Former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick dies at 56. Here is the Playbook. 

Former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick Dies at 56: The Republican from Bucks County served four terms in Congress.

Houlahan, Lamb Endorse Biden for President: A majority of the state’s Democratic congressional delegation have pledged their support for Biden’s presidential bid.

Kenyatta to Campaign for Biden in Iowa: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) will be campaigning for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign as a part of the “We Know Joe” surrogate bus tour. A press release from Biden’s campaign stated that Kenyatta, along with two other elected officials under the age of 40, will travel to Sioux City, Missouri Valley, Council Bluffs on Tuesday and travel to Adel and Des Moines on Wednesday. 

Senior Wolf Administration Official Andrea Mead Joins Mercury’s Pennsylvania Office: Andrea Mead, who served in senior roles under President Barack Obama and Gov. Ed Rendell and most recently was a senior member of Gov. Tom Wolf’s staff as the Chief of Staff to First Lady Frances Wolf, has left the Governor’s office to take on the role as Senior Vice President for Mercury’s Pennsylvania office.  

Stuckey Touts Support from PA GOP Central Caucus Straw Poll: Lancaster County Commissioner Dennis Stuckey, who is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Auditor General, sent out a press release touting the results from the Pennsylvania Republican Party’s Central Caucus meeting that showed him winning their endorsement straw poll in their most recent meeting. Currently Stuckey and Dauphin County Controller Tim DeFoor are the only two Republicans that have formally announced a bid for Auditor General. 

PA1: Republican Jewish Coalition PAC Endorses Fitzpatrick: According to a release from Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s (R-Bucks) campaign, the Republican Jewish Coalition PAC (RJC) has endorsed Fitzpatrick in his reelection bid in PA’s 1st Congressional District. Fitzpatrick currently is facing one Republican challenger in the primary in Andrew Meehan. 

Legislative Election Update: 

SD-43: Bill Brittain, owner of the Shadyside Nursery, announced his intentions for the Democratic Party nomination for the seat held by state Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), according to WESA. Costa ran unopposed in his most recent reelection bid in 2016.  

SD-11: State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced that she is seeking a third term in the state Senate. She ran unopposed in her most recent reelection bid in 2016. 

HD-146: Limerick Supervisor Tom Neafcy announced his intentions for the Republican Party nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), according to the Pottstown Mercury. Ciresi was elected to the seat in 2018 after defeating incumbent state Rep. Thomas Quigley (R-Montgomery) by 11 points. 

HD-138: Ann Flood, Founder and CEO of the Lauren’s Hope Foundation who also serves on the board of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, announced her intentions to seek the Republican Party nomination for the state House seat in the Lehigh Valley. Flood’s announcement comes after state Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Northampton) announced that she was not seeking a sixth term. Hahn won her most recent reelection bid in 2018 by 17 points over Democrat Dean Donaher. 

HD-106: Mimi Legro, a Conewago Township supervisor, announced her intentions to seek the Republican Party nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Thomas Mehaffie (R-Dauphin). Mehaffie won his most recent reelection bid over Democrat Jill Linta by 9 points.

HD-88: Tara Shakespeare, the director of finance and human services for a Mechanicsburg online marketing business, announced her intentions to seek the Democratic Party nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Sheryl Delozier‎ (R-Cumberland). Delozier bested Democrat Jean Marie Fosci by 16 points in her most recent reelection bid. 

HD-84: State Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) told the Williamsport Sun-Gazette editorial board on Monday that he is not seeking an eighth term in the state House. Everett coasted to victory in his most recent reelection bid by besting Democrat Linda Sosniak by 57 points. 

HD-54: State Rep. Bob Brooks (R-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced that he is seeking a second term in the state House. Brooks won this open seat over Democrat Jonathan McCabe in 2018 by 19 points. 60-to-40. 

HD-50: State Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Greene) announced that she is seeking another term in the state House. Snyder won her most recent reelection bid in 2018 over Republican Betsy Rohanna McClure by 13 points. 

