Tag: Political Newsletter

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☀ Washington | Sunny, 66
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đŸ—Łïž What We’re Hearing. President Joe Biden will be fully embraced by Democratic Sen. Bob Casey when he participates in an evening campaign fundraiser in Philadelphia for the senior Pennsylvania senator.

📊 PoliticsPA Polling Tracker (avg. of last 5 PA polls)
President: Harris +0.8% | Senate: Casey +4.6%

đŸ—žïž Political News From THE Swing State. Where can you find all the latest news on what’s happening in Keystone State politics? Sign up for the PoliticsPA Playbook. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8 AM. And it’s free. Add your name to the list and subscribe now.

 

Top Story

1. The Strategy That Might Decide Pennsylvania — and the Election

Route 15 among the first to receive new Pennsylvania welcome sign

“Ahead of November, both political parties have made a similar bet: that they can boost their odds of winning key swing states by going on offense in places they don’t normally compete.

For Republicans, that means building on the 2020 trends that saw their candidates, led by Donald Trump, make inroads among a swath of working-class voters of color, especially in urban centers. For Democrats, that looks like holding down GOP margins of victory in rural regions and accelerating changes in suburbs.

With just a few weeks left until Election Day, the key to making these strategies work may be the ground operations each side has built up to make the case to new, undecided, or persuadable voters. ” (Vox)

Elsewhere

SCOTUS Won’t Hear PA Republicans Challenge to Executive Actions Expanding Voting Access. “The United States Supreme Court made news on its first day of the new session, deciding it will not take a case to restore a lawsuit from Pennsylvania Republicans that challenged executive actions expanding voting access.” (PoliticsPA)

Watching Battleground Pennsylvania. “NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki explains what to watch for in battleground Pennsylvania with less than one month to go until Election Day.” (PoliticsPA)

Politics of Fracking Involve More Than Fossil Fuels. “It’s not just about wells; it’s about other issues, too — such as rural economies, the state budget and finding the right posture for traditional constituencies who aren’t necessarily where one might expect them to be.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

 

State

2. Control of Pennsylvania Legislature Could Reshape Laws, and the Constitution Itself

PA Capitol

“It’s been a decade since one party controlled the governor’s mansion and Pennsylvania’s legislature. And Democrats hope spirited voter turnout amid a presidential election year can hand them their first “trifecta” since 1993.

Whether that happens or not – and it won’t be easy – this fall’s elections could pave the way for new state laws, or changes to the state constitution itself.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

As Democrats Fight To Keep Control of the PA House, Poll Shows Their Agenda Is Popular. “Under Democratic control, the Pennsylvania House has advanced policies expanding universal background checks for guns, providing discrimination protections to people based on sexual orientation, and raising the minimum wage to $15.” (Spotlight PA)

PA-10. How to Watch the Janelle Stelson, Scott Perry Debate. “The two candidates in one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive congressional races will debate for the first time. Congressman Scott Perry (R) and former television anchor Janelle Stelson (D) will debate on abc27 on Tuesday, October 8.” (abc27)

  • Ex-US Security Leaders, Now Taking On Political Fights, Make PA Stop For Janelle Stelson. (PennLive)
  • Stelson Hits Perry on Veteran Support, Democracy Issues. (Punchbowl News)

 

PA Senate Republicans Threaten Shapiro Cabinet Member With Prison In Dispute Over Release of Tax Data. “Using a threat of imprisonment, Republicans who control the state Senate on Monday advanced a measure to compel a former high-ranking colleague — state Revenue Secretary Pat Browne — to appear before them to answer questions about a special tax zone in Eastern Pennsylvania.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Bryan Cutler, House Republicans Claim ‘Double Voting’ a Risk, But Won’t Share Details. “House Republicans have refused to show their supposed evidence or turn it over to state authorities, leaving elections officials with doubts about the validity of their research.” (LNP | Lancaster Online)

Voter Guides

 

 
Around The Commonwealth

3. Allegheny County Executive to Present 2025 Budget, Amid Fears of Deficit, Potential Tax Hike

Sara Innamorato

“Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato will unveil her administration’s first budget proposal Tuesday. The plan comes amid mounting fiscal headaches, leaving many observers bracing for a tax hike proposal.

