Search
Close this search box.

October 14th Playbook

President Donald Trump hosted a rally in Johnstown on Tuesday night. Here is the Playbook. 

Morning Consult Poll: Biden 52, Trump 44: The former VP only holds a larger lead over the president in one state, Colorado, in comparison to his lead in PA in the 12 state battleground polling.

Trafalgar Poll: Biden 47.4, Trump 45.1: Former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by 2.3 points in Pennsylvania, according to a pollster that weights its poll to account for “social desirability bias.”

PA16: Biden Endorses Gnibus: Former Vice President Joe Biden pointed to Gnibus’ background as a public school teacher, single mom, and cancer survivor as proof that she’ll fight for the families of the 16th District.

PA16 Ad: Testimonial from Kelly Employee Who Fought Opioid Addiction: Rep. Mike Kelly’s first TV ad of the 2020 cycle features an employee at Mike Kelly Automotive.

PA1 Ad: GOP Super PAC Touts Fitzpatrick COVID Response: Defending Main Street’s latest television ad in PA1 lauds Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s response to COVID-19 and slams Dem challenger Christina Finello for raising money.

PA1 Ad: Finello Encourages Voters to Send a ‘Working Mom’ To Congress: Her latest 30 second ad titled, “Mom” features her talking about understanding the struggles of those in the district by being a working Mom.

Trump Rallies in Johnstown: President Donald Trump rallied in Johnstown on Tuesday evening, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.  

PA7: Wild and Scheller Discuss Issues At Forum: Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) and GOP challenger Lisa Scheller discussed a wide range of issues during a forum at the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley on Tuesday night, according to WFMZ.

PA1: Finello and Fitzpatrick Debate for Final Time: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Democratic challenger Christina Finello debated for the final time at a forum sponsored by the chambers of commerce from across Bucks County and the League of Women Voters of Bucks County, Levittown Now reports.  

Lara Trump To Host A “Make America Great Again!” Event in Cumberland County: According to a release from the Trump campaign, Lara Trump will be hosting a “Make America Great Again!” event in Cumberland County on Wednesday afternoon.  

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: To jumpstart relief program, Wolf gives landlords more flexibility to collect unpaid rent
AP: Mail-in ballot requests pass 2.6M in Pennsylvania 
AP: Pennsylvania becomes a battleground over election security 
AP: Trump, Biden zero in on swing states that are key to victory 
AP: The Latest: Trump holds 2nd rally since contracting virus 
AP: Fighting in swing states, Trump also forced to play defense 
AP: AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsifies Biden stance on fracking 
AP: PA loosens rent relief rules; Eagles to have fans in stands
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With rental reforms stalled in the Legislature, Wolf announces a workaround 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: As Democrats aim to flip the House, a top lawmaker took $600K from school choice donor trying to stop them 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: State to consider two new cyber charter schools amidst enrollment boom 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Election 2020 sees record $11B in campaign spending, mostly from a handful of super-rich donors | Analysis 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The tax volatility picture in every state, visualized, and how Pa. stacks up | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Post-Gazette: Like in ’16, Trump pledges surge in prosperity for Johnstown
Patriot News: Woman who verbally attacked Gisele Fetterman with racist rant identified by state police; no charges filed at this time
Patriot News: Pa. Dems say Middletown Borough Council member sent state House candidate an inappropriate email
Patriot News: Auditor general candidates discuss how they would tackle the job of state fiscal watchdog 
Patriot News: State official brought into federal suit over private grant funding for the Nov. 3 election  
Patriot News: Pa. names 14 counties to watch for coronavirus as positive test rate continues to rise
WHYY Newsworks: Toomey, Trump and the future of Pa.’s Republicans
WHYY Newsworks: Providers to argue Pa. ban on using Medicaid funds for abortions is illegal
Politico: Trump campaign stalls in Pennsylvania 
Politico: Another pro-Trump ad uses footage from Russia
Fox News: Republican incumbent in deadlocked Pennsylvania district a Pelosi ‘target’ as Democrats aim to flip seat
Fox News: New anti-Trump Christian PAC targets Michigan, Pennsylvania voters 
Fox News: Pennsylvania postal worker on leave after bags of undelivered mail found outside home
Morning Call: Gov. Tom Wolf again pushes Pennsylvania marijuana legalization to help fix financial damage from coronavirus
Inquirer: Trump says he feels like a coronavirus ‘Superman’ at Pennsylvania rally as virus cases surge in the state 
Inquirer: Jill Biden’s path from ‘rebellious’ Philly kid to potential first lady 
City Paper: Pennsylvania state Treasurer Joe Torsella is hoping to build back trust in public institutions
Pocono Record: Is Pennsylvania prepared for Obamacare repeal?
KDKA: Gov. Wolf Pushing Lawmakers On Legalization Of Recreational Marijuana, Citing Economic Impact
WITF: Ballot applications from outside groups confuse some voters as deadline looms
PLSReporter: Judge rules against Trump campaign to uphold dropboxes, poll watcher requirements 
National Journal: HMP Poll Shows Finello Leading Fitzpatrick by 1
National Journal: First in Hotline: DLCC Announces Targeted Ad Buys in AZ, NC, PA 
The Hill: Club for Growth launches nearly $1 million ad buy against Biden in Pennsylvania city 
The Hill: Trump hits Biden on fracking in appeal to Pennsylvania voters 
The Hill: Pro-Trump campaign ad uses stock footage from Russia, Belarus 
The Hill: Trash bags of mail found outside Pennsylvania postal worker’s home
The Hill: Obama films 18 separate state-specific ‘How To Vote’ videos 
The Hill: Trump campaign wants Omarosa to pay for nearly $1 million ad campaign: report 
The Hill: Radiation elevated at fracking sites, researchers find 
The Hill: America Ferrera calls on Hispanics to vote early in new DNC ads 
The Hill: Majorities in four battleground states support ObamaCare: poll 
The Hill: Christian group launching ads charging Trump ‘used Christianity for his own purposes’
Huffington Post: Powerful New Video From Bruce Springsteen And Don Winslow Hits Trump In Key State 
CNN: Before racial slur, Pennsylvania’s second lady was best known for her big heart 
CNN: Trash bags of undelivered mail found outside a postal worker’s home in Pennsylvania
Real Clear Politics: Replay: President Trump Hosts ‘MAGA’ Rally In Pennsylvania

