The First Read — September 14, 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.

Sign up for The First Read. And for all the latest news, log on to pa2010.com, your destination for Pennsylvania’s big 2010 elections.

Switching races for Meehan, Welch to run in 6th District
Republican businessman Steven Welch said Saturday that he will run for Congress in the 6th District, abandoning his campaign for the 7th District seat now being pursued by former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan. Read More

Meehan set to announce Congressional bid today
After calling off his run for Governor, former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan will announce his candidacy for Congress during a series of events in the 7th District today. Log-on to pa2010.com throughout the day for complete coverage. Read More

Rendell scorns what he calls ‘get-out-of-town’ spending plan
Yesterday marked the 75th day of the state budget impasse, and Gov. Ed Rendell is facing a mutiny in his own party and the prospect of a veto override on a spending agreement among legislative leaders that he derides as a “get out of town budget.” Read More

Schroder camp notes Welch’s residency, but doesn’t criticize
State Representative Curt Schroder’s (R-Chester) campaign made sure to point out that its newest opponent doesn’t actually live in the 6th District, but stopped short of an outright attack on that front. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Costello also passes on attacking Welch

Background aids Altmire in health care debate
Jason Altmire had a ground-level view of how it all went wrong the last time during a major national effort to overhaul health care. Read More

Oxman heads consultant team for Lentz
In his bid to win the 7th District Congressional seat, state Representative Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware) will have help from one of the state’s premiere political consultants. Read More

Santorum admits to pondering presidential run
ORLANDO—Speaking to a room full of prominent Catholic leaders, former Senator Rick Santorum was challenged to run for the Republican presidential nomination. Responding to a room already thick with applause, Santorum revealed that he was indeed “thinking about it,” but asked for prayers and detailed his thinking on the matter. Read More

Roggio endorses Trivedi in PA-6, while Pike continues to rack up establishment support
Democrat Manan Trivedi got the first endorsement of his nascent 6th District Congressional run last week, when last year’s candidate in the district threw his support behind the Reading doctor. Read More

ODDS & ENDS: Specter the Dem campaigner, Gerlach’s pledge and another opponent for Schwartz
When Senator Arlen Specter defected to the Democrats earlier this year, we wondered whether down-ballot candidates in his new party would trot him out to lend a campaigning hand. Well, a recent e-mail shows that yes, indeed they will, and Specter will oblige. Read More

Dunmore council in disarray
While Dunmore verges on bankruptcy, some council members are ignoring open records laws and borough rules, bickering and refusing communications, and walking out of public meetings early. Read More

Kanjorski prescription may be divide, conquer
Lackawanna County Commissioner Corey O’Brien wasn’t invited to see President Obama’s health care speech in person last week, but fellow county Commissioner Mike Washo had a front-row seat. Read More

Lansdale candidates go to the mat, literally
To gin up interest in their mayoral contest, the candidates wriggled into blimp-like inflatable suits and squared off in the band shell at Whites Road Park. Read More

Specter says Wilson should get ‘reprimand or censure’ for heckling Obama
Continuing his strong defense of President Obama, Senator Arlen Specter said that Congressman Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) should be formally admonished for yelling “you lie” at Obama during his speech. Read More

Holden will preside over din of health care debate
As a “Blue Dog” Democrat, Tim Holden has concerns about his party’s proposed health care overhaul. But if and when the bill moves to the House floor, expect to see Holden in the role of presiding officer. Read More

Double dippin’ in Harrisburg
During the 2007-08 session, the House chief clerk’s office spent almost $250,000 on catered dinners for lawmakers, most of whom were collecting $146 per day for food and lodging costs. It’s one of those many expenditures you rarely hear about. It’s yet another example of how your tax money gets frittered away at the Capitol. Read More

State Agriculture Secretary quits, takes new post
After serving in his post for 6 1/2 years, state Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff has left to work as a government relations specialist with Versant Strategies. Read More

Have a great day!

September 14, 2009 at 5:30 am

--pa2010.com Staff

Tags: The First Read