Expenses are outpacing revenues, due in part to steep declines in the assessed values of commercial properties Downtown. Unless more revenue can be found, the county is expected to have a $60 million deficit by the end of this year. That represents roughly 6% of the county’s annual $1 billion spending plan, and it’s an increase from 2023’s $40 million deficit.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

Energy Secretary Says Feds Are ‘Bullish’ on Nuclear at PA Chamber Event. “The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry held its annual dinner Monday night in Hershey, featuring appearances by America’s most-recognized tennis champion as well as two political figures who have recently made economic news.” (PennLive)

38 Counties Have Ballots Available For Voting “On-Demand.” “With less than 30 days remaining before the November 5 general election, 38 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have their ballots ready to “vote on demand.”” (PoliticsPA)

Pennsylvania Judge Suspended Without Pay Over Political Social Media Posts. “Judge Mark B. Cohen of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County was suspended after repeatedly and continually posting political social media posts despite warnings from a supervisory judge and the Court of Judicial Discipline.” (WHTM)

Schools Make Millions Offering Degrees That Double as Work Visas. “A 33-year-old from Pakistan told Bloomberg that his fellow students at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology enrolled to buy more time in the United States.” (Bloomberg)

State House Previews

  • PA-137. In 137th, Incumbent Republican In a Rematch With Democrat Who Came Close to Defeating Him. (Allentown Morning Call)
  • PA-142. What Voters Need to Know About PA State Rep. Joe Hogan and Democratic Challenger Anna Payne. (WHYY)
  • PA-183. Uphill Climb: Lenzi Realistic Yet Confident He Can Unseat Incumbent Mako In 183rd District. (LehighValleyNews.com)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • The PA Supreme Court Has Failed Voters By Refusing to Hear Mail Ballot Cases Before Nov. 5. (Kim Lyons)
  • As Trump Attempts to Avoid Facing Jan. 6 Charges In Court, Voters Must Try Him at the Polls. (Solomon Jones)
  • Why Donald Trump Benefits From Chaos. (Brandon McGinley)
  • Why Trump Will Likely Carry Catholic-Democratic Pennsylvania. (Sean Fitzpatrick)
  • Dave McCormick Invested in Hate Speech. Will He Disinvest? (Adriana E. RamĂ­rez)
  • Using Immigrants For Political Points Hurts Us All. (Sloane Davidson)
  • Pennsylvania’s Untenable Health Care Status Quo. (Becky Corbin)
  • Reopening Three Mile Island Unit 1 Would Re-Energize Central PA. (Rob Bair)

 

 

1 Thing

5. Boston Beer Summons Sam Adams With SĂ©ance Kit

Sam Adams beer is now selling a kit to have a séance with Samuel Adams

“Boston Beer’s Sam Adams is debuting an At-Home SĂ©ance Kit, designed for “beer lovers or ghosts with a dash of mischief,” which the brand said can help thrill-seekers conjure up the spirit of Samuel Adams.

The kits include a card instructing how the summoning ritual should be performed, a portrait of Adams, a vial of dirt from his hometown Boston, hops used to make the beer, two spooky pint glasses and a candle inspired by a can of Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer to supplement the séance, the brand said.

Available for a limited time on the brand’s website, the kits sell for $18.03, priced to match the year Sam Adams died.” (Food Dive)

 

Thanks for starting your morning with us.
Please invite your friends
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook

😎 Good Morning. Thanks for supporting the PoliticsPA Playbook

PA Weather
☀ Washington | Sunny, 66
☀ Shamokin | Sunny, 64
☀ Newtown | Sunny, 69

PA Sports
⚟ Phillies (1-1) | Tue vs. NY Mets
🏒 Penguins | Wed vs. NY Rangers
🏒 Flyers | Fri vs. Vancouver

đŸ—Łïž What We’re Hearing. President Joe Biden will be fully embraced by Democratic Sen. Bob Casey when he participates in an evening campaign fundraiser in Philadelphia for the senior Pennsylvania senator.