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Bob Brady’s convicted political guru is out of prison — and lurking on the election sidelines
Billy Penn: Election Day off work? Not at most big Philly companies
Billy Penn: With unemployment hotline overloaded and stimulus on hold, PA boosts chatbot 90x
Inquirer: Jill Biden’s path from ‘rebellious’ Philly kid to potential first lady 
Inquirer: Benjamin Franklin Parkway homeless encampment to be closed ‘amicably’ by the end of the week 
Inquirer: Philly School District to begin in-person learning Nov. 30 – for some students 
Inquirer: Philly increases crowd size limits, allowing fans at Eagles games 
Inquirer: During Black Lives Matter protests, donations poured in to a Philly community fund. Here’s how the nonprofit distributed the money. 
Inquirer: The stories you haven’t heard about Jill Biden | Morning Newsletter
WHYY Newsworks: Housing protest leaders, city agree to terms for disbanding Parkway encampment
WHYY Newsworks: SEPTA wins $1.2 million FTA grant for safety fixes 
WHYY Newsworks: Youngest Philly students could return to buildings after Thanksgiving, sources say 
KYW Newsradio: A peaceful end to protest encampment on Philly’s Ben Franklin Parkway as city reaches agreement with organizers
KYW Newsradio: Philly superintendent outlines plan to phase in in-person classes
KYW Newsradio: Women are running for office in record numbers this year
KYW Newsradio: Limited amount of Eagles fans can return to the Linc this Sunday
Philadelphia Business Journal: Susan Jacobson takes over as chair of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia relaxes event restrictions; Eagles will allow fans for Ravens game
Philadelphia Citizen: The Citizen Recommends: Art For Social Justice 
Philly Voice: Philly reaches deal to end homeless encampment on Benjamin Franklin Parkway 
Philly Voice: Amid rising COVID-19 case counts, Philly modifies indoor, outdoor gathering restrictions
Philly Voice: Philly slips further down U.S. News’ annual ‘Best Places to Live’ rankings

SEPA
Levittown Now: Congressional Candidates Spar For Final Time Before Election Day
Bucks County Courier Times: TV ads hit the airwaves in 1st Congressional District race  
Delco Daily Times: Voters turn out in person to return absentee ballots 
Delco Daily Times: Jail Oversight Board to hire consultant to analyze prison transition
Delaware Valley Journal: ‘Outspoken’ Friel Otten Faces GOP Challenge in Chester County  
Delaware Valley Journal: Environmentalists Decry ‘Untested’ Rail Transport of LNG Through Philly  
Delaware Valley Journal: Chester County Ready to Count as Many as 200,000 Mail-in Ballots on Election Day
KYW Newsradio: Montgomery County finalizes plans for polling locations
Bucks Local News: OCTOBER 12 BUCKS COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: Count holds steady amid rising statewide numbers
Pottstown Mercury: Lower Frederick voters to decide on open space tax 
Montgomery Media: Movement to stop sewer sale continues 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 1 death, 334 new coronavirus cases over 7-day period

