Casey YES on Women’s Health Protection Act. Oz, Mastriano Top Fox Polls. Diamond, Eastman Conspire on 2020 PA Electors. Focus on the 16th. Here is the Playbook.

PA Weather
Dubois | Sunny, 80
Gettysburg | Sunny, 74
Scranton | Sunny, 80

PA Sports
76ers (trail 3-2) | lost at Miami, 120-85; THU vs. Miami
Penguins (lead 3-1) | THU at NY Rangers

Phillies (13-17) | lost at Seattle, 5-4; WED at Seattle
Pirates (12-17) | lost vs. LA Dodgers, 11-1; WED vs. LA Dodgers

Union (5-1-4) | lost vs. Orlando City, 2-1, in US Open Cup; SAT vs. NY Red Bulls

News

Casey: “Yes” On Dems’ Abortion Legislation: Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. announced his support for the Women’s Health Protection Act, stating he will vote yes to advance debate and support a vote on final passage of the bill.

Focus ON: 16th Congressional District: The candidates for the Democratic nomination in the 16th House District met in a debate and, unlike some races, talked more about the issues than the personality.

PA Senate Race: Oz Heads Fox News Poll: With seven days remaining before Pennsylvanians head to the polls to vote, the chase for the GOP Senate nomination continues to be as clear as mud.

• Ad Watch: Senate Edition 5/10: We are coming down to the wire. And that means that everywhere you look, whether it be watching TV, surfing the web, listening to radio … you will be on the receiving end of a political ad.
• Inquirer: John Fetterman ran the Board of Pardons like an activist — and at times a bully
• Fox News: Fox News Poll: Three-way race in Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary election 
• Fox News: Pro-life group endorses Kathy Barnette in Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary election over Trump pick Dr. Oz 
• Fox News: Pennsylvania GOP Senate race heats up one week before primary day
• StateImpactPA: Where Pennsylvania U.S. Senate candidates stand on energy, climate issues
• Tribune Review: John Fetterman brings bid for U.S. Senate to Greensburg as primary nears
• Post-Gazette: John Fetterman, Democratic front-runner for Senate, makes blitz through southwestern Pa. ahead of primary
• The Hill: Oz highlights Trump rally in new campaign ad
• Politico: Senate Republicans decry ‘unsavory’ attacks on Oz’s dual citizenship 
• The Hill: Oz, McCormick, Barnette neck and neck in Pennsylvania Senate primary: poll 
• National Journal: Extreme candidates gaining ground in key May primaries
• City & State PA: New endorsements in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race

PA Governor Race: Mastriano Breaks Away From Pack: Doug Mastriano has broken away from the pack and appears to be the front-runner for the GOP nomination for governor.

• Inquirer: Pa. GOP insiders are plotting an 11th-hour plan to stop Doug Mastriano in the governor’s race
• Inquirer: The Republican race for Pa. governor is all about Doug Mastriano with one week left
• Tribune Review: State Sen. Kim Ward endorses Dave White in GOP primary for Pa. governor
• KDKA: GOP gubernatorial candidates all oppose abortion but split on exceptions 
• KDKA: Republican candidates for governor highlight what makes them different 
• Erie Times-News: Doug Mastriano is trailing in donations but leads recent polls in race for PA governor
• AP: GOP fears far-right candidate will be PA governor nominee
• Politico: Pennsylvania GOP panics over possible Mastriano nomination 
• New York Times: Midterms’ Biggest Abortion Battleground: Pennsylvania
• Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: GOP governor candidate Corman compares court abortion ruling leak to Jan. 6 insurrection, says both done ‘to intimidate’
• Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Republican Coleman stumps for lieutenant governor in region
• City & State PA: McSwain highlights crime-fighting agenda ahead of May 17 primary 
• City & State PA: Who is running for governor as a Republican in 2022?

‘John Eastman used CU email account to advise Pennsylvania legislator on challenging that state’s 2020 election results’: The Denver Post reports that “John Eastman, a lawyer who represented Donald Trump following the president’s 2020 election loss, used his University of Colorado email account while serving as a visiting professor in Boulder to advise a Pennsylvania lawmaker on how to challenge that state’s electors, according to records submitted to Congress.”

‘Pa. primary 2022: A last-minute guide to everything you need to know to vote May 17’: Spotlight PA details “all the things that you’ll need to know before you head to the polls.”

‘Here’s what to know before voting in the May 17 primary election’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports on “what to know before casting your ballot in the May 17 primary election.”

‘Corman looks to form cryptocurrency task force’: City & State PA reports that “the GOP leader says Pennsylvania should prepare for economic opportunities created by the digital currency boom.”

‘Pa. Secretary of State calls for federal lawmakers to support Biden’s $15 billion election funding proposal’: WHYY reports that “Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of State Leigh Chapman called on federal lawmakers to support President Joe Biden’s $15 billion proposal for increased election funding during a roundtable discussion.”

‘A week before the primary, 12th Congressional District candidates square off in WTAE debate’: WESA reports that “the five candidates running to replace Mike Doyle talked about inflation, guns, abortion, and infrastructure for an hour on WTAE-TV Tuesday night. But it was really in the last few minutes where their differences became clear.”

