October 7th Playbook

A Monmouth University poll shows former VP Joe Biden holding a double digit lead over President Donald Trump in PA, while three Democrats lead their statewide contests as well. Here is the Playbook. 

Monmouth Poll: Shapiro Maintains Double Digit Lead, Ahmad and Torsella Hold Narrow Advantage: While the Democrats hold leads in all three statewide contests, only Shapiro’s lead is outside the poll’s margin of sampling error.

Monmouth Poll: Biden 54, Trump 42: Biden’s lead over Trump in all three voter models are beyond the poll’s margin of error.

Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Biden 50, Trump 45: Pennsylvanians support Biden on handling the coronavirus pandemic, while Trump is the preferred candidate on managing the economy.

CNBC/Change Research Poll: Biden 50, Trump 46: Biden’s 4 point lead in the Keystone State is unchanged in comparison to the previous CNBC/Change Research poll conducted in mid-September.

Biden Delivers An Address in Gettysburg: Former Vice President Joe Biden delivered a speech during his visit to Gettysburg on Tuesday. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus business waiver program was inconsistent, unfair, auditor says 
Spotlight PA: Hundreds of Pa. child-care centers have closed, and some fear it will get worse
AP: Wolf eases crowd limits with sliding scale tied to capacity
AP: Audit faults Wolf’s business shutdown waiver program
AP: Court battle erupts over voters’ signatures on mail ballots
Inquirer: Biden in Gettysburg: ‘Once again, we are a house divided’
Inquirer: College students in Pennsylvania face new barriers to vote in a pandemic
Inquirer: Biden and Trump supporters in Gettysburg
Inquirer: Pa.’s voter website crash stems from a Unisys-run data center that broke down last weekend in Virginia
Inquirer: Biden maintains his lead in latest Pennsylvania polls as time is running short for Trump
WESA: Shapiro Touts Record As ‘The People’s AG,’ Heidelbaugh Promises More Restraint
WESA: Audit Faults Wolf’s Business Shutdown Waiver Program
WESA: State Democrats Hope To Turn Pennsylvania Blue In 2020, Focus On Legislature
WESA: Wolf Eases Restrictions On Gathering Limits
Patriot News: Renewing opening campaign theme from Gettysburg, Joe Biden says he’s running to save the ‘soul of America’ 
Patriot News: Audit finds problems with Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 business shutdown waiver program: ‘This was not a level playing field’ 
Patriot News: Pa. changes coronavirus gathering limitations; what’s it mean for sports, events, and more? 
Patriot News: Pa. Senate passes bill enhancing penalty for child pornography offenses
Patriot News: Pa. rep who tested positive for coronavirus reports ‘I feel pretty good. Just a little stir crazy”
Patriot News: Joe Biden speaks in Gettysburg: Video
Patriot News: 2 women on bikes wanted for vandalizing memorial to fallen Pa. cop 
Patriot News: Find your polling place for the 2020 general election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: DePasquale: Business reopening waivers from Wolf admin ‘not a level playing field’ 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. announces new COVID-19 occupancy limits 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Senate session cut short by House lawmaker’s COVID-19 diagnosis 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Voting Rights Act opened floodgates for new restrictions
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Despite diversity gains, Pa. Legislature remains overwhelmingly white, male institution | Wednesday Morning Coffee
WITF: Biden Draws Parallels To Gettysburg In Campaign Speech Calling For Unity
PLSReporter: Auditor general finds inconsistencies in COVID-19 business waiver process 
PLSReporter: Wolf Administration updates gathering limit guidance 
PLSReporter: Wolf extends application deadline for rent, mortgage relief to Nov. 4
York Dispatch: DePasquale: Wolf mishandled business exemption program
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s new crowd size limits: What they mean for fairs, concerts, sporting events and more
Morning Call: Puzzling, inconsistent and ‘remarkably subjective.’ DePasquale reviews controversial Pa. business waiver process 
Fox News: Battleground state lawmakers seek law changes to avoid ‘man-made disaster’ of mail-in ballot delays 
Fox News: Pennsylvania sees record number of firearm background checks, nearly double 2019 rates 
Fox News: Pennsylvania DA files charges against elections judge who allegedly altered primary ballots
USA Today: In Gettysburg, Biden invokes Lincoln in call to heal the American soul
USA Today: Toomey, Rendell join to argue for congressional term limits
KDKA: Latest Monmouth U. Poll Shows Joe Biden’s Lead Over President Trump Grows To 12-Points Among Likely Pa. Voters
KDKA: Pa. Auditor General: Wolf Administration’s Business Shutdown Waiver Program Appeared To Be ‘Subjective’
Post-Gazette: New Monmouth poll shows Biden surging in Pa.   
Tribune Review: Rendell and Toomey join in Congressional term limits proposal
National Journal: State Treasurer Torsella Leans Toward 2022 Gov Bid
National Journal: Jockeying Is Underway for Toomey’s Senate Seat 
The Hill: Poll: Biden leads Trump by 12 points in Pennsylvania
Reading Eagle: Pa. coronavirus business shutdown waiver process inconsistent and confusing, auditor general reports
Delaware Valley Journal: Rep. Owlett Not Abandoning Education Bill for Low-Income Families During COVID-19
CNN: Biden says United States is in a ‘dangerous place’ and calls for unity in Gettysburg speech
Pittsburgh Business Times: Auditor general finds ‘inconsistencies, puzzling decisions’ in Covid-19 waiver process
Politico: Biden at Gettysburg: ‘Today, once again, we are a house divided’ 
Politico: Biden begins to pull away in Pennsylvania  