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Fitzgerald Proposes New County Department For Children
WESA: Without State Rules, How Parents Learn About COVID-19 Cases Varies By District
WESA: NAACP Get Out The Vote Campaign Targets Low Frequency Black Voters 
Post-Gazette: 2 postal workers accused of tossing undelivered mail 
Post-Gazette: Braddock council can now form commission to begin regionalization of police force 
Post-Gazette: City Council eliminates requirement that townhouses include off-street parking 
Post-Gazette: Feds: Police training drills at Butler VA threatened safety of veterans, employees 
Post-Gazette: Pa. reports 1,342 COVID-19 cases; Westmoreland’s positivity rates exceed 6%
Pittsburgh Business Times: As pandemic accelerates need for 5G, Pittsburgh leaders push for statewide legislation 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Heinz Awards winners announced, program honors late Sen. John Heinz 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County council president wants Columbus statue to remain   
Tribune Review: Mail carrier suspended after ballot request, political ads allegedly found in trash 
Tribune Review: Trump to spell out economic plan to Pittsburgh, New York, Washington, Chicago economists    
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Judge John A. Zottola, creator of Veterans Court program, dies 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports no new covid-19 deaths for 4th day
City Paper: Pittsburgh-area mail carrier under investigation is apparent QAnon conspiracy theorist 
City Paper: An ongoing tally of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in Allegheny County
KDKA: Voting By Mail: Knowing The Difference Between An Application And A Ballot 
KDKA: Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge John Zottola Dies 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Announces 74 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing Countywide Total To 13,436 

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: County GOP votes to pull Bernstine endorsement
Post-Gazette: Like in ’16, Trump pledges surge in prosperity for Johnstown
Altoona Mirror: Trump rallies in Johnstown
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: PHOTO GALLERY | ‘Prosperity will surge’: Trump pledges virus vaccine, backs fracking and coal in Johnstown stop
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: PHOTO GALLERY | Big crowd welcomes Trump back to Johnstown
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: VGTs, skill games are subjects of House Democrats’ hearing in Ebensburg
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Biden: I will fight for families in Johnstown
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | Anti-Trump activist burns flags in front of Cambria courthouse, cited for open fire
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County adds 20 new COVID-19 cases among 1,342 statewide
KDKA: ‘Evidence Of Community Spread’: Westmoreland County Battling Increase In Coronavirus Cases
Tribune Review: President Trump swoops into Johnstown for rally as Election Day grows closer
Tribune Review: Westmoreland mail-in ballots on their way to voters; drop boxes to be available
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County to use $7.7 million to cope with coronavirus
Observer-Reporter: Washington County records one new COVID-19 death

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Rep. Kaufer, Smith debate virtually for 120th District seat
Citizens Voice: Prosecutors decline charges over swastika note sent to Jewish lawmaker 
Citizens Voice: Pedri releases 2021 county budget proposal 
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre mayor, chamber CEO meet with Japanese ambassador 
Citizens Voice: Proposed 2021 Luzerne County budget at a glance 
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County adds 32 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday
Pocono Record: Gov. Wolf pushes legal weed in Poconos visit
Times-Tribune: Prosecutors decline charges over swastika note sent to Jewish lawmaker
Times-Tribune: As COVID-19 surges, second state shutdown unlikely 
Times-Tribune: Deeley: Benefits consultant contract could save Scranton $500G plus 
Times-Tribune: Borys Blog: Local high school coaches inject themselves into presidential campaign 
Times-Tribune: Region’s new COVID-19 cases surpass 100 mark again
The Times Leader: UPDATED: DA says no charges warranted in swastika message to lawmaker
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council to perform election bureau inquiry 
The Times Leader: Brown discusses Japan-WB links with ambassador 
The Times Leader: Pedri details proposed no-tax-hike 2021 Luzerne County budget 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County added 32 new coronavirus cases

South Central 
Patriot News: Pa. Dems say Middletown Borough Council member sent state House candidate an inappropriate email
Patriot News: Lara Trump to make Tuesday campaign stop in Cumberland County
York Daily Record: Q&A with candidates for Pa. Senate District 33
Carlisle Sentinel: Election 2020 Preview: A look at Congressional races on the Cumberland County ballot Nov. 3 
Carlisle Sentinel: Federal labor head Scalia stresses economy’s pre-pandemic strength in Cumberland County stop 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 15 new COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County Tuesday
York Dispatch: North York borough council VP quits in wake of ex-chief’s embezzling charges 
York Dispatch: York County’s COVID-19 rates stabilize as much of state sees rise
York Dispatch: York County had 180 deaths linked to COVID-19, 66 new cases
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster city council, mayor pressed about police chief’s retirement during council meeting Tuesday 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Was police shooting of knife-wielding man justified? DA to issue ruling Wednesday 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County contact tracers reaching 61% of those exposed to COVID-19 patients 

