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March 22nd Playbook

State Sen. Dan Laughlin considers a run for Governor. Here is the Playbook. 

Laughlin Considers Gubernatorial Run: A campaign aide to Sen. Dan Laughlin tells PoliticsPA that the Erie State Senator is taking a “serious look” at entering the GOP race for Governor.

March 19th Ups and Downs: Gov. Tom Wolf nominates a new Victim Advocate, a pair of PA Republicans are selected to serve on the RLCC Executive Committee, plus a bill on paid sick leave is vetoed in Allegheny County. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Barletta Considers Run for Governor: The Associated Press reports that former Congressman Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne) will make a decision in the next few weeks on whether he will seek the GOP nomination Pennsylvania governor in 2022. 

Laughlin Talks to Erie News Now About Possible Gubernatorial Bid: State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) talked to Erie News Now about his interest in possibly seeking the Republican nomination for the 2022 Governor’s race in Pennsylvania. 

Benham Endorses Kenyatta’s Senate Bid: State Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny), Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker, and Voices PAC Founder Koble Cole have endorsed state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s (D-Philadelphia) campaign for the U.S. Senate. 

The Hill Mentions 5 PA House Dems as Possible 2022 Senate Candidates: The Hill included Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester), Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny), and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) as candidates that are “testing the waters for a Senate bid.” 

Conservatives Rally in Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that about 150 protesters held a rally on Saturday in Point State Park, where they were “airing grievances on topics ranging from the mask mandate to the 2020 presidential election. 

Post-Gazette Details Pittsburgh Mayoral Money Race: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette breaks down the fundraising race for Pittsburgh Mayor.

Centre Daily Times Highlights Gisele Fetterman’s Role as ‘SLOP’: The Centre Daily Times wrote a story about how Gisele Fetterman, Second Lady of Pennsylvania, is “redefining the role of the ‘SLOP’ through compassion, advocacy.” 

UNITE PAC Endorses Gainey for Pittsburgh Mayor: UNITE PAC, which was founded and is chaired by state Rep. Summer Lee (D-Allegheny), has endorsed state Rep. Ed Gainey’s bid for Mayor of Pittsburgh. 

Harrisburg Dems Endorse Williams for Mayor: According to PennLive, the Harrisburg Democratic Committee has endorsed Harrisburg City Council President Wanda Williams for mayor of Harrisburg. 

4 PA Dems Back Resolution to Expel GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia), Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna), and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) supported the resolution to expel GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Congress, according to CNN. 72 Democrats signed on to the resolution, while 0 Republicans backed the effort. CNN reports that the two-thirds vote needed in the House to expel her is “not expected.” 

Perry Votes Against Condemning Myanmar Military Coup: Forbes reports that Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) is one of fourteen House Republicans to vote against a House resolution that passed on Friday that condemned a military coup in Myanmar. A spokesperson for Perry told Forbes that the resolution is “overt attempt to trap Republicans into condemning the claims of evidence of election fraud in Burma” while “perpetuating similar claims (in the Democrat’s views) of evidence in US elections.”

Scanlon and Wild Join House Democratic Manufacturing Working Group: Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Delaware) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) have joined the House Democratic Manufacturing Working Group, which will be led by House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). 

Buttigieg Tweets About Philly’s Chinatown and Racism in Infrastructure: KYW Newsradio reports on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s tweet about the Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia and how it “shines a light on racism in infrastructure.”

Inky Highlights Gauthier’s First Year on Philly City Council: The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote about Philadelphia City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s first year in office and her role in the “city’s progressive movement.” 

Dougherty To Hold Public Autism Forum Online: The York Dispatch reports that PA Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty will be hosting a “virtual listening tour to discuss what court reforms might be needed to serve those on the autism spectrum.” The Autism & the Courts webinar will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 23.

Newville To Vote On Changing Its Liquor Law: According to the Carlisle Sentinel, residents of Newville Borough, located in Cumberland County, will vote during the May primary on whether they will remain a “dry” municipality or not. 

