Search
Close this search box.

June 30th Playbook

A new poll shows former VP Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump by 5 points in PA, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball moves the presidential race to Leans Democratic in Pennsylvania. Here is the Playbook.

FOX43/SP&R Poll: Biden 46, Trump 41: Former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by 5 points in Pennsylvania, while Gov. Tom Wolf’s ratings on his management of the coronavirus pandemic have shrunk form their April heights.

Sabato’s Crystal Ball Shifts PA From Toss-Up to Leans Dem for 2020 Presidential Race: Kyle Kondik writes that there’s enough room for Biden to gain in suburban/exurban Pennsylvania to offset Trump’s big leads in outstate Pennsylvania for the rating change in the Democrats favor.

Jill Biden To Host PA Women For Biden Virtual Launch: According to a release from former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign, Dr. Jill Biden will host the virtual launch of the Pennsylvania Women for Biden effort, alongside women leaders from across the state on Monday evening.

For results on races called prior to today, check out previous Playbooks starting from June 3.

Primary Election Update: 

INCUMBENT LEADS: HD22 Dem: State Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) leads Enid Santiago by 55 votes, which is slightly more than 1%, in this majority Latino district, according to county website results. Lehigh Valley Live reports that although Schweyer declared victory in the race, Santiago is calling for a special election for the seat. 

LEADER: HD75 GOP: Mike Armanini holds a 3 point lead over Lisa Becker in the three candidate race to succeed state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield). The winner will face Democrat Ryan Grimm in the fall for the GOP friendly district. 

INCUMBENT LEADS: HD175 Dem: State Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia) who holds a 1,109 vote lead, 7%, over Vanessa McGrath, Jeff Dempsey, and Andre Del Valle in the four candidate primary among in-person votes, declared victory in the primary. 

INCUMBENT LEADS: HD182 Dem: State Rep. Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia), who leads challenger Marisa Shaaban by 2,825 votes, 15%, with all of the in-person votes accounted for, while the mail-in votes are still coming in, declared victory in the primary. The GOP candidate in this safe Dem district is Drew Murray. Sims added 1,000 plus votes to his lead in the race as of Friday morning, when he held a 1,786 vote advantage in the race. 

INCUMBENT TRAILS: HD188 Dem: Rick Krajewski holds a 2,624 vote, 21%, lead over state Rep. James Roebuck Jr. (D-Philadelphia) in the four candidate primary and declared victory in the race on Monday

LEADER: TOSSUP: HD198 Dem: Darisha Parker now holds a 267 vote lead in the primary over Bernard Williams, while Fareed Abdullah and Supreme Dow also trail for the seat held by outgoing state Rep. Rosita Youngblood (D-Philadelphia). As of Friday morning, Williams held a 122 vote lead in the primary. The margin between first and last place is also slim. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Trump campaign sues over mail-in drop-off sites for ballots
AP: Spread of virus near Pittsburgh causes concern for officials
AP: County’s on-site alcohol consumption halted amid virus spike
Inquirer: The Trump campaign is suing Pennsylvania over how to run the 2020 election
Inquirer: Pennsylvania outlines steps for resuming visits at nursing homes 
WITF: Trump campaign sues Pa. over mail-in voting and other election issues
Post-Gazette: Launching coalition, Biden campaign appeals to Pa. women
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A look at the 2020-2021 stopgap budget: How Pa. is paying for prisons and COVID-19 relief | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With primary in rearview mirrors, Wolf, Republicans agree more election tweaks needed
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Roberts joins Supreme Court’s four liberal judges in striking down Louisiana abortion law
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Allegheny Co. sees uptick in COVID-19 cases, suspends on-site alcohol sales
Patriot News: Pa. senator’s brain cancer battle inspires him to recognize survivors of the disease: ‘All are heroes’
Patriot News: Pa. small businesses can apply for ‘grants, not loans’ starting on Tuesday
Patriot News: Bill requiring smoke detectors in Pa. child care centers going to the governor
Patriot News: Wolf, Levine to thank health care workers for fighting coronavirus pandemic: live
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa.: 85,988 cases, 6,614 deaths reported as of June 29
PLSReporter: In federal lawsuit Trump campaign, RNC argue for changes to mail voting process statewide
PLSReporter: Allegheny County prohibits alcohol sales for on-site consumption as COVID-19 cases tick upward
PLSReporter: COVID-19 by the numbers: A statewide look at the coronavirus in Pa.
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Wolf reiterates call for masking as fears of resurgence of coronavirus increase 
WHYY Newsworks: Battleground 2020: the state of the presidential race 
The Hill: Trump campaign sues Pennsylvania, county election boards over mail-in voting

Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Lawyers Prepping Massive Lawsuit Against City Over Tear Gas and Other Incidents
Inquirer: Larry Krasner is happy driving his opponents ‘crazy’ as he seeks reelection as Philly DA
Inquirer: City to offer timeline to disassemble homeless camp on the Parkway as negotiations and a police investigation continue
Inquirer: Philly police spent nearly $18 million in overtime during protests, according to preliminary data
Inquirer: Philly police identify SWAT officer to be fired for pepper spraying protesters on 676
Inquirer: Where coronavirus cases are surging and falling in Pa.; N.J. bans smoking, drinking in Atlantic City casinos
Billy Penn: Mask vending machines launch in Suburban Station, with more PPE dispensers coming soon
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus recovery: Daily COVID case counts in Philly no longer falling
KYW Newsradio: Survey: 56% of Philly teachers favor split between online, classroom learning
KYW Newsradio: Philly abortion advocates commend Supreme Court ruling; pro-life supporters say it’s ‘sad day for women’
Philly Voice: Trump campaign sues Pennsylvania election officials over ballot drop boxes
Philly Voice: Philly launching second round of COVID-19 rental assistance program
Philadelphia Business Journal: Application window set to open for Pennsylvania’s $225M small business grant program

SEPA
Daily Local News: Attorney: Politics at play in pipeline prosecution
Daily Local News: Chester County small businesses eligible for $225 million in coronavirus grants
KYW Newsradio: Community-based testing site in Blue Bell closes as more walk-up sites open across Montco
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 117 new coronavirus cases during three-day period
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County coronavirus response fund to help nonprofits surges to $750K
Bucks Local News: Bucks County attorneys selected to 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers List

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Federal lawsuit accuses Peduto, top Pittsburgh officials of constitutional violations in dispersing East Liberty protest
Post-Gazette: With COVID positivity rates on the rise, state applauds Allegheny County move to mitigate spread
Post-Gazette: Clergy leaders deliver demands for police reform to Peduto, Fitzgerald
Post-Gazette: Councilman Lavelle to introduce city chokehold ban; police say it’s already banned
Post-Gazette: Peduto names new City Planning director
WESA: City Officials Sued In Federal Court Over June 1 East Liberty Protest
WESA: Surge Of Coronavirus Infections Continues In Allegheny County
WESA: Recovery From Recession Will Take Time, Says PNC Chief Economist
KDKA: ‘The Right Move’: Gov. Tom Wolf Commends Allegheny County’s On-Site Alcohol Consumption Ban
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Officials: Spike In New Coronavirus Cases Linked To Bars, Not Protests
KDKA: Federal Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pittsburgh Police, Mayor Peduto And City Officials For East Liberty Protest
KDKA: Pa. Health Secretary: Allegheny County Sees Increase In Percent Positivity Of Coronavirus Tests, But There Aren’t Plans To Go ‘Yellow’ Yet
KDKA: Mayor Bill Peduto Appoints New City Planning Director
KDKA: New Alcohol Restriction For Bars And Restaurants In Allegheny County Frustrates Owners Who Say They Followed Guidelines
KDKA: Study Finds Pittsburgh Among The Worst-Run Cities In America
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 83 New Coronavirus Cases Amid New Case Surge, Bringing The County To 2,651
PLSReporter: Allegheny County prohibits alcohol sales for on-site consumption as COVID-19 cases tick upward
Tribune Review: ‘Nowhere to run to’: Lawsuit filed against Mayor Peduto, Pittsburgh police in wake of East Liberty protest
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Council proposes ban on use of chokeholds by police
Tribune Review: Peduto names new Pittsburgh planning director
Tribune Review: Allegheny County bar and restaurant owners say new alcohol restrictions will hurt
Tribune Review: 83 new cases of coronavirus in Allegheny County, no new deaths
City Paper: Class-action lawsuit filed against Pittsburgh following use of force during June 1 protest
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association asks Allegheny County to reconsider alcohol sales ban
Pittsburgh Business Times: Production cuts, lower prices could drag on state’s impact fee
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s what Wolf said about on-premises alcohol consumption, moving back to the yellow stage and quarantines
Pittsburgh Business Times: Lawyer: Allegheny County ban on alcohol sales could be subject to legal challenge
Pittsburgh Business Times: Peduto administration names new director of city planning
Pittsburgh Business Times: Is Pittsburgh building out 5G infrastructure fast enough? Some say no.
Pittsburgh Business Times: Chesapeake’s legacy looms large in early years of Marcellus Shale boom

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Thompson, Joyce join Trump campaign in lawsuit over mail-in drop-off sites for ballots
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: UPDATED: Cambria, Somerset and Blair counties add COVID-19 cases, 492 in state
Beaver County Times: Senate OKs Bartolotta bill creating logo for vet-owned businesses
Beaver County Times: Housing assistance still available to Pennsylvanians
Beaver County Times: Ellwood City rally united people despite differences
Altoona Mirror: Cambria Farm Bureau plans legislative tour
Altoona Mirror: Farm shows may be a no-go
Tribune Review: Westmoreland considers coronavirus tests for all new county jail inmates
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County reports 20 new coronavirus cases
KDKA: ‘Status Quo In Westmoreland County’: Leaders See Increase In Coronavirus Cases But Wait For State Guidance Before Closing Businesses
Observer-Reporter: Hearings enable residents to speak on methane emissions

