The First Read — July 29, 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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For a moment, the taboo health question comes front-and-center
Senator Arlen Specter ignited a bit of a tempest in the blogosphere Tuesday, when he teared up during Senate hearings and reportedly said “I’m not sad; it’s chemotherapy, and I’ve made the Kleenex industry wealthy.” Read More

Dems to hold straw poll for guv race
State Democrats will conduct a straw poll to raise money and gauge which gubernatorial candidate has the most party support at next month’s state committee picnic, the party said Tuesday. Read More

Conference committee begins work today on budget
HARRISBURG — A six-member, House-Senate conference committee will hold its first meeting today but it likely will be days, or even several weeks, before a budget for fiscal 2009-10, which began July 1, will be completely worked out. Read More

Snyder In as Rendell Spokesman (For Now)
Philadelphia communications consultant Ken Snyder will become the Rendell administration’s media spokesman while a search is conducted for a replacement for outgoing Communications Director Chuck Ardo. Read More

6th District now ‘leans Democratic’
Democratic Congressional candidate Doug Pike received a bit of encouragement from Congressional Quarterly Tuesday, which listed the “6th District” as leaning Democratic. Read More

Analysis shows Sestak challenge is moving Specter left
Senator Arlen Specter has increasingly voted with Democrats in Washington since Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) made clear he would give the longtime incumbent a primary challenge. Read More

Brubaker plan: Dock lawmakers’ pay until budget passes
As Pennsylvania’s budget stalemate enters its fifth week, state Sen. Mike Brubaker says he’s come up with a plan that could prevent future impasses — by docking lawmakers’ pay and perks, among other things. Read More

Specter visits local Democrats
From a purely objective standpoint, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter’s visit to Democratic headquarters Monday afternoon was nothing unusual. Read More

Ciavarella: “I’m sorry that I brought such shame to the bench”
In his first public display of remorse since pleading guilty to corruption charges, former Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. on Monday acknowledged bringing “shame to the bench” with his role in the scandal that ended his career and cast a pall of suspicion over the Luzerne County court system. Read More

Have a great day!