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Philly is suing Pennsylvania so the city can enact stronger gun control laws 
Billy Penn: Judge postpones Local 98 court date, Johnny Doc won’t stand trial for bribery until 2021 
Billy Penn: Wolf extends deadline for millions in pandemic rent and mortgage relief, but will banks participate? 
Billy Penn: The Philly college where Trump’s doctor got his somewhat unusual degree 
KYW Newsradio: KYW Exclusive: Philly’s former DA is off house arrest, working to build new life after prison
KYW Newsradio: Philly firefighters union does a redo vote on who to endorse for president
KYW Newsradio: Philly officials won’t commit to loosening restrictions on large gatherings
KYW Newsradio: Group of Philly lawyers establish phone line to help with election confusion
Inquirer: ‘Shameful and sickening’: Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, DA Larry Krasner decry the city’s surge in gun violence
Inquirer: Police Advisory Commission head to step down
Inquirer: U.S. economy rebounding but won’t come back fully until 2023, Philly Fed president Pat Harker says
Inquirer: The pandemic will exacerbate the affordable housing gap. Advocates think Pa. tax credits could help.
Inquirer</b : Judge considers Trump campaign lawsuit based on his claim that ‘bad things happen in Philadelphia’
Inquirer: See something strange or wrong while voting? Report it to our election tipline.
Inquirer: One of the last occupants to leave the now-closed PHA homeless encampment looks forward to a house
Inquirer: E-commerce may bring a new UPS warehouse to Philadelphia. Neighbors say no thanks.
Inquirer: Pennsylvania loosens coronavirus restrictions on crowds, allowing fans back into sports stadiums
Inquirer: Pa., N.J. COVID-19 rates are the highest since spring | Morning Newsletter
WHYY Newsworks: How Philadelphia is preparing for the election 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly firefighters protest union’s Trump endorsement again as union brass cancels meeting 
WHYY Newsworks: Survey: Center City restaurants’ recovery boosted by outdoor seating
Philadelphia Tribune: Racism is a public health crisis, health systems say
Philadelphia Gay News: Rep. Kenyatta travels Pennsylvania in “Flip PA Tour”
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia will not increase gathering limits Friday; Kenney won’t ‘jump blindly’ into decision on Eagles games
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania permits sports stadiums, concert venues to bring back fans 
Philadelphia Citizen: The Color of Coronavirus: Bearing Witness  
Philadelphia Citizen: 10 Ways to Fix Our Garbage Mess  

