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December 17th Playbook

All nine Democrats in PA’s Congressional delegation announce their support for impeaching President Donald Trump, while a third Republican joins the race against Rep. Matt Cartwright. Here is the Playbook. 

Where PA Pols Stand on Pending Impeachment Vote: See what members of Congress in the state plan to vote for impeachment and who is going to vote against it.

PA8: Decorated War Veteran Launches Bid Against Cartwright: Earl Granville, a decorated war veteran and veterans advocate, said his priorities include helping President Donald Trump’s America First agenda, protecting the border, ensuring veterans receive the benefits they’ve been promised and more.

2020 Dem Prez Hopefuls Talk Public Education in Pittsburgh Forum: Seven of the Democratic presidential candidates detailed their plans for public education if elected in 2020.

Stuckey Releases His First Round of Endorsements: Lancaster County Commissioner Dennis Stuckey, who is seeking the Republican nomination for Auditor General, released his first round of endorsements on Monday. He is being endorsed by several Lancaster County Republicans including Rep. Lloyd Smucker, PA House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler, state Sens. Ryan Aument, Scott Martin and more. 

Blue Dog PAC Endorses DePasquale for Congress: Eugene DePasquale, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 10th Congressional District, announced that he has been endorsed by the Blue Dog PAC, who describes themselves as the “commonsense, moderate voice of the Democratic Party, appealing to mainstream American values.”

Luzerne County Democratic Party Secretary Cameron Cox Resigns, Jenis Walsh Takes Over: Cameron Cox, who served as secretary of the Luzerne County Democratic Party, announced his resignation from his position, citing his friendship with state Sen. John Yudichak (I-Luzerne), who recently left the Democratic Party to register as an Independent, according to the Times Leader. The position will be filled by Jenis Walsh, who currently serves as the 6th District Secretary and leader of the Luzerne County Young Democrats.

Legislative Election Update: 

HD-29: Democrat Marlene Katz and Republican Greg Archetto have both launched bids for the seat held by state Rep. Meghan Schroeder (R-Bucks). In 2018, Schroeder won the seat over Democrat Andrew Dixon by 4.5 points. 

HD-30: Lissa Geiger Shulman, an education advocate and former teacher who is seeking the seat as a Democrat, released a list of endorsements that include state Sen. Lindsey Williams, state Reps. Dan Miller and Sara Innamorato, and Allegheny County Councilwoman Anita Prizio. The seat is held by state Rep. Lori Mizgorski (R-Allegheny), who is currently serving her first term in the state House after besting Democrat Betsy Monroe by 4.5 points. 

HD-53: State Rep. Steve Malagri (D-Montgomery) announced that he is seeking a second term in the state House. Malagri defeated Republican George Szekely II for the open seat by 3 points in 2018. 

HD-106: Lindsay Drew, a self-employed small business owner and Derry Township School Board member, announced that she is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin). Mehaffie won his most recent reelection bid over Democrat Jill Linta by 9 points.