Millennial Mayors in the Philly Suburbs Talk About 2020: Multiple millennial mayors in the Philadelphia suburbs talked to Philadelphia Magazine about their experience in office during 2020.  

Fair Districts PA To Host Prison Gerrymandering Virtual Forum: Fair Districts PA is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Decarcerate PA, the Abolitionist Law Center, Straight Ahead, Free the Ballot, Pennsylvania Council of Churches Advocacy and the ACLU – Pennsylvania in a series of forums about gerrymandering, prison gerrymandering and the impact of both on PA prison policy. Their first regional forum is slated to take place Monday, March 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. for Northeast PA. 

Krasner, Vega, and Peruto To Participate in Philly DA Virtual Forum: Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Democratic challenger Carlos Vega, and Republican candidate Charles Peruto Jr. will participate in a virtual candidates’ forum from 4:30-6:30 p.m on Monday, March 22. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Ban on meal, lodging payments for Pa. lawmakers introduced as constituents sound off in anger 
Spotlight PA: A huge spike in Medicaid enrollment in Pa. shows how devastating the coronavirus has been
AP: Barletta to decide soon on whether to run for governor
AP: In French woods, rivals take aim at senator’s WWI research
AP: Pa. among states seeking gun waiting periods after shootings
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania touts COVID-19 vaccine rollout, but exaggerates senior success 
Patriot News: PSERS hires two outside law firms to investigate $25 million error
Patriot News: Pittsburgh-area business owners charged in U.S. Capitol riot
Tribune Review: Election Code proposals trigger debate in Harrisburg as hearings progress
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House passes bill upping penalty for spitting on cops; civil libertarians raise concerns 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We’ll be there, masks and all’: Closed out of the Capitol for months, sex abuse survivors reluctantly return to push for emergency reform
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Fitzpatrick sides with Dems on Dreamers bill, as immigration debate intensifies 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: MAP: Women STEM degrees by county | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Worried over its future, some Cumberland Co. residents call for ‘pause’ on sale of county-owned nursing home 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Some spring planting tips | Five for the Weekend
PLSReporter: Teacher vaccination to be complete by March 31, Wolf says
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 85: Session Week Rundown
The Times Leader: Casey, Toomey introduce bipartisan nursing home reform legislation
Inquirer: Pa.’s largest pension plan hires lawyers to probe its mistake 
Fox News: PA prosecutor demoted for DoorDash moonlighting job during work hours
KDKA: KDKA Investigates: Can Pennsylvanians Get COVID-19 Vaccines In Ohio?
KDKA: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf Extends Expiration Date For License To Carry Firearm Permits For Sixth Time
York Daily Record: Pennsylvania pair is charged with stealing police gear inside U.S. Capitol, FBI says
Bucks County Courier Times: Effort to vaccinate Pennsylvania teachers, school staff ahead of schedule as state ramps up vaccine distribution
York Dispatch: Pa. Supreme Court justice to hold public autism forum online Tuesday 
The Hill: Ambitious House lawmakers look for promotions
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania, New Jersey among states with most white supremacist activity in 2020, ADL finds
Express Times: Concealed-carry permit expiring? Pennsylvania grants a new extension under COVID.
CNN: Prosecutor demoted for moonlighting as DoorDash driver during work hours
CNN: 14 House Republicans vote against a measure condemning military coup in Myanmar
City Paper: Pa. arrests more than 20K for marijuana possession during 2020; up slightly even during pandemic  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Inside Jamie Gauthier’s tumultuous first year on Philly City Council — and what comes next 
Inquirer: Philly Council votes to restore paid COVID-19 sick leave mandate for low-wage workers 
Inquirer: Philly Proud Boys president Zach Rehl said he was ‘proud’ of group’s role in Capitol riot, feds say 
KYW Newsradio: Buttigieg tweet on Chinatown shines light on racism in infrastructure
KYW Newsradio: Philly public defenders association begins national search to replace departing chief
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia expands vaccine eligibility as federal supply levels out
KYW Newsradio: UPDATED: Neighbors concerned as SEPTA closes Somerset Station for repairs, plan protest
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia Black Clergy pledges to get involved in campaign against violence
KYW Newsradio: Flashpoint: Georgia mass shooting and uptick of anti-Asian attacks; white evangelical racism; Germantown Men Who Care
NBC10: Should People With Mental Illness Get COVID Vaccine Priority?  
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia expands Covid-19 vaccine eligibility criteria for Phase 1B  
WHYY Newsworks: As gun violence continues to surge, organizers unite for a peace march in Southwest Philly
Philadelphia Citizen: “Putting Race At The Forefront” 

