January 31st Playbook

New Franklin and Marshall College polling shows some movement in the Democratic Primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders receives an endorsement from an Allegheny County Democrat, and a Northeast PA Republican is considering a 2022 run for Governor. Here is the Playbook. 

F&M Poll: Biden and Warren Slip, Bloomberg and Sanders Gain: The former Vice President holds a 7 point lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders and an 8 point lead over Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the state’s Democratic primary.

Ted Cruz To Headline Allegheny County GOP Dinner: Cruz will headline the local party’s Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 13 in Pittsburgh.

Innamorato Endorses Sanders: The state Representative from Pittsburgh, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, called Sanders an “independent and fierce advocate for working people” and lauded his stances on climate change, housing and healthcare affordability, and getting more people access to good-paying jobs.

HD8: Tim Bonner Nominated as GOP Candidate for Special Election: Bonner, a local small businessman and attorney, cited his record of “proven experience, record of accomplishments, and conservative values” as the reason he can represent the district.

Cummings Floats 2022 Governor Bid: The Former Lackawanna County Commissioner told PoliticsPA that pension reform and passing House Bill 76 would be priorities if she were to run.

Legislative Election Update: 

HD-117: Patrick Musto, a Dallas School Board member, announced his intentions to seek the Republican nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne), according to the Citizens Voice. Boback, who has represented the district since 2006, won her most recent reelection bid for the seat by defeating Libertarian Lou Jasikoff by 64 points

HD-38: Nick Pisciottano Jr., West Mifflin Community Foundation president, announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by state Rep. Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny), according to WESA. Kortz, who announced he is retiring at the end of his current term, ran unopposed in his most recent reelection bid. 

HD-104: Patty Smith, a certified public manager, announced her intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin), according to PennLive. Helm won her most recent reelection bid by 9 points

SD-13: Lancaster County Commissioner Craig Lehman, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for the seat held by state Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), received the endorsement of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee over Lancaster City Council member Janet Diaz, according to LNP | LancasterOnline. Diaz still plans on running although she did not receive the endorsement of the county party and added that she didn’t expect to receive the endorsement. Martin won the seat in 2016 after besting Democrat Gregory Paulson by 15 points

HD-96: State Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), who has represented the area since 1990, received the endorsement of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee over Daulton Lease, a member of local activist organizations, according to LNP | LancasterOnline. Sturla ran unopposed in his most recent reelection bid.  

HD-127: Cesar Cepeda, a community activist, announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks). Caltagirone, who announced he will retire at the end of his current term, won his most recent reelection bid in 2018 over Republican Vincent Gagliardo Jr. by 59 points

HD-152: Karen Houck, who previously worked in the residential mortgage lending industry before becoming a full-time mother and volunteer, received the endorsement of the Montgomery County Republican Committee for the seat held by state Rep. Tom Murt (R-Montgomery), according to the Northeast Times. Murt, who announced he will retire at the end of his current term, won his most recent reelection bid in 2018 by 10 points over Democrat Daryl Boling.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Agency that watches for wasteful spending wastes $160K
AP: Report finds emergency radio system upgrade still on budget
Spotlight PA: The Pa. agency that looks for wasteful spending wasted $160,000 on guns and ammo it can’t use
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘There’s no blueprint’ Capital-Star convenes forum on gun violence
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: New F&M poll: Pennsylvania voters split on fracking
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pennsylvanians believe access is key to gov’t transparency; F&M poll shows | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. House votes to limit Trump’s war authority (again). Here’s how Pa. lawmakers voted.
Inquirer: Joe Biden is losing ground in the 2020 Pennsylvania primary, poll says 
Inquirer: Daylin Leach’s reelection prospects just got a boost as Montco Democrats failed to pick an opponent
WITF: Wolf wants to set aside a billion dollars to clean up schools
Morning Call: Pat Toomey rules out supporting impeachment witnesses, urges speedy conclusion to trial
PLSReporter: F&M Poll: Pa. voters split on natural gas; 51 percent say state is headed in ‘right direction’
PLSReporter: Department of Human Services unveils new initiative to connect Medicaid recipients with employment
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 40: Sit down with Sen. Scott Martin
PLSReporter: City Council passes resolution to forward lawsuit against state
Tribune Review: Citing Bolton revelations, Sen. Casey reiterates call for witnesses in impeachment trial
LNP | LancasterOnline: F&M poll: 57% of Pennsylvania voters oppose Trump re-election, down from 59% 
Fox News: Sen. Bob Casey says blocking impeachment witnesses would be clear indication that Trump is dictating the trial
Fox News: Sen. Pat Toomey says Senate trial doesn’t need witnesses, urges quick end to partisan impeachment
Beaver County Times: Poll: Biden’s numbers dropping, but he still leads Democratic field in Pennsylvania
Beaver County Times: Casey: GOP using Hunter Biden to ‘distract’ from case against Trump
StateImpactPA: Pro-refinery factions intensify pressure to negate PES sale agreement
StateImpactPA: Philadelphia, state join suit against EPA over chemical-safety rules at industrial sites
National Journal: Dems Consider Iowa Caucus Alliances 
The Hill: Poll: Biden holds 7-point lead over Sanders in Pennsylvania
The Hill: New Bloomberg ad blitz to run in 27 states

