The First Read — August 11, 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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Top-5 questions in the Specter-Sestak matchup
It will be one of the most closely watched primaries in the country, and very possibly the most expensive race in the land. Read More

For Dems in conservative districts, 2010 could be a rough ride
For freshmen and sophomore Democrats who represent some of the state’s historically conservative districts, the 2010 elections could shake up as some of the most politically challenging Congressional fights in recent memory. Read More

Pennsylvania’s odd man out
In a Voice piece, political analysts G. Terry Madonna and Michael L. Young examine Arlen Specter and the polarization of American politics. Read More

Santorum believes 2010 may be like ’94
Former Sen. Rick Santorum is getting dreamy about the 2010 election cycle. In an RNC fundraising e-mail sent to Washington Times subscribers addressed to “fellow conservatives,” Santorum, who was trounced in the 2006 Pennsylvania Senate race by Democrat Bob Casey, is trying to compare the 2010 climate to the 1994 revolution. Read More

‘Tea party’ on health care planned prior to Senator Arlen Specter’s town meeting in Lebanon County
U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s town hall meeting Tuesday morning at the Lebanon HACC campus will be greeted with a demonstration by “tea party” protesters. Local conservatives and others concerned about health proposals are organizing a “tea party” at 9 a.m. It will be followed by Specter’s town hall meeting 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the HACC multi-purpose room, 725 Cumberland St. Health care is expected to be the focus of concern at the “tea party,” said organizer Jeffrey Griffith, who said the protest isn’t tied to a specific political group. Read More

Rendell announces layoffs of 255 Pennsylvania employees
HERSHEY — About 255 state employees will receive layoff notices by the end of this week, Gov. Ed Rendell said Monday. At least for now, 32 of the furloughs would come from Western Pennsylvania, including 21 from Allegheny County. Read More

Vitali to make decision on Congressional run soon
State Representative Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) will decide sometime in the next few weeks whether or not to run for Congress in the 7th District. Read More

Veterans group backs Sestak, warns against ‘Swift Boat’ tactics
Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) on Monday netted the endorsement of a prominent group of military veterans, which promised to donate money to his Senate campaign and prod its members to do the same. Read More

Toomey hits Specter on bailouts, starts petition
Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey criticized incubent Arlen Specter on Monday for voting against an end to TARP bailouts, and started a petition on his Web site to force the issue. Read More

Tea parties, health care riots don’t help Republican cause
Purple in Pennsylvania preaches softer rhetoric from the GOP. Read More

Robbins joins group to stop I-80 tolling
Republican state Sen. Bob Robbins’ opposition to tolling Interstate 80 was reiterated last week when he officially announced joining the Alliance to Stop I-80 Tolling. Read More

Netroots Nation comes to town
They’ll be streaming into the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, ready to join a popular American politician and do battle on the signature issues of the day: the economy, Iraq and Iran, global warming. Read More

Taxes take forefront early in Valley race for Congress
Callahan favors raising sales levy, lowering property tax. Dent: ‘It’s a money grab.’ Read More

Have a great day!