🐪 Halfway home. Christmas/Hanukkah is just a week away.
🗞️ 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
🌧️Berlin | Rain, 38
☔ Blossburg | Rain, 38
🌂 Blue Bell | Prime Minister Rain, 51
Sports PA
🏀 Sixes (8-16) | Friday vs. Charlotte
🏒 Penguins (14-14-5) | Los Angeles 3-2 (overtime) | Thu vs. Nashville
🏒 Leaflets (14-13-4) | Wednesday vs. Detroit
🔉 What we hear. Rep. Susan Wild AND Senator Bob Casey will deliver speeches today before the House and Senate.
📱 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 vital story
1. Pennsylvania’s 60th Electoral College elects Trump and Vance
“Commonwealth Secretary Al Schmidt presided over the 60th meeting of the Electoral College of Pennsylvania at noon today, during which 19 electors voted unanimously in favor Donald J. Trump for president and JD Vance for Vice President of the United States, according to the results of the popular vote in Pennsylvania in the November 5 election.” (PolitykaPA)
Elsewhere
AP GOP voters cite the role of mail-in ballots in formally casting votes for Trump and Vance. “Pennsylvania’s Electoral College met Tuesday to formalize Donald Trump’s November victory in the commonwealth, reflecting the GOP’s abrupt change in position on mail-in ballots and allegations of fraud four years ago.” (PennLive)
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans still hasn’t voted since suffering a stroke in May, but says he will return in January. “Democrats will need Evans when the new Congress is sworn in on January 3 as Republicans aim to pass the legislation with the narrowest majorities in modern history.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
The Pennsylvania case shows why courts should not disregard post-election controversy. “Voting in the 2024 presidential election may have ended more than a month ago, but a recent court decision in Pennsylvania over electioneering at the polls will prohibit such unlawful conduct for many years.” (Federalist)
Country
2. Campaign Funds, the secret nonprofit that pays for Josh Shapiro’s sports tickets
“Governor Josh Shapiro watched a Villanova University basketball game last week with the coach who won two national championships.
A few days later, he chatted with onlookers outside Lincoln Financial Field before going inside to watch the Philadelphia Eagles play the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Shapiro did not pay for either ticket out of his own pocket. (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
A state representative is advertising for a County Executive position using the “One Lehigh” platform.. “The campaign season is in full swing in Lehigh County. “A day after a small business owner opened his candidacy for Allentown City Council, State Rep. Josh Siegel entered the race for Lehigh County Executive.” (LehighValleyNews.com)
The Gaming Control Commission reports record monthly results for November. “The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) today reported that the combined total revenue generated from all forms of gaming, including fantasy sports competitions, in November 2024 was a record $562,368,782.” (PoliticsPA)
Amid contract controversy, 2 Dauphin County political figures are leaving law firm. “Two political power brokers – one of whom was involved in questionable contracts with Dauphin County – have separated from the renowned law firm of McNees, Wallace & Nurick.” (PennLive)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Officials continue to investigate voting issues in Cambria County
“We continue our efforts to determine what caused problems with the voting process in Cambria County during the last general election and how to prevent problems from recurring in the future.
A printing error caused the ballots to be unreadable by voting machines.
“The problems required a manual recount of thousands of ballots, which took several days.” (Johnstown Tribune-Democrat)
Elsewhere
The Allegheny County Council supports an air quality fee augment. “The Allegheny County Council on Tuesday again decided to vote to increase fees for polluters to help run its clean air program, along with higher fees for asbestos abatement and related permits and services.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is launching a novel website to showcase the city’s progress on campaign promises. “The website, called Philly Stat 360, shows the city’s progress based on more than 30 metrics across categories, including safer, cleaner, greener and economic opportunity.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Chester County will augment taxes by more than 13 percent. “Chester County Commissioners are poised to increase property taxes on residents by 13.47 percent at their December 18 meeting.” (DV Journal)
New kids in town
- State Rep. Scott Barger wants to find common ground on public education. (Penn Capital Star)
- State Rep. Brian Rasel wants to stop the “population bleeding.” (Penn Capital Star)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
1 item
5. What was the biggest political lie of 2024?
“A leading fact-checking group has released its reader-voted biggest political lie of the year.
On Tuesday, the nonpartisan PoltiFact group recognized “They Eat Pets” as the hit of 2024. (PennLive)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And I read the PoliticsPA Playbook
