http://admin.politickerpa.com en http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2880/specter-bashes-obama-s-ag-nominee U.S. Sen Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) criticized President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Attorney General Tuesday, questioning Eric Holder's political independence, The Times reports. As the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Specter's support in Holder's confirmation would be crucial if Obama wishes to garner the bipartisan cooperation he has espoused. Holder's confirmation hearing is set for next week. In a speech on the Senate floor, Specter compared Holder to former Bush administration Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, implying that he questioned Holder's "ability to maintain his independence from the president," The Times reports. President US Senate Local Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:48:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2880 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2878/thompson-now-sworn-has-initial-doubts-over-stimulus-bill Newly seated congressman Glenn Thompson officially replaced former U.S. Rep. John Peterson  during a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday in Washington. Now he faces the same question as everyone else sworn-in at the nation's capital -- what kind of stimulus bill should Congress pass? President-elect Barack Obama is proposing a $775 billion stimulus package that could include $300 billion in tax cuts in an effort to appeal to Republicans while invigorating the slumping economy. Thompson told PolitickerPA.com during a brief interview that he hasn't discussed the stimulus package with other congressional Republicans yet, instead receiving his information from media reports. See also on PolitickerPA.com: Congressmen-elect Thompson's staff has heavy Peterson influence Barack Obama Glenn Thompson House John Peterson PA-5 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:37:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2878 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2877/would-you-some-fries-constituent-service Newly-elected state Rep. Kevin Murphy (D-Scranton) is taking a lesson from the fast-food industry and applying it to his district office. No, the 113th Legislative District lawmaker, sworn in today, isn't serving food in the West Scranton office. But constituents can enjoy the ease of a drive-through window for their service needs, The Times-Tribune reports. The window, Murphy hopes, will make it easier for senior citizens and disabled constituents to get the service they need. HD-113 Kevin Murphy Local Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:48:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2877 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2875/murthas-seniority-continues-rise The dean of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown), continues climbing Washington's rungs of power. After swearing in today, Murtha will be the eighth-most senior U.S. House member and the 12th-most senior member in Congress, reports The Tribune-Democrat Monday. If Murtha, who was originally elected in 1974, wins re-election in two years, he will become the longest serving member of the Pennsylvania delegation ever, the paper reports. The 76-year-old Murtha has said he doesn't have any plans to retire. House John Murtha Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:26:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2875 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2874/mccall-becomes-house-speaker-metcalfe-bid-dies-own-caucus HARRISBURG -- State Rep. Keith McCall (D-Carbon County) was officially elected Speaker of the House on Tuesday after receiving the full support of his 104-member Democratic caucus. McCall, whose ascension to the position was mostly a formality after receiving his caucus' support during leadership elections, received five more votes that Republican lawmaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson County), who received 99 votes.  Smith was nominated for Speaker of the House after defeating his colleague Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County), who had surprisingly his announced his candidacy for the position last week, during an internal caucus vote taken Tuesday morning. Metcalfe nominated Smith for speaker on the House floor.  Smith later moved to make it a unanimous vote for McCall. Daryl Metcalfe Keith McCall Pennsylvania legislature Sam Smith Local Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:50:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2874 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2873/rendell-spokesman-calls-rubin-rendell-stories-much-ado-about-nothing HARRISBURG -- Governor Ed Rendell's spokesman pushed back Tuesday against a series of media reports connecting the governor to a political donor at the center of a "pay-to-play" investigation making national headlines. The grand jury investigation, which focuses on contributions made by CDR Financial Products President David Rubin to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and state contracts his company subsequently received, drove Richardson to withdraw as the nominee for President-elect Barack Obama's commerce secretary. On Monday, PolitickerPA.com and several other media outlets reported Rubin gave $40,000 total to Rendell's two gubernatorial campaigns. And The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Tuesday that CDR Financial had a $45,000 contract with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, although governor spokesman Chuck Ardo emphasized that it does not have any contracts with the administration. Ardo reiterated that statement to reporters Tuesday in the Capitol and said the stories are "much ado about nothing." Bill Richardson