📊 PoliticsPA Polling Tracker (avg. of last 5 PA polls)
President: Harris +0.8% | Senate: Casey +4.6%

đŸ—žïž Political News From THE Swing State. Where can you find all the latest news on what’s happening in Keystone State politics? Sign up for the PoliticsPA Playbook. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8 AM. And it’s free. Add your name to the list and subscribe now.

 

Top Story

1. The Strategy That Might Decide Pennsylvania — and the Election

Route 15 among the first to receive new Pennsylvania welcome sign

“Ahead of November, both political parties have made a similar bet: that they can boost their odds of winning key swing states by going on offense in places they don’t normally compete.

For Republicans, that means building on the 2020 trends that saw their candidates, led by Donald Trump, make inroads among a swath of working-class voters of color, especially in urban centers. For Democrats, that looks like holding down GOP margins of victory in rural regions and accelerating changes in suburbs.

With just a few weeks left until Election Day, the key to making these strategies work may be the ground operations each side has built up to make the case to new, undecided, or persuadable voters. ” (Vox)

Elsewhere

SCOTUS Won’t Hear PA Republicans Challenge to Executive Actions Expanding Voting Access. “The United States Supreme Court made news on its first day of the new session, deciding it will not take a case to restore a lawsuit from Pennsylvania Republicans that challenged executive actions expanding voting access.” (PoliticsPA)

Watching Battleground Pennsylvania. “NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki explains what to watch for in battleground Pennsylvania with less than one month to go until Election Day.” (PoliticsPA)

Politics of Fracking Involve More Than Fossil Fuels. “It’s not just about wells; it’s about other issues, too — such as rural economies, the state budget and finding the right posture for traditional constituencies who aren’t necessarily where one might expect them to be.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

 

State

2. Control of Pennsylvania Legislature Could Reshape Laws, and the Constitution Itself

PA Capitol

“It’s been a decade since one party controlled the governor’s mansion and Pennsylvania’s legislature. And Democrats hope spirited voter turnout amid a presidential election year can hand them their first “trifecta” since 1993.

Whether that happens or not – and it won’t be easy – this fall’s elections could pave the way for new state laws, or changes to the state constitution itself.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

As Democrats Fight To Keep Control of the PA House, Poll Shows Their Agenda Is Popular. “Under Democratic control, the Pennsylvania House has advanced policies expanding universal background checks for guns, providing discrimination protections to people based on sexual orientation, and raising the minimum wage to $15.” (Spotlight PA)

PA-10. How to Watch the Janelle Stelson, Scott Perry Debate. “The two candidates in one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive congressional races will debate for the first time. Congressman Scott Perry (R) and former television anchor Janelle Stelson (D) will debate on abc27 on Tuesday, October 8.” (abc27)

  • Ex-US Security Leaders, Now Taking On Political Fights, Make PA Stop For Janelle Stelson. (PennLive)
  • Stelson Hits Perry on Veteran Support, Democracy Issues. (Punchbowl News)

 

PA Senate Republicans Threaten Shapiro Cabinet Member With Prison In Dispute Over Release of Tax Data. “Using a threat of imprisonment, Republicans who control the state Senate on Monday advanced a measure to compel a former high-ranking colleague — state Revenue Secretary Pat Browne — to appear before them to answer questions about a special tax zone in Eastern Pennsylvania.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Bryan Cutler, House Republicans Claim ‘Double Voting’ a Risk, But Won’t Share Details. “House Republicans have refused to show their supposed evidence or turn it over to state authorities, leaving elections officials with doubts about the validity of their research.” (LNP | Lancaster Online)

Voter Guides

 

 
Around The Commonwealth

3. Allegheny County Executive to Present 2025 Budget, Amid Fears of Deficit, Potential Tax Hike

Sara Innamorato

“Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato will unveil her administration’s first budget proposal Tuesday. The plan comes amid mounting fiscal headaches, leaving many observers bracing for a tax hike proposal.

