The First Read — July 16, 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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ChesCo official considering PA-6 run
Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello said Wednesday that he is considering a GOP run to replace departing Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6). Read More

Schroder has $15K on hand
Fresh off his entrance into the 6th District Congressional race, state Representative Curt Schroder’s campaign has about $15,000 in cash on hand, an early indication of the financial hill he’ll have to climb against Democrat Doug Pike. Read More

Specter has refunded almost a quarter-million in donations
Since switching parties earlier this year, Senator Arlen Specter has returned $225,000 in campaign contributions, The Morning Call reports. Read More

Prosecutors May Appeal Fumo’s Sentence
PHILADELPHIA – After months of collecting evidence against former state Senator Vince Fumo and a 22-week trial, prosecutors wanted a sentence of more than 15 years. Read More

Pa. House poised to debate Dems’ budget today
HARRISBURG — The House is poised for debate tomorrow on a $29.1 billion spending plan proposed by the Democratic caucus. The House voted this morning to suspend procedural rules that would have prevented them from considering the bill until July 23. Instead, a vote could come as soon as Friday. The budget impasse is still far from over. Read More

Murtha spends almost as much as he raises in 2Q
Congressman John Murtha (D-12) raised about $122,000 over the last three months, but sent most of it right back out the door, according to campaign finance data. Murtha, who is under increasing scrutiny in connection to defense contractor lobbying scandals, finished the second quarter with about $317,000 in cash on hand, but about $34,000 in campaign debt. He faces Republican Bill Russell in a rematch of his reelection win last year. Read More

Kanjorski still bringing in PAC money
He may have had a close electoral scare last year, but Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D-11) can still raise money with the best of them. Kanjorski raised almost $230,000 during the second quarter, finishing the period with almost $615,000 in cash on hand, according to campaign finance data. Read More

Defense contractor tied to Murtha pleads guilty to taking kickbacks
A former defense contractor with ties to U.S. Representative John P. Murtha entered a plea of guilty in a Florida courtroom yesterday to accepting $200,000 in kickbacks from a Pennsylvania subcontractor in a case that reaches from Pensacola beaches to Somerset County’s hills. Read More

Letters seeking leniency for Fumo are released
The federal judge who sentenced Vincent J. Fumo to 55 months in prison today released copies of the roughly 350 letters written on behalf of the former state senator seeking leniency for him. The letter writers included friends, relatives, former employees, constituents, political and community leaders. Read More

Altmire has more than half-a-million on hand
As a sophomore Democrat representing the historically conservative 4th District, Congressman Jason Altmire continues to raise money at an impressive clip in his efforts to hold the seat he captured in 2006. Read More

Have a great day!