CDR Financial David Rubin Ed Rendell Governor Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:37:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2873 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2872/lawmakers-swearing-eating HARRISBURG -- The Capitol's rotunda and halls are overflowing with people Tuesday morning as lawmakers gather with families and friends to be sworn in. With the pomp and circumstance, naturally, comes food. Banquets of food, at least one full of the signature hoagie rolls for a Philadelphia cheese-steak, sit strategically placed near the Capitol cafeteria and outside the Senate Caucus room, among other locations. As reform activist Tim Potts put it, "Anybody who can't get a free lunch on the taxpayers isn't trying very hard." Pennsylvania General Assembly Pennsylvania legislature swearing-in cermoney Tim Potts Local Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:11:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2872 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2871/senate-rs-legal-bills-top-1-million Legal bills for Senate Republicans have exceeded more than $1 million as the caucus, and most of the General Assembly, grapples with the attorney general's "Bonusgate" investigation, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Tuesday. The legislature has now paid $4.4 million total to bring in outside counsel since the investigation started, the paper says. House Democrats, the only caucus to be charged thus far, have spent more than $2 million. House Republicans have spent $1.4 million. Part of the Senate Republicans' money has gone to Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, the oft-criticized former firm of Gov. Ed Rendell. Republicans have questioned in the past the firm's involvement with state government because of its cozy relationship with the governor. Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll bonusgate Ed Rendell Pennsylvania legislature Tom Corbett Local Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:38:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2871 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2869/brother-would-be-stunned-beyond-words-if-chris-matthews-ran-senate Stop speculating: Chris Matthews isn't running for U.S. Senate. At least that's what his brother told PolitickerPA.com. Jim Matthews was left with that strong impression after speaking with the MSNBC host when he returned from a two-week vacation in Jamaica. "There's no hint of him running for office," Jim Matthews told PolitickerPA.com in an interview Monday. "That's 1,000 percent true." Jim Matthews, a Republican commissioner in Montgomery County, emphasized that it's his opinion -- he didn't hear it directly out of his brother's mouth. But he said his brother was very upbeat about returning to "Hardball" and already had a new contract offer in hand from the cable news network. "I know there's been discussion about (a Senate run) ... but I would be stunned beyond words if he does anything besides but look forward tomorrow to going to work," Jim Matthews said. "I just think he's recharged." http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2869/brother-would-be-stunned-beyond-words-if-chris-matthews-ran-senate#comments US Senate Allyson Schwartz Arlen Specter Chris Matthews Hardball Jack Wagner Jim Matthews Josh Shapiro MSNBC Patrick Murphy Senate 2010 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:46:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2869 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2868/bilik-defazio-running-judge-westmoreland Democratic private-practice lawyer Meagan Bilik DeFazio said Monday that she will seek one of two judge vacancies in Westmoreland County's Court of Common Pleas. "Our judges have the responsibility of deciding case fairly and impartially while remaining firm," Bilik DeFazio said in a statement. "The community is depending on them to be strong leaders in the courtroom, and my professional experiences demonstrate that I am prepared to undertake this position with the dedication and integrity the people deserve." Westmoreland County has 11 judges in the Court of Common Pleas. Judge elections across the state will be among a slew of low-key local races likely to consume each party's attention this year. Court of Common Pleas Meagan Bilik DeFazio Westmoreland County Local Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:40:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2868 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2867/budget-talk-only-talk-legislature-reconvenes HARRISBURG -- The Capitol awakens Tuesday after a two-week holiday hibernation when lawmakers return to begin a new legislative session. But they won't have time to ease into the new year. A perpetually worsening budget deficit that could total $1.6 billion means this session's crop will face difficult decisions and votes almost immediately. "The budget shortfall and the economy in general will affect every decision that gets made," said Erik Arneson, Senate Republican spokesman. Republicans, who hold a 29-20 majority, will set the Senate's agenda while Democrats, who hold a 104-99 majority, set the House's. budget deficit General Assembly Keith McCall Russ Diamond Local Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:09:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2867 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2866/mcelhatton-wants-debates-philly-da-candidates Philadelphia District Attorney candidate Dan McElhatton on Monday called for a series of primary debates, saying the Democrats vying to replace incumbent Lynne Abraham should "go out into the community and talk with voters about our qualifications, experience, integrity and judgment." Some people interested in the race have yet to make a final decision, so McElhatton, a former prosecutor and City Councilman addressed his debate challenge to his "potential Democratic rivals." Several are running in the May primary to replace Abraham, who is leaving the city's top law enforcement spot open for the first time since 1985. "Considering the serious nature of criminal justice and the pivotal role it plays in shaping both the quality of life in Philadelphia and the equality of justice, these times call for a serious discussion with the public about what they can expect and should demand from the next District Attorney," McElhatton said in a statement.  "At the very least, I believe this City deserves a DA who is honest, qualified, fair and unencumbered by outside influence, in pursuit of justice for all." McElhatton called for at least 5 debates between now and the May 19 primary, which is almost certain to produce the winner in overwhelmingly Democratic Philadelphia. Other Democrats running for the office include former prosecutors Seth Williams, Dan McCaffery and Brian Grady. See also on PolitickerPA.com: Candidate angle for open Philly District Attorney race Brian Grady Dan McCaffery Dan McElhatton Philadelphia Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams Local Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:45:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2866 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2865/embattled-richardson-donor-contributed-40000-rendell The California-based political donor at the center of a "pay-to-play" grand jury investigation into New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has been a major contributor to Gov. Ed Rendell's campaigns and served as an adviser when Rendell took office in 2003. David Rubin, president of CDR Financial Products, contributed $40,000 to Rendell's campaigns for governor between 2001 and 2005, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Six separate donations were made, each either $5,000 or $10,000. Rubin also advised Rendell's Department of Revenue transition team in 2003, according to governor spokesman Chuck Ardo. "David Rubin is a long-time Democratic donor who was an advisor to the Revenue transition team but was never 'at revenue,'" Ardo said in a statement to PolitickerPA.com. "It would be fair to describe him as a consultant." http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2865/embattled-richardson-donor-contributed-40000-rendell#comments Barack Obama Bill Richardson Campaign Contributions David Rubin Ed Rendell Governor Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:31:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2865 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2864/facing-uphill-battle-metcalfe-continues-quest-speakership State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County) on Monday continued his surprising, last-minute campaign to become Speaker of the House, issuing a press release that called Democratic opponent Keith McCall fiscally irresponsible while touting his own economic conservatism.  "A vote for Keith McCall is a complicit choice to continue down the same course established by fiscally irresponsible legislatures of the past," Metcalfe's release, hand delivered to members of the press, stated. "A vote for a Metcalfe speakership is an opportunity to establish the desperately needed, fiscally responsible legislature of the future that is dedicated to putting Pennsylvania taxpayers first." The Butler County lawmaker announced Friday that he was seeking to become House Speaker after giving no prior public indication he was interested in the position. His odds of success appear astronomical -- the ardent conservative would have to attract support from the majority Democratic Caucus, which has already unanimously supported McCall. Metcalfe is also not the leader or whip within the House Republican Caucus. The speaker is formally elected Tuesday. Daryl Metcalfe Keith McCall Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Local Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:37:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2864 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2863/onorato-says-he-has-4m-campaign-cash Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato has more than $4 million in campaign cash on hand, his political action committee announced Monday, making him well positioned for a likely gubernatorial run in 2010. Onorato is considered by many to be the early frontrunner for the Democratic nomination to succeed Gov. Ed Rendell, the two-term Democrat who will leave office in two years. With campaign finance reports not due for another month, Onorato's PAC did not release many details of his fundraising, but did say he had raised about $2.2 million in 2008 and $1.3 million just since the November election. Other Democrats in the mix for the governor's mansion include Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham, Auditor General Jack Wagner, and wealthy Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox, who could greatly impact the dynamics of the race if he spends heavily from his own wallet. See also on PolitickerPA.com: Two years out, a crowded field for governor's mansion Dan Onorato Governor 2010 Governor Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:21:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2863 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2861/if-gerlach-vacates-seat-roggio-gives-himself-50-50-chance-running-again In the early hours of Election Day in November, it looked like Democrat Bob Roggio had a fighting chance of upsetting incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-West Pikeland). The returns from the bluer, Montgomery County parts of the 6th Congressional District were coming in early, and Roggio was sporting a lead in a race few gave him a chance of winning. But Gerlach did