Former Congressman Joe Sestak endorses Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a pair of PA Democrats campaign for former VP Joe Biden in New Hampshire, and a Chester County state Senator announces he isn’t seeking reelection. Here is the Playbook. 

February 7th Ups & Downs: Gov. Tom Wolf delivers his budget address, VP Pence and Sec. Betsy DeVos come to the state to promote school choice, and a state Senator considers legal action against a local party. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Sestak Endorses Klobuchar: The former Delaware County Congressman and previous presidential hopeful cited Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s experience, ability to unite the country, and understanding of global leadership as the reasons he endorsed her bid for the White House.

Dinniman Drops Out, Endorses Aide: The Chester County Democrat, who announced last month that he would seek a new term, announced that he will not run in November and endorsed Don Vymazal, a longtime aide.

Casey, Houlahan To Campaign for Biden in New Hampshire: Sen. Bob Casey is set to headline five canvass kickoff events over the weekend, while Rep. Chrissy Houlahan will headline one canvass kickoff event and one phone bank on Sunday.

PA1: Bucks County Dems Endorse Finello: The Bucks County Democratic Committee endorsed Ivyland Borough councilwoman Christina Finello for their party’s nomination for the 1st Congressional District. Finello, who is currently one of three Democrats attempting to unseat Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks), received the endorsement over Pennsbury School Board member Debbie Wachpress and Skylar Hurwitz, a technology entrepreneur and small business owner.

Legislative Election Update: 

SD-19: State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) announced on Friday afternoon that he would not seek reelection for the state Senate. Dinniman, who coasted to a 12 point victory in his most recent reelection bid in 2016 over Republican Jack London, endorsed longtime aide Don Vymazal. 

Harrisburg & DC   
The Caucus: Who’s Safe? Who’s Not? Breaking down the 2020 Pennsylvania House and Senate contests
WHYY Newsworks: On call-in show, Wolf defends charter school cuts, doubles down on opposition to supervised injection sites
WHYY Newsworks: Battleground 2020: Election reform in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Pennsylvania Democrats who won Republican districts on how to beat Trump in 2020 
Inquirer: Marijuana arrests fall in Pa. But after many towns decriminalize, why hasn’t there been a bigger drop?
Inquirer: Costly presidential campaign rallies leave cities wondering who’s paying the bill
Inquirer: A Pennsylvania grand jury is investigating Jehovah’s Witnesses for alleged sex-abuse cover-up, man who testified says
New York Times: In Trump Country, the Resistance Meets the Steel Curtain
AP: Pennsylvania’s big higher education problem gets a spotlight
AP: Last member of MOVE freed on parole in death of officer
Patriot News: Latest PA poll on Donald Trump – 57% say time for a change | Battleground Pa. podcast
Spotlight PA: Government watchdog group apologizes for violating Pa. lobbying law
Spotlight PA: The agency that exposes Pennsylvania’s puppy mills expects to run out of money soon
Post-Gazette: Bob Casey made health care his crusade. In 2020, he finds his party at a crossroads.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf nominates Philly venture capitalist Vague for cabinet position
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Why Pa.’s public pension funds have millions of dollars of your money tied up in the natural gas industry
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s AG Josh Shapiro’s job to defend state agencies in court. Here’s why PHEAA is an exception
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Fitzpatrick votes with U.S. House Dems on landmark labor bill
WITF: Some lawmakers think they can override Wolf’s veto on manufacturing tax break bill
PA Post: Two Trump-voting brothers on a mission to fight racism in Schuylkill County
PLSReporter: Wolf taps Richard Vague, Philadelphia venture capitalist, to lead Department of Banking
PLSReporter: Did You Get The Memo? State facility closures, transportation policy and compensating people who are wrongfully imprisoned
Fox News: Bloomberg uses Romney’s impeachment vote speech to bash Trump in new ad
Delco Daily Times: Gov. Wolf rolls out new plan to fund state police; this time everybody pays
National Journal: EMILY’s List Endorses Iovino
The Hill: Pittsburgh-area judge reassigned after allegedly calling juror ‘Aunt Jemima’
The Hill: Buttigieg targeting seven Super Tuesday states with ad campaign
Daily Local News: Pa. bans tobacco use, vaping at state park playgrounds
Politico: Buttigieg launches digital ad buy in Super Tuesday states

