Suburban Snapshot chats with Ken Burns

PHILADELPHIA—Here are three things you may not have known about Ken Burns, the legendary documentary filmmaker:

1. He is left-handed, providing one more piece of evidence that lefties are more creative.

2. He knew from the age of 13 that he was going to be a filmmaker of some kind.

3. He’s Brooklyn-born.

Suburban Snapshot had an incredible opportunity to sit down with Burns late last week. He was here at WHYY to celebrate the…

A massive energy tax Pennsylvanians cannot afford

Pennsylvania is the Keystone State. It’s known for its strategic location and proximity to the nation’s financial and political epicenters.

And while Pennsylvania is often thought of as a coal, steel and manufacturing state, many are probably unaware that agribusiness and farming contribute significantly—$45 billion annually—to our economy. We are also home to the finest hardwood timber in the world, the birthplace of oil, and possibly the largest natural gas field in the world, the…

Truth, lies, and the Republicans

Three quick observations on health care and Joe Wilson:

1. Obama wasn’t being honest about illegal aliens, the cost of the bill, and much else besides. A lot of this has come out already, and more will.

2. It was still wrong to insult him. Under the rules of parliamentary procedure, one is never supposed to address anyone else in the second person, let alone interrupt the President. Calling him a liar is particularly egregious—even…

The First Read — September 14, 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.

Sign up for The First Read. And for all the latest news, log on to pa2010.com, your destination for Pennsylvania’s big 2010 elections.

Switching races for Meehan, Welch to run in 6th District
Republican businessman Steven Welch said Saturday that he will run for Congress in the 6th District, abandoning his campaign…

Schroder camp notes Welch’s residency, but doesn’t criticize

State Representative Curt Schroder’s (R-Chester) campaign made sure to point out that its newest opponent doesn’t actually live in the 6th District Saturday, but stopped short of an outright attack on that front.

In a statement following Republican Steven Welch’s announcement that

Costello passes on attacking Welch

Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello was quick to respond to Steven Welch’s decision to run against him in the 6th District Saturday. But he opted against attacking Welch for

Switching races for Meehan, Welch to run in 6th District

Republican businessman Steven Welch said Saturday that he will run for Congress in the 6th District, abandoning his campaign for the 7th District seat now being pursued by former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan.

Ever since Meehan made clear last month that he would be seeking the 7th District office instead of the governorship, GOP insiders had assumed Welch would, in one way or another, step aside for a candidate most Republicans consider more politically potent.…

Welch to Seek Republican Nomination for 6th District

By WELCH FOR PA

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Following an overwhelming outreach by grassroots and community leaders, Steven Welch announced today that he will seek the Republican nomination for the 6th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

“When I decided with my family to run for public office, I did so knowing the uphill battle I faced against an incumbent with over $4 million in his campaign account.  I am running for Congress because I believe that we…

FRIDAY LEFTOVERS: Specter the Dem campaigner, Gerlach’s pledge and another opponent for Schwartz

When Senator Arlen Specter defected to the Democrats earlier this year, we wondered whether down-ballot candidates in his new party would trot him out to lend a campaigning hand.

Well, an e-mail that slipped by us at pa2010.com Central shows that yes, indeed they will, and Specter will oblige. Anne Scheuring, who is running in the special election for Montgomery County’s 24th senatorial District, is having a brunch reception and fundraiser Sunday, with Specter as…

Oxman heads consultant team for Lentz

In his bid to win the 7th District Congressional seat, state Representative Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware) will have help from one of the state’s premiere political consultants.

Lentz announced Friday that Neil Oxman’s Campaign Group would handle the campaign’s media. Oxman, a longtime political adviser to Gov. Ed Rendell and numerous other high-profile Democrats, also helped Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) win the same seat in 2006.

In addition, the Lentz campaign announced that the Kennedy Group…