NEPA
Citizens Voice: County council explores meeting options
Citizens Voice: 3 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death reported in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: Brown encourages Wilkes-Barre residents to write legislators about fireworks
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council fills board seats
The Times Leader: Luzerne County’s real estate tax assessments evaluated for accuracy
The Times Leader: 3 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 1 more death 
Times-Tribune: Scranton pension funds rebound
Times-Tribune: Scranton business relief loan applications open
Times-Tribune: Experts warn: Don’t become complacent in green phase
Times-Tribune: COVID-19’s sluggish march continues Monday, one additional death counted

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: New coronavirus cases increasing faster than testing in Pennsylvania, Lancaster County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Monday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. up to 85K cases; Lancaster County has 4.4K
LNP | LancasterOnline: Slate cleaned: Over the past year, more than 1 million cases involving low-level crimes sealed in county under new law 
Patriot News: Pa. senator’s brain cancer battle inspires him to recognize survivors of the disease: ‘All are heroes’
Patriot News: More Dauphin County Prison inmates, staff found to have COVID-19 as testing continues 
Patriot News: York County judge charged with inappropriate communication, physical contact
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 7 new cases of COVID-19 reported for Cumberland County Monday
York Dispatch: York County has one new death linked to COVID-19, 21 new cases
York Dispatch: York County judge accused of lewd comments, inappropriate behavior
York Daily Record: Pa. elections officials prep for many mail-ins
York Daily Record: York judge faces sexual misconduct allegations 

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Mayor won’t tolerate ‘Mardi Gras-type’ atmosphere that hit Easton in 1st green phase weekend
Express Times: What’s the state of COVID-19 contact tracing in the Lehigh Valley? We found out.
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Nearly 86K cases with 6,614 deaths. Lehigh Valley businesses and venues reopening. How contact tracing works. | Pa. COVID-19 county case map (06/29/20) 
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 47 new coronavirus cases since Friday
Morning Call: Easton slaps restrictions on popular Karl Stirner Arts Trail, including picnic ban
Morning Call: Lehigh County hospitalizations down, coronavirus positive-test rate up, according to new state data dashboard

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: ‘We must remain vigilant.’ Centre County commissioners to discuss push for continued mask use
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: No new COVID-19 cases reported in Centre County, and more updates for June 29
Erie Times-News: Public push is on to revamp Erie School District police 
Erie Times-News: Erie mayor’s e-mail response to since-fired officer: ‘This is a very trying time’ 
Erie Times-News: Ex-Erie police chief sues over demotion; politics cited
Erie Times-News: Trump campaign sues over mail-in drop-off sites for ballots
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council members question police agreement funding
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: School board resolves to fight racial inequalities

Opinion  
Fred Keller: Democrats wrong to oppose Republican police reform bill in Congress
Scott L. Bohn: Allowing Bigger Truck Loopholes Dangerous for Commonwealth Motorists
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Trump must counter latest Russian hostility
Ajay Raju: A World Of Open Doors
Eleanor Brown and Ben Jones: Why, even in a small Pa. college town, Black people distrust police 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: A statue to American leadership in the war against COVID-19
Mo Canady: As debate over school police continues, officers need best practices 
Cassie Miller: Pennsylvania households hit hard by pandemic | Monday Morning Coffee
Antoinette Kraus: Congress must take action to keep Medicaid healthy as states reopen | Expert Opinion
Sharif El-Mekki: Teaching Black Children Is A Revolutionary Act

10 Responses

  1. I went to Lancaster and got Biden to sign a Biden 2020 Campaign drool bib! I’m so excited this feels historic. Spoon out your applesauce and take your pills boys!

    1. The bib should for your Fat Orange P.O.S. Prez. Can’t even drink water. Give him a baby bottle.

      1. Biben finally came out of his basement to only suck his wife’s finger and ardently display his mental confusion even with his earpiece volume on super sonic levels. No amount of instructions from his puppeteers permeating his auditory system will correct this dim-witted candidate.

  2. Way beyond 5 points. 10 points between Biden and Trump. That must be an RNC poll where they polled everyone within earshot in the main office at headquarters.

  3. Wolf favorability ratings should be going up, as we watch the results of alternative policy in FL, TX, AZ. Would the Trumpster GOP prefer PA be in that hot mess?

    1. Senate Republican Leadership looks really bad here. Pushing for that dopey idea to take away from the Gov the right to conclude stay at home orders and leave it up to county commissioners. In the final analysis, a Gov is elected to call the shots in emergencies the Gov can consult county commissioners but we need an ultimate leader and not leader by committee.

      1. Nobody elected the Nerd King to rule absolutely and indefinitely for the duration of a self-renewing “emergency.”

        Emergencies by their natures are short and discrete. Disregarding the prerogatives of the Legislature while refusing to stand for real questions from any interlocutors showed Wolf’s autocratic colors.

    2. LOL PA still has significantly more deaths per thousand than those States which pursued the “alternative policy (not killing the elderly).”

Email:
  • Do you agree that ByteDance should be forced to divest TikTok?


    • 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

    Loading ... Loading ...
Continue to Browser

PoliticsPA

To install tap and choose
Add to Home Screen