Archive for June, 2009
What would Catherine think?
PITTSBURGH—The Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee held a dinner here last weekend to celebrate the life of one of our most beloved Democrats from Western Pennsylvania, the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. Everyone fortunate enough to know “C.B.K.” knew of her many virtues. One that stood out the most was her commitment to the people of Pennsylvania, and her sense of inclusion for all.
But the dinner that was supposed to honor C.B.K. was anything…
Full StoryThe weekend in jokes
Politicians love a good joke… especially if they’re the joke-teller.
Below is a small collection of the knee-slappers laid down during the Democratic State Committee gathering last weekend in Pittsburgh, along with the pa2010.com snap-verdict of their reception.
-Presenting Senator Arlen Specter with a blue “donkey-tie,” Gov. Ed Rendell says that Specter’s wife “Joan dresses Specter.” Received a 2 of 5 on the laughter scale.
-Accepting the tie, Specter explains he’ll put it on later…
Full StoryAnyone paying attention in the 4th?
Mike Turzai has said he will decide on a Congressional race in the 4th District by the end of the month. However, I wonder if he is the most viable candidate. As incumbents do, the more elections you win the harder you become to beat. With Jason Altmire nearing that stage, even in a conservative district, would Turzai have a performance like he did years back, when he captured 32 percent? Yes, he wasn’t a…
Full StoryThe weekend in video
PITTSBURGH—It was a weekend of political hob-nobbing and joke-telling at the Democratic State Committee here. From remarks by Gov. Ed Rendell to Senator Arlen Speccter, pa2010.com has it all below.
Stay tuned for an update with full video of Specter’s formal speech to the State Committee.
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Full StoryThe First Read — June 8, 2009
Good Morning!
Every Monday-Thursday morning, pa2010.com compiles the most important political news of the day, from newspapers to the blogosphere and back. Enjoy this edition.
Sign up for The First Read. And for all the latest news, log on to pa2010.com, your destination for Pennsylvania’s big 2010 elections.
For first time, Specter formally addresses Pa. Dems
PITTSBURGH—Senator Arlen Specter formally addressed his new party Saturday afternoon, telling a meeting of the Democratic State Committee here…
Now here’s a Web site I can dig
A group of progressive organizations have come together to launch Specter Scorecard, a Web site promising to keep us informed about “key upcoming votes where Sen. Specter’s vote will be vital to the success of the progressive position” and to display a “progressive batting average” that tracks how Specter’s votes on these important issues. Specter’s average currently stands at .500, but that could quickly change with a string of upcoming votes on healthcare…
Full StoryThoughts on the Wonderling seat
With Rob Wonderling’s retirement from the state Senate, there are four key items to consider…
1. He is taking the Chamber of Commerce Job, which means Joe Torsella isn’t. He also won’t be a candidate for Lt. Governor.
2. His successor seems to be either Bruce Castor, state Representative Bob Mensch, or John Micek’s unknown Patrick Murphy (not the Congressman… that wouldn’t make sense).
3. His successor’s successor. Castor or Mensch would be replaced. Although…
Full StoryFor first time, Specter formally addresses Pa. Dems
PITTSBURGH—Senator Arlen Specter formally addressed his new party Saturday afternoon, telling a meeting of the Democratic State Committee here that he was proud to be a Democrat once again and that he would work hard to elect other Democratic candidates.
”Maybe it’s no coincidence that I feel so comfortable with Democrats, because I’ve spent most of my life with Democrats,” Specter said, calling himself an “FDR and JFK Democrat.”
“Maybe it’s no coincidence that I’ve…
Full StoryLive-blogging Specter’s speech to the Democratic State Committee
12:16—People are filing in… Specter is expected to speak shortly.
12:17—Specter’s not now on-stage with his chief of staff.
12:23—T.J. Rooney is trying to quite everyone down. From an outsider’s perspective, this would often seem the hardest part of his job.
12:26—They’re doing the invocation… not sure why these are always needed at political events… but hey, it works.
12:27—Pledge of Allegiance
12:28—National Anthem
12:30—Opening remarks by Rooney. Talking about anniversary of D-Day.…
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