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January 27th Playbook

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman announces that the special election for the state Senate’s 48th District will take place on May 18, while a challenger has filed paperwork to run in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. Here is the Playbook. 

Scheller Files Paperwork for PA7: On Tuesday afternoon, Lisa Scheller announced that she will be traveling across the community over the coming months and will have a formal announcement in the summer.

Dem Ad Blasts Mastriano Over Capitol Riot: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee launched a five figure ad campaign criticizing state Sen. Doug Mastriano’s attendance of President Donald Trump’s rally in Washington D.C.

Dunbar Elected House GOP Caucus Chairman: State Rep. George Dunbar (R-Westmoreland) is filling the vacancy for GOP House Leadership for the position previously held by the late state Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland).

SD48: Special Election Set for May 18: The election, to fill the open seat previously held by the late state Sen. Dave Arnold (R-Lebanon), will take place on the same day as the state’s primary election.

Donovan Names McPhillips Campaign Manager: According to Politico’s New York Playbook, Shaun Donovan, a mayoral candidate in New York City, announced that he’s hired Brendan McPhillips, who directed Joe Biden’s presidential campaign in Pennsylvania, as his campaign manager. 

Toohil Appointed to Lead House Government Oversight Committee: State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) has been appointed to serve as majority chair of the House Government Oversight Committee for the 2021-22 session, according to a release from Pennsylvania House Republicans. Toohil served as a committee member during the last session. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Politico: Pennsylvania GOP pledges full allegiance to Trump 
AP: Limits on governor’s disaster authority nears statewide vote
AP: Governor pins vaccine difficulties on supply overpromises
AP: Some Pennsylvania Guard will be in Washington until March
AP: Lawyer says Pelosi laptop hasn’t been recovered from suspect
Patriot News: Meet Pa. Senate GOP leader Kim Ward, the first woman to hold that post: ‘I have to do a good job’
Patriot News: 10 things to know about Senate GOP leader Kim Ward: Shoe collector, gambler, music fan who made Pa. history
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf acknowledges Pa. in ‘middle of pack’ for COVID-19 vaccination, says it’s not good enough
Patriot News: Reinventing Pa. state government: House panel looks at merging eight agencies into four
Patriot News: Frustration over lawmakers not wearing masks brings Pa. House action to a short halt 
Patriot News: COVID-19 deaths again top 200 in Pa.
Inquirer: What unites Pennsylvania Republicans after Trump? Democrats and tightening voting laws.
Inquirer: Pa. Rep. Madeleine Dean on prosecuting Trump’s impeachment trial and why he can still be convicted
Inquirer: A Pittsburgh-area QAnon supporter who told followers he was ‘going to fight’ is charged in the Capitol attack
Inquirer: The FBI didn’t recover Nancy Pelosi’s laptop from the Harrisburg woman charged with stealing it, her lawyer says
Inquirer: For small businesses in the arts, this new grant program may be better than PPP 
USA Today: What’s next for U.S. Rep. Scott Perry? How he became embroiled in bid to overturn Trump’s loss
KDKA: Constitutional Amendment To Change The Way Voters Elect Statewide Judges Splits Some Republicans 
Spotlight PA: Hundreds of Pa. senior-living facilities haven’t received vaccine as widened eligibility, low supply slow rollout
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘To heal, we must remember’: Pa. Rep. Dean to argue for Trump’s impeachment in Senate trial 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden administration unveils boost to state COVID-19 vaccine shipments; Wolf says Pa. needs more doses 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Rep. Scanlon takes questions on COVID, Capitol riot, and schools during town hall 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Illinois is ending cash bail. Does it have the blueprint for Pa.? | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Morning Call: Pat Toomey among 5 GOP senators voting against motion to dismiss Trump impeachment trial
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf says state needs millions more COVID-19 vaccine doses from federal government just to complete current phase; ‘A big concern’ for all states
York Daily Record: ‘We need to do a better job’: COVID-19 vaccine rollout limited by slow supply of doses, Wolf says 
WITF: Calls to ban firearms in Pa. government buildings intensify following Capitol insurrection
WITF: PA Immigrant Organizations Set Priorities For 2021 Legislative Session
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania’s energy industry share thoughts on Biden’s new policies
PLSReporter: Senate approves constitutional amendment that would reform gubernatorial emergency powers 
PLSReporter: Despite rocky restart, Labor & Industry says federal unemployment programs have resumed 
PLSReporter: Fetterman announces special election date for 48th District Senate seat 
PLSReporter: Jan. 26 COVID-19 Update: ‘We’re not receiving enough doses of vaccine to meet the needs of Pennsylvania’ 
Fox News: Republicans target vulnerable House Democrats amid Biden fossil fuel crackdown 
Fox News: Pennsylvania woman accused of Pelosi laptop theft during Capitol riot banned from Internet 
WHYY Newsworks: Delays and glitches with latest stimulus have slowed relief to Pa.’s unemployed
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania National Guard to remain in Washington through mid-March
National Journal: Add Jim Kenney to List of Possible PA SEN Candidates
KYW Newsradio: Pa. Labor Department admits it has long way to go to catch up with backlog of unemployment compensation claims
KYW Newsradio: Wolf says state mistakenly believed feds would increase vaccine supply when Pa. expanded eligibility
Philadelphia Business Journal: Wolf hesitant to raise taxes on the wealthy despite Pennsylvania budget woes
Tribune Review: Pa. overdose deaths likely to increase because of pandemic disruption
StateImpactPA: Solar panels from a wastewater authority? In Centre County, renewable energy has an unlikely booster 
StateImpactPA: For the first time ever, Allegheny County meets federal air quality standards
StateImpactPA: Impact fees expected to drop due to low natural gas prices   

