The First Read — June 10, 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.

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Poll: Pennsylvanians opposed to card-check
A sizable majority of Pennsylvania voters oppose passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which is quickly becoming issue No. 1 in the 2010 Senate race, according to a new poll. Read More

Former state Rep. Kennedy considering jumping into Lt. Gov. race
More than a dozen Republicans are already thinking of running for Lieutenant Govenor, but former state Representative John Kennedy is mulling adding his name to that list, too. Read More

Meehan increasingly pressured to take a back seat
Pressure on former U.S. Attorney and gubernatorial hopeful Pat Meehan is building, with at least three Republican officials directly asking him to run for Lieutenant Governor instead of Governor. Read More

Capitol rally protests possible state tax increases
HARRISBURG — Saying taxpayers have “had enough,” Republican Representative Daryl Metcalfe today led a Capitol rally to protest potential state tax increases. Read More

Mercer County eyes cost-cutting, meets with employees, unions
As the county’s 2009 budget deteriorates because of stock market losses and cuts in expected state funding, commissioners met with county employees Monday to talk solutions. Read More

Sestak: Union Reaction To Specter Shows They Worry He’s A ‘Flight Risk’
Over the weekend, Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) broke some news when, in response to the heckles of some frustrated union organizers, he suggested very strongly that he’d ultimately vote for a compromise version of the Employee Free Choice Act. Read More

Philly Park sues over Valley Forge slots license
HARRISBURG — A suburban Philadelphia casino is suing over the award of a state slot-machine gambling license to a nearby hotel and convention center. Read More

Attorney General Corbett reminds contractors of new law
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania contractors who do at least $5,000 a year in home improvement work are being reminded to register with the state under a law that takes effect next month. Read More

New endorsement for Sestak
Chris Bowers at OpenLeft — also a Dem state committeeman from Philly, and a well-known netroots activist — throws his support behind Joe Sestak over Arlen Specter. Read More

Surprise vote by council to create leadership shake-up
POTTSTOWN — In a surprise move that seemed to leave even some of the people who voted for it stunned, Borough Council voted 4-3 Monday night to re-organize itself under new leadership at its meeting next month, something veterans of local government said they have never seen before. Read More

Have a great day!