🎤 Hello Tuesday. Working on the debate tonight? PoliticsPA will be there to provide reaction and flavor. Stop by the Convention Center and say hello.
Pennsylvania Weather
☀️ Pittsburgh | Sunny, 81
☀️ Harrisburg | Sunny, 80
☀️ Philadelphia | Sunny, 81
Sports PA
⚾ Phillies (86-58) | Tampa Bay 2-1 | Tuesday-Wednesday vs. Tampa Bay
⚾ Pirates (68-76) | Miami 3-2 | Tuesday-Wednesday vs. Miami
👂 What do we hear. The DCCC has released a fresh TV ad in the race for PA-10, “Big Red,” highlighting Scott Perry extreme record. And former vice president Mike Pence started a fresh job teaching political science at conservative Grove City College.
🗞️ You asked for PA News. We deliver. Where can you find the latest news on what’s happening in Keystone State politics? Sign up for the PoliticsPA Playbook. We’ll deliver all the latest headlines in an easy-to-read format every weekday at 8 a.m., and it’s free. Add your name to the list and sign up now.
The most vital story
1. Debate Night Comes to Philadelphia, the New Center of the Political World
“The people of Philadelphia have always known that our city is the center of the universe. Today, and for the next 55 days, everyone else will know, too.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump will meet Tuesday night for a debate so historic and potentially pivotal that it is nearly impossible to describe in a single sentence how unprecedented it is. The presidential candidates will face off in what may be their only debate in one of our city’s greatest prides, the National Constitution Center, overlooking Independence Hall and the birthplace of American democracy.” (“Philadelphia Inquirer”)
Elsewhere
Fracking, energy policy fight looms over Harris, Trump campaigns in Pennsylvania“Issues like the economy and abortion continue to be top concerns for voters this election season. And polls over the years have shown that Pennsylvanians are sharply divided on the issue of fracking, in large part because of concerns about the health effects.” (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Why Harris and Trump Are Debating the F-Word“The energy spat between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is reigniting a nearly two-decade-long debate over fracking, the technology that helped launch today’s U.S. oil and gas boom.” (POLITICIAN)
How Philadelphia’s History of Voter Fraud Is Fueling Trump’s False Claims About the City“The city has a real history of some ‘bad things.’ But much has changed, and advocates say the attacks are unjustified.” (Vote for Pennsylvania)
- ‘Determined to Ruin the Election’: What to Watch for in the Trump-Harris Debate (Appeal)
- What do DelVal voters want to hear in the Trump vs. Harris debate? We asked them. (DV Journal)
- A Brief History of the Organization of Presidential Debates in Pennsylvania. (Axios Philadelphia)
Country
2. Trump Falsely Claimed 20% of Mail-in Votes in Pennsylvania Were Fraudulent. Krasner and Shapiro Rejected
“The day before the former president Donald Trump AND Vice President Kamala Harris are set to meet in Philadelphia for their first debate, the Philadelphia district attorney said Larry Krasner AND Governor Josh Shapiro responded to Trump’s latest false allegations of voter fraud in Pennsylvania.
Trump, who faces criminal charges for trying to overturn the 2020 election results, made a false claim on Truth Social on Sunday that 20% of mail-in votes cast in Pennsylvania are fraudulent, citing an interview with the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
There is no evidence of widespread fraud or voter fraud in mail-in voting or election administration in Pennsylvania, which Trump targeted after losing the state President Joe Biden in 2020.” (“Philadelphia Inquirer”)
Elsewhere
A second Casey-McCormick debate has been scheduled as polls show one of them gaining a lead“Pennsylvania voters will now have the opportunity to watch at least two debates, and possibly a third, between U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick.” (PennLive)
PA-01: Fitzpatrick Unveils Large Coalition of Endorsements“Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-01) announced a coalition of endorsements from more than 30 local, state and national organizations as he launches his re-election campaign.” (PoliticsPA)
Where Does Scott Perry Stand in the Race Against Janelle Stelson? Depends on Who’s Doing the Polls. “Where do 10th Congressional District voters stand in the closely watched race between six-term Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry and former WGAL-TV anchor Janelle Stelson? It depends on who’s asking.” (York Dispatch)
- Scott Perry, running for a 7th term, supports efforts to overturn 2020 election results. (York Dispatch)
Treasurer elections focus on transparency and politics. “With the November election for Pennsylvania treasurer approaching, incumbent Stacy Garrity is touting her accomplishments and her stewardship of Pennsylvania’s tax dollars. But her Democratic challenger, Erin McClelland, says the office needs a shakeup in the name of transparency and less politicized investment.” (Central Square)
Gov. Josh Shapiro files 20 endorsements in Pennsylvania House of Representatives race as Democrats try to expand their narrow majority“Among those endorsed by Shapiro are seven candidates from southeastern Pennsylvania and seven incumbents in competitive districts, including a vulnerable Democrat in central Bucks County.” (“Philadelphia Inquirer”)
Waxman Proposes Extension of Journalists’ Shield Act“Noting that journalists must be able to do their jobs without government reprisal, Rep. Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia) introduced a bill to expand the state’s shield law.” (PoliticsPA)
Around the Commonwealth of Nations
3. Prepare for road closures and parking restrictions for Tuesday’s debate in Philadelphia
“Preparations are underway for Tuesday night’s presidential debate in Philadelphia between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.
The debate will be held at the National Constitution Center at 6th and Arch Streets and will be hosted by ABC News.
“The event will involve vehicle and pedestrian closures, public transport diversions and possible phased street closures.” (PoliticsPA)
Elsewhere
Trump Assassination Team Asks Pennsylvania State Police for a Collection of Documents“The 13-member bipartisan group asked the state police to provide planning and operational documents, transcripts of interviews with officials and witnesses, footage from state trooper body cameras and patrol car footage, and ‘all communications’ about the rally and the shooting, both internally and with other agencies.” (Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Jamie Walsh Hosts Victory Party for 117th U.S. House of Representatives Election“After more than four months of waiting with no closure, Jamie Walsh is hosting a victory party Friday to celebrate his Republican nomination for state representative for the 117th Congressional District on April 23.” (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader)
Free Speech Group Calls on State Employees to Challenge Shapiro’s Conduct Order“A national free speech group is seeking Pennsylvania state employees to challenge a policy issued by Gov. Josh Shapiro earlier this year that prohibits state employees from engaging in “scandalous or disgraceful conduct,” an undefined term that has raised First Amendment concerns.” (PennLive)
Erie County residents won’t need to add stamps for absentee voting. Here’s why“The Erie County Board of Elections voted to authorize the use of county funds to cover the cost of mailing absentee and mail-in ballots.” (Erie Times-News)
Allegheny County to Offer In-Person Voter Services in November Election Run-Up“While there has been some debate about the cost, expanding voting access is a “noble investment,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato, who has sought to expand voter services since taking office earlier this year.” (WESA)
PBS NewsHour visits the political battleground of Northampton County“The county has a penchant for picking the winner of presidential elections, so it was fertile ground for discussion as presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris prepare to debate Tuesday night.” (News)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
Recognition
5. James Earl Jones 1931-2024
“James Earl JonesThe prolific film, television and stage actor whose booming, unmistakable baritone was best known as the voice of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader, died Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York, his rep confirmed to Variety. He was 93.
Having overcome a severe childhood stutter, Jones became one of the pioneering black actors of his generation, achieving a prolific and versatile career that spanned more than 60 years. (Diversity)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
Please invite your friends
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA handbook