Expenses are outpacing revenues, due in part to steep declines in the assessed values of commercial properties Downtown. Unless more revenue can be found, the county is expected to have a $60 million deficit by the end of this year. That represents roughly 6% of the county’s annual $1 billion spending plan, and it’s an increase from 2023’s $40 million deficit.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

Energy Secretary Says Feds Are ‘Bullish’ on Nuclear at PA Chamber Event. “The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry held its annual dinner Monday night in Hershey, featuring appearances by America’s most-recognized tennis champion as well as two political figures who have recently made economic news.” (PennLive)

38 Counties Have Ballots Available For Voting “On-Demand.” “With less than 30 days remaining before the November 5 general election, 38 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have their ballots ready to “vote on demand.”” (PoliticsPA)

Pennsylvania Judge Suspended Without Pay Over Political Social Media Posts. “Judge Mark B. Cohen of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County was suspended after repeatedly and continually posting political social media posts despite warnings from a supervisory judge and the Court of Judicial Discipline.” (WHTM)

Schools Make Millions Offering Degrees That Double as Work Visas. “A 33-year-old from Pakistan told Bloomberg that his fellow students at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology enrolled to buy more time in the United States.” (Bloomberg)

State House Previews

  • PA-137. In 137th, Incumbent Republican In a Rematch With Democrat Who Came Close to Defeating Him. (Allentown Morning Call)
  • PA-142. What Voters Need to Know About PA State Rep. Joe Hogan and Democratic Challenger Anna Payne. (WHYY)
  • PA-183. Uphill Climb: Lenzi Realistic Yet Confident He Can Unseat Incumbent Mako In 183rd District. (LehighValleyNews.com)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • The PA Supreme Court Has Failed Voters By Refusing to Hear Mail Ballot Cases Before Nov. 5. (Kim Lyons)
  • As Trump Attempts to Avoid Facing Jan. 6 Charges In Court, Voters Must Try Him at the Polls. (Solomon Jones)
  • Why Donald Trump Benefits From Chaos. (Brandon McGinley)
  • Why Trump Will Likely Carry Catholic-Democratic Pennsylvania. (Sean Fitzpatrick)
  • Dave McCormick Invested in Hate Speech. Will He Disinvest? (Adriana E. RamĂ­rez)
  • Using Immigrants For Political Points Hurts Us All. (Sloane Davidson)
  • Pennsylvania’s Untenable Health Care Status Quo. (Becky Corbin)
  • Reopening Three Mile Island Unit 1 Would Re-Energize Central PA. (Rob Bair)

 

 

1 Thing

5. Boston Beer Summons Sam Adams With SĂ©ance Kit

Sam Adams beer is now selling a kit to have a séance with Samuel Adams

“Boston Beer’s Sam Adams is debuting an At-Home SĂ©ance Kit, designed for “beer lovers or ghosts with a dash of mischief,” which the brand said can help thrill-seekers conjure up the spirit of Samuel Adams.

The kits include a card instructing how the summoning ritual should be performed, a portrait of Adams, a vial of dirt from his hometown Boston, hops used to make the beer, two spooky pint glasses and a candle inspired by a can of Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer to supplement the séance, the brand said.

