The First Read — June 25, 2009

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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With FEC deadline approaching, Sestak invokes the American Dream
With the quarterly Federal Election Commission filing deadline looming, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) has written to supporters to remind them what he says his family’s narrative embodies, and his likely opponent, Senator Arlen Specter, does not: the American Dream. Read More

Toomey not counting on Specter match-up
Republican Pat Toomey told The Sentinel yesterday that he’s unsure he’ll face newly Democratic Senator Arlen Specter in the general election. Read More

Bethlehem mayor ponders Dent challenge
Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has approached state Democratic Party leaders about running next fall against Congressman Charlie Dent (R-15), currently serving in his third term. Read More

Murtha: May expand tanker purchases
Representative John Murtha (D-Pa.), and other lawmakers have been pushing the idea of buying tankers from several companies, hoping to stave off future challenges to a contract award that have in the past derailed progress on the program. Read More

Biden to Callahan: White House supports you
Vice President Joe Biden spoke last week with Democrat John Callahan and pledged the support of the White House should he challenge Congressman Charlie Dent (R-15) next fall, the Bethlehem mayor told The Morning Call. Callahan recently approached state Democratic leaders about running for the seat. Read More

Wheel of misfortune: gamblers, nonprofits eyed as sources for more tax revenue
As the economic recession continues to impact state and local budgets, elected officials at all levels are seeking new ways to increase revenue. Read More

Rendell Says Child Health Care May Be Cut to Balance Budget
With a stop Wednesday in Delaware County, Governor Ed Rendell continued his push for a 3-year income tax increase to fully fund his proposed budget with a stop in Delaware County. Read More

Rendell, Scarnati take budget debate to TV
HARRISBURG – The state’s top Democrat and top Republican defended conflicting plans for balancing its budget in an unusual forum before a statewide television audience Wednesday night. Read More

Toomey: ‘It’s a different year’
When Pat Toomey ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004, he knew he would be going up against four-term incumbent Arlen Specter in the Republican primary — a race he would lose by less than 2 percentage points.Read More

Casinos gave over $4.3 million to Pennsylvania politicans, study shows
Casino-industry interests contributed more than $4.3 million to candidates seeking election in Pennsylvania – nearly one-quarter of it to Governor Rendell – and political committees in the last seven years, according to a review of records by a good-government group. Read More

Onorato urges municipalities to merge their pension funds
Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato yesterday told municipal leaders that they should consider merging their pension plans or push for a state-run system for municipal pensions, if they hope to keep them financial viable. Read More