HD-49: State Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) is supporting a Republican primary challenger, Tony Bottino, in the race for the state House’s 49th District held by state Rep. Bud Cook (R-Washington). 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Ex-US Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania dies at 56
AP: Biden adds to stable of endorsements in Pennsylvania
AP: Investigators say bus passed truck before wreck killing 5
WITF: Citing unity, Lamb and Houlahan endorse Biden for president
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Former Bucks County U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick dead at 56
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Reps. Lamb, Houlahan endorse Joe Biden for president 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pennsylvania work zones can now have speed cameras. Where will they be? 
Patriot News: ‘My heart is broken’: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick on death of his brother, a former Pa. congressman
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf orders flags lowered to half-staff for former Pa. congressman
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf orders flags to half-staff to honor paramedic who died responding to crash 
Patriot News: Former Pa. congressman Mike Fitzpatrick dies at age 56
PLSReporter: Rep. Scott Conklin joins growing Democratic field in Auditor General race
Stateline.Org: Voting Rights Restoration Gives Felons a Voice in More States
National Journal: Deadline Looms for State Legislative Elections
Inquirer: How Pennsylvania’s new sentencing guidelines for probation violators ‘could increase mass incarceration’
Inquirer: The latest skirmish over abortion: Separate insurance premium billing under Obamacare plans 
The Hill: Former Pennsylvania Rep. Fitzpatrick dead at 56

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s second term is underway. Here’s what he promises to do in the next four years. 
Inquirer: Philadelphia City Council gets a leadership shakeup, with Cherelle Parker beating Bobby Henon as majority leader
Inquirer: A new Philadelphia City Council starts today. Here are the top issues to watch.
Inquirer: ‘If you don’t want to move your car, tough’: Street sweeping is coming to all of Philadelphia, Kenney says 
Inquirer: Asbestos closes Philly elementary for at least the rest of the week
Inquirer: Murder trial for ex-Philly cop Ryan Pownall delayed indefinitely
Inquirer: Homeless encampment at 18th & Vine Streets cleared
KYW Newsradio: Mayor Kenney outlines agenda for 2nd term
KYW Newsradio: City dismantles homeless encampment at 18th and Vine 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Former congressman Mike Fitzpatrick dies at 56, leaves legacy at Philadelphia law firm
PLSReporter: Mayor, Council lay out agenda in Philadelphia inaugurations
Philadelphia Magazine: New Term, Same Mayor: Kenney Outlines His Top Priorities
WHYY Newsworks: Mayor Kenney starts second term with vow to address gun violence, racial and economic inequality
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney
WHYY Newsworks: Philly has a new City Council. What could it get done?
WHYY Newsworks: Kenney’s street sweeping program may not require moving cars in all neighborhoods
WHYY Newsworks: Trial for ex-Philly cop who fatally shot David Jones delayed by legal challenge

SEPA
Bucks Courier Times: Mike Fitzpatrick, ‘father of this county,’ dies at 56
Bucks Courier Times: Democrats make Bucks history as they take control of county government
Bucks Courier Times: Remembering Mike Fitzpatrick: “A man of grace and honor”
Bucks Courier Times: U.S. Secret Service to address Bucks County officials on school violence
Daily Local News: Moskowitz first Democrat to lead Chester County commissioners 
Daily Local News: Pipeline gets new life
Inquirer: Mike Fitzpatrick, a former Republican congressman from the Philadelphia suburbs, has died at 56
WHYY Newsworks: Taking on the minority-commissioner role in Bucks and Chester counties
WHYY Newsworks: Delco Dems promise ‘sweeping change’ as GOP loses power in Philly suburbs
WHYY Newsworks: ‘I don’t need the job’: Is $27/hr enough to entice workers for census in places like Montco?
KYW Newsradio: With 3 new members sworn in, Dems take control of Delco Council with 5-0 majority
Philly Voice: Former Bucks County congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, 56, dies following cancer battle
Bucks Local News: A LASTING LEGACY OF SERVICE: Former U.S. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick passes away after courageous battle with cancer
Bucks Local News: Governor Wolf orders flags flown at half-staff in honor of former Congressman Fitzpatrick 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County Commissioners sworn in, outline goals for new term
Pottstown Mercury: Limerick Supervisor Tom Neafcy announces bid for 146th PA House seat
Delco Daily Times: Dems sworn in to hold 5-0 control of county council

