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January 13th Playbook

State Sen. Jim Brewster will be sworn-in following a federal court decision that confirmed his victory in SD45, while a special election date has been announced for HD59. Here is the Playbook. 

SD45: Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Brewster: United States District Judge Nicholas Ranjan rejected GOP candidate Nicole Ziccarelli’s challenge to throw out a batch of mail-in ballots in Allegheny County, which confirms state Sen. Jim Brewster’s victory in the 45th Senate District. Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman said that Brewster will be sworn-in on Wednesday morning.

HD59: Special Election Set for May 18: The election, to fill the open seat previously held by the late state Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland), will take place on the same day as the state’s primary election.

Garrity Appoints Arneson and Zogby: Treasurer-elect Stacy Garrity has appointed Erik Arneson to join the office as Deputy Treasurer for Communications and Charles Zogby as Deputy Treasurer for Fiscal Operations and Policy.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Democrat gets Pennsylvania Senate seat after GOP court loss 
AP: House panel to vote GOP-backed plan to elect judges by zone
AP: Pennsylvania lawmakers sue over Delaware River drilling ban 
AP: Special election to fill state House vacancy set for May 18
Patriot News: Pa. Senate to swear in Jim Brewster to fill western Pa. seat
Patriot News: House GOP focuses on ways to kickstart the economy to make Pa. the ‘envy of the East’ 
Patriot News: Pa. congressman suggests censuring Trump to colleagues divided on impeaching him 
Patriot News: Blocking of media from Pa. Capitol event termed ‘miscommunication’ but raises concerns 
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf calls Pa.’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout ‘phenomenal’, but data suggests it’s behind many states 
Patriot News: New COVID-19 deaths take another big jump in Pa.
WHYY Newsworks: Federal court rules in favor of Democrat who won Pa. Senate race but was barred by GOP 
WHYY Newsworks: Mastriano campaign spent thousands on buses ahead of D.C. insurrection
Inquirer: First it was ‘fraud,’ then they just didn’t like the rules: How Pa. Republicans justified trying to overturn an election
Inquirer: Corporations recoil from eight Pa. GOP vote ‘objectors,’ suspending their money
Inquirer: Lies sent Trump supporters to Washington. Can Big Tech bans stop the misinformation?
Inquirer: Pa. Republicans speak on Trump | Morning Newsletter
Spotlight PA: Federal judge rules in favor of Democratic Pa. Senate candidate GOP refused to seat 
Spotlight PA: Pa. State Police resume tracking racial data during traffic stops in response to Spotlight PA report
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: In wake of federal court ruling, Corman says Sen. Jim Brewster will be seated Wednesday 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Reporters kept from Pa. Capitol press conference, Wolf admin cites ‘miscommunication’ 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Third time’s the charm? Census count deadline moves … again 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. prosecutor slams Trump for ‘treasonous violence,’ says he’s left the GOP | Wednesday Morning Coffee
USA Today: Pa. rep who had son, 5, smoke a cigar, demean women, wants Capitol shaming plaques back
WESA: Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Strikes Down Marsy’s Law
Morning Call: Republicans in Harrisburg form task force to kickstart economy: ‘Too many jobs have been lost’
WITF: U.K. Coronavirus Variant Found In PA Adds Risk To Hospitals
PLSReporter: Federal judge upholds counting of undated mail ballots; Brewster to be sworn in Wednesday
PLSReporter: House special election scheduled for May 18 
PLSReporter: House GOP announces “Envy of the East” economic recovery task force  
PLSReporter: DePasquale calls for changes to child abuse registry appeals process 
PLSReporter: Jan. 12 COVID-19 Update: Wolf, health experts stress vaccine safety, efficacy
Express Times: ‘You’re either for democracy or not,’ Pa. auditor general says after deadly Capitol attack
KDKA: Pa. Senator Bob Casey Calls For Pres. Donald Trump’s Impeachment
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Gov. Tom Wolf Says Coronavirus Vaccine Is Safe And Effective
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pennsylvania moving into next phase of vaccine rollout ‘soon’: Dr. Rachel Levine
KYW Newsradio: Pa. Senate to swear in Democrat after federal judge rejects GOP challenge
KYW Newsradio: Lack of communication from feds is slowing vaccine rollout, Pa. officials say
Politico: The Republicans who support Trump’s impeachment 
Politico: Capitol riot fueled by deep network of GOP statehouse support
Billy Penn: These are the 90+ elected officials from Pa. who supported challenges to Biden’s win  