HD-155: Rose Danese, a Democrat who promotes “socially conscious environmentalism and legalization of recreational marijuana,” announced that she is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-Chester), according to the Daily Local News. Otten was first elected to the seat in 2018 after defeating incumbent state Rep. Becky Corbin (R-Chester) by 9 points.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: All nine Pennsylvania House Democrats back Trump impeachment
AP: Ex-congressional political strategist sentenced to 1 year
AP: Another lawsuit targets Philadelphia’s voting machines
AP: State police told to treat ‘ghost guns’ parts as firearms
AP: Pennsylvania waiving birth certificate fees for homeless
AP: Policymakers order review of Pennsylvania juvenile justice
WHYY Newsworks: Super PACs pour money into Pa. ahead of divisive impeachment vote 
Morning Call: Trump impeachment: What the Pennsylvania delegation is saying
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Johnson-Harrell replacement to be picked Feb. 25
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Facing pushback, Montgomery County lawmaker drops proposal to add mandatory minimums to some gun crimes
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Under pressure from lawmakers, Pa. puts off privatizing free doctor rides for Medicaid recipients
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf, lawmakers announce new panel to study juvenile justice system
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘These are the paint-by-numbers of firearms,’ AG Shapiro says as Pa. moves to crack down on ‘ghost guns’
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We can do better’ Wolf’s Council on Reform finds
Patriot News: Pa.’s Attorney General Shapiro classifies ‘ghost guns’ as a firearm
Patriot News: Before scrapping Pa.’s annual auto emissions inspections, lawmakers call for a study first
PLSReporter: Despite objections of Philly officials, February date set to replace Johnson-Harrell
PLSReporter: Wolf, legislative leaders to work with Pew in yearlong review of juvenile justice system
PLSReporter: House lawmakers call for an Article V convention to place limits on the federal government
PLSReporter: Shapiro: ’Ghost gun’ parts will be classified as firearms
StateImpactPA: Scotland is turning Pennsylvania shale gas into plastic. But what happens to it next?
StateImpactPA: How a Harrisburg company was ensnared in the investigation of Energy Transfer’s alleged “buy-a-badge” scheme for pipeline security
StateImpactPA: Arrests near Mariner East pipeline in Chester County just latest incident of intimidation, witnesses say
PA Post: Paying rent to your jailers: Inmates are billed millions of dollars for their stays in Pa. prisons.
National Journal: Republicans Prepare to Fight Fire with Fire
National Journal: Dems Pledge Unprecedented Support for Legislative Races
Inquirer: Gov. Tom Wolf announces effort to overhaul juvenile justice in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: In the so-called ‘War on Christmas,’ Pennsylvania is a supposed safe haven
Inquirer: Naval Academy is also investigating a possible ‘white power’ gesture at Army-Navy game in Philadelphia
Inquirer: AG Shapiro, Gov. Wolf: ‘Ghost guns’ are firearms 
WESA: PA AG Says Trump’s Tipped Wage Proposal Could Take Money From Workers
Fox News: As final impeachment vote nears, swing-district Dems fall in line
The Hill: Major union backs push to close Pennsylvania center for the disabled
Politico: Can Democrats win back Obama-Trump voters in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Philadelphia’s political machines are stumbling. Who will fill the power void?
Inquirer: Former Bob Brady aide is headed to federal prison for paying a challenger to drop out of the race
Inquirer: Dozens rally for Philly police accountability, including DA Larry Krasner, Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins
Inquirer: The Philly couple whose ICE arrest inspired outrage is released
Inquirer: Judge considers surprise move as bankrupt Hahnemann strands residents without malpractice insurance
Inquirer: Philadelphia is getting new ‘I voted’ stickers in 2020. And they’ll actually stick, officials promise.
Inquirer: Naval Academy is also investigating a possible ‘white power’ gesture at Army-Navy game in Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Kenney reflects on his first term as he prepares for his second
KYW Newsradio: Ex Bob Brady aide sentenced to 1 year for role in public corruption case 
KYW Newsradio: 2 ex Haverford College students get probation for trying to access Trump’s tax returns
KYW Newsradio: Judge to decide if Schellenger’s family can give statements at White’s sentencing 
WHYY Newsworks: Did Philly’s tax abatement go too far?
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia wants the private sector’s help in getting to zero waste by 2035
Philadelphia Tribune: Van Jones calls for criminal justice reform during Urban League luncheon

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Constituents to gather at Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s office to urge him to vote yes on Articles of Impeachment
Bucks Courier Times: Two enter race for 29th District House seat
KYW Newsradio: Delaware County Council passes new budget without tax hikes, but not everyone is satisfied
Daily Local News: Hearing continued for former Kennett supervisor accused of stealing signs

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Workers Will Have Guaranteed Paid Sick Days In 2020
KDKA: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge Says He’s ‘Disappointed And Troubled’ By President Trump’s Ukraine Call 
KDKA: Pittsburgh School Board Member Says He’ll Vote Against Tax Increase
WESA: Split Ticket: Western Pennsylvania Voters Weigh In On Impeachment 
Post-Gazette: Rally planned at Conor Lamb’s Mt. Lebanon office ahead of impeachment vote
Post-Gazette: Mayor Bill Peduto and Superintendent Anthony Hamlet meet to talk taxes, make peace
Post-Gazette: With Pittsburgh Public Schools tax vote nearing, divisions remain
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave law to take effect mid-March
Tribune Review: Activists across Western Pa. to rally for Trump’s ouster on eve of House impeachment vote
Tribune Review: Peduto, Hamlet agree to work together on school funding sources
Tribune Review: Proposed bill would honor 3 men who dedicated lives to community, country
City Paper: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette byline strike to end after Tuesday
City Paper: Pittsburgh paid sick days law to take effect on March 15, 2020
Pittsburgh Business Times: City updates paid sick day guidelines after court challenge

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Local rally calling for Trump impeachment set for Tuesday
Post-Gazette: Fallout from tariffs: A Fayette County lumber mill feels impact of U.S.-China trade war
Observer-Reporter: Bethel Park Council refinances debt; bids farewell to longtime council member
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Shapiro tells cops to treat ‘ghost guns’ same as other firearms