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Kenyatta Johnson returns to City Council one day after federal indictment
KYW Newsradio: City Council president proposes eliminating ‘resign-to-run’ law
Philly Clout: Trump’s Wildwood rally, a New Jersey brewery, and a social media backlash
Inquirer: Kenyatta Johnson has new sway over zoning powers — which the feds just accused him of abusing
Inquirer: Philadelphia School District will spend at least $14 million to address asbestos crisis
Inquirer: South Philly nonprofit exec pleads not guilty to bribing City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson
Inquirer: Newly revealed restrictions challenge redevelopment of bankrupt Philly refinery’s land
Inquirer: Advocates rally to get Philadelphia School District to publicize mental health resources for students
Inquirer: She grew up in Nepal, calls Philadelphia home, and is working for Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire
WHYY Newsworks: Why Philly can’t quit the tradition at the center of FBI’s Kenyatta Johnson case
WHYY Newsworks: Pro-refinery factions intensify pressure to negate PES sale agreement
Philadelphia Tribune: ‘I am innocent’: Councilman Kenyatta Johnson pledges to fight bribery charges
Philly Voice: Principals union calls on Philadelphia school district to improve handling of asbestos issue
PLSReporter: City Council passes resolution to forward lawsuit against state
Philadelphia Business Journal: City Council resolution would change Philly’s famous nickname

SEPA
Inquirer: Daylin Leach’s reelection prospects just got a boost as Montco Democrats failed to pick an opponent
Northeast Times: Republicans endorse Karen Houck in 152nd Legislative District
Daily Local News: Houlahan: Lack of women in STEM community
Daily Local News: Commissioners: Chesco not a ‘sanctuary’ for undocumented immigrants
Daily Local News: City residents, stakeholders weigh in on economic development study
Daily Local News: Chester County earns national award for excellence in financial reporting
Daily Local News: Sappey hosting mental health panel discussion next week in Downingtown
Daily Local News: Rep. Comitta holds virtual town hall
Delco Daily Times: New faces take the helm of Ridley Park council
Bucks Courier Times: Pa. medical leave bill sees industry, advocacy support
Bucks Courier Times: Fitzpatrick nominates students to military service academies
Pottstown Mercury: Taylor asks court to overturn Upper Pottstrove Township’s ‘conflict resolution’
Pottstown Mercury: Weikel appointed to fill Royersford council seat he lost in the election
Pottstown Mercury: Rep. Ciresi, Sen. Mensch to host interfaith forum for community on Feb. 11
Pottstown Mercury: Sen. Mensch announces grant funding for fire, EMS companies
Bucks Local News: Newtown Supervisors pick Democrat David Oxley to fill board vacancy

