf moderated a virtual panel discussion with early childhood educators on Wednesday to discuss Gov. Tom Wolf’s early childhood education spending plan. Wolf’s budget proposal includes $1.55 billion in basic education funding.”
‘Bill proposal would allow medical marijuana edibles in Pa. dispensaries’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients currently have access to tinctures, pills, oils, topicals, and dry leaf to vaporize. A new bill will soon be introduced by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, to possibly expand those options and allow patients to purchase medical cannabis edibles.”
‘Pittsburgh-area film workers praise Pa.’s film tax credit, ask for increase before state Senate panel’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “several southwestern Pennsylvania lawmakers gathered in Pittsburgh with the film industry professionals to discuss the success of the state’s Film Tax Credit Program — and its unpredictability.”
‘Preliminary hearing for former state AG charged with DUI postponed’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “a preliminary hearing for former state Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane, arrested last month for driving under the influence, was rescheduled to the end of May, according to Lackawanna County Court records.”
‘Lisa Scheller raises 10 times more than Kevin Dellicker in Republican primary for 7th District, but both lag far behind Susan Wild in fundraising’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “a Republican candidate for Pennsylvania’s 7th District raised more than 10 times her GOP opponent, but both hopefuls trail Democratic Congresswoman Susan Wild in fundraising numbers.”
‘Pennsylvania county demolition funds for blighted properties: a rural and urban divide’: The Center Square reports that “blighted properties are a problem in every county across Pennsylvania, and a proposed bill would make permanent a new fee counties can impose to raise funds for demolition.”
‘28 orgs call on DEP to ‘strengthen’ proposed PFAS rule ahead of April 27 deadline’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “a group of more than two dozen statewide advocacy groups submitted a letter to state environmental officials this week, asking them to adopt a more stringent set of guidelines for protecting Pennsylvania’s drinking water from commonly found, man-made PFAS or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.”
‘Houlahan’s ‘State of the Sixth’ address touches on economy, Ukraine’: The Reading Eagle reports that “her 19th town hall was held at The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville.”
‘Scavo released from prison, says he’s still loyal to Trump’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Ernie Preate Jr., legal counsel for convicted felon Frank Scavo, Wednesday said Scavo was “in good spirits” after being released from federal prison after serving his 60-day sentence for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.”
‘Leadership During Crisis with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’: The Washington Post reports that “on Thursday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. ET, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D) joins Washington Post Live to discuss his controversial decision to reimpose an indoor mask mandate and how the citizens are reacting.”
Legislative Election Updates
‘4th District Republican candidates talk mask mandates, constitution at forum’: The Erie Times-News reports that “six Republicans are running for the seat that state Rep. Curt Sonney will vacate at the end of the year.”
‘Ward leaders, unions endorse Gallagher’: The Northeast Times reports that “Pat Gallagher last week earned the endorsement of the Democratic Party in the 173rd Legislative District primary.”
‘Nearly half of households in York County will see changes from redistricting’: The York Dispatch reports that “more than 89,500 households in the county – more than 47% of the households in the county – will be sent letters informing them of changes to their congressional and/or Pennsylvania House or Senate districts.”
‘Republican 4th District candidate Greg Hayes’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Greg Hayes, a Republican candidate for the 4th Legislative District, talks about his priorities on day one if elected.”
‘Republican 4th District candidate Jake Banta’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Jake Banta, a Republican candidate for the 4th Legislative District, talks about his priorities on day one if elected at an April 19 GOP forum in Wattsburg.”
‘Republican 4th District candidate Jason Monn’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Jason Monn, a Republican candidate for the 4th Legislative District, talks about his priorities on day one if elected at an April 19 GOP forum in Wattsburg.”
‘Republican 4th District candidate Joe Cancilla’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Joe Cancilla, a Republican candidate for the 4th Legislative District, talks about his priorities on day one if elected at an April 19 GOP forum in Wattsburg.”
‘Republican 4th District candidate John Diamond’: The Erie Times-News reports that “John Diamond, a Republican candidate for the 4th Legislative District, talks about his priorities on day one if elected at an April 19 GOP forum in Wattsburg.”
‘Republican 4th District candidate Jennifer Lesher’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Chris Waldemarson, the husband of Jennifer Lesher, a Republican candidate for the 4th Legislative District, talks about Lesher’s priorities on day one if elected at an April 19 GOP forum in Wattsburg.”
‘Retired veterinarian is running in the 48th Senatorial District’: The Reading Eagle reports that “Calvin Clements is seeking the Democratic nomination in the state’s 48th Senatorial District.”
Regional Spotlight: Northeast
Citizens Voice: Incoming Luzerne County manager Robertson ready to work with council, Crocamo
Citizens Voice: Poverty reduced relatively little in Luzerne County
Times-Tribune: Scranton School District ousts solicitor as it seeks next steps for bus contract
Times-Tribune: Scranton secures new parks and rec director, council begins approval process
Times-Tribune: Scranton School Board majority’s plan to change law firms prompts transparency concerns
Times-Tribune: Scranton secures grants for electric vehicles, charging stations
The Times Leader: Legislators announce $1.8M PENNVEST funds for Hazleton City Authority
The Times Leader: Pashinski announces $1M for Hanover Twp. rail trail upgrade
Opinion
John Fetterman: ‘Workers can always count on me’
John Baer: In the weird and wacky Pa. GOP race to be governor nominee, are debates useful?