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Federal appellate court rules against Philadelphia’s safe injection site
KYW Newsradio: Indoor dining set to resume at 25% capacity in Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia Gas Works provides relief grants for customers impacted by pandemic
Inquirer: A federal appeals court rejected the plan for a supervised injection site in Philly
Inquirer: Essential workers, people 75 and up, and others will be vaccinated next in Philly, while indoor dining, colleges, and theaters can reopen
Inquirer: Philadelphia police take Det. Jennifer Gugger’s gun amid investigation of her attendance at the D.C. Trump rally
Inquirer: Pence says he won’t invoke 25th Amendment; SEPTA investigating 7 officers who were in D.C. during riot; security increased at Pa. Capitol
WHYY Newsworks: SEPTA police investigating 7 officers who attended Trump rally that preceded Capitol riot 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia to lift ban on indoor dining, theaters 
Philadelphia Business Journal: ‘It’s a must’: Some Philadelphia restaurants push for 50% occupancy as indoor dining returns 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia-area law deans among 157 to sign statement denouncing Capitol riot, election challenge
Philadelphia Citizen: The Virus and the City: Get Ready For The Biden Stimulus
Philly Voice: Indoor dining at Philly restaurants can resume in limited capacity on Jan. 16
Philly Voice: Comcast yanks political contributions to Republican objectors, citing Capitol riot 
Philly Voice: Philly plan for opioid overdose prevention site shot down in federal court reversal

SEPA
WFMZ: Congresswoman Dean named impeachment manager
Bucks County Courier Times: Fitzpatrick introduces measure to censure, condemn Trump
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks Sheriff Warrell seeks reelection 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 52 new coronavirus deaths over 7-day period
Daily Local News: Chester County officials offer assistance to those facing eviction 
Daily Local News: Rep. Kristine Howard named to three committees 
Daily Local News: Chester County sees rise in COVID cases, after weeks of decline

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Brewster To Be Seated After Republican Loses Bid To Undo Pennsylvania Senate Election
Post-Gazette: Brewster will be sworn-in, GOP leader says, as federal judge denies Ziccarelli challenge
Post-Gazette: As pro-Trump mob storms U.S. Capitol, CMU institute honors election-denier 
Post-Gazette: Pence won’t invoke 25th Amendment; Trump impeachment vote looms 
Post-Gazette: After checking reports, Pittsburgh FBI unaware of any pre-inauguration threats 
Post-Gazette: Affordable housing pilot in Lawrenceville could be extended by six months 
Post-Gazette: Fitzgerald announces new director for Allegheny County’s human services 
Post-Gazette: PWSA pleads guilty to violating Clean Water Act with sludge discharges 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: State awaits details of federal plan to speed up vaccinations
KDKA: Judge Upholds Counting Of Challenged Mail-In Ballots, Leading To Jim Brewster’s Seating In State Senate
KDKA: COVID-19 In Allegheny County: Executive Rich Fitzgerald Received Vaccine During Moderna Trial
KDKA: Pennsylvania State Police Teams With Local Law Enforcement To Prepare For Possible Protests Before Inauguration Day
KDKA: COVID-19 In Allegheny County: Leaders Looking At Places To Hold Mass Vaccination Sites
KDKA: Pittsburgh Water And Sewer Authority Pleads Guilty To Violating Clean Water Act
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 694 New Coronavirus Cases, 15 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Ziccarelli concedes, Brewster to be sworn in Wednesday morning 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh FBI ‘not aware of any threats’ locally leading up to inauguration
Tribune Review: Controversy over comments on election, Capitol attack rocks debate at Carnegie Mellon 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County sees increase in new covid cases after days of decrease
City Paper: Federal judge rules Sen. Jim Brewster be seated in Pittsburgh-area senate seat after Pa. GOP refuse to swear him in
City Paper: Pittsburgh representatives respond to calls for Trump’s impeachment
City Paper: Rep. Guy Reschenthaler to potentially lose tens of thousands in political contributions after companies cut off some GOP lawmakers
City Paper: How a CMU press release led to public and private backlash against two former Trump appointees
City Paper: Advocates fight to end cash bail; highlight important role in this year’s Allegheny County magistrate races

