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November 8th Playbook

The PoliticsPA Podcast takes a look at what was learned on Election Day. Here is the Playbook. 

Introducing the PoliticsPA Podcast: What We Learned on Election Day: In the kickoff episode, host Tom McGrath talks with journalists John Baer of Penn Live and Marc Levy of the AP about Republican enthusiasm, Democratic wokeness, the influence of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, what the election means for John Fetterman, Conor Lamb and Jeff Bartos, what’s going on in Camp Hill, and Tom Wolf’s voting gaffe.

Dumas Leads Crompton: In the race for the second seat on the Commonwealth Court, Democrat Lori Dumas has taken a slight lead over Republican Drew Crompton. The latest tally dilutes election night conventional wisdom, when it appeared the GOP went 4-for-4 in statewide court races. If Dumas’ lead holds, it will actually represent a net gain for Dems (the four court seats on the ballot were all previously GOP-held).

‘Big GOP governor’s field could grow with Corman announcement’: The Associated Press reports that “Jake Corman, the ranking Republican in Pennsylvania’s state Senate who is widely expected to run for governor in next year’s election, has begun inviting donors and others to an announcement next Thursday night.”

‘For Pa.’s statewide candidates, 2021 lessons are in the eye of the beholder’: WHYY reports that “Pennsylvania politicians running in statewide 2022 races all took lessons from this week’s election, which saw Republicans dominate the statewide races on the ballot and rack up strong showings in other states.”

‘Progressives seek to expand political footprint in Philly through Pa. House and Senate races’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “local progressives are hoping to make major inroads into the city’s delegation to Harrisburg by challenging Democratic incumbents in the May primary election.”

‘The 2022 race for Pa. governor is getting more crowded. A Delco Republican is jumping in.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “a prominent pro-Trump Pennsylvania lawmaker is taking steps toward a run for governor. A Delaware County businessman is launching his campaign. And the highest-ranking state senator is expected to soon jump in.”

‘As Pa. Senate leader Corman preps GOP governor run, rival Mastriano explores idea’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, R-Centre, is set to announce his entrance to the governor’s race at a private event next Thursday in his hometown of Bellefonte, Pa. Three sources with knowledge of the event confirmed it is for Corman’s campaign launch.”

‘Critical race theory isn’t taught in Pa. K-12 schools, but it permeated local school board races’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Pennsylvania public schools aren’t teaching critical race theory, but the concept has become a rallying cry for federal and state Republicans, and it seeped into municipal races this election cycle.”

‘Local Democrats warn party: Growing Republican wave is real’: The Associated Press reports that “the Democrats of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, felt the red wave building over the summer when frustrated parents filled school board meetings to complain about masking requirements and an academic theory on systemic racism that wasn’t even taught in local schools.”

‘If Pa. Sen. Mastrino wants to be governor, he may have to moderate’: WITF reports that “state Sen. Doug Mastriano is officially exploring a run for governor.”

‘Cutler, Cephas and others push for data sharing to treat mental health’: City & State PA reports that “a pair of bipartisan legislators held a roundtable discussion Thursday on legislation aimed to modernize the state’s mental health and substance use disorder laws.”

‘Former Delco councilman Dave White announces bid for GOP gubernatorial nomination’: The Delaware County Daily Times reports that “former Delaware County Councilman Dave White on Saturday announced he’s joining the growing field of Republicans seeking his party’s nomination in next year’s race for governor.”

‘City council President Ismail Smith-Wade-El to announce primary challenge of 16-term Rep. Mike Sturla’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “Lancaster City Council President Ismail Smith-Wade-El will challenge state Rep. Mike Sturla in the 2022 primary election to represent the 96th House District in Harrisburg.”

‘Not all state employees are created equal, at least where vaccine incentives are concerned’: PennLive reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf unintentionally touched off another coronavirus firestorm this week when he announced a plan to give state employees under his jurisdiction five days off or the equivalent in pay as an incentive to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”

‘A year ago Philadelphia’s vote count decided the presidency, but also inspired conspiracies that live on today’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “a year after Philadelphia sat at the center of the political universe, the vote count that defied a president turned out to be just one step in the battle over voting, democracy and truth.”

‘Gov. Tom Wolf signs bill extending outdoor dining and other measures to add flexibility for restaurants’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that “outdoor dining, which became a business essential for restaurants during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when social distancing was a must, received a new boost from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf.”

‘Historic trial on school funding to start Friday in Harrisburg’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “a trial set to start this week in Harrisburg could change how Pennsylvania funds its public schools in what advocates say would be a more equitable manner.”

‘Which Pennsylvania counties have the highest property tax burden? Here are latest rankings’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “while state lawmakers struggle with the property tax issue, recent data from the Independent Fiscal Office shows tax burdens vary greatly and the Lehigh Valley region shoulders a big one.”

‘Bucks County GOP, Democratic Chairs Talk Republican Victories’: Levittown Now reports that “Bucks County Republicans made big moves in Tuesday’s election, sweeping the open county row offices and winning the open county judge seat and many municipal and school board races.”