Philadelphia  
Inquirer: As he faces a reelection challenge, Philly DA Larry Krasner will release a memoir
Inquirer: An appeals court upheld a campaign finance conviction for Bob Brady’s onetime political guru
Inquirer: City Council wants answers as questions build over Philly Fighting COVID partnership, handling of vaccines
Inquirer: Amid vaccine shortage complaints in Philly and elsewhere, Biden promises a ‘wartime effort’ and doses for 300 million
WHYY Newsworks: Nurse alleges Philly Fighting COVID CEO took vaccine home; sources saw photo of him with syringes off-site
WHYY Newsworks: What’s actually in Philly Fighting COVID’s privacy policy?
WHYY Newsworks: Philly hospitals have started vaccinating their patients against COVID-19. Here’s how it works
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: City didn’t seek help from medical centers before entrusting Philly Fighting COVID with vaccine 
Philadelphia Magazine: Who, Exactly, Is Philly Fighting COVID?
Philadelphia Magazine: A Penn Behavioral Economist on Ways Philly Could Speed Up COVID-19 Vaccinations
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia cuts off COVID-19 vaccination partner for fear of sign-up data being sold
KYW Newsradio: Health commissioner: It will be weeks before Philadelphia teachers are vaccinated
Philadelphia Business Journal: Farley: City working to ensure Philly Fighting COVID won’t sell user data
Philadelphia Business Journal: Ukee Washington responds to report of alleged racist comments by CBS executives
Philadelphia Business Journal: Former CBS3 news director details ‘hostility’ from corporate execs that led to her departure
Philadelphia Business Journal: CBS executives put on leave after allegations of racism, homophobia at CBS3

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Murphy eyed for secretary of Army 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks expands outreach for vaccine access
Bucks County Courier Times: Senate moves ahead with Kayden’s Law
Inquirer: Pa. Rep. Madeleine Dean on prosecuting Trump’s impeachment trial and why he can still be convicted
Bucks Local News: Kayden’s Law clears Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee
Bucks Local News: Warren announces committee appointments for 2021-22 term 
Bucks Local News: State Rep. Perry Warren reintroduces legislation in the 2021-22 session
Bucks Local News: Plumstead Township attorney announces bid for Court of Common Pleas
Montgomery Media: Plymouth lawyer seeks district court seat 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 8 more coronavirus deaths; death toll reaches 1,125
WHYY Newsworks: Delco launches call center for vaccine and testing questions
Pottstown Mercury: Montgomery County approves $1.6M in contracts for range of departments 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Biden’s push on climate policy sets up opportunities, clashes with energy industry 
Post-Gazette: Biden’s ‘Buy American’ provisions could spur factory orders in the Pittsburgh region
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Council votes down hazard pay push for jail officers 
Post-Gazette: The person whom Biden will name as acting U.S. surgeon general is a Baldwin High grad 
Post-Gazette: Bridgeville man charged in connection with Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County meets all federal air quality standards for first time
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: State officials urge patience as vaccinations lag and deaths climb
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, City Council Approve Resolution Condemning Capitol Attack
KDKA: Biden Taps Western Pennsylvania Native To Serve As Acting Surgeon General 
KDKA: Bridgeville Man Arrested For Role In Capitol Riots
KDKA: Allegheny County Meets Federal Air Quality Standards For First Time Ever
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 282 New Coronavirus Cases, 1 Additional Death
Tribune Review: Biden names Baldwin native Susan Orsega as acting surgeon general  
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh officials condemn Jan. 6 Capitol attack
Tribune Review: All Allegheny County air quality monitors meet federal standards, a first in 2 decades
Tribune Review: Allegheny County’s most recent vaccination appointments filled for age 65 and older
Tribune Review: Bridgeville man arrested, charged in riot on U.S. Capitol 
Tribune Review: New Allegheny County covid case averages compare to November numbers
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County air quality monitors achieve federal standards for first time 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s what the Buy American executive order means for Pittsburgh companies
City Paper: Pittsburgh likely has shortest public transit commutes in U.S., but transfers increased during pandemic
WESA: Split Ticket
WESA: $600 Grants For Pennsylvania Childcare Workers Go Quickly