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Fitzpatrick, Finello square off in first debate 
Delco Daily Times: GOP candidate advocates for more funding for police training 
Bucks Local News: Finello receives endorsements from Bucks and Montgomery county sheriffs 
Bucks Local News: Congressmen Fitzpatrick and Quigley introduce legislation to save jobs in the fitness industry 
Levittown Now: VIDEO: Congressional Candidates Square Off In First Debate 
Pottstown Mercury: Montgomery County DA’s office launches election tip line for ballot drop boxes 
Daily Local News: Rep. Comitta to host banking and finance seminar Oct. 13 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County extends emergency disaster declaration again amid coronavirus pandemic

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Pam Iovino, Devlin Robinson Facing Off In Hotly Contested State Senate Race
KDKA: Allegheny County 2021 Budget Proposal Includes No Property Tax Increase
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto Submits Bill To City Council That Would Provide Protection From Hairstyle Discrimination
KDKA: Pittsburgh Steelers To Allow About 5,500 Fans At Heinz Field Against Philadelphia Eagles
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 77 New Coronavirus Cases, 4 Additional Deaths
WESA: Shapiro Touts Record As ‘The People’s AG,’ Heidelbaugh Promises More Restraint
Post-Gazette: Fitzgerald submits 2021 budget proposal with no tax increase 
Post-Gazette: Facial recognition bill to be introduced at County Council 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County to resend mail-in voter ‘declaration’ envelopes after faulty printing 
Post-Gazette: Advocates circulating petitions for reduced transit fares for low-income riders 
Post-Gazette: Steelers will open the gates to spectators when Eagles come to town Sunday 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. sees another 1,000-plus new cases, 17 deaths
Pittsburgh Business Times: Steelers to welcome fans at Heinz Field this Sunday
Tribune Review: 2 political newcomers squaring off to fill vacant state House 28th District seat
Tribune Review: Pair of accomplished veterans vying for District 37 state Senate seat
City Paper: Steelers to allow 5,500 fans at future home games after COVID restrictions lessened
City Paper: Port Authority looking to hire first-ever Director of Equity and Inclusion
City Paper: An ongoing tally of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in Allegheny County

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Blair sending out 16K mail-in ballots
Altoona Mirror: Blair awards grant to expand broadband
Altoona Mirror: Bill challenges standardized testing
Beaver County Times: Beaver County to provide extra security on Election Day 
Observer-Reporter: Toomey announces he won’t seek reelection or run for governor 
Observer-Reporter: Toothman announces ‘temporary leave’ from Greene County Court 
KDKA: Beaver County Leaders Formulating Election Safety Plan After Residents Voice Concerns
KDKA: Fayette Co. Officials Say Miscommunications Are Slowing Down Mail-In Ballot Application Process
KDKA: Westmoreland Co. Commissioner In Quarantine After Testing Positive For Coronavirus
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County sees highest 7-day covid-19 case total, reaches 2,500 cases
Post-Gazette: Westmoreland County commissioner tests positive for COVID-19
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset awards $1.7M to expand high-speed offerings
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown City Council, Johnstown Police Advisory Board to hold workshop
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset DA: Office alcohol report ‘overblown’
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local coaches, venue officials welcome ‘definitive’ crowd guidelines
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Indiana testing site added in response to recent COVID case jump

NEPA
The Times Leader: As Toomey leaves politics, Barletta eyes gubernatorial run
The Times Leader: Election Bureau director files defamation suit against Walter Griffith, county
The Times Leader: Small businesses and nonprofits urged to seek Luzerne County coronavirus funding
The Times Leader: 13 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 1,036 statewide
Citizens Voice: Election director Watchilla sues county Councilman Griffith for defamation 
Citizens Voice: Political opposites in 2020, but best of friends 
Citizens Voice: 13 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
Times-Tribune: Deeley: Scranton may avoid 2020 deficit 
Times-Tribune: WVIA to broadcast congressional debates live 
Times-Tribune: County plans to relocate six additional polling places 
Times-Tribune: State figures show COVID-19 still going strong