Available for a limited time on the brand’s website, the kits sell for $18.03, priced to match the year Sam Adams died.” (Food Dive)

 

Thanks for starting your morning with us.
Please invite your friends
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook

Email:

😎 Good Morning. Thanks for supporting the PoliticsPA Playbook

PA Weather
☀ Washington | Sunny, 66
☀ Shamokin | Sunny, 64
☀ Newtown | Sunny, 69

PA Sports
⚟ Phillies (1-1) | Tue vs. NY Mets
🏒 Penguins | Wed vs. NY Rangers
🏒 Flyers | Fri vs. Vancouver

đŸ—Łïž What We’re Hearing. President Joe Biden will be fully embraced by Democratic Sen. Bob Casey when he participates in an evening campaign fundraiser in Philadelphia for the senior Pennsylvania senator.

📊 PoliticsPA Polling Tracker (avg. of last 5 PA polls)
President: Harris +0.8% | Senate: Casey +4.6%

đŸ—žïž Political News From THE Swing State. Where can you find all the latest news on what’s happening in Keystone State politics? Sign up for the PoliticsPA Playbook. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8 AM. And it’s free. Add your name to the list and subscribe now.

 

Top Story

1. The Strategy That Might Decide Pennsylvania — and the Election

Route 15 among the first to receive new Pennsylvania welcome sign

“Ahead of November, both political parties have made a similar bet: that they can boost their odds of winning key swing states by going on offense in places they don’t normally compete.

For Republicans, that means building on the 2020 trends that saw their candidates, led by Donald Trump, make inroads among a swath of working-class voters of color, especially in urban centers. For Democrats, that looks like holding down GOP margins of victory in rural regions and accelerating changes in suburbs.

With just a few weeks left until Election Day, the key to making these strategies work may be the ground operations each side has built up to make the case to new, undecided, or persuadable voters. ” (Vox)

Elsewhere

SCOTUS Won’t Hear PA Republicans Challenge to Executive Actions Expanding Voting Access. “The United States Supreme Court made news on its first day of the new session, deciding it will not take a case to restore a lawsuit from Pennsylvania Republicans that challenged executive actions expanding voting access.” (PoliticsPA)

Watching Battleground Pennsylvania. “NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki explains what to watch for in battleground Pennsylvania with less than one month to go until Election Day.” (PoliticsPA)

Politics of Fracking Involve More Than Fossil Fuels. “It’s not just about wells; it’s about other issues, too — such as rural economies, the state budget and finding the right posture for traditional constituencies who aren’t necessarily where one might expect them to be.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

 

State

2. Control of Pennsylvania Legislature Could Reshape Laws, and the Constitution Itself

PA Capitol

“It’s been a decade since one party controlled the governor’s mansion and Pennsylvania’s legislature. And Democrats hope spirited voter turnout amid a presidential election year can hand them their first “trifecta” since 1993.

Whether that happens or not – and it won’t be easy – this fall’s elections could pave the way for new state laws, or changes to the state constitution itself.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

As Democrats Fight To Keep Control of the PA House, Poll Shows Their Agenda Is Popular. “Under Democratic control, the Pennsylvania House has advanced policies expanding universal background checks for guns, providing discrimination protections to people based on sexual orientation, and raising the minimum wage to $15.” (Spotlight PA)

PA-10. How to Watch the Janelle Stelson, Scott Perry Debate. “The two candidates in one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive congressional races will debate for the first time. Congressman Scott Perry (R) and former television anchor Janelle Stelson (D) will debate on abc27 on Tuesday, October 8.” (abc27)

  • Ex-US Security Leaders, Now Taking On Political Fights, Make PA Stop For Janelle Stelson. (PennLive)
  • Stelson Hits Perry on Veteran Support, Democracy Issues. (Punchbowl News)

 

PA Senate Republicans Threaten Shapiro Cabinet Member With Prison In Dispute Over Release of Tax Data. “Using a threat of imprisonment, Republicans who control the state Senate on Monday advanced a measure to compel a former high-ranking colleague — state Revenue Secretary Pat Browne — to appear before them to answer questions about a special tax zone in Eastern Pennsylvania.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Bryan Cutler, House Republicans Claim ‘Double Voting’ a Risk, But Won’t Share Details. “House Republicans have refused to show their supposed evidence or turn it over to state authorities, leaving elections officials with doubts about the validity of their research.” (LNP | Lancaster Online)

Voter Guides

 

 
Around The Commonwealth

3. Allegheny County Executive to Present 2025 Budget, Amid Fears of Deficit, Potential Tax Hike

Sara Innamorato

“Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato will unveil her administration’s first budget proposal Tuesday. The plan comes amid mounting fiscal headaches, leaving many observers bracing for a tax hike proposal.