Paul Muschick: 6 things to know from Pennsylvania’s Republican debate for governor
Dom Giordano: Has Trump Made McSwain an Anathema to GOP Primary Voters?
John L. Micek: EPA pans Pa.’s latest Chesapeake Bay clean-up plan | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Anthony V. Mannino: For thee but not me: As long as public meetings stay virtual, city officials can’t see the burden of the mask mandate
Jabari K. Jones and Kris Henderson: To combat gun violence, should Philly invest more in its police? | Pro/Con
Jenice Armstrong: Don’t retry Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and his wife
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Teachers need a tax break
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We think some of the changes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic should endure. Your thoughts?
Patricia Hearons: Gig workers deserve flexibility and a dependable safety net. Senate Bill 949 doesn’t deliver either.
Amber McReynolds: To build trust in the electoral process, let’s ‘pull back the curtain’ on how it works
Rasheda Alexander and Sterling Johnson: Frank Rizzo, the UC Townhomes, and the fight to save Black Philadelphia
Solomon Jones: Disney stance in ‘Don’t Say Gay’ fight is a reminder that culture wars are more about money than morality
Pas Simpson: We are taking wrong lessons from racial slur video
Chad Dion Lassiter: COVID-19 proved we need more diversity among social workers
Eric Moss: Vanguard invests in companies that pollute the Delaware Valley
Helen Ubiñas: Activists are rushing to raise money as gun violence surges. They can’t wait for City Hall anymore.
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6 Responses
Snow, wind and rain. That sounds like the bogus Dem forecast for the future of PA if GOP are in govt. Truth is that GOP brings more good govt to PA without racism and demagoguery that Dems espouse
Teddy Daniels, seeking his party’s nomination for Pennsylvania lieutenant governor in next month’s primary threatened Russ Diamond, one of his opponents, that he plans to confront him in person over a Facebook post raising questions about his background because it merely mentioned his wife.
The back-and-forth between two candidates in a statewide contest largely overshadowed this spring by nominating races for governor and U.S. Senate began That’s when state Rep. Russ Diamond of Lebanon County posted a six-minute video with documents about opponent Teddy Daniels’ disability payments, police career and decision to sell a debt-free home just a few months after a veterans’ charity gave him the deed.
“I find it disturbing that Mr. Daniels is portraying himself as some sort of great American hero,” Diamond said in the video. “And even more disturbing that some decent, patriotic, hard-working Republican voters are falling for it.”
Daniels, whose pugnacious campaign style had previously drawn complaints from two other GOP candidates for lieutenant governor, answered a day later with a Facebook post of his own, calling Diamond a loser and his claims “a slimy snake-oil salesman video.”
Daniels said he took particular umbrage that Diamond said Daniels’ wife was listed in state corporate records as an organizer of a marijuana security business with a Coatesville address.
Daniels warned Diamond to expect a confrontation when “you and I are going to be in the same room, I believe twice, before the primary.” Republican candidates for lieutenant governor are expected at a campaign event Friday near Wilkes-Barre.
“I’m curious to see what you’re going to do with a man standing in front of you, now that you want to bring my wife into things,” Daniels said in the video. “You are the lowest, scummiest, dirtiest form of a thing on the face of the earth. And boy you poked the wrong bear.”
He said Diamond was “going to have to answer for that and it’s not going to be over a video. OK? Just so you know, just so you’re aware. That’s something that needs to be handled.”
Diamond said in a phone interview on Wednesday that he was not afraid of Daniels.
“It’s easy to be a tough guy on the internet,” Diamond said.
Daniels also brought up protective orders that had been taken out against Diamond many years ago and a video in which Diamond was recorded referring to police as liars. Daniels did not respond to multiple requests for an interview made through a campaign press aide.
Daniels is running with the endorsement of a leading candidate for the GOP gubernatorial nomination — state Sen. Doug Mastriano of Franklin County — and leaning heavily on his law enforcement and military background while exhibiting enthusiastic support for former President Donald Trump.
Daniels’ confrontational campaign style caused two of the other Republican primary candidates, former state Rep. Jeff Coleman and New Castle Mayor Chris Frye, to go public last month with an appeal asking Daniels and Mastriano to stop what they called negative attacks, name-calling and spreading misinformation.
“When you escalate rhetoric to this level there’s no coming back,” Coleman said Wednesday. “But more importantly, it shifts the conversation from the voters’ problems and makes this a personal grudge match.”
Daniels, whose helmet camera video of himself being shot in Afghanistan in 2012 has been viewed online millions of times, was given the Coatesville house by the Military Warriors Support Foundation in December 2016. Diamond said that the deed was transferred to Daniels in January 2020, and in October of that year he sold the property for $167,000.
A spokeswoman for the foundation, Casey Kinser, said Daniels met the group’s requirement that his family live in the house for at least three years and complete a financial literacy program.
“At that point it is their choice what they do,” Kinser said. “Obviously, we would prefer that the families stay where they are, but life circumstances lead them elsewhere sometimes — that’s fine.”
Dear God is there no word limit on these posts?
The fact that Daniels accepted the house when a lot of vets who are paralyzed and missing limbs should have had it ahead of him is horrible. Daniels shares his one lousy firefight online like it was the greatest combat moment ever recorded. It’s nothing compared to what guys saw in DDay and Korea and Nam. The dudes a showboat and an egomaniac.
FL Gov. Ron DeathSantis continues his crusade against humanity and christian behavior.
fake post from imposter