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February 16th Playbook

State Rep. Brian Sims announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor, while state Sen. John Blake announced that he will resign from his seat to take a role in Rep. Matt Cartwright’s office. Here is the Playbook. 

Sims Announces Bid for Lieutenant Governor: The state rep from Philadelphia said that he wants to bring bold, visionary leadership to the Commonwealth.

PAGOP Endorses Brobson, Reelects Tabas: During the Pennsylvania Republican Party’s first meeting since the 2020 election, the state party endorsed four judicial candidates and reelected party officers.

PA Dems Endorses McLaughlin for Supreme Court, Spurgeon for Commonwealth: The Pennsylvania Democratic Party formally backed two candidates in its first meeting since the 2020 election, and left another race without any endorsements.

Blake To Resign From State Senate To Take Role Leading Economic Development for Cartwright: State Sen. John Blake will resign from office on March 8 to join Rep. Matt Cartwright’s office to lead economic development initiatives across the 8th Congressional District.

Beck Receives A “Recommended” Rating from PA Bar Association: According to a release from Jill Beck’s campaign, she has received a “recommended” rating from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission. Beck, an attorney from Pittsburgh, is one of four candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Amid growing backlash, Pennsylvania GOP may censure Toomey
AP: State senator to resign to join congressman’s office
Spotlight PA: Delay in census data could put transparency in Pa.’s redistricting process at risk
Spotlight PA: The inside story of how Pennsylvania failed to deliver millions in coronavirus rent relief
Inquirer: Pat Toomey is facing a Republican backlash in Pennsylvania for voting to convict Donald Trump
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. state Sen. Blake to take econ development job with Cartwright, sparking NEPA special election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Philly Rep. Brian Sims says he’ll seek Dem nod for Lt. Gov in 2022 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Republicans weigh move to censure Toomey over impeachment vote, report
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: GOP lawmakers in 28 states, including Pa., have introduced more than 100 bills seeking to restrict ballot access | Analysis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: REPORT: Pa.’s Infrastructure gets a C- | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: New Pa. law provides free photo ID to people experiencing homelessness | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf’s budget calls for 3rd round of funding for Pa. Farm Bill | Monday Morning Coffee
Beaver County Times: Is Toomey facing censure from PAGOP for Trump vote? 
Beaver County Times: Summer vaccines for all looks promising in Pa.
Beaver County Times: Still no timeline for teachers to be vaccinated
LNP | LancasterOnline: Local governments look to DC Democrats for needed aid
WITF: Forced To Compete For COVID-19 Vaccines, Some Older People In PA Struggle To Book Appointments
The Hill: Toomey censured by several Pennsylvania county GOP committees over impeachment vote
KDKA: Several County GOP Committees Vote To Censure Sen. Pat Toomey Over Impeachment Vote
Politico: Dems buzz about breakout stars of Trump’s impeachment
CNN: These GOP lawmakers are facing backlash from state parties for not backing Trump

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: State Rep. Brian Sims announces run for lieutenant governor
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia launches new efforts for an equitable economic recovery
KYW Newsradio: New solar farm in Franklin County is generating electricity for SEPTA
WHYY Newsworks: Krasner calls on Philadelphia leaders to invest $100 million to help curb gun violence 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly advocates praise HUD investigations into LGBTQ discrimination 
NBC10: Brian Sims, State Lawmaker from Philly, Announces Bid for Pa. Lt. Gov.
Inquirer: Philly hopes to benefit from Pete Buttigieg’s goal of sharing the road
Inquirer: Philly Fighting COVID got a city contract while groups emphasizing racial equity didn’t
Philly Voice: Rep. Brian Sims, of Philly, to run for Pa. lieutenant governor in 2022 
Philly Voice: SNL mocks Philly-area lawyers on Trump’s impeachment defense team 
Billy Penn: Map: This is where COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: North Philly neighbors finally get patrols on violent corner known for shootings

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick faces early attacks by DCCC. Will they impact an election still 2 years out?
Daily Local News: Rep. Dean calls for 9/11-style commission over deadly Capitol riot
Daily Local News: Braceland to run for mayor
Pottstown Mercury: Muth calls for 911-style commission over deadly Capitol riot
Bucks Local News: Additional vaccination clinics opening this week in Bucks County; commissioners express frustration over vaccine supply
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus positivity decreases in Montgomery County and five neighboring counties
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County coronavirus response fund raises $900K for nonprofits 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Westmoreland GOP censures Toomey while Allegheny chair urges caution
Post-Gazette: Former Pittsburgh police officer says he will listen to voters in mayoral run
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh to partner with FUSE Corps on policing, youth workforce development
Post-Gazette: Area counties set to disburse latest restaurant relief funds
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: New cases in Pa. at lowest point in months
KDKA: Western Pa. Republican County Chairs Oppose Sen. Toomey’s Vote To Convict Trump But Disagree On Censure Resolutions
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Lawmakers Push For Vaccine Registry Act
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 394 More Cases, No Additional Deaths Over 48 Hours
City Paper: Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania staff will hold mail-in ballot union vote
City Paper: Six Western Pennsylvanians charged for Capitol insurrection; state ranks second among total arrested
Tribune Review: New covid cases continue to decline in Allegheny County
WESA: Need Help Paying Your PWSA Bill? Many Who Would Qualify For Financial Assistance Aren’t Enrolled