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Wild, Scheller tackle range of issues during forum at Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
WFMZ: DeSales University-WFMZ poll of 7th District voters shows Biden, Wild ahead
WFMZ: Bern Township police, Berks County sheriff’s office prep for Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Reading Regional Airport
WFMZ: Pottstown councilwoman reminds residents of polling place changes, single drop box location 
Reading Eagle: Vice President Mike Pence to visit Reading on Saturday
Reading Eagle: Support for Trump unprecedented, Berks GOP chairman tells party at annual dinner
Reading Eagle: Reading’s managing director Pedro Cortes is leaving
Reading Eagle: Why the experts believe we can trust the polls in 2020
Reading Eagle: UPDATED: Where you can drop off your mail-in ballot depends on the county in which you live [Maps]
Reading Eagle: 82 more coronavirus cases for Berks County
Express Times: Wolf, in Monroe County, calls a 3rd time for legalizing adult-use recreational marijuana
Express Times: Vice President Mike Pence to make Pa. campaign stop near Lehigh Valley
Express Times: Where are the ballot drop boxes in Lehigh County? 1 is open, more to come Friday (MAP)
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 1,342 new cases; 16 new deaths; Lehigh County on cusp of 6K mark | Pa. COVID-19 county map (10/13/20)
Morning Call: Vice President Mike Pence coming to Reading airport for rally
Morning Call: Whitehall Township police to spend $338,000 on body cameras for officers, begin use by 2021
Morning Call: Allentown officials poised to fill 16-month-old vacancy on NIZ authority board
Morning Call: MAP: Where people have died from coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Bush to highlight Erie lecture series, now set for May
Erie Times-News: More county COVID-19 cases not isolating
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners can’t justify further expenses
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: East Lycoming designates CARES Act funds
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: South Side borough eyes no-tax-hike proposed budget
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Jersey Shore mayor resigns, fills first ward vacancy on council
Centre Daily Times: Oct. 13 update: Centre County reports 30 new cases of COVID-19, Pa. adds more than 1,300

Opinion  
Camera Bartolotta: Freight rail boosts region’s economic growth
Wendy Ullman: Learning lessons from the pandemic 
Shelby Labs: Labs: Bringing back civility, respect
Inquirer Editorial Board: Brian Fitzpatrick deserves another term in Congress | Endorsement 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Vote yes on all four Philly ballot questions | Endorsement 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Pennsylvania’s battle for a free-and-fair election earns pair of recent wins
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Commonsense green 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: When ‘temporary’ isn’t short term
Will Bunch Newsletter: How a blue-collar Kensington kid became Trump’s field general of voter suppression  
Robert L. Byer and Charles Becker: By pushing to impeach a state Supreme Court justice for his opinions, Pa. lawmakers undermine democracy 
David Osborne: Unions were Democratic shock troops — until 2020 
Dan Simpson: Hot spots in the former Soviet states
Charlie Gerow: Democrats have no case against Amy Coney Barrett — but that won’t stop them
Jon Geeting: How To Vote This Week 
Trudy Rubin: H.R. McMaster wants the next president to defend the free world without illusions
Marian Baldini: Let’s come together to give direct service providers the support they need – and deserve 
Chris Freind: Reform our ‘rigged’ election system
Helen Ubiñas: Trump’s ‘patriotic education’ keeps us from learning our greatest — and hardest — lessons 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Pennsylvania’s ballot challenges ahead

5 Responses

  1. What are Speaker Bryan Cutler and Republican House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff doing to remove criminal child abuser GOP State Rep Aaron Bernstine from the Pa House of Representatives?

    In one video obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Aaron Bernstine, R-10, New Beaver, Lawrence County, is behind the camera, but his hand is shown holding a cigar and offering it to his son.

    When the young boy takes a puff, Bernstine tells him to “hit it harder” and “breathe in,” followed by a woman’s voice saying, “No.”

    A second video has Bernstine again off camera asking his son, “What are we going to chase in Nashville?” The boy replies in a whisper, “Cadillac p—ssy,” using a vulgar term for vagina.

  2. The Johnstown rally was exactly what Pennsylvania Republicans do not need. It sends the wrong message to voters in the suburbs and especially is a disaster for Fitzpatrick in Bucks County. No concern whatsoever for covid risks.

  3. Trump is an ignorant moron who places the USA in danger for his traitorous allegiance to Putin.

  4. Whats up with Wolf and the marijuana industry and his ties? He had a secret committee give out the licenses and now in spite of all the damage he did to small businesses all he is concerned about is legalizing pot?
    A good investigative reporter should check campaign donors and ties to the industry.

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