The First Read — August 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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Pa. pols chime in on Kennedy
The passing of Senator Ted Kennedy brought the inevitable flurry of official statements from the Keystone State’s current and former elected officials and political candidates. Here is just a sampling of what they had to say. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: On assignment…

Toomey says he’ll be ‘prepared to run against either one’
Appearing on Fox News Wednesday morning, Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey promoted his new book, reiterated his now-familiar attacks on Senator Arlen Specter and said he could take on whichever Democrat emerges from next year’s primary. Read More

State Senate approves city aid
HARRISBURG – With support from Philadelphia Democrats, the state Senate passed a measure yesterday that would give Philadelphia permission to raise its sales tax while requiring it to curb its worker pension costs. Read More

Senate OKs bill that authorizes state takeover of Pittsburgh pension system
HARRISBURG – The state Senate yesterday approved a statewide municipal pension bill that includes a state takeover of Pittsburgh’s ailing pension system. Read More

Septa gets $49.9M in stimulus money for SE Pa.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced an additional $50 million in federal stimulus money for transit projects in the Philadelphia area. Read More

Casey says Obama needs a strong case to ask for more troops in Afghanistan
Amid weekend reports American military commanders in Afghanistan want more troops, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said Monday that President Barack Obama will have to lay out clear reasons if he wants more troops beyond the 17,000 added recently. Read More

Delaware’s loss could be Pennsylvania’s gambling gain
CHESTER — It probably was not the press release Delaware Gov. Jack Markell envisioned writing when he woke up Monday morning. Read More

Republicans name their candidate for supervisor
Newtown’s Republicans have selected Matt Benchener to replace Tom Jirele on the ballot for Newtown Township supervisor in November. Read More

Have a great day!