Opinion

Preparing Pennsylvania to get the high-speed rail we deserve

by Bryan Lentz

President Obama recently announced the major recipients of the $8-billion fund for high-speed rail projects: $2.3 billion went to California, $1.1 billion went to Illinois and $1.25 billion went to Florida. Pennsylvania received only $25.6 million for track improvements.

Why would the Philadelphia area, perfectly positioned at the center of the busiest rail line in America, only receive 0.34 percent of funding that is critical to job creation?

When Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood was…

February 9, 2010 at 7:30 am | Comments (0)

From the Blogs

An op-ed note, and a super-important correction

by Dan Hirschhorn

There’s quite a discussion brewing about Paul Scoles’ op-ed, in which he writes that Arlen Specter’s health is an issue that Democrats need to consider. I wanted to take a moment to address some concerns about the piece.

But first, an important correction to note: The article originally said that Specter was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, when in fact it was Hodgkin’s, for which survival rates are typically better. When dealing with such…

February 8, 2010 at 11:34 pm | Comments (0)

The pols pay their respects to Murtha

Elected officials and political candidates were quick to offer their words of condolence, mourning and remembrance after the passing of Congressman John “Jack” Murtha (D-12) on Monday.

Here is just a sampling of their statements.

Gov. Ed Rendell:

“Pennsylvania has lost one of its greatest citizens. Congressman Murtha impacted the entire state, not just his congressional district, in ways that almost no individual has. He did so much for so many of us throughout the…

February 8, 2010 at 6:49 pm | Comments (0)

From the Blogs

LEFTOVERS: NRCC hypes Fitzpatrick, PA NOW for Hoeffel, postal workers for Sestak

by Dan Hirschhorn

The National Republican Congressional Committee is trying to draw attention to its leading contender in the 8th Congressional District. The NRCC said that former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick had reached “On The Radar” status and is on the way to joining its “Young Guns” program. These different designations are tough to follow, but the NRCC lays out organizational and financial benchmarks for achieving them. And hey, it gets their candidates a mention in the press here…

February 8, 2010 at 6:48 pm | Comments (2)

12th District primer: Get ready for a mad dash

This could get complicated—and maybe a little confusing.

Because of a confluence of state law and party politics, it’s likely a special election to replace the deceased Congressman John Murtha (D-12) will be held on May 18, primary day. Gov. Ed Rendell must set the date of a special election within 10 days of when a vacancy in the 12th District is formally declared, which will happen in Washington any day—if not any…

February 8, 2010 at 4:16 pm | Comments (8)

John Murtha dies at 77

John Patrick “Jack” Murtha Jr., the longtime 12th District Democratic congressman sometimes known as the “King of Pork” for his unmatched ability to bring federal dollars home to his western Pennsylvania district, died Monday. He was 77.

Murtha had been in stable condition at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington after suffering complications from recent gallbladder surgery. His office announced Murtha’s passing Monday afternoon, saying he had died at 1:18 p.m., “peacefully” and with his family…

February 8, 2010 at 2:54 pm | Comments (6)

Wecht trial could be a political headache for Buchanan

In January 2006, then-U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan charged former Allegheny County Croner Cyril Wecht with 84 counts of fraud and theft, alleging that he used his public office for private gain. The legal saga lasted more than three years, during which Wecht’s lawyers claimed the charges were politically motivated, and much of the prosecution’s evidence was eventually thrown out due to faulty search warrants. The case ended in a mistrial after the…

February 8, 2010 at 2:15 pm | Comments (1)

Opinion

The medical elephant in Specter’s room (Updated)

by Paul Scoles

There was an 800-pound gorilla in the room in Lancaster last weekend, and nobody talked about itThe Democratic State Committee and the national Democratic machine made a major mistake in supporting Arlen Specter for reelection. In fact they made several mistakes, but other, more practiced commentators will deal with the politics (although it seems pretty clear from the polls that he can’t beat Republican Pat Toomey).I’m talking about the medical mistake. Out of deference, or politeness, or concern about how various interest groups would react, Joe Sestak’s campaign has opted not to make an issue of Specter’s age and medical condition.But it needs to be a major issue. full story

February 8, 2010 at 2:00 pm | Comments (12)

Prominent GOP consultants working for Trevorrow in 3rd District

Republican Tom Trevorrow unveiled a consulting team Monday that includes some of the party’s top operatives in Pennsylvania, raising the ante on his primary bid to take on Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3).

Trevorrow, an Erie ophthalmologist, only announced his candidacy last week—and loaned the campaign $150,000 even before getting into the race. His campaign showed Monday morning what that money can buy.

John Brabender of BrabenderCox, whose clients include presumptive GOP gubernatorial nominee…

February 8, 2010 at 1:26 pm | Comments (0)