well in Chester and Berks Counties, and once again narrowly defeated his Democratic opponent in the increasingly Democratic district. Now, with Gerlach openly considering a run for governor in 2010, Roggio, who lost by four points, is one of many Democrats seeing an opportunity to capture the seat that year. If Gerlach does not seek reelection, Roggio said, there's a good chance he'll make another run at the seat. "Right now, I'd give it a 50-percent chance," Roggio told PolitickerPA.com today, adding that he would also consider another bid against Gerlach. "But I haven't done much thinking about that. I haven't made any decisions about 2010. I do think the Democrats would have an excellent chance." See also on PolitickerPA.com: Gerlach gubernatorial bid would mean big opening for Dems http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2861/if-gerlach-vacates-seat-roggio-gives-himself-50-50-chance-running-again#comments Bob Roggio House Jim Gerlach PA-6 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:21:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2861 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2860/gerber-elected-dlcc-treasurer State Rep. Mike Gerber (D-Whitpain) has been elected Treasurer of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, providing a high-profile platform for a political rising star who is widely said to hold ambitions for higher office. Gerber, who easily won reelection to a second term in Montgomery County's 148th Legislative District in November, announced the new position in an e-mail from his political action committee this morning, framing his election by the DLCC's board of directors as an opportunity for him to play a role in Democratic politics on a national level (full release after the jump). Now the DLCC's third-ranking officer, Gerber is the only officer without a major leadership role in his or her state legislature. The DLCC works to form campaign committees in state legislatures. In a statement provided by Gerber's PAC, Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, the DLCC chairman, said: "Mike has been a welcomed addition to the board. He is one of our most energetic and effective board members. It's rare someone reaches this level within the DLCC at such an early stage of his career." What comes next for Gerber is an open question, but some have speculated he could pursue a seat in the state Senate in the coming years. Mike Gerber Local Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:55:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2860 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2859/santorum-taps-turzai-orie-possible-specter-opponents Former Senator Rick Santorum pointed to state Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) and state Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny County) as the two front-runners to challenge U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter in a 2010 primary should Pat Toomey decline to run again. "If Toomey, now president of the Club for Growth, doesn't run for the U.S. Senate, State Sen. Jane Orie and state House Minority Whip Mike Turzai head a list of possible conservative candidates," Santorum wrote last week in his column for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Whether Specter is challenged in the primary is one of this year's biggest questions. Besides Toomey, the list of possible Republican opponents has been unclear. Turzai and Orie, while lacking statewide reputations, are two of the most high-profile GOP lawmakers in Harrisburg. http://admin.politickerpa.com/alexroarty/2859/santorum-taps-turzai-orie-possible-specter-opponents#comments US Senate Arlen Specter Jane Orie Mike Turzai Pat Toomey Rick Santorum Senate 2010 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:37:00 -0500 Alex Roarty 2859 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2857/casey-kanjorski-make-economic-stimulus-wish-lists Everyone wants something. With President-elect Barack Obama expected to enact major economic stimulus legislation shortly after taking office, U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Nanticoke) and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) joined in the chorus of political leaders making clear their desires of what any stimulus package will include. In letters to Congressional leaders, each laid out his own similar priorities, mostly made up of the usual requests for infrastructure and health care investment, as well as aid for local municipalities, The Times-Tribune reported. Casey, as one of Obama's earliest supporters in Pennsylvania, is likely to enjoy considerable sway in the Senate during the new administration's early days. US Senate Bob Casey House Paul Kanjorski Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:35:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2857 at http://politicker.com http://admin.politickerpa.com/danh/2856/philly-da-candidate-williams-opening-campaign-hq Philadelphia District Attorney candidate Seth Williams is officially opening his campaign headquarters today, choosing the Center City office used as a Pennsylvania base by President-elect Barack Obama during his campaign. Williams, a former city prosecutor and Inspector General, is one of several Democrats vying for Philadelphia's top law enforcement spot. Incumbent Lynne Abraham is not seeking reelection, leaving the seat open for the first time since 1985. Other candidates for the May primary that is likely to determine the winner include former prosecutors Dan McCaffery and Dan McElhatton. The Center City office was also the home base of Gov. Ed Rendell's first gubernatorial campaign in 2002. Philadelphia Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams Local Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:33:00 -0500 Dan Hirschhorn 2856 at http://politicker.com