The First Read — September 17, 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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EXCLUSIVE: Doherty gubernatorial run seems a sure shot
With a political team in place and fundraising outreach well underway, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is now all-but-certain to run for governor, pa2010.com has learned. Read More

In PA-6, a Dem primary that wasn’t now emerges
Dan Wofford had passed. Bob Roggio had said no thanks. State Senator Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) had also decided against running for Congress in the 6th District. The Democratic primary field seemed clear for former Inquirer editorial writer Doug Pike. Campaign and party insiders were poised to focus all their attention on the general election, seemingly eyeing their best chance of winning the seat since it was first redrawn by Republicans in 2002. And then Manan Trivedi showed up. Read More

Welch stays mum on the money question
It’s no secret that Republican Steven Welch is wealthy, and everyone expects him to spend from his own wallet in his attempt to win a Congressional seat. That perception has only heightened since he decided to run in the 6th District instead of the 7th. He faces a crowded primary, and if he wins, a potential general election matchup against Democrat Doug Pike, another wealthy candidate who has already given his own campaign more than half-a-million dollars. But while one campaign insider has acknowledged that Welch will be dipping into his own fortune over the next year, Welch isn’t putting a number on it. Read More

Barack Obama bets the house on Arlen Specter
PITTSBURGH — President Obama and the Democratic establishment are keeping up their end of the bargain with Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter, and the Pennsylvania senator seems to be keeping up his. Read More

Two hours of ‘productive’ budget talks take place in Harrisburg
Legislative leaders met for two hours Wednesday with the hope of resolving the longest budget impasse in modern state history, which is crippling cash flow for social service agencies. Read More

Casey pessimistic about Baucus plan
Senator Bob Casey emphasized that negotiations were still in the early phase, even though Senator Max Baucus has been hashing things out within his committee for several months. “It’s early in the debate, even on the question of the public option,” Casey said, suggesting that it won’t be over until it is over. Read More

Santorum for President in 2012 handicaps Specter for Senate in 2010
He was run out of the U.S. Senate by Pennsylvania voters who overwhelmingly supported Bob Casey in the 2006 election, but a little tea-partying bird must be whispering in the ear of Rick Santorum. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Smerconish and Specter: Two of a kind

Even without a b udget, Rendell makes Esquire’s Best People in the World list
A hang-dog Rendell doesn’t seem the right kind of persona for the ubiquitous leader of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth, especially with Rendell’s inclusion in an Esquire magazine piece. Read More
Also on the blogosphere: Rendell says he’s ‘done running’

Senators want to slow down table games
Two Republican senators think the Legislature is moving too quickly toward legalizing table games at Pennsylvania casinos. Read More

New Pa. public-records law: Lots of requests… and lawsuits
Since the beginning of the year, a new Pennsylvania law on public records has been sending tremors through state and local governments. Read More

Budget stalemate called worst ever
Pennsylvania’s 78-day budget impasse is the longest the state has faced in modern history, and it is having the most impact on groups that receive state money. Read More

State budget talks delay action on Philly relief bill
Senate Republicans had anticipated meeting Wednesday to discuss where they stood on House Bill 1828, the Nutter-supported legislation that would raise $700 million for Philadelphia, in part, by raising the city sales tax. Now, it seems no such discussion will occur until Thursday. Read More

Have a great day!

September 17, 2009 at 5:30 am

--pa2010.com Staff

Tags: The First Read