South Central 
Patriot News: 15th Senatorial District candidates John DiSanto and George Scott outline policy priorities before PennLive editorial board.
Patriot News: Renewing opening campaign theme from Gettysburg, Joe Biden says he’s running to save the ‘soul of America’ 
Patriot News: Pa. rep who tested positive for coronavirus reports ‘I feel pretty good. Just a little stir crazy”
Patriot News: Joe Biden speaks in Gettysburg: Video  
York Dispatch: There’s nothing sketchy about departure, Helfrich and Robinson say 
York Dispatch: York County has 46 new cases of COVID-19
York Daily Record: York City Police Commissioner says resignation was ‘strategic career decision’ 
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County says local voting will be safe, secure 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 13 new COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County Tuesday

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan wins Democracy Award for transparency and accountability
Reading Eagle: Voting in the 2020 general election is underway in Berks County
Reading Eagle: Reading wants to change Downtown Improvement District’s reauthorization plan 
Reading Eagle: Gov. Wolf’s expanded capacity guidelines will ease spectator policies for Berks high school sports crowds 
Reading Eagle: Berks County passes 400 deaths in the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health
Morning Call: Sen. Bob Casey: Postal workers say efforts to sabotage mail are ongoing in Lehigh Valley 
Morning Call: Matt Tuerk, longtime economic development official, announces bid for Allentown mayor  
Morning Call: ‘It shouldn’t be us vs. them’: Lehigh County police, communities of color both feel pain, have to work together for same goal, panel says 
Morning Call: Bethlehem’s first female police chief unanimously approved by City Council  
Express Times: Northampton County is vital to the presidential election. Don’t miss our project all about it. 
Express Times: Boxes of delayed Lehigh Valley mail sitting in Scranton as part of USPS ‘sabotage,’ Casey says 
Express Times: What we found in a search for the elusive, undecided voter in Northampton County
Express Times: Wolf seeks disaster declaration for Isaias damage in the Lehigh Valley 
Express Times: NAACP holding voter registration event in Allentown 
Express Times: Bethlehem City Council unanimously approves first-ever female police chief 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 1,036 new cases, 17 new deaths; Lehigh Valley reports highest increase since July with 56 cases, but deaths remain low | Pa. COVID-19 county map (10/06/20)

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Feds: Bank tip prompted fraud probe of ex-Erie City Council President Arrington
Erie Times-News: Owner of anti-Trump sign in Oil City gets another reprieve in federal court
Erie Times-News: Erie councilwoman wants citywide Airbnb rules
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmaker defends election commission
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County commissioners act on CDBG funding
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Wolf eases crowd limits with sliding scale
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Audit faults Wolf’s business shutdown waiver program
Centre Daily Times: Ferguson Township farmers speak out against ‘unfair’ stormwater fee plan. Here’s what’s next
Centre Daily Times: Oct. 6 update: Centre County reports 127 new cases of COVID-19, Pa. adds more than 1,000

Opinion  
Ed Rendell and Pat Toomey: Term limits can end the entrenched partisan politics that put our country in crisis 
Chris Kelly: Freed’s sudden silence on ballot fraud fiasco speaks volumes
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Gene in the 10th
York Dispatch Editorial Board: No choice in the 11th 
Inquirer Editorial Board: FBI calls QAnon a domestic terrorist threat. Two Pa. Congress members voted not to condemn it. 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: When free thought is canceled 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: What we don’t know about school arrests
Will Bunch Newsletter: Think protest doesn’t work? Ask Pat Toomey. 
Eve Carlton: Essential workers like me need the Senate to step up on HEROES Act 
Joe Pyle and Kate Williams: Eight priorities for Philly’s next behavioral health commissioner 
Salena Zito: Meet the suburban women who may yet win the election for Trump
Charlie Gerow: Trump vs. Biden, Round One
Bruce Ledewitz: The one religious question that Amy Coney Barrett shouldn’t have to answer 
Simon F. Haeder: If the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act, Trump’s health care order is not enough to replace it
Chris Freind: Trump’s coronavirus heats up campaign
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Along for the Trump COVID ride

One Response

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  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


    • No. I've already decided on how to cast my vote. (81%)
    • Yes. Anxious to hear from both candidates (19%)

    Total Voters: 27

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