🗞️ PoliticsPA guide is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
Weather in Pennsylvania
❄️ Stoneboro | Snow (1-3”), 26
❄️ Pottsville | Snow (1-2”), 24
⛅ Bala Cynwyd | Rising clouds, 32
Sports PA
🏈 Eagles (15-3) | Sun vs. LA Rams
🏒 Flyers (19-20-6) | Thu vs. NY Islanders
🏒 Penguins (18-20-8) | Friday vs. Buffalo
🏀 Sixes (15-24) | New York 119-125 | Saturday vs. Indianapolis
🔊 What we hear. Trump’s transition team is perfecting its operations Sean PlankeyCEO of Indigo Vault/global head of cybersecurity software and a veteran of the Pennsylvania National Guard, on his selection as the next director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA.
🔊 What we hear II. House Majority Forward, an affiliate of Democratic super PAC House Majority Forward, is rolling out novel ads as part of a $10 million ad buy targeting GOP incumbents, including Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie AND Scott Perryon economic issues.
The most crucial story
1. Biden warns in gloomy farewell speech of growing democracy threatening ‘oligarchy’
“President Joe Biden warned of America’s growing ultra-wealthy “oligarchy” that poses a threat to the nation’s democracy, in a grave farewell speech on Wednesday as he prepares to hand back the White House Donald Trump. Speaking for the final time in the Oval Office, Biden expressed a number of concerns about the country’s future, calling on Americans to defend American institutions against “powerful forces” trying to transform the pillars of society.” (POLICY)
Elsewhere
Trump’s AG nominee won’t say who won 2020 election, but repeats fraud claims about PA: ‘I’ve seen so much’.‘ “Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. attorney general, repeatedly brought up the Pennsylvania issue when she refused to answer a question about who won the 2020 presidential election during Wednesday’s Senate confirmation hearing.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Fetterman’s approach to Trump raises speculation. “dream. “John Fetterman (R-Pennsylvania)’s outspoken approach to President-elect Trump is fueling questions about his motives and irritating some other Democrats.” (Hill)
Crisis of the Democrats’ future: the largest countries that support them are shrinking. “After a presidential election in which they lost all seven swing states, Democrats face a demographic challenge that could, in the long run, shorten their path to victory in the U.S. House of Representatives or the White House.” (AP)
Energy Secretary Pick tells McCormick he is focusing on LNG, increasing PA AI industry resources. “Chris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, says the United States should leverage Pennsylvania’s opulent resources, including liquefied natural gas and nuclear power, to strengthen its economy and national security and become a leader in a growing industry artificial intelligence.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Country
2. RSLC unveils strategy to take majority on state Supreme Court
“The Republican State Leadership Committee plans to invest millions in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania Supreme Court races as part of its effort to secure conservative control in 2025. “2025 Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Supreme Court races will decide map drawing in federal states and state levels after the next redistricting cycle and for many years to come,” the future president of the RSLC Edith Jorge-Tuñón said in an email to investors.” (Washington Examiner)
Elsewhere
The group considers the potential and risks of funding PA university performance. “Currently, the three state-affiliated schools collectively receive more than $550 million annually in state funds. The move to a performance-based funding formula was supported by lawmakers in both parties, as well as Governor Josh Shapiro.” (Penn Capital Star)
Expanded voter ID, absentee ballot changes on table as PA lawmakers begin novel session. “Pennsylvania lawmakers as they begin a new legislative session this month are preparing to debate what changes, if any, should be made to the way state elections are conducted.” (Vote for Pennsylvania)
GOP elects State Senate committee chairmen. “The State Senate Republican Majority Caucus has selected committee chairs for the upcoming 2025-2026 legislative session.” (PoliticsPA)
US Attorney Eric Olshan resigns from office. “American attorney charged with prosecuting federal cases in the Western District of Pennsylvania steps down.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)
Cicero resigns as state consumer advocate; Sunday is asking candidates to replace him. “Attorney General-elect Dave Sunday said Wednesday that current state consumer advocate Patrick Cicero does not want to participate in Sunday’s process of considering any interested employee for positions at the discretion of the attorney general’s office.” (Indiana newspaper)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Philadelphia is the only county in Pennsylvania without an authorized director of Veterans Affairs. Vets want answers
“After members of the armed forces were discharged, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs says there is one person in their area they need to meet as they transition to civilian life. Except that’s not possible in Philadelphia. (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
When Senator A.P. Laughlin sued the Erie Reader for defamation, the public paid some legal fees. “State Sen. Dan Laughlin said he did not use public money to pay his lawyers in a defamation lawsuit brought by a Republican lawmaker against the Erie Reader newspaper. Public records show he used campaign funds to pay legal fees that exceeded $100,000.” (Erie Times-News)
Efforts are underway to restart the ballot referendum process to sever Pittsburgh’s ties to Israel. “After last summer’s failed attempt, another attempt was launched to obtain enough signatures to launch a referendum on the ballot asking Pittsburgh residents whether the Home Rule Charter should be amended to bring the city’s finances in line with a “moral standard” that would include separation from Israel. ”(Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Jason Richey, a former gubernatorial candidate, is eyeing the Allegheny County GOP committee chair. “A former Republican candidate for governor and a construction and energy lawyer at one of the largest law firms in the world is running for the position of chairman of the district’s Republican committee.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
One year later, Commissioner Justin Douglas continues to obstruct Dauphin County government. “Acquiring the county’s top job caps a stunning career trajectory for a non-political pastor who has been tapped to run for political office in 2023.” (PennLive)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
- This “other” John Fetterman is not novel – he has always been different. (John Baer)
- Are Fetterman and Trump buddies? Their meeting proves that there is still common sense in politics. (IngridJacques)
- Off the Cliffs: Weird CEO Rant Shows Why Trump Should Reverse Biden’s Nippon Blockade (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
- How Pennsylvania House Democrats Could Derail Shapiro’s National Ambitions. (Eric Telford)
- The increasing apply of foul language in seats of power reflects a broader decline. (Kansas City Star)
1 item
5. The FDA bans the apply of red dye in food production
“U.S. regulators on Wednesday banned a dye called Red 3 from the nation’s food supply, nearly 35 years after it was banned from use in cosmetics because of its potential cancer risk. The agency said it was taking these actions “within the law” because some studies have shown the dye causes cancer in lab rats. ”(LehighValleyNews.com)
