The 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.

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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 that he was proud to be a Democrat once again and that he would work hard to elect other Democratic candidates. Read More

At labor rally, frustration with Specter is palpable
PITTSBURGH—Organized labor’s dissatisfaction with Senator Arlen Specter spilled over into clear view Saturday morning, when the new Democrat was met with skepticism—and even some hostility—as he spoke at a rally here for the Employee Free Choice Act. Read More

Sestak says only an ‘act of God’ will keep him out of Senate race
PITTSBURGH—Short of divine intervention, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) is running for Senate. “It would take an act of God for me to not get in now,” Sestak told a Democratic State Committeeman Saturday morning within earshot of reporters. Read More

The weekend in video
Video of remarks by Senator Arlen Specter, Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) and Gov. Ed Rendell are all online at pa2010.com. Read More
MORE COVERAGE OF THE WEEKEND IN PITTSBURGH
Live-blogging Specter’s speech
Live-blogging Friday night at the committee dinner
Rendell says Specter’s stimulus vote ‘saved the country’
Labor leader says Specter needs to vote ‘more like other Democratic Senators’

Vote could have violated sunshine law
When Doylestown Council voted to approve filing a lawsuit against the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority a week after the lawsuit was filed, one councilman objected to the action.”I feel like someone might have violated the Sunshine Law, and I will not vote on this because I would be condoning the violation if there was one,” Councilman John Buckman said. Read More

Former state Rep. Moyer interested in Wonderling seat
Add the name of another Montgomery County Republican to the list of those interested in filling the state Senate vacancy when GOP incumbent Robert C. Wonderling steps down from his 24th District seat on July 31. Lower Salford resident Jay R. Moyer, a former state representative and a former county treasurer, has contacted county GOP chairman Robert J. Kerns and asked that he be considered for the position. Read More

State lawmakers consider tax hike, spending cuts
HARRISBURG—There’s probably no easy way to convince a majority of voters that a major tax increase is necessary—but in Pennsylvania it seems to involve months of cajoling. Read More

Eachus seen as key in Pa. health care discussions
HARRISBURG—Recent progress in enacting health care legislation is raising a question about whether a broader compromise can be struck over the issue. Health care advocates view two lawmakers—House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Hazleton, and Sen. Ted Erickson, R-Delaware County, who chairs the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, as most likely to bring a compromise. Read More

Specter’s shift is hardly momentous
WASHINGTON—Democrats are rejoicing that Senator Arlen Specter is praising the U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, as proof of their wisdom in persuading him to defect from the Republican Party. Read More

No ruling in case against Bristol township mayor
After four hours of deliberation, a jury was unable to reach a verdict Friday in the federal lawsuit brought against Bristol Township Mayor Sam Fenton, constable Don Lorady and former constable John Lipsack. Read More

Murphy, Murtha donor has criminal past
An embattled defense contractor that’s contributed heavily to Congressmen Patrick Murphy and John Murtha is being run by a convicted drug dealer. Read More

Council to vote on ‘buying American’
POTTSTOWN—Borough Council may vote Monday to “buy American”—at least “to every extent possible.” Read More

Have a great day!