‘Congressman Votes For Large Infrastructure Bill’: Levittown Now reports that “Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick was one of a small group of Republicans to vote for a massive infrastructure bill.”

‘Pennsylvania college blasted for ‘anti-racist’ preference in job description: ‘Political litmus test’’: Fox News reports that “Pennsylvania State University is hiring a new assistant professor of architecture but is asking applicants to show their commitment to “anti-racism and anti-oppression.””

‘Election results suggest new strength — and new opportunity — for Black candidates’: WESA reports that “last week’s off-year elections suggested that, in Allegheny County at least, Black candidates have never been more electable. And partly because of those results, there will be more opportunity for local Black candidates in the months ahead.”

‘The road forward: All eyes now on Gainey to begin to address city’s larger issues’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “two lengthy reports — one deeming Pittsburgh’s police-community relations “in need of urgent repair” and another labeling the city unacceptably poor for Black health and economic outcomes — wove an underlying thread to Ed Gainey’s historic mayoral campaign. Now, advocates who are working every day to right those inequities — including some who helped author the reports — are urging the mayor-elect to follow through on his pledge and remember the lessons of the reports when he takes office in January.”

‘Judge dismisses case of late and mislabeled ballots’: The Delaware County Daily Times reports that “Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Kelly Eckel ruled that the integrity of the Nov. 2 election was intact, in part due to the safeguards put in place, as county leaders discussed the case recently.”

‘Shusterman introduces child and dependent care tax credit’: The Daily Local News reports that “state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-157th, of Schuylkill, is introducing legislation that would help families returning to work after the pandemic maintain their childcare.”

‘Philadelphia quietly rolls out vaccine mandate for all non-union city workers’: Billy Penn reports that “the City of Philadelphia is pushing closer to a universal COVID vaccine mandate for city employees. Late last month, it quietly introduced a new rule for all non-unionized workers.”

‘Need a job? State rep calls for people to fill School District shortages’: KYW Newsradio reports that “state Rep. Darisha Parker is asking people to step up and fill important school jobs, in the interest of keeping Philly kids safe.”

‘How to slow down Philadelphia violence? Leaders propose solutions at summit’: KYW Newsradio reports that “the commonwealth’s Crime Prevention Caucus held a Community Violence Prevention Summit on Friday at Esperanza College to address the growing cycle of crime in Philadelphia and across the state.”

‘Philly Council aims to fund relocation for people threatened with violence’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia City Council is planning to set aside $500,000 to relocate people that feel directly threatened by violence in their neighborhoods.

‘Rats, rats, rats! City Council trying to curb Philly’s growing rodent population’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia’s growing rat problem finally got City Council’s attention. Legislation has been introduced to strengthen laws and hold property owners more accountable.”

‘City controller discovers Philly trash pickup inequities, during and before pandemic’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia’s controller confirmed what most residents already knew from experience — trash pick-up fell way behind schedule during the pandemic. But she found a larger concern about pick-up delays.”

‘Judge Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio to lead Montgomery County bench as next president judge’: Montgomery Media reports that “characterized as “a natural leader” by her peers, Montgomery County Judge Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio was unanimously elected by her colleagues to be the next president judge and will be the first woman in county history to lead the county bench when her term begins next year.”

‘Infrastructure bill’s passage met with praise and pans from Pennsylvania officials’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Pittsburgh-area officials’ thoughts on the $1 trillion infrastructure package aligned with the prevailing opinions of their parties, with Republicans criticizing the bill as lavish while Democrats hailed it as an opportunity to make necessary repairs to the nation’s infrastructure.”

‘Pittsburgh, county employees push back as government officials move forward with COVID-19 vaccine requirements’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the day after federal officials took a step forward with a vaccine mandate that will affect millions of workers across the country, a group gathered Downtown to speak out against similar requirements for city and county employees.”

‘Pa. township’s new ordinance will only permit consumer fireworks to be used 7 days a year’: PennLive reports that “in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, township commissioners said that last year they called for the state to repeal the law as fireworks incidents have increased in the township and across the state. Since that didn’t happen, the township commissioners unanimously approved a new ordinance that will only permit consumer fireworks to be used seven days a year and only at certain times.”

‘The Lancaster GOP is celebrating its big wins across the county in Tuesday’s election. Will it last? [analysis]’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “conservatives in Lancaster County are celebrating Republican candidates’ sweep of victories in Tuesday’s municipal election.”

‘How Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted last week in the U.S. House, Senate’: The Allentown Morning Call reports on “how Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted last week in the U.S. House and Senate.”

‘3 more Peduto staffers leave for new positions ahead of new Pittsburgh administration’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “as Mayor Bill Peduto prepares to leave office in January, three additional members of his staff have announced they’ll be leaving their posts for new positions.”

‘Philadelphia-area transit agency workers ratify 2-year pact’: The Associated Press reports that “members of the Philadelphia area’s largest transit workers union have ratified a new two-year contract that averted a potential walkout.”

