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January 31: Election Day

Good Tuesday Morning. To the good people of the 27th State Senate District – Please vote today in the special election!

PA Weather
Kittanning | Mostly Cloudy, 29
Berwick | Decreasing Clouds, 36
Coatesville | Mostly Cloudy, 39

PA Sports
76ers (32-17) | Orlando, L 119-109 | WED vs. Orlando

What We’re Hearing
“We value the perspective of that nurse and not just the hospital CEO, we value the perspective of that tenant and not just the landlord. That’s absolutely a value add to our politics.”

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Top Story

1. The Rise of Women in PA Politics

Chrissy Houlahan, Summer Lee, Joanna McClinton

“When it comes to leadership within the legislature, it’s about trust, not gender. It’s about showing your colleagues you can lead them on the floor, in the caucus room, and on the campaign trail.” – Joanna McClinton

In 1955, Genevieve Blatt made Pennsylvania history, earning statewide election to the post of Secretary of Internal Affairs.

Blatt carved a path for women throughout the Keystone State to not only become involved in politics, but to strive for what was rightfully theirs – leadership positions.

Today, Sen. Kim Ward is the Senate’s first female President Pro Tempore, while Rep. Joanna McClinton, the House Democratic Leader, may be on the verge of becoming the first female Speaker of the House. (PoliticsPA)

Related

The Progressive Working Families Party Is Backing Helen Gym For Philly Mayor. “An alliance of organizations led by the left-leaning Working Families Party is coalescing behind former Councilmember Helen Gym in the race for Philadelphia mayor, bolstering her status as the preferred candidate of the city’s progressives.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Jamila Winder Appointed To Montgomery County Board of Commissioners After Val Arkoosh’s Resignation. “A leadership shake-up is coming to Montgomery County.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Female Politicians Help to Diffuse Polarization, Hostility and Distrust, Study Shows. “Political parties that elect a greater number of women representatives are viewed more favorably by voters who support opposing parties.” (Phys.org)

Ardern’s Exit After “Unprecedented Threats” Shows Toll of Burnout For Women Leaders. “These threats against women in public office can have a tangible effect on whether women seek out and wish to remain in government — let alone whether they’ll be successful.” (Axios)

 

Harrisburg

2. Shapiro On a GOP Charm Offensive

Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro began his term as Pennsylvania’s new Democratic governor by nominating four Republicans to his Cabinet. His first executive order, which eliminates a four-year college-degree requirement for thousands of state government jobs, was praised by conservative media. He appeared on Fox News in his first television interview as governor.

These early overtures by the 49-year-old governor signal an unusual posture he’s staking out as he takes the helm of a state roiled in recent years by election conspiracy theories and sharp partisan fighting. At a time of deep political polarization, Shapiro’s rare bipartisan moves are drawing cautious praise from Republicans and optimism from Democrats.” (Washington Post)

Related

Statehouse Efforts To Avoid Partisan Gridlock Hits Obstacles. “Leaders in state legislatures across the country have turned to cross-party alliances and power-sharing agreements as they seek to avoid the political deadlock that has hindered lawmakers in Congress — but signs are emerging that some of those efforts might be in vain.” (The Hill)

Special Election Bonanza Kicks Off With 27th Senate District Tuesday. “Tuesday’s special election to fill the 27th District state Senate seat is the first of four legislative races to be decided in the next two weeks.” (PennLive)

 

Around The Commonwealth

3. Allegheny County Executive Candidates Will Tap Donors Big and Small. How Much Will Money Matter?

Allegheny County organizations awarded $27 million for community safety initiatives | WTRF

“With a large field of candidates, a rare opportunity to shape county governance and a lack of contribution limits, the upcoming campaign for Allegheny County executive is shaping up to be a test of the influence of money on local elections.

The role of money in politics has shifted in the social media age, and having the biggest pile of campaign cash does not always outweigh grassroots organizing and online momentum.” (Public Source)

Related

If ‘Independent’ Were a Party, It Could Dominate American Politics. “Two-fifths of Americans identified as independent in 2022, far more than stood with either party, according to Gallup. As a political identity, “independent” has polled better than Democrat or Republican since 2009.” (The Hill)

Fetterman Gets Plum Ag Committee Seat, Co-Sponsors Assault Weapons Ban Bill. “Freshman U.S. Sen. John Fetterman is co-sponsoring several bills, including one to ban assault weapons, and received his committee assignments, which includes a seat on the powerful Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.” (PennLive)

Bipartisan Group of House Leaders Moves To Intervene In Dispute Over Accessing Rep. Scott Perry’s Phone. “The US House of Representatives has moved to intervene in an ongoing legal battle between the Justice Department and Rep. Scott Perry over whether the department should be allowed to access the contents of the Pennsylvania Republican’s phone.” (CNN)

A Q and A With Allegheny County’s Rich Fitzgerald. “Over his 12 years in office, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald has led the county through a transformational period for the Pittsburgh region, though it hasn’t come without its difficulties – and occasional political clashes.” (City & State)

Allegheny County Seeks To Clarify Confusion Over Permanent Mail-In Ballot Applications. “Allegheny County election officials are reminding voters that mail-in ballots are not sent to their homes on a permanent basis, and voters must complete an application at least once a year if they want to vote by mail.” (Tribune-Review)

Legalization of esports Betting Proposed in PA. “A state lawmaker is urging colleagues to support a bill he is drafting to legalize esports betting in Pennsylvania. ” (Pennsylvania Daily Star)

The Pittsburgh Power 100. “This year’s edition of the Pittsburgh Power 100 underscores the truth behind the adage, “The only constant is change.”” (City & State)

USA Today Network Creates State Investigative Team For PA. “The USA Today Network has assembled an award-winning team of journalists to investigate stories that have high impact across Pennsylvania and its local communities.” (York Daily Record)

 

Editorial

4. What They’re Saying

A glance around the Keystone State at editorials and opinions.

 

1 Thing

5. Teddy Bear Toss

Hershey Bears' iconic Teddy Bear Toss game returning in 2022

“The Hershey Bears’ annual Giant Teddy Bear Toss has been described as “sweet cuddly mayhem,” but it actually turned into just that on Sunday.

Normally, the annual toss takes place when the Bears make their first goal of the game. But as the match against the Bridgeport Islanders ticked to a close with no score by the Bears, fans took matters into their own hands.

Fans shattered the teddy bear toss world record – tossing 67,309 onto the rink at the Giant Center to benefit central Pennsylvania charities. That is just under 15,000 more teddy bears than were tossed in 2022. Both are more than double the amount donated just six years earlier.” (PennLive)

 

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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%)
    • What's ByteDance? (0%)

    Total Voters: 30

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