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Democrat running for Bucks district attorney slams Weintraub over DoorDash demotion of top deputy
Bucks County Courier Times: Wolf: State to open two mass sites in Southeastern Pa. as Bucks, Montgomery counties demand more vaccines
Bucks County Courier Times: Staats, Labs “upskirting” bill passes House unanimously
Delco Daily Times: Environmentalists canvass Chester to lobby for clean air and water
Delco Daily Times: Delco employees’ salaries to get $2.2M boost
Philadelphia Magazine: These Millennial Mayors in the Philly ’Burbs Entered Office Eager and Optimistic. Then Came 2020
Inquirer: The Philly suburbs will get two mass vaccination sites, despite objections from ‘disappointed’ county leaders
KYW Newsradio: Pa. House passes bill stiffening penalties for ‘upskirting’ photos
Daily Local News: Houlahan introduces measure to improve literacy across the country
Daily Local News: Rep. Sappey to host virtual discussion on law enforcement
Daily Local News: Chester County to hold memorial events honoring COVID-19 victims
Pottstown Mercury: Montgomery County leaders differ on ‘State of the County’ 
Delaware Valley Journal: DelVal Delegation Split on Bill Banning Spitting on Cops

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh mayor’s race launches with $400,000 hitting candidates’ coffers
Post-Gazette: Conservative rally in Downtown Pittsburgh targets masks, election results
Post-Gazette: SPECIAL REPORT | Ravages of COVID challenge Downtown Pittsburgh’s rebound
Post-Gazette: Two McKees Rocks business owners charged in Capitol riot
Post-Gazette: Detective husband of alleged Capitol rioter asked wife not to go, Shaler police chief says
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pennsylvania adds 4,213 cases, 33 deaths
WESA: Demonstrators Chant ‘Burn Your Mask’ And ‘Impeach Wolf’ In Protest Of Coronavirus Restrictions
WESA: Pittsburgh Green Jobs Program Gets Boost From EPA
WESA: Large Crowd Rallies In Solidarity With Asian Community After Atlanta Killings
KDKA: Pittsburgh Landlord Group Says City-Wide Ban On Evictions Is ‘Unconstitutional’
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Sheriff’s Office Issues Daily Record-High Number Of Licenses To Carry At Forward Twp. Event
KDKA: Hundreds Rally And March Through Oakland To Protest Against Hate Directed At Asian Community
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 368 New Cases, Four Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Several hundred, including actress Sandra Oh, rally in Oakland to ‘Stop Asian Hate’
Tribune Review: Covid cases spiking rapidly in Pennsylvania and Allegheny, Westmoreland counties
City Paper: Stop Asian Hate protest against anti-Asian racism emphasizes love and solidarity in response to Atlanta shooting 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Airport Authority seeks $10.5 million in grant funding as pandemic headwinds continue
SWPA 
Beaver County Times: U.S. Senate candidate endorsed by Aliquippa mayor
Observer-Reporter: Ortitaty introduces legislation to stop bridge tolling
Observer-Reporter: Councilman Manning to run for reelection as independent
Observer-Reporter: Former Houston man, fiancée charged in Capitol insurrection
Observer-Reporter: Greene commissioners approve new storage shed
Observer-Reporter: Teacher COVID-19 vaccination effort moving swiftly
Observer-Reporter: One new COVID-19 death reported in Fayette County
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: 2020 election spurs raft of bills aimed at changing state’s mail-in voting expansion
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 case jump continues; state vaccine doses distributed hit 4 million
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County DA announces removal of temporary morgue due to ‘progress’ against virus
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 cases see biggest rise since Feb. 7; 22 new positives in Cambria
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria adds 31 COVID-19 cases, state jumps by 6,355 over 2 days
KDKA: 2 New Castle Residents, Business Owners Arrested For Alleged Involvement In U.S. Capitol Riot
Tribune Review: Covid cases spiking rapidly in Pennsylvania and Allegheny, Westmoreland counties
Altoona Mirror: Hollidaysburg councilman defends signatures in court
Altoona Mirror: Convention center looks to book larger gatherings