‘After Lehigh Valley Republicans turn out for local races, Democrats are ‘facing a headwind’ going into midterm election’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “intense debate over pandemic masking policies and school curricula propelled Republican candidates to victories in bellwether races across the country this week. And although the effect was less pronounced in the Lehigh Valley, it could still mean tough campaigns for Democrats in the midterm election next year, political experts say.”

‘Congress Passes $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill, How It Will Impact Our Region’: KDKA reports that “the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce President Matt Smith said the area is ready with projects and to get people to work.”

‘Labor Leaders Believe Infrastructure Bill Will Bring Plenty Of Local Jobs’: KDKA reports that “the president of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council Darren Kelly says there are a lot of local jobs coming our way.”

‘Pennsylvania sits on billions in federal aid while Lehigh Valley region shoulders large property tax burden. Should part of that money go to lower taxes?’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “on Thursday, while state lawmakers contemplated more talk of how to spend billions of federal relief dollars, Crissa Sterner contemplated the fact her home county — Monroe — has by far the highest property tax burden in the state.”

‘Local federal lawmakers react to approval of Biden’s infrastructure package’: WFMZ reports that “reaction is pouring in from local federal lawmakers following the approval of President Joe Biden’s trillion-dollar infrastructure package.”

‘Reading deciding how to use federal stimulus money’: WFMZ reports that “as part of the American Rescue Plan, $61 million is sent to Reading, and Mayor Eddie Morán is outlining his plans to spend the money on things like safety, education, job creation and community and economic development.”

‘Here are 8 ways history was made during Centre County’s municipal election’: The Centre Daily Times reports that “Centre Region voters chose a historically diverse slate of Democratic candidates, spanning race, religion and gender during Tuesday’s municipal election.”

‘Wolf admin: Residents in 8 Pa. counties hit by Hurricane Ida get an extra month to apply for aid’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “residents of eight Pennsylvania counties who survived the remnants of Hurricane Ida earlier this year will have an extra month to apply for federal assistance, the Wolf administration said Friday.”

‘County And City Officials Remember The Life Of Charles Moffat’: KDKA reports that “a long-time public servant with the Pittsburgh Police and then the Allegheny County Police, Charles Moffat died at 80-years-old.”

‘Pa. Health Dept.: More than 5,100 new cases of COVID-19; More than 2,500 hospitalized’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 5,130 new cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth on Thursday, bringing the statewide total to more than 1.58 million since the start of the pandemic.”

Opinion  
Dr. Val Arkoosh: We need to ban fracking; it’s a matter of public health 
Doug Mastriano: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Will Haunt PA Long Into the Future
Paul Muschick: Why it matters that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf bungled his own mail-in ballot
Mark O’Keefe: Will Pa. lawmakers finally pass real lobbying reform and a gift ban? 
Deborah Gordon Klehr: On school funding, Pennsylvania is not doing its job. That’s why we’re in court 
Mark S. Singel: Democrats are suffering from self-inflicted wounds 
David Callahan: Re: The fossil fuel industry doesn’t get the consequences of climate change
Debbie Trudea: Pay attention as Pennsylvania’s redistricting process progresses
John L. Micek: Report: Pandemic exposed deep disparities in health coverage for Pa. kids | Friday Morning Coffee
PennLive Editorial Board: Now that the campaign mudslinging is over, let’s support the candidates we elected 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We must continue to demand meaningful action to address climate crisis from our elected officials 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Please talk to your child’s pediatrician about getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Postal Service needs reforms to remain vital 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pittsburgh hosts the world, again 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Fitting recognition for defenders of truth
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: ‘Vax’ is the word of the year 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pittsburgh, the cradle of Catholic bishops
Will Bunch: Democrats can’t keep ignoring the culture war. They should fight it — and win 
Alison McCook: I got my kid vaccinated on Day 1 — and it was glorious. 
Jenice Armstrong: I’m rooting for NoMo, one of the grassroots groups that got $1 million in city money to fight gun violence 
Daryl James and Jennifer McDonald: Victims of Philly police cash grabs tell their side of the story in new civil forfeiture survey 
Joseph Porter: The intellectual disability service system is collapsing 
Inga Saffron: Penn’s new hospital belatedly recognizes pedestrian space is a public health issue
John Cole: Making the judicial scrapple | Editorial Cartoon
​​Bernita Henry and Saxon Nelson: Our block was one of 458 denied a block party by Philly police. Until we fought back. 
Helen Ubiñas: I needed a fix of humanity, and found one in a warehouse full of diapers 
Joseph N. DiStefano: Some guy had my bank account and driver’s license numbers. Would he get my money?
Joseph Reagan: We said we’d never forget: will we?

4 Responses

  1. Drew Crompton should have shaved his 3 day beard and thrown a tie on. It may have earned him another 15,000 votes.

  2. Democrats aren’t going to win state-wide when voter turnout in Philly is 18%, Reading 9% etc… and turnoout in suburban and rural areas is closer to 40%

  3. R’s are wishful thinking. Corman is thinking Atty Gen Shapiro is Gov Wolf when the R’s forgot Shapiro won when other State Row Dems went down to defeat. Lou would have a better chance than Corman to be Gov.

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