The First Read — June 24, 2009

Every Monday-Thursday morning, pa2010.com compiles the most important political news of the day, from newspapers to the blogosphere and back. Enjoy this edition.

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pa2010.com’s Best-Dressed Political Consultants
A day after we presented our Top 10 Political Consultants list, pa2010.com offers up something far more superficial: Who’s the best dresser? Read More

Pike hires trio of consulting firms for 6th District run
Democrat Doug Pike, a former Philadelphia Inquirer editorial writer, has hired three political consulting firms—including the company run in part by Neil Oxman, a longtime strategist for Gov. Ed Rendell—for his campaign in the 6th Congressional District, Pike campaign manager Andrew Eldredge-Martin told pa2010.com today. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: With hire, Dems more likely to clear the field for Pike

Lasher abandons Dahlkemper challenge
Brian Lasher will not seek the Republican nomination in the 3rd District, leaving freshman Congresswomen Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3) unopposed for now. Read More

Aichele makes Lieutenant Governor run official
Chester County Commissioner Carol Aichele has officially joined the race for lieutenant governor, her campaign announced today. The Republican had already effectively said she would run earlier this month. Read More

Nader accuses Corbett of a conflict of interest
HARRISBURG — Frequent presidential candidate Ralph Nader is asking state Attorney General Tom Corbett to return $15,900 in campaign contributions received from a Pittsburgh-based law firm that helped House Democrats coordinate a 2004 effort to have Mr. Nader thrown off the Pennsylvania ballot. Read More

Morning Call newspaper pulls out of Easton, closes Northampton County office without warning
EASTON — The Morning Call has closed its Northampton County bureau at Fourth and Northampton streets, a move the landlord claims was done without his knowledge. Read More

State Republicans urge voters to ‘post’ tax protests
HARRISBURG — Amidst sticky budget situation marked by a $3.2 billion deficit, Representative Daryl Metcalfe wants taxpayers to leave Post-it Note messages on lawmakers’ doors condemning tax increases. Read More

State sues federal government over welfare payments
State lawyers today filed two lawsuits against the U.S. government in a dispute over more than $20 million. Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare wants a federal judge in Pittsburgh to review decisions made by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to withhold $15.1 million for family planning services and another $5.6 million the federal government claims the state owes for money it spent on needy families. Read More

Burns to Murtha: Return Kuchera contributions to help restore public confidence
JOHNSTON — Tim Burns, a candidate for Congress in the 12th Congressional District, delivered a letter to John Murtha calling on him to return or contribute to charity thousands of dollars in questionable campaign contributions he has received from Kuchera Industries executives and family members in recent years. Read More

Bucks controller: Officials misused funds
The county’s top mental health administrators were accused of buying thousands of dollars in food and party supplies with money meant to teach life skills. Read More

Specter plans hearing on VA prostate cancer treatment
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has shut down the brachytherapy program in Philadelphia and three other VA hospitals with less serious problems. Yesterday, the unfolding scandal prompted Sen. Arlen Specter (D., Pa.) to say he would hold a hearing on the matter in Philadelphia on Monday. Read More

Have a great day!

June 24, 2009 at 5:30 am

--pa2010.com Staff

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