‘Donald Trump endorses multiple Pennsylvania congressional candidates’: ABC27 reports that “former President Donald Trump released a slew of endorsements for Pennsylvania congressional candidates one week from the May 17 primary election.”

‘Pa. Rep. Gary Day calls on Pa.’s Acting Secretary of State to resign over her criticism of DA’s plan to monitor ballot drop-boxes’: WFMZ reports that “Republican State Rep. Gary Day, who serves Lehigh and Berks counties, announced that he wants Leigh Chapman, Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of State, to resign.”

‘Paris Hilton speaks to Sen. Bob Casey during White House visit to advocate for institutionalized youth’: KDKA reports that “Paris Hilton met with officials at the White House Tuesday during a trip to Washington aimed at her ongoing advocacy against child abuse.”

‘Westmoreland sheriff, commissioners battle over Trump rally staffing’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert confirmed Tuesday he assigned eight deputies to work at last week’s political rally featuring former President Trump despite objections from county leaders.”

‘Levittown Man Close To Congressman Charged With Stealing GOP Opponent’s Sign’: Levittown Now reports that “a Middletown Township man who often accompanies Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has been charged with stealing an election sign belonging to the incumbent’s primary GOP challenger.”

‘Black homebuyers in Pennsylvania still face many hurdles, report finds’: WESA reports that “a statewide report released Wednesday finds Black homebuyers still face substantial barriers to homeownership in Pennsylvania.”

‘Average gas prices nationwide and in Pa. hit new record highs with no relief in sight’: PennLive reports that “the national and Pennsylvania average prices for a gallon of gas hit record highs today.”

‘ACLU sues Lancaster County commissioners to force return of mail-in ballot dropbox’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “the ACLU of Pennsylvania is asking a Lancaster County judge to reverse a recent decision by county commissioners to remove a ballot dropbox from the entrance of the county building.”

‘As an HHS regional director, Ala Stanford hopes to bring lessons learned in Philly across state lines’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “as U.S. Health and Human Services regional director for Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, Stanford will connect leaders with resources.”

Legislative Election Updates
York Daily Record: GOP York County chair: censure Rep. Jones for not endorsing incumbents
Tribune Review: Newly elected state Rep. Aerion Abney, Glenn Grayson square off in Pittsburgh state House district
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2022 | Four area incumbents unopposed in re-election bids in new districts

Regional Spotlight: Southwest
City Paper: Pittsburgh Democratic Primary Election Guide 2022
Post-Gazette: Gainey administration decides not to move forward with guaranteed income plan created under Peduto 
Post-Gazette: Bob Casey tells CMS to make sure that the worst nursing homes are inspected on time 
Post-Gazette: City Council panel holds final hearing on redistricting draft
Post-Gazette: The Gainey family has a long history of firsts in Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: The Gainey family has a long history of firsts in Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Food at the forefront of Jail Oversight Board meeting
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council votes to remove multiple business licenses in effort to end duplication
Post-Gazette: Owners of Downtown Pittsburgh skyscrapers, other commercial properties could benefit from assessment appeals deal 
KDKA: City and county leaders help pack boxes of supplies for victims of war in Ukraine
KDKA: Documentary highlighting Tree of Life synagogue shooting debuts at local film festival
KDKA: Mayor Ed Gainey creates Bridge Asset Management Program
WESA: Pitt Law School dean, former U.S. Supreme Court clerk calls leak ‘devastating to integrity’
WESA: Protesters at Hill District rally say the threat to abortion rights is about much more
WESA: City, county could have millions more if large nonprofits pay taxes, report says
Observer-Reporter: PSBA gives Ortitay Champion of Education award
Tribune Review: Trib honored by Pa. NewsMedia for investigation into sex offenders, claims 28 statewide awards
City Paper: Meet the anti-violence expert advocates want on Jail Oversight Board 
City Paper: State funding for gun violence prevention supports new Pittsburgh youth programs
Altoona Mirror: Hopefuls apply for Blair judge

Opinion  
Lou Barletta: Lou Barletta is road-tested and ready to lead the ‘Great Pennsylvania Comeback’
Dr. Lawrence Sellin: Trump was wrong to endorse Dr. Oz; vote for Kathy Barnette
Paul Muschick: Why don’t more Pennsylvania towns have ‘Do Not Knock’ laws?
Matthew T. Mangino: There’s a path for John Roberts to save Roe. He should take it | Opinion
John L. Micek: A midterm gift? Abortion could swing persuadable Repubs to the Dems | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Tony Norman: A smear casts a shadow on the 12th District Congressional race
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pennsylvania officials indulge election delusion at Trump rally 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: At least one industry is standing up to China
Terry Pundiak: Why you probably have the wrong smoke detectors in your home
Yu-Ling Cheng and Laura Fridirici: Preparing students for the real world is everyone’s responsibility 
Carol L. Karl: Patty Kim can get the job done
Sean Quinlan: Heather MacDonald will fight for our community in the Pennsylvania legislature
Gene Collier: Jan. 6 Committee has delayed delivery long enough