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Gregory’s office vandalized; man arrested
Tribune Review: State Rep. George Dunbar elected caucus chair   
Tribune Review: Westmoreland creates website for vaccine info
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County sees lowest number of new reported covid cases since October 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: No triple-digit COVID-19 cases for area counties, state adds 219 deaths
Observer-Reporter: Washington County chief deputy sheriff announces bid for sheriff’s job 
Observer-Reporter: Gov. Wolf: federal supply of COVID-19 vaccines fell short
Observer-Reporter: State reports progress in COVID-19 battle

NEPA
The Times Leader: Baker’s Senate Judiciary Committee advances legislation
The Times Leader: Proposed Luzerne County tax collector raise package altered
The Times Leader: 91 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Tuesday
Citizens Voice: Tax break for massive Hazleton project on county council agenda
Citizens Voice: 91 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
Times-Tribune: Scranton gets $50,000 grant from Appalachian Regional Commission for economic development plan
Times-Tribune: Local COVID-19 death rate remains unchanged

South Central 
York Dispatch: Special election to replace state Sen. Arnold to be held May 18, same day as primary
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills 10 more in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: What to know about COVID-19 vaccines in Cumberland County
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 59 new cases of COVID-19, 2 deaths for Cumberland County Tuesday
Inquirer: The FBI didn’t recover Nancy Pelosi’s laptop from the Harrisburg woman charged with stealing it, her lawyer says
LNP | LancasterOnline:  Here’s where Lancaster and neighboring counties stand in rates of new coronavirus cases for Jan. 12-25
Patriot News: Judge: Riley Williams, Harrisburg woman accused of stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop, must stay off internet

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Why was a former Lehigh Valley official in a Twitter spat with Seth Rogen? Ted Cruz is the roundabout answer.
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 4,628 new cases, 219 more deaths; new cases drop; vaccine supply ‘frustrating’; Lehigh Valley nears 50K total cases | Pa. COVID county map (01/26/21)
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners approve buying electronic poll books
Reading Eagle: Berks County drug deaths in 2020 eclipse record set in previous year [Chart]
Reading Eagle: January becomes the worst month for COVID in Berks County with 172 deaths 
WFMZ: Reading mayor to deliver State of the City address Friday

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County election official: changes needed
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City amends commercial zoning laws
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Dems make federal election standards a top priority
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local health care workers share experiences getting Pfizer vaccine
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: US virus numbers drop, but race against new strains heats up
Erie Times-News: Millcreek considers virus relief loans for businesses
Erie Times-News: Erie County Judge Piccinini seeks election
Centre Daily Times: State College police looking into threatening letter sent to organizer of political petition
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 26 update: Centre County adds 69 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 4,628 new positives

Opinion  
David Bradford Thornburgh: A Reflection on the Life of Dick Thornburgh
Paul Muschick: Let’s get our mail back on track by calling in the National Guard
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Like US Rep. Lloyd Smucker and other members of the Pennsylvania 8, Congressman Scott Perry is unfit to serve
Inquirer Editorial Board: Corporate action on insurrection could encourage Philadelphia and Pa. reforms on ethics 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The war on free speech 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Connecting with older adults
Eric Rosso: Who is Jeffrey Yass? And why is he such a big problem for Pennsylvania? 
Ryan Sanders: Central Pa. voters deserve better than Trump loyalist Scott Perry 
Tony Norman: Blame America for Jan. 6, but not Trump?
George Brown: Mike Kelly’s actions are disingenuous
Anish Agarwal and Jeffrey Millstein: Don’t let COVID-19 fears keep you from seeking needed emergency care | Expert Opinion
David Lee Preston: Is it wrong to compare Trump to Hitler? No. 
Will Bunch Newsletter: The GOP re-brands as the Anti-Wokeness Party 
John Fluharty: I’m a proud conservative. Here’s my view on the transgender military ban.

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    Total Voters: 30

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