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Frederick appointed commissioner
Altoona Mirror: New law provides homeless free IDs 
Tribune Review: Armstrong County to give $733K in grants to restaurants hard hit by pandemic 
Tribune Review: Former court clerk Amy Altman McChesney to run for Derry district judge 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County sees over 60% drop in covid cases in past month
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases, deaths drop in Pennsylvania
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Downward trend continues, state reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 1
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State GOP considers censure of Toomey for his vote to convict Trump
Beaver County Times: Analysis: Pa. vaccine distribution not equitable

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Blake to direct Cartwright’s district office with jobs focus
Citizens Voice: Former councilwoman Waitkus will try to regain council seat
Citizens Voice: 38 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Monday
Times-Tribune: Blake to direct Cartwright’s district office with jobs focus
Times-Tribune: Munley selected as Athena award recipient
Times-Tribune: New daily COVID-19 cases lowest since October
The Times Leader: Sen. Blake to resign office to work for Cartwright
The Times Leader: Luzerne County government saving money with LED lights
The Times Leader: 38 new cases of COVID -19 confirmed in Luzerne County Monday; 1 more death

South Central 
York Daily Record: Senator Pat Toomey denounced by York County Republican Committee after impeachment vote
York Daily Record: PA man arrested in Capitol insurrection after mom outs him on social media 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster GOP to consider censuring Sen. Pat Toomey for voting to convict Trump in impeachment trial
LNP | LancasterOnline: York County GOP censures Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey for voting to convict Trump
LNP | LancasterOnline: Local governments look to DC Democrats for needed aid
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Protesters seeking justice, reform ask “Where is the love?” on Valentine’s Day in Lancaster
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle school district will receive an additional $3.4 million in COVID relief grant money
Patriot News: York County Republican Committee votes to censure U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey
York Dispatch: York County GOP censures Sen. Pat Toomey over impeachment

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Local lawmaker wants to ensure vulnerable students can overcome hurdles to graduation
WFMZ: Bethlehem Councilman Bryan Callahan to seek 3rd term
WFMZ: Pen Argyl woman announces bid for Northampton County Council
WFMZ: Easton councilwoman running for re-election 
Reading Eagle: New CDC COVID guidelines for schools don’t change much in Pennsylvania
Reading Eagle: PennDOT receives $407.2 million in federal COVID relief funds for road and bridge projects 
Reading Eagle: COVID cases rise by 51 in Berks County; 2-dose vaccinations top 12,000
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: State approaches 900K cases, fewest daily cases since Nov. 1 | Latest on coronavirus and vaccines in Pa. and Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Fewer than 2,000 additional cases; Pa. slated for 210,000 first vaccine doses this week

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Keller named ranking Republican of workforce protections subcommittee
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Cost of wall to protect judge’s office revealed
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: New details emerge on locals at D.C. riot
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 35 new COVID-19 cases
Patriot News: Women’s group demands Bradford County DA’s resignation over sexual assault charges
Erie Times-News: After Obamacare, fewer uninsured in Erie County
Erie Times-News: No answers for errors in PA sex abuse recourse vote process
Centre Daily Times: Feb. 15 update: Centre County adds 112 COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths over 2 days

Opinion  
Abbie Newman, RN, JD: Pennsylvania laws must ensure child abuse victims can pursue justice
Rob Wonderling: Accelerating Inclusive Recovery 
Lanethea Mathews-Schultz: To keep Pa. voters confident in our elections, rejecting misinformation is key 
Dick Polman: Trump’s impeachment lawyer, Bruce Castor, was not Pa.’s finest 
Melissa Weiler Gerber: Pa. Dems were right: It’s time for lawmakers to prioritize women’s, family health 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Where does Washington go from here?
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Presidents Day finds new cause for celebration 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Political squabbling over Philly vaccination plan is sickening 
Inquirer: Should Pa. increase education funding by raising taxes? | Pro/Con
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Let the dead rest
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Rink oversight lacking
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: A holiday for reflecting on the importance of presidential leadership
Broad + Liberty The Editors: The ‘Cult of Fetterman’ shifts to higher office
Tajma Cameron: Philly should use the schools reopening debate to fix longer-term problems 
Robert Shaffer: We should amend the Constitution to save American democracy
Timothy P. Williams: Teaching civics isn’t enough. We need to teach information literacy. The Capitol riot proved it 
Paul Muschick: Your bosses can make you get a COVID vaccine. Here’s why they shouldn’t.
Starr Herr-Cardillo and Dana Fedeli: Philly’s plan to fight climate change has a glaring absence on demolitions and cultural heritage 
Jenice Armstrong: Now do you understand why I write about Black people so much?
Christina Griffith: The Citizen Recommends: The Community Video Resiliency Project
Bill Scher: Gerrymandering Is Not an Existential Threat to Democrats
Tom Stiglich: Cartoon: A shaky return to schools

3 Responses

  1. Sims is a joke and Casey and Toomey are pathetic cowards with no guts. A real republican will win the Senate race in 2022.

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