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March 17th Playbook

A few state House special elections take place in PA, Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Joe Torsella endorse Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, and Sen. Bernie Sanders ramps up his Pennsylvania operation. Here is the Playbook. 

Liberal PAC Launches 1st General Election Ads in PA After Endorsing Biden: American Bridge, which describes itself as “the largest research, video tracking, and rapid response organization in Democratic politics,” launched their first general election television ads that are playing in Erie, Harrisburg, Johnstown-Altoona, Pittsburgh, and Scranton-Wilkes Barre markets.

Shapiro and Torsella Lead Latest Biden Endorsement Rollout: The Biden campaign rolled out endorsements from Attorney General Josh Shapiro, State Treasurer Joe Torsella, and 71 other Democrats in Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon.

Sanders Ramps Up PA Operation: The Sanders campaign hired 20 staffers in Pennsylvania and announced the opening of five field offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Scranton, and Allentown.

Legislative Election Update:

SD-17: State Sens. Maria Collett, Larry Farnese, Tim Kearney, Katie Muth, Steve Santarsiero, and Sharif Street endorse Amanda Cappelletti for the Democratic Party nomination for the 17th state Senate District, according to a release from her campaign. Cappelletti is running to unseat state Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), who won his most recent reelection bid in 2016 by 27 points over Republican Brian Gondek. 

Harrisburg & DC   
WHYY Newsworks: Judge denies effort to delay Bucks special election due to coronavirus
WHYY Newsworks: A plumber and a funeral director face off in a bellwether special election
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Philly, Pa., and Del introduce new restrictions to slow spread of coronavirus
WHYY Newsworks: ‘I’m an essential business’: Gun shops in Pa. packed ahead of coronavirus closures
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania legislature will vote remotely as coronavirus spreads 
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf orders statewide shutdown over coronavirus
Inquirer: A special election in Bucks County won’t be delayed because of coronavirus, judge rules
Inquirer: Pennsylvania may delay its presidential primary election because of coronavirus
Inquirer: The rest of Pennsylvania’s Democratic establishment is coming off the sidelines for Joe Biden
Inquirer: Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey wants to change how paid sick leave for coronavirus is funded
Inquirer: Did you just pay $39.99 for toilet paper? The Pennsylvania attorney general wants to hear from you.
Inquirer: Virtual concerts, digital canvassing and lots of texts: Campaigning for the White House in a pandemic. 
Patriot News: Coronavirus: State universities extend safety measures to students in off-site placements 
Patriot News: Coronavirus boosts Trump’s ‘America First’ manufacturing agenda, experts say 
Patriot News: The kitchen is open: Many Pa. students will be able to pick up lunches as schools tackle coronavirus separation 
Patriot News: Pa. House Republicans say Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus shutdown ‘blindsided’ small-business owners 
Patriot News: Coronavirus shutdown in Pa. forces small businesses to adapt – and wonder if they can survive
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey wants to tweak the House-passed coronavirus economic assistance bill
Morning Call: Pennsylvania officials are considering whether to change the April 28 primary date amid coronavirus
AP: Governor orders COVID-19 shutdown across Pennsylvania
AP: Pennsylvania’s state-owned wine, liquor stores to close
AP: Pennsylvania governor orders statewide shutdown of all nonessential businesses to help prevent spread of coronavirus 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa’s April 28 primary date could be moved Wolf says, as counties brace for possible changes
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House OKs remote voting as negotiations on coronavirus relief bills move forward 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf orders bars, restaurants and other businesses shuttered amid COVID-19 outbreak
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Senate staffer tested for COVID-19; results could affect session schedule 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Testing our national census knowledge | The Numbers Racket
WITF: Pa. hospitals are rationing protective gear as the number of coronavirus cases grows
PLSReporter: Amid a deserted Capitol, House changes rules to allow for remote voting
PLSReporter: 18th House District special election on as scheduled
PLSReporter: Democrats hope to pull upset in Westmoreland County House special, while GOP pins their hope on union carpenter
PLSReporter: Wolf calls for statewide shutdown of nonessential businesses to combat COVID-19 outbreak
KYW Newsradio: Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pennsylvania lawmakers look at ways to protect elderly, those with disabilities
WESA: Out Of Work Because Of Coronavirus? You May Qualify For PA Unemployment Benefits
Stateline: Officials vigilant as cybercriminals seek profit in coronavirus
Bucks Courier Times: No cash: Pennsylvania Turnpike moves to Toll by Plate during virus crisis   
Post-Gazette: Prisons and jails in Pennsylvania halt visits in light of virus 
Post-Gazette: With 6 casinos already closed, the remaining 6 ordered closed by Tuesday morning 
Post-Gazette: Pa. likely has first ‘community spread’ COVID-19 cases 
Fox News: Biden faces home-state pushback over ‘no new fracking’ statement
Fox News: The states and cities banning in-person dining at restaurants and bars during the coronavirus outbreak

