☝️ For many, it’s the last day of the working week.
Weather in Pennsylvania
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Sports PA
🏀 Sixes (3-13) | Wednesday vs. Houston
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The most critical story
1. Poll: Shapiro ahead of other Democrats early in the 2028 presidential election
“Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiroseen as a leading contender for the 2028 Democratic nomination, Emerson College is ahead of some other Democrats and presidential candidates in the first post-election poll Emerson College released Tuesday.
In a national poll of 1,000 registered voters conducted by Emerson College, the popular swing state governor, who has worked to build his national brand, received 3% of the vote. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also comes in at 3%, with both governors four points behind California Governor Gavin Newsom and one point loss Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Thirty-seven percent of voters – the highest favorability among the listed candidates – want a repeat of 2024, in which Vice President Kamala Harris According to the survey, the leader in 2028. (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Trump’s campaign to win over Black Philadelphians has had some success. Black voters told us why. “Democrats underperformed in 649 of 688 Black-majority precincts in Philadelphia, while Trump increased his vote share in 635 Black-majority precincts compared to 2020.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
The second Trump administration will be full of losers. “For someone for whom winning has become a key part of his personal, professional and political brand, Donald Trump will rely on a large pool of losers during his second term. The president-elect has tapped more than a dozen people who previously lost elections to join his administration next year.” (Roll call)
Country
2. How did Democrats maintain their majority in the PA House of Representatives during the red tide? Redistricting is part of the answer
“In an election year that saw major Republican victories in Pennsylvania, the state House remained under Democratic control by one seat.
The party’s ability to maintain a majority during the red wave can be partly explained by the newer district boundaries approved in early 2022 and partly by specific voter behavior.
Experts say the current House map was drawn so that the majority reflects statewide party preferences. “Based on election results across the commonwealth, the slim majority for both Democrats and Republicans was a reasonable result.” (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
Wild considers his future away from Congress. Another run is not ruled out. “For the first time in decades, U.S. Representative Susan Wild’s travel itinerary will be released.” (LehighValleyNews.com)
Why is the country “bleeding red” in 2024?. Voices of Reason podcast with interviewers Berwood Yost and Chris Borick. (PoliticsPA)
Pennsylvania Legislature Proposes Mandatory Death Penalty for ‘Illegal Aliens Convicted of Murder’. “State Rep. Eric Davanzo (Westmoreland) says he plans to introduce the bill, citing cases across the country in which people who entered the United States illegally have been convicted of serious crimes.” (abc27)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. 2024 Election Autopsy: Democrats Turn South Again in Southwestern Pennsylvania
“Over seven election cycles, voting patterns in the region have moved away from Democrats, with the exception of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny County, which, if anything, has become even bluer.
Developments have followed parallel paths for both parties, with the Democratic Party morphing into an urban- and suburban-dominant state that has a strong appeal to college-educated voters, while the Republican Party has become increasingly rural and attractive to blue-collar voters, who dominate all but the county Allegheny. (PolitykaPA)
Elsewhere
KDKA-TV’s Jon Delano looks back on his career as a reporter covering Pennsylvania politics. “KDKA-TV political and financial editor Jon Delano is retiring after 30 years. He talked to Ken Rice about his extraordinary career.” (CBS Pittsburgh)
Voters in Montgomery County are slamming election commissioners, saying they “don’t trust” the process. “The election may be over, but residents of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, lined up Monday to give their election commissioners their say, accusing them of trying to steal the controversial Senate race and disenfranchise them.” (Washington Examiner)
Delaware County Facing $76 Million Budget Deficit – 28 Percent Tax Hike Proposed. “To cover the $52 million gap, taxpayers must pay a 28 percent property tax increase. “To fill the remainder, the budget bill allocates $10 million in non-revolving funds from the federal government and also taps into the county’s “fund balance — essentially a reserve fund — for another $14 million.” (Wide + Freedom)
Frustration from the Luzerne County Board of Elections erupted during the final adjudication session. “The Luzerne County Board of Elections resolution of the Nov. 5 general election ended Monday in a dispute. Two board members separately left the morning ruling in frustration, although one returned later.” (Leader of the Wilkes-Barre Times)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
1 item
5. The story of one of Washington’s strangest traditions: the Turkish pardon
“The lame president “pardoned” a turkey on Monday.
I don’t mean to be ridiculous, but the birding tradition has a long and often confused history. So let’s dispel the myths that are stuck in our mouths, which too many have caught on to, and let’s get to the truth.
Which president was the first to pardon a turkey? This may be a shaggy turkey story, but bear with me. (WHY)
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