Expenses are outpacing revenues, due in part to steep declines in the assessed values of commercial properties Downtown. Unless more revenue can be found, the county is expected to have a $60 million deficit by the end of this year. That represents roughly 6% of the county’s annual $1 billion spending plan, and it’s an increase from 2023’s $40 million deficit.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

Energy Secretary Says Feds Are ‘Bullish’ on Nuclear at PA Chamber Event. “The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry held its annual dinner Monday night in Hershey, featuring appearances by America’s most-recognized tennis champion as well as two political figures who have recently made economic news.” (PennLive)

38 Counties Have Ballots Available For Voting “On-Demand.” “With less than 30 days remaining before the November 5 general election, 38 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have their ballots ready to “vote on demand.”” (PoliticsPA)

Pennsylvania Judge Suspended Without Pay Over Political Social Media Posts. “Judge Mark B. Cohen of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County was suspended after repeatedly and continually posting political social media posts despite warnings from a supervisory judge and the Court of Judicial Discipline.” (WHTM)

Schools Make Millions Offering Degrees That Double as Work Visas. “A 33-year-old from Pakistan told Bloomberg that his fellow students at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology enrolled to buy more time in the United States.” (Bloomberg)

State House Previews

  • PA-137. In 137th, Incumbent Republican In a Rematch With Democrat Who Came Close to Defeating Him. (Allentown Morning Call)
  • PA-142. What Voters Need to Know About PA State Rep. Joe Hogan and Democratic Challenger Anna Payne. (WHYY)
  • PA-183. Uphill Climb: Lenzi Realistic Yet Confident He Can Unseat Incumbent Mako In 183rd District. (LehighValleyNews.com)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • The PA Supreme Court Has Failed Voters By Refusing to Hear Mail Ballot Cases Before Nov. 5. (Kim Lyons)
  • As Trump Attempts to Avoid Facing Jan. 6 Charges In Court, Voters Must Try Him at the Polls. (Solomon Jones)
  • Why Donald Trump Benefits From Chaos. (Brandon McGinley)
  • Why Trump Will Likely Carry Catholic-Democratic Pennsylvania. (Sean Fitzpatrick)
  • Dave McCormick Invested in Hate Speech. Will He Disinvest? (Adriana E. RamĂ­rez)
  • Using Immigrants For Political Points Hurts Us All. (Sloane Davidson)
  • Pennsylvania’s Untenable Health Care Status Quo. (Becky Corbin)
  • Reopening Three Mile Island Unit 1 Would Re-Energize Central PA. (Rob Bair)

 

 

1 Thing

5. Boston Beer Summons Sam Adams With SĂ©ance Kit

Sam Adams beer is now selling a kit to have a séance with Samuel Adams

“Boston Beer’s Sam Adams is debuting an At-Home SĂ©ance Kit, designed for “beer lovers or ghosts with a dash of mischief,” which the brand said can help thrill-seekers conjure up the spirit of Samuel Adams.

The kits include a card instructing how the summoning ritual should be performed, a portrait of Adams, a vial of dirt from his hometown Boston, hops used to make the beer, two spooky pint glasses and a candle inspired by a can of Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer to supplement the séance, the brand said.