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia health officials order non-essential businesses, restaurants to close
KYW Newsradio: Philly councilmember introduces bill to make hair discrimination unlawful
KYW Newsradio: An ‘acceleration of reform’ from Philadelphia DA in response to coronavirus outbreak
KYW Newsradio: New historical marker to posthumously honor Philadelphia activist Gloria Casarez
KYW Newsradio: SEPTA cuts Regional Rail service by 25% due to coronavirus-related crew callouts 
Inquirer: Philly orders sweeping shutdown of businesses and city services as coronavirus spreads 
Inquirer: Philadelphia just extended its paid sick leave law to cover public health emergencies such as coronavirus
Inquirer: ‘Unprecedented, nothing like it:’ Closures deal a crippling blow to Philly small businesses 
Inquirer: Free breakfast and lunch begins, but not many students in North Philly bite 
Inquirer: U.S. Attorney William McSwain slams DA Larry Krasner over fatal shooting of Cpl. James O’Connor IV
Inquirer: Coronavirus slowed Philly courts to a halt — but not before some reported for jury duty
Billy Penn: Philly scouting potential quarantine sites for city’s homeless population 
Billy Penn: Here’s what can stay open as Philly shuts down all non-essential businesses
WHYY Newsworks: Philly DA Krasner: Curb low-level arrests to slow spread of coronavirus 
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Philly, Pa., and Del introduce new restrictions to slow spread of coronavirus
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly closes all courts, and non-essential businesses and gov’t offices
Philadelphia Tribune: The Penn Relays, the nation’s oldest track and field event, canceled amid COVID-19 concerns
Philadelphia Citizen: Philly Biotech Is On It 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Former congressman, U.S. Army secretary Patrick Murphy joins local law firm 

SEPA
Bucks Courier Times: Bensalem special election to go on despite coronavirus concerns 
Bucks Courier Times: No cash: Pennsylvania Turnpike moves to Toll by Plate during virus crisis 
Bucks Courier Times: Coronavirus forcing businesses to cut back, get creative
Bucks Local News: Special election is still on in Bensalem; judge denies injunction by county to halt election 
Daily Local News: Killion calls for unemployment benefits for workers affected by coronavirus shutdowns
Daily Local News: Chesco officials to hold phone town hall for businesses impacted by coronavirus  
Daily Local News: Shutdown puts a big hurt on Chester County businesses
WHYY Newsworks: Judge denies effort to delay Bucks special election due to coronavirus
WHYY Newsworks: A plumber and a funeral director face off in a bellwether special election
Inquirer: A special election in Bucks County won’t be delayed because of coronavirus, judge rules
KYW Newsradio: Judge denies request to halt special election for state House seat in Bucks County
KYW Newsradio: Gov. Wolf orders non-essential businesses to close across entire state; 30 cases in Montco
Pottstown Mercury: Townships, boroughs announce closures, restrictions due to COVID-19 
Delco Daily Times: Delco government center closed to public; Another coronavirus case in county 
Delco Daily Times: Local high school students vying for delegate spots at DNC

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Are you essential? Allegheny County mostly leaving it up to businesses to decide 
Post-Gazette: City Council will meet via conference call; chambers closed to the public 
Post-Gazette: Six cases of COVID-19 now in Allegheny County 
Post-Gazette: County, federal courts in Western Pa. postpone cases 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools activate emergency plan 
Post-Gazette: Prisons and jails in Pennsylvania halt visits in light of virus 
Post-Gazette: With 6 casinos already closed, the remaining 6 ordered closed by Tuesday morning 
Post-Gazette: Pa. likely has first ‘community spread’ COVID-19 cases
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: City Shuts Down ‘Non-Emergency’ Offices, Facilities 
KDKA: Inside Politics With Jon Delano: Elections During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Pittsburgh Business Times: City changes some operations to meet threat of COVID-19 
City Paper: UPDATE: More coronavirus cases confirmed in Allegheny County
Pittsburgh Current: Inmate Advocacy Group Calls For ‘Decarceration’ Of Allegheny County Jail Due To Covid-19
Pittsburgh Current: Breaking: City Of Pittsburgh Bans Gatherings Of More Than 50 People
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 2 more coronavirus cases, bringing total to 6 
Tribune Review: Gun and ammunition sales soar; permits issued more than double in Western Pa. 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh City Council to conduct meetings via conference call 
Tribune Review: Allegheny suspends poll-worker training, limits trips for seniors at Kane centers

