The First Read — August 12, 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 Wagner, the challenge could be in the raw politics
Jack Wagner has been winning elections for years, from his time as a Pittsburgh City Councilman and state Senator in the 1990s to his record-setting vote totals in last year’s reelection as state Auditor General. But throughout all his time in politics, Wagner has never had a reputation a heavy-hitting campaign fundraiser and organizer. And as he nears a bid for the Governor’s Mansion, political insiders increasingly wonder if Wagner will be able build the war chest and the statewide political apparatus that’s likely needed to win an expensive statewide race. Read More

Roggio hasn’t ruled out another run for Gerlach’s seat
Nine months after narrowly losing to Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6), Democrat Bob Roggio says he still hasn’t tossed aside the prospect of making another bid for the 6th District seat that the incumbent is now vacating. Read More

Eruptions at Senator Specter’s Town-Hall Meeting
LEBANON — Senator Arlen Specter and his staff tried mightily to control a town hall meeting Tuesday morning but he was repeatedly booed and heckled by a majority of the 250 people inside a large hall here at the Harrisburg Area Community College. At least 700 more were kept outside, police said. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Tired of watching obstructionists

Santorum dips toes in 2012 Iowa waters
Add former Sen. Rick Santorum to the list of potential 2012 Republican presidential candidates. Read More

English endorses Gerlach in guv race
Former Congressman Phil English endorsed Jim Gerlach Tuesday, giving the gubernatorial hopeful another GOP backer, but not one with the bully pulpit of elected office. Read More

Many Dems mum on Specter-Sestak race
Senator Arlen Specter has the backing of President Obama, but some House Democrats have not endorsed the incumbent senator over their colleague, Congressman Joe Sestak. Read More

Rendell’s remarks about budget panel meetings fall flat at Capitol
Whether it was to vent his frustration, get a laugh or fire up talks on the incomplete state budget, Gov. Ed Rendell managed to accomplish all three on Tuesday through a remark he made about the House-Senate conference committee’s initial meeting two weeks ago. Read More

Schroder brings on the consultants
State Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) has made the first major hires of his Congressional campaign, retaining a pair of political consulting firms to handle direct mail and media. Read More

Pyle calls for spending cuts, not increasing taxes
The state funds a lot of programs, but with the budget crisis, there may be some “we need to politely back away from,” said state Representative Jeff Pyle, R-Ford City. Making “tough decisions” in order to pass a budget that is more than a month late is imperative, the lawmaker said. Those decisions, in Pyle’s mind, include cutting spending, not increasing taxes, as has been proposed by Governor Ed Rendell. Read More

Doherty, municipal advice-man
As he continues to mull a run for Governor, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is getting love from at least one of his neighbors. Read More

Alonge wants some charges tossed
The district judge for North East is citing the statute of limitations and trying to get a court to dismiss some of the disciplinary charges against him. Read More

Nutter Says Pa. Senate Must Act Immediately on Philadelphia Budget Bills
Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter says he’s not satisfied with the timetable laid out by Republicans in the state senate for consideration of legislation critical to the city’s effort to balance its budget. Read More

Have a great day!