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County municipalities due millions in relief funding under American Rescue Plan
Times-Tribune: Judge hears no testimony in O’Malley’s petition challenge
Times-Tribune: Register of Wills Office reopens today
Times-Tribune: Region reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since March 15
Citizens Voice: County, Salavantis reach agreement over her resignation to end legal battle
Citizens Voice: Two framers assess county charter nearly a decade after it took effect
Citizens Voice: 66 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday 
The Times Leader: Salavantis files suit over council’s vote to vacate her seat
The Times Leader: Zip Code data surges with a week of increased COVID-19 cases
The Times Leader: 66 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Sunday

South Central 
Patriot News: Wanda Williams gets a primary endorsement for mayor from Harrisburg’s Democratic Committee members
Patriot News: Issues abound during meet the candidates event in Harrisburg mayor, council races
Patriot News: Lancaster County’s vast, gleaming COVID-19 vaccination center puts pressure on other county officials to do the same
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lack of industrial sites is costing Lancaster County new jobs, investment and tax revenue, officials say
Carlisle Sentinel: A dry vote: Newville considers changing its liquor law
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 75 new cases of COVID-19, no deaths reported Saturday in Cumberland County
York Dispatch: York County OKs joint authority for Rabbit Transit, Capital Area Transit merger
York Dispatch: Saturday COVID update: 201 new cases in York County

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Guardsman exploring run for GOP nomination to challenge Susan Wild in 7th Congressional District
Morning Call: Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton have never had a female mayor; here’s what it will take to change that
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley state representatives introduce bill to repeal law letting residents buy, set off powerful fireworks
Morning Call: Pet-store pipeline law, backed by Sen. Boscola, would help keep abused animals out of Pennsylvania
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Spring kicks off another coronavirus wave
Morning Call: MAP: Where coronavirus is in Pennsylvania
WHMZ: Northampton County Council OKs resolution to support same-day voter registration, ballot drop boxes
WHMZ: Opposition to PennDOT’s bridge tolling plan grows
WHMZ: Emergency amendment sought to help sex abuse survivors
WHMZ: Over 4-thousand new cases of COVID-19 reported in Pennsylvania by Department of Health
WHMZ: Some local pharmacies object to change in COVID vaccine distribution guidelines
Express Times: Victoria’s Law pushed in Lehigh County to end puppy mills in Pa.
Express Times: Fed up with incessant fireworks, Lehigh Valley lawmakers want to repeal Pa. law
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 4th day in a row with 3K plus new cases; educator vaccination campaign ahead of schedule | COVID-19 vaccine map (03/19/21)
Express Times: Coronavirus update: Pa. gives out 4 million vaccines; daily case numbers top 4,000
Express Times: Should Easton stop issuing residential parking permits? Have your say.
Reading Eagle: Gov. Tom Wolf celebrates effort to vaccinate school workers, says all doses will be spent
Reading Eagle: Reading town house project abandoned
Reading Eagle: Hundreds get vaccine at a clinic in Reading
Reading Eagle: Berks County hit with 316 new COVID cases, most in two months