SWPA 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County special election for House 58th District still scheduled Tuesday 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County to limit courthouse business, close senior centers
Beaver County Times: New Sewickley Democrat running to unseat Marshall 
Beaver County Times: Marshall, Kail close district offices, postpone events
KDKA: Butler County Special Election To Take Place Tuesday Despite Coronavirus Outbreak
KDKA: Coronavirus In Beaver County: First Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In County; State Of Emergency Declared 
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Westmoreland Co. Officials Preparing As Virus Outbreak Spreads Across State  
KDKA: Workers At Beaver Co. Shell Cracker Plant Say Construction Site Is Unsanitary Amid Coronavirus Outbreak 
Observer-Reporter: Greene County commissioners declare disaster emergency
Observer-Reporter: Municipal offices alter operations due to coronavirus
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Schools and businesses work on providing meals to students
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown City Hall visitors need appointment 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Governor directs bars, restaurants, stores to close

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Scranton mayor declares state of emergency in response to coronavirus concerns
Times-Tribune: First coronavirus case confirmed in Luzerne County; 66 cases reported statewide
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County businesses anticipated governor’s call for shutdown
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County, local municipalities declare state of emergency
Times-Tribune: Coronavirus Cancellation and Postponement List
Citizens Voice: State of Emergency: New rules for doing business with Luzerne County
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre city declares state of emergency
Citizens Voice: First case confirmed in Luzerne County; few details released
Citizens Voice: Yudichak announces office closures amid coronavirus pandemic
The Times Leader: Pedri: Active Adult Centers closing as of Tuesday; meals will be provided 
The Times Leader: What is essential? Wolf updates guidance for business closures

South Central 
York Daily Record: York County commissioners issue emergency disaster declaration for the coronavirus
York Daily Record: Here’s how York County courts will adjust for the coronavirus
York Daily Record: Coronavirus containment calls for changes to York city operations, mayor says 
York Daily Record: Shop owner sees increased gun sales, ammo going like ‘toilet paper’
LNP | LancasterOnline: Tuesday’s COVID-19 update: 76 cases in Pa., first day of statewide lockdown in Lancaster County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Here are all the changes made in Lancaster city in response to statewide shutdown 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Coronavirus forces Lancaster soup kitchens to provide take-out; others closing
Patriot News: Coronavirus causes cancellation of most Cumberland County Court proceedings 
Patriot News: Coronavirus disaster emergency declared in Dauphin County
York Dispatch: York County schools struggle to make sense of Wolf’s shutdown order 
York Dispatch: York City shutters offices, suspends sewer amnesty program 
Carlisle Sentinel: Pennsylvania pushes for more commercial testing, away from state lab testing
Carlisle Sentinel: Pa. Supreme Court declares statewide judicial emergency
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle restricting access to borough hall, canceling programs

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Reading issues emergency declaration, closes City Hall amid coronavirus crisis 
Reading Eagle: These Berks County schools are providing lunches to students during coronavirus shutdown
Express Times: How Lehigh Valley educators plan to keep kids learning for the next 2 weeks
Morning Call:  THE LATEST Lehigh Valley area coronavirus cancellations, postponements: NCC Monroe Campus Open House, Lehigh Valley Active Life and more
Morning Call: As coronavirus cases rise, disruptions to ordinary life in the Lehigh Valley keep piling up
Morning Call: ‘It was awful’: Restaurants reflect on day without dine-in service as Wolf business shutdown order extends statewide
Morning Call: Coronavirus in Pennsylvania prompts state House to changes rules; now representatives can vote from home 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Health care officials, lawmaker: ‘Don’t panic’ 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Town hall on rally canceled 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Numerous facilities closing due to virus
Erie Times-News: State, county working to address safety of voters, poll workers 
Erie Times-News: Erie County Council, ECGRA to fund COVID-19 response effort 

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Fare breaks are great, but SEPTA’s funding future still cloudy 
Inquirer Staff: How are you staying connected to your community amid the coronavirus outbreak?
Pennsylvania House Democrats’ Leadership Team: Pa. voters are sending a message: We have the plan that responds to it
Michael A. Nutter: The city needs bold leadership to weather coronavirus 
John L. Micek: Coronavirus, kids and school closings: Four questions answered | Monday Morning Coffee
Stan Wischnowski: From our executive editor: How we’re covering the coronavirus and what it means for you
Salena Zito: Portrait of Pittsburgh at the dawn of a pandemic
Charlie Gerow: There’s both danger and opportunity in a crisis
Paul Muschick: Don’t bash LVHN for not revealing employee being tested for coronavirus
Dr. J. Winston Porter: Banning fracking, bad idea
Dick Polman: As the coronavirus spreads, Trump shows just how unfit he is to lead 
Joe Wilbur and Camilla Fox: Pennsylvania loves a hunting contest but should let go of coyote killing 
Robert I. Field: Coronavirus lesson #1: You never know when you, and everyone around you, will need public health 
Jenice Armstrong: Coronavirus has changed life as we know it. The sooner we accept that, the better

Email:
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    • Yes. It's a national security risk. (60%)
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    Total Voters: 30

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