Good Friday morning Pennsylvania. We’re headed to the PA Society festivities this weekend. Send along any tips, sightings or other news to steve@politicspa.com or just say hello.
PA Weather
Pittsburgh | Mostly Sunny, 51
Harrisburg | Sunny, 48
Philadelphia | Sunny, 47
PA Sports
Eagles (10-1) | SUN vs. Tennessee
Steelers (4-7) | SUN vs. Atlanta
76ers (12-10) | FRI vs. Memphis
Penguins (12-8-4) | Vegas, W 4-3 | SAT vs. St. Louis
Flyers (8-11-5) | Tampa Bay, L 4-1 | SAT vs. New Jersey
Happy Birthday
Cake and candles for Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill and Mairéad Lynn of Sen. Bob Casey’s office. Sunday wishes for Sen. Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson and Sen. Camera Bartolotta.
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Top Story
1. Shapiro Names Fritz Chief of Staff
Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Dana Fritz as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Pennsylvania on Thursday.
Fritz, a long-time aide to Shapiro for nearly a decade, has extensive experience in government, including a stint as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Attorney General.
As Chief of Staff, she will oversee the Office of the Governor, serve as the Governor’s top advisor and staffer, and assist in building a “diverse, experienced, and talented” administrative team.” (PoliticsPA)
Related
Shapiro Names Campaign Manager As Chief Of Staff. “Dana Fritz, who managed Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s winning gubernatorial campaign, will be his chief of staff in Harrisburg.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Shapiro Names Lehigh Valley Native As Chief Of Staff. (Lehigh Valley Live)
The Teams Helping Josh Shapiro Prepare To Become Governor. “Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro is preparing for his inauguration and making key decisions about his administration surrounded by some of the well-heeled donors who helped make his campaign the richest in Pennsylvania history.” (Spotlight PA)
PA Society
2. At PA Society, Jockeying For The 2024 Race For State Attorney General Begins
“Two of the last three elected attorney generals in Pennsylvania went on to win office as governor. No wonder so many politicians are now gearing up for a 2024 run for the post.
Clout will be in Manhattan this weekend to track the machinations — and shenanigans — of the political class at work and play in the bustle of cocktail parties, fund-raisers, and black-tie dinners known as Pennsylvania Society.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Related
The 2022 Pennsylvania Society Calendar Of Events. The Pennsylvania Society is the annual weekend retreat for Pennsylvania’s politicians and business leaders and will be held this weekend in New York City. (PoliticsPA)
‘We Want To Be As Connected As Possible’: Fetterman Names Joe Pierce State Director. “Joe Pierce, a longtime political strategist and labor organizer who worked on Sen.-elect John Fetterman’s campaign, will be his state director.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Campaigns
3. Four Democratic Hopefuls Look To Succeed Summer Lee In PA House
“The historic election of Summer Lee to U.S. Congress last month has left a crowded field of candidates vying for her state House seat ahead of a special election.
Four contestants have so far announced bids for the Democratic nomination in the solidly blue district. Lee, whose congressional term will not begin until January, remains seated in the state House until then.” (Pittsburgh City Paper)
Related
Beck Announces Candidacy For Superior Court. “Jill Beck, a Pittsburgh-based attorney, announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania Superior Court.” (PoliticsPA)
Special Election Date Set For 27th Senatorial Seat. “The first election of the 2023 season will be held on Tuesday, January 31, for the opening in the 27th state senate District.” (PoliticsPA)
- January 31 Set For Special Election In 27th District. (News-Item)
Around The Commonwealth
The Fight Over PA’s 2022 Election Results Continues. “There may have been a time when elections actually concluded political disputes, at least for a little while. A time when voters would speak and politicians would listen (or pretend to).” (WESA)
With No Majority In PA House, Democrats And Republicans Are Fighting Over Who Calls The Shots. “Foreshadowing contentious times to come, Democrats and Republicans in the evenly-divided state House sparred Thursday over who has the power to call a special election for a vacant seat in western Pennsylvania.” (Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
- GOP, Democrats Argue Over Date For HD32 Special Election. (WESA)
PA Republicans Reconsider Their War On Mail Voting. “In the wake of a midterm cycle that proved disastrous for them, they’re wondering if their antipathy to the idea cost them the election.” (POLITICO)
PA Lawmakers’ Pay Increase Kicks In; Two Elected To Higher Office Without ‘Double Dipping.’ “Salaries for Pennsylvania lawmakers jumped on Thursday when an automatic 7.8% pay increase took effect, the largest in over a quarter century.” (PennLive)
Scientific Games Tabs Schultz As Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs. “Scientific Games has named James D. Schultz, a seasoned attorney and policy advisor, as the company’s Executive Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs.” (PoliticsPA)
2 Berks County Commissioners Kick Off Reelection Campaign. “Republicans Christian Leinbach and Michael Rivera will run as a team once again” (Reading Eagle)
Opinion
- Three Ways To Restore Public Faith In Our Elections. (Sarah Bush and Lauren Prather, Pennsylvania Capital-Star)
- The Midterms Have Busted The Myth Of Conservative ‘Minority Rule.’ (Jason Willick, Washington Post)
- The Future Of Education Depends On The Questions We Ask Today. (Tyler Samstag, PennLive)
- Senate Should Follow House, End Leases. (Scranton Times-Tribune)
1 Thing
The Royals Visit Beantown.
Caption This. Wrong answers only.
One Response
Kevin McCarthy continues pandering to MAGA crazies in a desperate effort to become House Speaker. I hope he fails and shows his inept judgment.