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Sara Innamorato tosses support behind Bernie Sanders
Post-Gazette: Violent crime dips in Pittsburgh in 2019 amid decline in homicides, but trouble spots remain
Post-Gazette: ‘Minutes Matter’: City, UPMC to run local Super Bowl ad highlighting life-saving emergency skills
WESA: Political Newcomer Pisciottano Says Mon Valley State House District Ready For Change
WESA: Lamb Votes Against Limiting Trump’s Military Authority In Iran
KDKA: Bi-Partisan Group Of Lawmakers Push Bill For 20 Weeks Of ‘Paid’ Family And Medical Leave
KDKA: Poll: Pennsylvanians Favor Statewide Ban On Fracking
KDKA: Debate Rages On As Air Quality In Region Ranks Among The Worst In The Nation
KDKA: Pa. Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring ‘Petfax’ Reports When Selling Dogs Or Cats
PLSReporter: Pittsburgh Controller holds city Parks and Rec imprest funds over recordkeeping concerns
Pittsburgh Current: Gender-Affirming Parenting Is Allowing Kids To Explore Their Own Identities
Pittsburgh Business Times: City partners with UPMC to educate about health emergencies
Tribune Review: Some bumps, but overall violent crime continues to fall in Pittsburgh
City Paper: Pa. poll shows support for a fracking ban, but also some support for natural-gas drilling in state

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Field of candidates triples in special election, 58th District
Observer-Reporter: Former Monessen mayor files lawsuit over alleged Sunshine Law violations
Observer-Reporter: Wolf announces loan for Union Township project
Beaver County Times: Amadio won’t attend State of the County  
Tribune Review: Gina Cerilli says Doug Chew contradicts position on bidding Westmoreland County contracts
Altoona Mirror: City’s finances not so robust
Altoona Mirror: Cambria GOP sponsors upcoming events

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Musto to challenge Boback for 117th state House District
Citizens Voice: Poll: Trump gets good news in Pennsylvania
Citizens Voice: W-B residents voice concerns over Brown’s proposed budget
Citizens Voice: County council OKs lawsuit settlement, union contract
Citizens Voice: Schott officials praise USMCA signing
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre council halfway to approving Mayor Brown’s 2020 budget
The Times Leader: Schott execs visit White House for USMCA signing
Times-Tribune: Two Vets for Trump groups split in local congressional race
Times-Tribune: Point-in-time count provides key data on area homeless

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster Dems don’t endorse for 11th District seat; Sturla gets nod for another term
Patriot News: Certified public manager to run for Pa. House seat representing part of Dauphin County
Patriot News: Community leader Melvin T. Johnson, chairman of fair housing council, has died
York Daily Record: State makes determination in Grandview case
York Daily Record: York County Judge Richard Renn to retire

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Election officials OK with waiting ‘weeks’ for 2020 primary results in Northampton County
Morning Call: Northampton County Election Commission Board says no to electronic poll books
Morning Call: Pat Toomey rules out supporting impeachment witnesses, urges speedy conclusion to trial
Reading Eagle: Community activist Cesar Cepeda running for Pennsylvania House seat in 127th District
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners discuss census mailing strategies

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie mayor ‘doing quite well’ after prostate procedure 
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council interviews applicants for vacancy
Erie Times-News: Erie County has woven a new website 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Washington out as Williamsport recreation director
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners approve levee work agreement

Opinion  
PennLive Editorial Board: New poll says most Pennsylvania voters want President Trump removed from office, but it doesn’t say why 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Faithless electors: Votes should be in accord with state laws
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Support 5G: Legislature should ease installation of small cells
Inquirer Editorial Board: Coronavirus: racism and exclusion can hurt as much as a virus
Chrissy Houlahan: Iowa, send someone who can win my state 
Maria Donatucci: Tell your lawmaker to support this bill promoting healthy workplaces
Albert Eisenberg: To keep college valuable, don’t make it free 
John Baer: What’s with all these pols running away from office? 
John L. Micek: New F&M Poll: Biden leads Pa. primary pack; Trump’s still underwater in a key 2020 battleground state | Thursday Morning Coffee
Stephanie King: It’s School Choice Week in Pa. Don’t buy what its advocates are selling
Charles D. Ellison: Let’s Rethink Our School Board
Will Bunch: Bernie Sanders is on the Trump track to the White House. Here’s why he’s not a ‘leftist Trump’ 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: For 2020, anybody but Trump
Tony Norman: Bribery and contempt by another name
Inga Saffron: City workers have turned the Parkway into an illegal parking lot 
Maria Panaritis: Inquirer readers donate nearly $20,000 to save Connor Dobbyn from ‘Childhood Alzheimer’s’ 
Anjana Susarla: Hate cancel culture? Blame algorithms

Email:
  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
Continue to Browser

PoliticsPA

To install tap and choose
Add to Home Screen