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Pa. rep who had son, 5, smoke a cigar, demean women, wants Capitol shaming plaques back
Beaver County Times: Three Beaver County legislators join leadership
Beaver County Times: 40% of COVID tests are positive in Beaver County
Post-Gazette: Pa. House will hold special election to replace Rep. Mike Reese  
Tribune Review: Special election set to fill Mike Reese’s state House seat
Tribune Review: Westmoreland Democrats call for GOP congressmen to step down
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County reports 8 new covid deaths, most in a week
Observer-Reporter: Washington County reports seven new COVID-19 deaths
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Average daily COVID-19 cases lower, despite arrival of delayed reports
Altoona Mirror: Blair may contract again with salary study firm

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Kaufer to lead House Economic Recovery Task Force 
Times-Tribune: Council authorizes latest appointment to Scranton Ethics Board 
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 cases remain down, but not deaths
Citizens Voice: County ready for vaccine distribution effort, says EMA director
Citizens Voice: Confusion over vehicle registration fee; county says renew for one year
Citizens Voice: 115 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
The Times Leader: Luzerne County now has two top election management vacancies 
The Times Leader: 115 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Tuesday

South Central 
York Daily Record: Mastriano called election ‘a death match’ 
York Dispatch: Corporate boycotts could ding coffers of Perry, Smucker campaigns 
York Dispatch: York City to pitch nearly $250M wastewater sale, but mayor might not be there 
York Dispatch: COVID-19 has killed more than 500 in York County
Patriot News: Carlisle council member Sean Shultz announces run for open mayor’s seat 
Patriot News: Harrisburg mayor requires COVID-19 vaccine for all city employees 
Carlisle Sentinel: Pre-trial conference set in Cumberland County Judge Placey disciplinary case
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 83 new cases of COVID-19 out of 153 total test results for Cumberland County Tuesday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Retired Lancaster city cop helping ID locals who went to DC; says it’s ‘citizen’s responsibility’ 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County reports 280 new cases of COVID-19 since Monday afternoon [Tuesday’s COVID-19 updates]

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Here’s how Berks County’s delegation will vote on impeachment of President Donald Trump
Reading Eagle: Berks County gets 338 more COVID cases in Pa. Department of Health report
Morning Call: Allentown mayoral race: Another candidate emerges
Morning Call: Easton mayor warns trash must be cleaned or homeless encampment will be dismantled, advocate says there is no camp 
Morning Call: Bethlehem leaders credit Sheldon Adelson, billionaire who died Monday, with taking chance on Steel site and turning it into $800 million casino complex
WFMZ: Ron W. Beitler announces run for Lehigh County commissioner 
WFMZ: Reading City Council again votes to discontinue DID  
Express Times: Charlie Dent joins call for Congress to put ‘country over party’ and impeach Trump
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: State passes 18K deaths, with 1K lives lost to COVID in 5 days | Pa. COVID county case map (01/12/21)

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Centre County Republican leaders condemn Capitol riots but stay silent on Trump blame
Centre Daily Times: Centre County coroner reports 14 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing confirmed fatalities to 122
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Keller speaks on stimulus bill ‘no’ vote
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Politicians split on impeachment
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 117 new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: Erie-area reps receive committee assignments
Erie Times-News: Erie GOP chair: Trump didn’t incite Capitol riots

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Impeachment or censure? For Trump’s role in deadly Capitol attack, both. 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Justice for the Capitol criminals
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Get the lead out on new EPA regs
Paul Muschick: Trump impeachment: A longshot, but here’s why it’s necessary
Danny Cevallos: Trump could issue history’s most controversial pardons for Capitol rioters 
Ray E. Landis: Don’t say the Capitol riots weren’t us. They were. And we need a reckoning 
Chris Freind: Capitol in crisis: The aftermath
Will Bunch Newsletter: An insurrection of upper-middle class white people 
Trudy Rubin: Unless GOP leaders debunk Trump’s Big Lie about rigged election, they will have blood on their hands 
Helen Ubiñas: Police keep showing us who they are. Pay attention. It’s not good. 
Lauren Gordon: Twitter and Facebook need clearer guidelines on who gets banned 
Jeffrey Millstein: I received the COVID-19 vaccine, but I can’t let my guard down

2 Responses

  1. Lt. Gov. Fetterman will enjoy presiding at the swearing in of PA Sen. Brewster. I hope he rubs the GOP noses in it.

  2. The Brewster legal challenge was pointless and merit less. The last thing a federal district court wants to do is uncount votes and over rule the Pa Supreme Court on speculation. Good ruling by the Pa Supreme Court and federal district court as all properly cast votes should be counted.

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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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