Available for a limited time on the brand’s website, the kits sell for $18.03, priced to match the year Sam Adams died.” (Food Dive)

 

Thanks for starting your morning with us.
Please invite your friends
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA Playbook

😎 Good Morning. Thanks for supporting the PoliticsPA Playbook

PA Weather
☀ Washington | Sunny, 66
☀ Shamokin | Sunny, 64
☀ Newtown | Sunny, 69

PA Sports
⚟ Phillies (1-1) | Tue vs. NY Mets
🏒 Penguins | Wed vs. NY Rangers
🏒 Flyers | Fri vs. Vancouver

đŸ—Łïž What We’re Hearing. President Joe Biden will be fully embraced by Democratic Sen. Bob Casey when he participates in an evening campaign fundraiser in Philadelphia for the senior Pennsylvania senator.

📊 PoliticsPA Polling Tracker (avg. of last 5 PA polls)
President: Harris +0.8% | Senate: Casey +4.6%

đŸ—žïž Political News From THE Swing State. Where can you find all the latest news on what’s happening in Keystone State politics? Sign up for the PoliticsPA Playbook. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8 AM. And it’s free. Add your name to the list and subscribe now.

 

Top Story

1. The Strategy That Might Decide Pennsylvania — and the Election

Route 15 among the first to receive new Pennsylvania welcome sign

“Ahead of November, both political parties have made a similar bet: that they can boost their odds of winning key swing states by going on offense in places they don’t normally compete.

For Republicans, that means building on the 2020 trends that saw their candidates, led by Donald Trump, make inroads among a swath of working-class voters of color, especially in urban centers. For Democrats, that looks like holding down GOP margins of victory in rural regions and accelerating changes in suburbs.

With just a few weeks left until Election Day, the key to making these strategies work may be the ground operations each side has built up to make the case to new, undecided, or persuadable voters. ” (Vox)

Elsewhere

SCOTUS Won’t Hear PA Republicans Challenge to Executive Actions Expanding Voting Access. “The United States Supreme Court made news on its first day of the new session, deciding it will not take a case to restore a lawsuit from Pennsylvania Republicans that challenged executive actions expanding voting access.” (PoliticsPA)

Watching Battleground Pennsylvania. “NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki explains what to watch for in battleground Pennsylvania with less than one month to go until Election Day.” (PoliticsPA)

Politics of Fracking Involve More Than Fossil Fuels. “It’s not just about wells; it’s about other issues, too — such as rural economies, the state budget and finding the right posture for traditional constituencies who aren’t necessarily where one might expect them to be.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

 

State

2. Control of Pennsylvania Legislature Could Reshape Laws, and the Constitution Itself

PA Capitol

“It’s been a decade since one party controlled the governor’s mansion and Pennsylvania’s legislature. And Democrats hope spirited voter turnout amid a presidential election year can hand them their first “trifecta” since 1993.

Whether that happens or not – and it won’t be easy – this fall’s elections could pave the way for new state laws, or changes to the state constitution itself.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

As Democrats Fight To Keep Control of the PA House, Poll Shows Their Agenda Is Popular. “Under Democratic control, the Pennsylvania House has advanced policies expanding universal background checks for guns, providing discrimination protections to people based on sexual orientation, and raising the minimum wage to $15.” (Spotlight PA)

PA-10. How to Watch the Janelle Stelson, Scott Perry Debate. “The two candidates in one of Pennsylvania’s most competitive congressional races will debate for the first time. Congressman Scott Perry (R) and former television anchor Janelle Stelson (D) will debate on abc27 on Tuesday, October 8.” (abc27)

  • Ex-US Security Leaders, Now Taking On Political Fights, Make PA Stop For Janelle Stelson. (PennLive)
  • Stelson Hits Perry on Veteran Support, Democracy Issues. (Punchbowl News)

 

PA Senate Republicans Threaten Shapiro Cabinet Member With Prison In Dispute Over Release of Tax Data. “Using a threat of imprisonment, Republicans who control the state Senate on Monday advanced a measure to compel a former high-ranking colleague — state Revenue Secretary Pat Browne — to appear before them to answer questions about a special tax zone in Eastern Pennsylvania.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Bryan Cutler, House Republicans Claim ‘Double Voting’ a Risk, But Won’t Share Details. “House Republicans have refused to show their supposed evidence or turn it over to state authorities, leaving elections officials with doubts about the validity of their research.” (LNP | Lancaster Online)

Voter Guides

 

 
Around The Commonwealth

3. Allegheny County Executive to Present 2025 Budget, Amid Fears of Deficit, Potential Tax Hike

Sara Innamorato

“Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato will unveil her administration’s first budget proposal Tuesday. The plan comes amid mounting fiscal headaches, leaving many observers bracing for a tax hike proposal.