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Trump used Philly girl’s story to attack ‘failing government schools.’ But she’s at one of the city’s most desired charters.
Inquirer: Vince Fumo’s old district is the scene of the latest battle between old and new Philadelphia politics
Inquirer: Creditors urge judge to reject Philly refinery bankruptcy plan; Heap scorn on executive bonuses
Inquirer: Philly launches free tax-prep sites around city
Inquirer: Philly officials announce sharp drop in Hepatitis A cases after declaring health emergency
Inquirer: Last member of MOVE freed on parole in death of officer
Billy Penn: PPD Commissioner Outlaw joins an unusual situation: Philly’s criminal justice arena is full of Black women leaders
Billy Penn: Meet 6 Black women leaders in Philly’s criminal justice system 
AP: New Philadelphia police chief starts amid surge in homicides
WHYY Newsworks: New Philly councilmember using video to shine spotlight on local businesses
Philadelphia Tribune: City Council to hold hearing on uptick in gun violence
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly City Council to hold anti-gun violence hearing as city gets off to a bloody year
Philadelphia Magazine: The Opioid Crisis Is Worsening Homelessness in Philly. Solving the Problem Is a Matter of Survival
Philadelphia Business Journal: Exclusive: Pond Lehocky co-founder starts own firm after bitter split
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philly’s Italian food scene enters ‘period of uncertainty’ as more tariffs loom
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia business owners gear up for new tariffs on Italian imports
KYW Newsradio: Philly homeowners threatened with foreclosure get some good news from affordable housing agency
KYW Newsradio: For one Philly councilperson, having more than one indicted colleague is a bit of deja vu
KYW Newsradio: After 12 years of fighting corruption, Philadelphia’s Inspector General steps down

SEPA
Bucks Courier Times: Bucks Dems endorse Finello as 1st District candidate
Bucks Courier Times: Farmers’ forum topic is ‘climate smart farming’ on Feb. 18
Bucks Courier Times: Warminster settles tax rate, hires Bill McCauley to review 2020 budget
Bucks Courier Times: Bucks says it won’t pay Catholic church fees at 5 voting locations
Daily Local News: With Dinniman out, Chesco Dems now expect ‘exciting’ convention
Daily Local News: Sen. Dinniman won’t seek re-election, plans to retire
Daily Local News: High-paid terminated township workers not ‘directly’ involved in embezzlement scandal, Ratliff says
Delco Daily Times: Gov. Wolf rolls out new plan to fund state police; this time everybody pays
Delco Daily Times: Both Chesco, Delco GOP back Craig Williams in 160th House race
Daily Local News: Toomey honors Col. Bob DeSousa’s 28 years of Army service
KYW Newsradio: Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office taking big step to increase focus on mental health issues
Montgomery Media: Rep. Ciresi uses first-hand commuting experience to tout alternatives 

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Challenger To State Rep Lee Builds Ample War Chest — Thanks To Building Trades Support
WESA: Western PA Reps Divided On How To Lower Prescription Drug Prices
WESA: Amid Confusion, City Says It Will Formally Notify Gross Of Removal From Water Board
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh’s Chinese community concerned about virus outbreak, seeks to help Wuhan
KDKA: Pittsburgh NAACP Calling For Investigation Into Judge Who Allegedly Referred To Black Juror As ‘Aunt Jemima’
KDKA: Class Action Lawsuit Against Pittsburgh Public Schools Alleges Mistreatment Of Disabled Students
Tribune Review: Use of inmate funds at Allegheny County Jail questioned
Tribune Review: Lower Burrell councilman peeved over door-to-door solicitors on Sundays
PLSReporter: Pittsburgh City Council divided on how best to divy up Pittsburgh Park Tax
City Paper: Class-action suit against Pittsburgh Public Schools filed following case involving handcuffing of 7-year-old boy

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Vodvarka is fourth Republican hoping to challenge Lamb
Beaver County Times: Lamb: Pro-union bill would ensure ‘respect and dignity’ for workers 
Observer-Reporter: No love lost between Dems, GOP over ‘Love is Love Day’
Observer-Reporter: Republican, Democratic vice chairmen named to election review committee
Observer-Reporter: Shober seeking election to State House of Representatives
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pitt-Johnstown to offer new scholarship made possible by the John P. Murtha Foundation
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Would Washington be different? 10 years after John Murtha’s passing, friends long for his ability to work ‘across the aisle’
Tribune Review: Pittman to use experience in blight as head of Urban Affairs and Housing Committee
Tribune Review: Former Greensburg lawyer pens political thriller set in Westmoreland
Altoona Mirror: Tension lingers in Blair GOP
Altoona Mirror: GOP women to offer 2nd Amendment event
Altoona Mirror: Cambria vets town hall Tuesday
Altoona Mirror: Trump allies celebrate, punish foes

