⏰ Here we go… another Monday.
🗞️ PoliticsPA Guide is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
Weather in Pennsylvania
☔ Penn Hills | Rain, 53
🌧️ Hummelstown | Rain, 45
☂️ Netherlands | Rain, 50
Sports PA
🏈 Steelers (10-3) | Cleveland 27-14 | Sun vs. Philadelphia
🏈 Eagles (11-2) | Karolina 22-16 | Sun vs. Pittsburgh
🏈 Penn State (11-2) | Oregon 37-45 | December 21 vs. SMU
🏀 Sixes (7-15) | Orlando 102-94 | Chicago 108-100 | Friday vs. Indiana
🏒 Flyers (12-12-4) | Boston 3-4 (overtime) | Utah 2-4 | Tuesday vs. Columbus
🏒 Penguins (12-13-4) | NY Rangers 2-4 | Toronto 5-2 | Tuesday vs. Colorado
🔊 What we hear. Corey O’Connor on Tuesday night, he will announce that he is a candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh.
🎂 Happy birthday. Cake and candles for Senator Amanda Cappelletti.
📱 Social media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media sites where you can get the latest political news from across the Commonwealth: Twitter | Blue | Facebook | LinkedIn
The most critical story
1. Citing ‘political polarization’ across the US, Shapiro urged cooperation at Society of Pennsylvania dinner
“Pennsylvania’s wealthy and political elite held a lavish gathering in midtown Manhattan on Saturday evening to celebrate civility and philanthropy in the state, with a dinner headlined by Governor Josh Shapiro.
The dinner capped off an elegant weekend in which lawmakers, policymakers and lobbyists jostle between a dozen parties, encouraging Pennsylvania’s most powerful officials to meet where no one has a home-court advantage.
Shapiro, a first-term Democrat, listed his administration’s accomplishments over the past year and how Democrats and Republicans have managed to unite on major issues.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
At the PA Society, Dave McCormick is the most popular person in the room. “As he worked through a packed schedule of a dozen events beginning Thursday, the soon-to-be sworn-in Republican was surrounded by Republicans delighted that McCormick had ousted three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. “He was almost equally welcomed by Democrats eager to forge a new relationship with Pennsylvania’s next junior senator.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Senator Bob Casey ready to leave the US Senate after 18 years “with his head held high”. “As he prepares to leave office, his colleagues and Democratic supporters say they will miss his hard work, humility and bipartisanship, though even prominent Pennsylvania Republicans are quick to describe him as a good man committed to public service. ”(Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser is considering a 2026 run for PA governor, and Treasurer Stacy Garrity isn’t ruling out either. “Many Pennsylvania Republicans, gathered for the state’s annual getaway to New York filled with fancy parties, had a similar desire to challenge Shapiro more seriously this time.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Country
2. Meet Trump’s 2024 electors and learn more about the Electoral College
“Republican Donald Trump he will become president again in January, but first his electors will have to gather across the country to cast their votes.
This ceremonial part of the Electoral College takes place shortly before Congress counts the electoral votes ahead of the January 20 inauguration.
Here’s a look at Pennsylvania’s electors and their responsibilities.” (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
More than $38 million spent on Lehigh Valley congressional race. “The Lehigh Valley congressional district turned out to be one of the costliest U.S. House races in the country this year, generating more than $38.2 million in spending, according to a campaign finance tracker.” (LehighValleyNews.com)
A former Trump adviser – backed by a Bucks County venture capitalist – says he will run for chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party. “Ted Christian, who served as state director for the Trump campaign in 2016, announced his intention to run for the position on Friday.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Weakened U.S. public broadcasters will be fighting for their lives in 2025. “Last week, Republican Senator John Kennedy introduced the subtly named ‘Propaganda Prohibition Act.’ If passed into law, it would end federal funding of U.S. public media. “Kennedy is the latest in a long line of Republicans who have advanced legislation aimed at defunding NPR, PBS, their member stations and their primary funding mechanism, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” (Traffic lights)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. December brings a different kind of preparation for political candidates
“For the average Pittsburgher, December is usually about preparing for the holidays and staying out of the cold, but for politicians, with the upcoming election, it means fundraising, hiring and developing campaign strategies.
This is the time of year when campaigns do the behind-the-scenes groundwork: lobbying donors, hiring staff and preparing speeches.
But it’s also about finding balance.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Elsewhere
Math takes a backseat, social justice drives the bus in AP schools. “Despite dismal student test scores across the commonwealth, the state continues to prioritize social justice initiatives over academic achievement. Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) signed a $350,000 contract to “achieve educational equity and racial justice by rebuilding the statewide pipeline for Black educators.”Wide + Freedom)
Pittsburgh’s budget on the brink in 2025. “The city’s bleak financial outlook puts a strain on police and emergency services.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Philadelphia judge Patrick Dugan is abandoning plans to run for district attorney as the race heats up. “Dugan, 64, is expected to announce his plans to challenge District Attorney Larry Krasner in the coming weeks.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
A new form of government? Why the City of Erie Might Consider a Home Rule Charter. “Should the City of Erie transition to a new form of government? Voters could be asked to cast ballots as early as 2025.” (Erie Times-News)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
1 Educational thing
5. Everyone is a winner
Later today, interim acting secretary of education Angela Monter will announce the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. The finalists are:
- Sherry Appleton of Middle Bucks Institute of Technology
- Anne Fisher, Downingtown Middle School, Downingtown Area School District
- Rob Hodgson, McDowell High School, Millcreek Township School District
- Jill Hyatt, Meadville Area Middle/High School, Crawford Central School District
- Brooke Nenadal, Curtin High School, Williamsport Area School District
- Darla Romberger, Cumberland Valley High School, Cumberland Valley School District
- Bo Shappell, Daniel Boone Area High School, Daniel Boone Area School District
- Jennifer Sharek, Blackhawk High School, Blackhawk School District
- Leon Smith, Haverford High School, Haverford Township School District
- Kevin Tomlinson, Evergreen Elementary School, Perkiomen Valley School District
- Jennifer Toney, Sharpsville Area Elementary School, Sharpsville Area School District
- Jessica Waber, Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, School District of Philadelphia
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
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