Expenses are outpacing revenues, due in part to steep declines in the assessed values of commercial properties Downtown. Unless more revenue can be found, the county is expected to have a $60 million deficit by the end of this year. That represents roughly 6% of the county’s annual $1 billion spending plan, and it’s an increase from 2023’s $40 million deficit.” (WESA)

Elsewhere

Energy Secretary Says Feds Are ‘Bullish’ on Nuclear at PA Chamber Event. “The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry held its annual dinner Monday night in Hershey, featuring appearances by America’s most-recognized tennis champion as well as two political figures who have recently made economic news.” (PennLive)

38 Counties Have Ballots Available For Voting “On-Demand.” “With less than 30 days remaining before the November 5 general election, 38 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have their ballots ready to “vote on demand.”” (PoliticsPA)

Pennsylvania Judge Suspended Without Pay Over Political Social Media Posts. “Judge Mark B. Cohen of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County was suspended after repeatedly and continually posting political social media posts despite warnings from a supervisory judge and the Court of Judicial Discipline.” (WHTM)

Schools Make Millions Offering Degrees That Double as Work Visas. “A 33-year-old from Pakistan told Bloomberg that his fellow students at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology enrolled to buy more time in the United States.” (Bloomberg)

State House Previews

  • PA-137. In 137th, Incumbent Republican In a Rematch With Democrat Who Came Close to Defeating Him. (Allentown Morning Call)
  • PA-142. What Voters Need to Know About PA State Rep. Joe Hogan and Democratic Challenger Anna Payne. (WHYY)
  • PA-183. Uphill Climb: Lenzi Realistic Yet Confident He Can Unseat Incumbent Mako In 183rd District. (LehighValleyNews.com)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • The PA Supreme Court Has Failed Voters By Refusing to Hear Mail Ballot Cases Before Nov. 5. (Kim Lyons)
  • As Trump Attempts to Avoid Facing Jan. 6 Charges In Court, Voters Must Try Him at the Polls. (Solomon Jones)
  • Why Donald Trump Benefits From Chaos. (Brandon McGinley)
  • Why Trump Will Likely Carry Catholic-Democratic Pennsylvania. (Sean Fitzpatrick)
  • Dave McCormick Invested in Hate Speech. Will He Disinvest? (Adriana E. RamĂ­rez)
  • Using Immigrants For Political Points Hurts Us All. (Sloane Davidson)
  • Pennsylvania’s Untenable Health Care Status Quo. (Becky Corbin)
  • Reopening Three Mile Island Unit 1 Would Re-Energize Central PA. (Rob Bair)

 

 

1 Thing

5. Boston Beer Summons Sam Adams With SĂ©ance Kit

Sam Adams beer is now selling a kit to have a séance with Samuel Adams

“Boston Beer’s Sam Adams is debuting an At-Home SĂ©ance Kit, designed for “beer lovers or ghosts with a dash of mischief,” which the brand said can help thrill-seekers conjure up the spirit of Samuel Adams.

The kits include a card instructing how the summoning ritual should be performed, a portrait of Adams, a vial of dirt from his hometown Boston, hops used to make the beer, two spooky pint glasses and a candle inspired by a can of Samuel Adams Octoberfest beer to supplement the séance, the brand said.

Available for a limited time on the brand’s website, the kits sell for $18.03, priced to match the year Sam Adams died.” (Food Dive)

 

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