😀 Monday, Monday. Last day of September.
Weather in Pennsylvania
☔ Curwensville | Rain, 65
🌂Stewartstown | Chance of rain, 66
☁️ Tannersville | Mostly dull, 72
Sports PA
⚾ Phillies (95-67) | Washington 6-3 | NLDS vs. TBD
⚾ Pirates (76-86) | NY Yankees 6-4
🏈 Pennsylvania State (4-0) | Illinois 21-7 | Saturday vs. UCLA
⚽ Union (9-10-12) | Atlanta United 1-1 | Wednesday – Orlando City
🏈 Eagles (2-2) | Tampa Bay 16-33 | October 12 vs. Cleveland
🏈 Steelers (3-1) | Indianapolis 24-27 | Sun vs. Dallas
👂What we hear. “Erie is the quintessential Pennsylvania electorate concentrated in one area.” U.S. Senator John Fetterman he said. “You have the city, you have more rural and suburban areas together.”
📆 What’s happening today. The state House meets at noon and the state Senate meets at 1 p.m
📊 PoliticsPA Poll Tracker (average of the last 5 PA polls)
President: Harris +1.3% | Senate: Casey +6.9%
🗞️ You asked about PA news. We deliver. Where can you find the latest information on political events in the Keystone State? Sign up for the PoliticsPA Guide. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8am. And it’s free. Add your name to the list and sign up now.
The most vital story
1. From Obama to Trump to Biden: Why Erie County’s next pick will likely be our next president
“For seven consecutive elections, Erie County has been a Democratic stronghold in presidential politics Michael Dukakis Down Barack Obama.
Donald Trump he changed everything in 2016, becoming the first Republican to win the county since then Ronald Reagan in 1984 and became the first to win the state since 1988.
The fact that the Democratic stronghold would support Trump, even just a little, has put Erie County in the political spotlight. Only 206 counties nationwide supported Obama twice and then turned to Trump.” (Erie Times-News)
Elsewhere
In Erie, Donald Trump doubles down on suggestions that Kamala Harris is ‘mentally retarded’. “Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday that Vice President Kamala Harris is ‘mentally retarded,’ marking the second time in as many days that he questioned his opponent’s mental capacity even as he faced widespread criticism for doing so.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Trump suggests giving police officers “one really brutal day” to stop crime. “In yet another anti-immigrant tirade, the former president falsely claimed that crime was up so cops should be allowed to be “extremely rough” (Rolling Stone)
Republicans are committing money to break the Democrats’ blue wall in the Senate. “Working to flip seats currently held by Democrats, the Senate Leadership Fund plans to spend $67.5 million on television, radio and digital ad bookings in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Super PAC will add $28 million to outside spending as part of Republican effort to unseat Sen. Bob Casey in Pennsylvania.” (Wall Street Journal)
What is Bridgewater and why it matters in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania. “With $124 billion in assets under management, Bridgewater is not your typical hedge fund. Not only is Bridgewater huge, but it’s also known on Wall Street as a unique and sometimes controversial company that pioneered a research-based investing approach that helped predict the 2008 financial crisis. (PennLive)
Country
2. Election 2024: Races of powerful interests financing critical governments
“As labor unions, interest groups and Pennsylvania’s richest man pour millions into the key attorney general election, the state’s two consecutive races for office attracted significantly fewer dollars in the months leading up to November 5.
Money doesn’t always determine results in these critical but low-interest races. In 2020, two virtually unknown Republicans prevailed against better-financed opponents for the positions of auditor general and treasurer. “Democrats want these positions returned, even though only one of the party’s candidates outperforms the incumbent.” (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
As Kamala Harris judges voters in Pennsylvania, Black Greek lives are brought into the spotlight. “For Black Americans, the path to the polls was not without costs. For two centuries, dozens of Black men and women have risked their lives to obtain the right to vote, and that’s what makes voter engagement a top priority for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the body that governs the country’s nine parliaments. the oldest and most famous black sororities and brotherhoods.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Democrats positive about TV host Janelle Stelson’s chances against GOP Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. “The 10th District race has some distinctive features and unique candidate stories that put this race in the spotlight, even in a state that is already saturated with high-stakes political races.” (CBS News
Deluzio and Mercuri trade debates that didn’t come to fruition in the congressional race. “Just over a month from Election Day, candidates in the region’s most competitive congressional race have no plans to meet on the debate stage — although both sides say they remain willing to meet in one meeting.” (THAT’S ALL)
PA Treasurer Race pits incumbent Trump supporter against Democratic newcomer. “Voters are focused more on the presidential race than on the treasurer battle between Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity and Democratic challenger Erin McClelland. But that’s why it matters.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
According to the latest financial reports, Kenyatta is significantly outperforming incumbent Auditor General Defoor. “Malcolm Kenyatta’s campaign raised $491,200 while DeFoor’s campaign raised $67,800. The difference is particularly noticeable when, overall, incumbents tend to outperform their competitors. (Penn Capital Star)
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta sued by Drexel University for unpaid tuition and late fees. “Court documents show that Kenyatta, also the Democratic nominee for auditor general in the November election, was sued in January by Drexel University for more than $36,000 in unpaid tuition and late fees.” (Wide + Freedom)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Here are the AP House races to watch in November that will decide who takes and who stays in control
“This year, all 203 state House seats will be up for re-election. But only a few races will decide who takes or maintains control.
There are five Democrats and five Republicans in all of Pennsylvania who are vulnerable to a challenger because of the makeup of their district.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Absentee ballots mean many will vote well before Election Day. “As soon as ballots are available, we will also begin over-the-counter voting at the County Clerk’s Office building – meaning you will be able to walk in, apply for an absentee ballot on-site, receive your ballot, vote and return it.” on site or take it home and finish later.” (Greensburg Tribune Review)
The race to watch: What voters need to know about Rep. state AP Craig Williams and Democratic challenger Elizabeth Moro. “The 160th District race between Williams and Moro could determine which party controls the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.” (WHY)
Republican Rep. Brett Miller faces a progressive challenger in the 41st District. “Voters in Lancaster County’s most competitive state House race will choose between two very distinct candidates: a self-described ‘constitutional conservative’ and a liberal Democrat.” (LNP | Lancaster on the Internet)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
1 item
5. Sorry, Harvard. Everyone wants to go to college in the South now
“A growing number of northern high school seniors are making unexpected college choices: going to Clemson, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Alabama and other southern universities.
Students say they look to their social media for fun and school spirit that emanates from the South. Their parents cite lower tuition, less debt and warmer weather. College counselors also say many teenagers are eager to trade the political polarization blighting campuses in New England and New York for the sense of community epitomized by football Saturdays in the South.” (WSJ)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
Please invite your friends
to sign up for the PoliticsPA Guide