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Cartwright says he will vote to impeach Trump
Citizens Voice: Protests in Wilkes-Barre ahead of impeachment vote
Citizens Voice: Pedri: Election director salary bump is justified
Citizens Voice: Pedri to hold public forum Tuesday
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Democratic Party secretary Cox resigns; Walsh to take over
Times-Tribune: Cartwright says he will vote to impeach Trump
Times-Tribune: At budget hearing, business owners urge Scranton School District to forgo payroll tax
Times-Tribune: Judge: City of Scranton violated tax cap by about $10 million annually

South Central 
Patriot News: Derry Township school board member announces bid for the 106th state House seat 
Patriot News: Pa.’s Attorney General Shapiro classifies ‘ghost guns’ as a firearm
Patriot News: Before scrapping Pa.’s annual auto emissions inspections, lawmakers call for a study first

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Chrissy Houlahan, a key House Democrat, backs Trump impeachment
Morning Call: Pat Toomey is the lone Republican opposing the USMCA trade deal. Susan Wild is a Democrat who got to yes. Here’s why.
Morning Call: Allentown’s Vision 2030 plan offers priorities for a new decade
Morning Call: District judge questions how Bethlehem treats minor marijuana offenses

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Liens on city properties soar over past 12 years
Erie Times-News: Domitrovich recused herself, but not over son’s cases

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Tax zones are great opportunities — for the rich
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Hazing must end: Greek life organizations bear the responsibility
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Data difficulties: Electronic medical records pose new problems
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Blockbuster merger: Schwab, Ameritrade combo has pros and cons
Post-Gazette Commentary: The cascading uncertainties of the fracking boom
Matt Cartwright: Why I will vote to send Trump impeachment articles to the Senate
John L. Micek: The Legislature is back for its last voting sessions of the decade. Three things to watch for | Monday Morning Coffee
Tom Murse: Can an old newspaper learn new tricks? Absolutely. 
Charlie Gerow: Impeachment may be working for President Trump
Brian Abernathy and Vanessa Garrett Harley: How the Kenney administration is responding to gun violence 
Sala Udin: Vote ‘no’ on Pittsburgh Public Schools budget and tax increase
Paul Muschick: ‘Ghost guns’ no longer above the law in Pennsylvania
Dick Polman: Will impeachment hurt Trump in 2020? There’s reason for optimism 
Frank Pizzoli: This is why the queer community should look to 2020 with hope and resilience 
Lisa Haver: Philly Board of Education has done little to change status quo 
Lillie Carlile: Make Biking Safe

5 Responses

  1. As a frequent supporter of Republicans, your “wishing well” experience of the Trump era justavet makes no sense. The polls are such that the R’s see Pa going Dem for Pres in 2020. This is a fact. As for congressional shifts, it is delusional to think the Dems will lose seats with Trump on the ticket. Pandering to the border security issue for a Pa congressional race insults the voters intelligence. At least as of 2020, the R’s are in trouble in Pa. By the way, Scott Wagner is the gift that keeps giving for Dems. Right now Wagner’s losing to Wolf guarantee’s Dems will fare far better than expected in redistricting. This is crucial in that Pa is expected to lose a congressional seat so thank you for running Scott Wagner!

  2. I see Dictator Shapiro is out there violating the law yet again. Can’t wait to see the hard slap the courts give him.

  3. There’s really no strong evidence to support any of your claims. Why is strengthening defenses a big deal? We spend more money on the military already than the next 30 countries combined, and 29 of them are our allies. The economy was rebounding long before Trump took office. Put America first over illegal aliens? Come on, he hasn’t built a single section of border wall.

    I’d suggest turning off Fox News. It really is keeping you old people misinformed.

    I voted for Bush both times and Romney. Before that I was too young to vote.

    The GOP lost me when they sold their soul and decided winning at all costs was more important than having integrity.

  4. I still have no idea why people would defend Trump. He might be the worst person in America.

    Trump bankrupts casinos, has fake charities, doesn’t pay people, has fake Universities, has cheated on multiple wives and lies constantly. Trump has no empathy.

    Why the GOP is so obsessed with protecting him is beyond me.

    1. I seriously doubt you are a former Republican. But if you are, here are the reasons I support the President. He has led the fight to defeat ISIS by letting commanders make decisions. He has strengthened our defenses. He has given us the lowest unemployment since I was a teenager (I am now in my 70’s). He has put America first over illegal aliens. He has crippled Iran’s economy and which will eventually force them to give up their nuclear strategy instead of giving planeloads of money like Obama. And, I could go on, but I think you have the idea. The man may have faults, like we all do, but one of them isn’t representing America.

      The worst person in America? That’s a little hyperbolic, don’t you think?

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    • Yes. It's a national security risk. (60%)
    • No. It's an app used by millions and poses no threat. (40%)
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    Total Voters: 30

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