The First Read — August 17, 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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Dinniman won’t run for Congress; field seems clear for Pike
Looks like Doug Pike can start his general election campaign early. State Senator Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) said Monday that he will not be running for Congress, making it all but certain that Pike will have the 6th District Democratic primary field to himself. Read More

Sestak: Obama ‘has to provide an exit strategy’ for Afghanistan
Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) said Monday that Afghanistan isn’t a quagmire of the Vietnam War sort, but called on President Obama to set clear benchmarks for an eventual exit from the country eight years after the American invasion. Without being specific about such benchmarks, Sestak avoided full-throated support of Obama’s defense of the war strategy earlier in the day. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Are the Specter folks peeved at the press?

Toomey proves he’s just another political opportunist
In a Voice piece, Chris Freind says that Pat Toomey’s support for Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation has tainted his conservative cred. Read More

Governor Rendell chastises lawmakers for lack of effort
HARRISBURG — Governor Ed Rendell Monday chastised lawmakers for not putting enough effort into resolving the state budget crisis, but he did not say he would call leaders together to negotiate. Read More

Fumo’s defense team asks for delay in start of prison term
Citing undisclosed health reasons and a possible appeal of his conviction and sentence, lawyers for former State Senator Vincent J. Fumo Monday asked a federal judge to postpone his Aug. 31 surrender to the Bureau of Prison. Read More

Saving Senator Specter
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki attended a town hall meeting in Philadelphia Monday morning with Senator Arlen Specter, making him the latest Cabinet secretary to stand by Specter’s side at one of these events. Prior to Shinseki, it was Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius who made an early August appearance with Specter. Read More

‘Clunkers’ Slow to Repay Auto Dealers, Sestak Says
The U.S. “cash for clunkers” trade-in program has reimbursed auto dealers for only 2 percent of their claims, adding to strain on retailers trying to recover from a slump in vehicle sales, Representative Joe Sestak said. Read More

Obama to headline fundraiser for Specter next month
Fulfilling his promise to battle for Senator Arlen Specter’s reelection, President Obama will reportedly attend a fundraiser for the Republican-turned-Democrat next month. Read More

Crowded fields another encouraging sign for GOP
Politicians are, with very few exceptions, realists. You don’t get a long line of people running for things they don’t think are winnable—or that people won’t contribute money for. Read More

In Preview of US Senate Primary, Specter and Sestak Duel Over Help for Veterans
The two Senate candidate both held events and talked up their support of veterans in Philadelphia on Monday. Read More

Auditor general: Starrucca officials benefited from bridge renovation project at public’s expense
STARRUCCA – Two borough council members and their families substantially benefited from a bridge renovation project at the expense of other residents, according to a recently published report by the state Auditor General’s Department. Read More

Murphy seat a tough test for GOP
The benefits of incumbency and his fundraising prowess make the 8th District very likely to remain in Democratic hands. Read More

Ambler girl gets a First Family exclusive
If President Barack Obama ever ends up in Ambler around the time of his birthday on Aug. 4, he is assured of getting a really good cake. Read More

Schwartz: Keep end-of-life clause in House bill
Montgomery County Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz supports keeping a controversial provision that would reimburse doctors and nurses for voluntary counseling sessions about end-of-life decisions in the House health reform bill. Read More

Have a great day!