North by Northwest
Erie News Now: PA Senator Dan Laughlin on Why He’s Considering a Primary Run for Governor
Erie Times-News: Andrezeski sues over election signatures, blaming virus
Erie Times-News: Laughlin explores run for PA governor in 2022
Erie Times-News: Ravine Drive road proposals addressed by Erie officials
Erie Times-News: How area lawmakers voted, week ending March 19
Erie Times-News: State reports 45 new COVID-19 cases for Erie County
Erie Times-News: Erie’s weekly COVID-19 case count declines by half
Centre Daily Times: How Gisele Fetterman is redefining the role of the ‘SLOP’ through compassion, advocacy
Centre Daily Times: A year after the 1st case, here’s a look at how the pandemic has affected Centre County
Centre Daily Times: March 19 update: Centre County adds 84 COVID-19 cases; about 60 are in State College area
Centre Daily Times: March 20 update: Pa. adds more than 4,000 new COVID-19 cases, including 85 in Centre County
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Fleet management discussion held by city
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City halls across Pennsylvania take variety of approaches
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City approves finance plan grant
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Open container idea broached during Williamsport committee discussion

Opinion  
Judy Ward: May ballot gives you the chance to limit governor’s emergency powers
Stacy Garrity: Grace M. Sloan: A service of prudence, fidelity and vigilance
David N. Taylor: Mike Connolly was wrong: The $1.9T COVID plan does not rescue the economy or American families
Julien Scranton: COVID revealed Pennsylvanians’ dedication, fortitude and commitment
Jon Geeting: Yo, Mayor Kenney – Vaccinate Election Workers! 
Casey Witte and David Safavian: Pa.’s probation system is a pipeline to incarceration
Sean Gallagher: The solar industry can create good jobs for many Pennsylvanians
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Republicans declare war on voters
USA Today Editorial Board: Exercise your right to know
PennLive Editorial Board: Everyone has a responsibility to conquer hatred 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Keeping promises to pensioners
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Gun safety: Try, try again
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Looking out for kids with special needs
Chris Kelly: Scavo’s cryptic comment warrants FBI attention
Keith C. Burris: Definitely not for thee
Kathi R. Elliott: The first 100 days: The Black girls’ agenda for the Biden-Harris administration
Helen Ubiñas: Philly’s new gun briefings need improvement — even if we grade on a curve 
Denny Bonavita: Let’s spring forward and stay there. Make Daylight Saving Time permanent
John L. Micek: Does the GOP believe in democracy? Pa. Rep. Scott Perry votes against condemning Myanmar coup | Monday Morning Coffee
Joyce M. Davis: PennLive’s next “Save Our Children” community town hall will focus on kids in prison
Ruth Ann Dailey: Bu­reau­cratic minds in action
Shedra Amy Snipes: I don’t mistrust vaccines. I mistrust government distribution. 
Maria Panaritis: A Delco vaccine site deserves praise but highlights the strange scramble under Pa.’s baffling suburban plan 
John A. Tures: We cannot speak loudly enough against anti-Asian hate 
Lucy Hutchinson: A modified perspective of genetically modified crops
Jenice Armstrong: Hartford point guard couldn’t save his brother from Philly’s gun violence but he’s trying to help others through his new summer camp 
Ivan Walks and Charles Ellison: Why are Black people being treated like America’s vaccine hesitancy problem?
Will Bunch: President Biden’s ‘mistake’ at U.S. southern border isn’t what clueless pundits, GOP think it is 
Dick Polman: Long live Obamacare. Now it’s NoMalarkeyCare 
David M. Shribman: Lady Bird laid bare
John Cole: The difference between lanternflies and Pa. lawmakers, explained | Editorial Cartoon
Tahara Reinherz: The pandemic through the eyes of a teenager

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