The First Read — August 10, 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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Meehan and Welch will meet soon, source says
Now that former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan seems likely to run for Congress in the 7th District, he and Republican candidate Steven Welch are planning to meet in the coming days, according to a Welch campaign insider. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Meehan now ’seriously considering’ Congressional run
Also on pa2010.com: Gerlach says Meehan’s likely exit will bolster him

Specter says he’s ready to battle Sestak ‘toe-to-toe’
Continuing his escalating war of words against Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7), Senator Arlen Specter on Sunday said he didn’t want to run a negative campaign, but was prepared to do so if necessary in next year’s primary. Read More

Iraq vet to take on Carney
Chris Carney has an opponent. The 10th District Congressman, considered to be one of the safer Democrats occupying conservative seats, got his first challenger Friday when Iraq war veteran Christopher Bain announced his candidacy, The Sun-Gazette reports. At a anti-tax Tea Party, the Purple Heart winner said he would be an advocate for veterans. Read More

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell doles out $361 million in borrowed money
Faced with the growing impact of a prolonged recession and revenue shortfalls, Gov. Ed Rendell last fall froze state hiring, ordered spending reductions and hunkered down for a coming budget battle. Read More

Philly officer accused of unauthorized Obama check
PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia’s police department is investigating why an officer used his police car’s computer to run a criminal background check on President Barack Obama. Read More

Ideology, election stall deal on Pennsylvania budget, analysts say
If the state budget talks merely were about a spending plan for this fiscal year, many observers, including legislators, think the 2009-10 budget would be signed and everyone would be getting their money. Read More

Sestak’s brother: The Congressman’s ‘political guru’
FOLSOM—It’s no secret that Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7), in electoral politics for just a little over three years, likes to keep tight political counsel. Ever since his first Congressional run in 2006, his brother Richard has been his chief political adviser, the man closest to the candidate’s ear. Other family members, including his sister Meg, have filled key campaign roles. Read More

Costello declares candidacy for PA-6
Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello officially entered the 6th District Congressional race Thursday, setting up a GOP primary battle as the party looks to hold the seat being vacated by incumbent Jim Gerlach. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Vitali met with DCCC in Washington

Fumo loses Pa. Senate health-care benefits
HARRISBURG – The state Senate is stripping Vincent J. Fumo of his lifetime state-paid health benefits, in the latest financial aftershock from his public corruption conviction. Read More

Lokuta says ex-judges orchestrated removal
Around the Luzerne County Courthouse, Michael T. Conahan was known as “the boss,” who controlled jobs, intimidated employees and pushed to get juveniles sent to a detention center that paid him kickbacks, a former county official said in a statement filed Friday with the state Court of Judicial Discipline. Read More

Have a great day!

August 10, 2009 at 5:30 am

--pa2010.com Staff

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