The First Read — July 27, 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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The top-5 Republican endorsements
Everyone loves endorsements, even if there’s not much evidence that they make any difference when voters go to the polls. A candidate will call a big press conference, trot out the endorser, who will read prepared, glowing remarks while the endorsee stands by with a big smile on his her or face. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: The top-5 Democratic endorsements

In both parties, 2010 Pennsylvania governor’s race taking shape
HARRISBURG — Early polling on Pennsylvania’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign makes one thing clear: it’s way too soon to be making predictions. Read More

Gov. Ed Rendell’s legacy, GOP’s need for identity collide in ‘perfect storm’ for budget impasse
HARRISBURG — When they talk about what they want out of the state’s 2009-10 budget, Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Senate’s Republican majority describe conflicting visions of the future. Read More

Senate Republicans refuse to buckle under Rendell’s pressure
HARRISBURG — After holding out until shortly before Christmas, Senate Republicans in 2003 agreed to the 10 percent income tax increase sought by Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell. Read More

Mayor’s path to Capitol uphill
The news that Mayor Chris Doherty is thinking about running for governor shocked many local politicos. They knew he wants to move up, but they see him as a potential candidate for lieutenant governor, or maybe Congress, if U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski retires. Read More

Casey tells city forum health care push essential
Although Senate Democrats won’t meet a self-imposed August deadline to vote on a health care reform plan, it would be a mistake to slow down and stop working on an acceptable bill, Sen. Bob Casey Jr. said Friday. Read More

Lehigh feud continues over donations to politicians
Lehigh County Republican commissioners have renewed their call for campaign finance legislation after one commissioner disclosed a recent contribution from a vendor up for a $20 million no-bid contract. Read More

Westmoreland County to spend $120K on Harrisburg, D.C. lobbyists
Westmoreland County commissioners, seeking to get a larger piece of state and federal funding, on Thursday voted to spend $120,000 to hire two lobbyists. Read More

Glenn Reibman likely to be Dems’ pick for Wonderling seat

If the Lehigh Valley has any chance of getting a candidate into the seat being vacated by state Sen. Rob Wonderling, it appears Democrat Glenn Reibman will be its only hope. Three Montgomery County Republicans and Reibman, the former Northampton County executive, have asked to be considered by party leaders, who must choose nominees to face off in a special election this fall for the 24th District Senate seat. Read More

Have a great day!