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Lamb Makes It Official With Biden Endorsement
WESA: Theresa Kail-Smith To Lead City Council As President
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh council has new compromise president, new member
Post-Gazette: Federal, state investigators continue to probe cause of fatal Turnpike crash
Post-Gazette: Gov. Wolf orders flags to half-staff in honor of Rostraver paramedic killed Sunday
City Paper: Rep. Conor Lamb endorses Joe Biden for President, as expected
City Paper: High-profile white supremacist forced out of anti-war rally by Pittsburgh protesters
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Seeking Redevelopment Proposals For 4 Unused Buildings
KDKA: United Methodist Church May Be Heading For Split Over Same-Sex Marriage And Homosexuality
Pittsburgh Business Times: City to host public meeting on improving mobility in Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh City Council elects new president, newest North Side rep takes office
Tribune Review: Tarentum Council keeps Snyder to fill vacant seat, changes officers, meetings 

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Lamb endorses Biden, saying he ‘shares our values’ in western PA, will protect Medicare, Social Security 
Beaver County Times: Sewickley’s Jeff Neff kicking off state Senate campaign Tuesday
Beaver County Times: Calhoon, two solicitors out on first day of new Beaver County leadership
Beaver County Times: Changing of the guard: Beaver County’s new government calmly takes office 
Beaver County Times: AAA: Middle Eastern tensions could mean increased gas prices
Tribune Review: New Westmoreland County commissioners say they’ll reopen the county’s budget
Tribune Review: New Westmoreland County sheriff finds offices trashed
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown City Council ponders sewer line sale

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Scranton’s first female mayor announces cabinet picks
Times-Tribune: Scranton’s longtime business administrator, Bulzoni. out as new mayor takes over
Times-Tribune: Notarianni, Domenick and Chermak sworn in as Lackawanna County’s commissioners
The Times Leader: Hundreds welcome Brown as new mayor; council pledges cooperation
The Times Leader: Tim McGinley remains Luzerne County Council chairman
Citizens Voice: McGinley will remain County Council Chairman

South Central 
Carlisle Sentinel: Centre County Democrat announces run for state auditor general seat
Carlisle Sentinel: Departing as commissioner, Hertzler proud of successes, but sees work to be done
Carlisle Sentinel: New members sworn into Carlisle Borough Council
LNP | LancasterOnline: New Lancaster City Council members sworn in, Smith-Wade-El chosen as president 
Patriot News: West Shore Democrat announces bid to seek Pa. House seat 

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Eddie Moran, first Latino mayor of Reading, is inaugurated
Reading Eagle: New Berks County commissioners board looks to the challenges ahead
Express Times: She started a charity after her 4-year-old’s death. Now she’s running for state rep.
Morning Call: Councilman who sparred with Pawlowski now president of Allentown Council; O’Connell sworn in as mayor
Morning Call: Speeding in work zones? PennDOT, Pa. Turnpike will be watching with automated radar

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: State Rep. Scott Conklin makes run for Pennsylvania auditor general official
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Garth Everett isn’t running after finishing out 7th term
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Everett talks legislation at editorial board: Announces he won’t run again after finishing out 7th term
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Amidst rising crime, police ask Montgomery council to rethink cutting hours 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: New mayor begins first day of term
Erie Times-News: Roae seeks eighth term in PA House
Erie Times-News: Cole resigns as Erie district judge
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council realigns, prepares to fill vacancy 

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Mayor Jim Kenney’s pocket vetoes block relief for Philadelphians who need it most
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Managing health
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Lessons in citizenship 
Nancy Patton Mills: Trump’s broken tax promises
David Thornburgh: 2020 is year of the voter, and Pennsylvania should change election mapping accordingly 
John L. Micek: Report: Pittsburgh’s fracking industry shed 400 jobs in 2019; More could be on the way for 2020 | Monday Morning Coffee
Charlie Gerow: What’s not to love about the Farm Show? 
Leo Hindery Jr.: The quintessential progressive idea that could revitalize the American middle class 
Elizabeth Long, Ph.D.: Marijuana policies: A call to shift from a criminal justice approach to a public health approach
Terry Drew Kaaren: A few thoughts on what it means to be a gay man in the 21st Century
Daniel R. Birdsong: Want to know what will happen in 2020? Look to state polls for the answer