NEPA
The Times Leader: Cammisa in six-way bid for GOP’s 8th District nod
The Times Leader: Which Luzerne County municipalities have real estate tax increases this year?
The Times Leader: DCNR bans tobacco use at state park playgrounds
The Times Leader: Latest Luzerne County personnel additions and changes released
Citizens Voice: Petition seeks White House repeal of stormwater fee order
Times-Tribune: Disruption in the name of order: Blake’s renewed push for ‘tax fairness’ 
Times-Tribune: No quick end in sight for lawsuit aiming to force Lackawanna County reassessment
Times-Tribune: Lessons in failure: Scranton’s asbestos problems show lack of oversight, broken system

South Central 
Patriot News: Impeachment witness Alexander Vindman coming to Carlisle after White House ouster
Patriot News: Dauphin County prosecutor Joe Kerwin enters race for Pa. House seat
Patriot News: Horse racing industry stages rally to buck Gov. Wolf’s plan to raid its trust fund
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County has 1,476 preserved farms. A $7.5 million campaign seeks to save 50 more
York Daily Record: York County judge cited with 3 traffic offenses

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: 7th District Republican candidates embrace President Trump at tea party forum
Morning Call: Despite recommendation of election board, Northampton County votes to buy e-poll books
Reading Eagle: Kenhorst hears request to add video skill machines to gaming lounge

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Former Centre County DA Stacy Parks Miller asks Pa. Disciplinary Board to lift her suspension
Erie Times-News: How Erie-area legislators voted, week ending Feb. 7
Erie Times-News: Final report on Erie’s finances to be presented March 5
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Keller stresses values and local jobs as priorities
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Leaders summit panel focuses on the emotional well-being

Opinion  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Making vote relevant: Pennsylvania considers an earlier presidential primary
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Inspecting the inspectors: State agency wasted $160,000 on guns it can’t use
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The Trump paradox
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: What is the purpose? The war in Afghanistan continues without a clear aim
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Service dog dilemma: Untrained animals should not be in plane cabins
Inquirer Editorial Board: It’s time to make Philadelphia’s Office of the Inspector General permanent
Inquirer Editorial Board: Philly must plan for a post-refinery future
Delco Daily Times Editorial: Governor offers familiar ideas in new budget
Bucks Courier Times Editorial: Bucks County takes on vaping giant JUUL
VP Mike Pence: Pennsylvanians deserve school choice
Maria Panaritis: Democratic infighting in Pa. battleground Lancaster County: A gift for Trump 2020? 
Paul Starobin: Facing a difficult future, Pa.’s Trump-supporting mining communities are defiant and resilient 
Jennifer Beahm: The future of shale remains uncertain
Debra E. Kachel: Pa. requires libraries in prisons. But not in schools. Why?
Jon Geeting: Three Philly Priorities To Watch in Wolf’s Budget 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: School vouchers for a divided society
Larry Platt: The Charter Follies
Tim Hartman: It’s budget season. Let the games begin | Editorial Cartoon
Charlie Gerow: A great week, from beginning to end  
David Harris: Some lessons from Pittsburgh as Danielle Outlaw takes charge of Philly police 
John L. Micek: The economic impact of immigration, state by state. How did Pa. do? | Friday Morning Coffee
Jenice Armstrong: Racial tensions in Abington are a reminder we need to calm down and listen more 
Jessica Press: The Citizens Recommends: Generational Shifts and The Politics of Change
Joel L. Naroff: Why Sanders and Warren are aiming to tax the super-wealthy
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoons: Trees to stop climate change?
Salena Zito: Bloomberg’s centrist path could depend on converted Republicans
Phil Gianficaro: New guidelines unlikely to deter predatory teachers
David M. Shribman: First in the nation
Helen Ubiñas: Philly doesn’t have enough black teachers. This family produced four. 
JD Mullane: No, you won’t die of Coronavirus. Probably.
Keith C. Burris: Aren’t we better than this?
Mark Singel: A battle for the nation’s soul 
John N. Mitchell: Rush Limbaugh deserves your thoughts and prayers. The Medal of Freedom? Not so much 
Chris Dolan: Voter faith in the DNC was fraying in 2016; Iowa unravelled it entirely
Will Bunch: The most horrifying thing about Trump’s State of the Union? The 2 words he never said 
Mark P. Mills: Many of the Democrats want to ban fracking. That would trigger a global recession
Nancy Eshelman: My February prognostication is 39 more weeks of nonstop rancor 
Robert B. Talisse: Why civility in politics is harder than you think
Trudy Rubin: Coronavirus death of Chinese whistle-blower doctor should sober Beijing — and us 
Nadia Dowshen, M.D., MSHP: The dangers of criminalizing medical care for trans youth
Chip Minemyer: Half-century after tearful ad, litter a lingering problem