The First Read — September 24, 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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MontCo GOP wants Hoeffel to quit local elections board
Now that he is planning a Democratic run for governor, the Montgomery County GOP wants local Commissioner Joe Hoeffel to resign his position on the county Board of Elections. Read More

Specter camp should stop attacking on flip-flops
If there’s a vulnerability that Specter carries into his first Democratic primary, it’s the fact that he could be equally accused of flip-flopping, too. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Rothenberg calls PA-6 a ‘toss-up’

Possible tax credit cuts worry Pa. educators
The future for the Nativity School of Harrisburg and its 34 students looks bleak if funding for the state’s education tax credit gets cut too deep. Read More

Fumo aide charged with defrauding taxpayers
S. Michael Palermo, a longtime friend and aide of former state Senator Vincent J. Fumo’s, was charged Wednesday by federal prosecutors with defrauding taxpayers through a no-work contract awarded to him by his former boss. Read More

Kortz looks to debate better-known rivals
State Representative Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) wants his Senate opponents to join him in a debate at Allegheny College, his campaign said Wednesday. Read More

Costello: I’ve ‘lived, worked and played’ in PA-6
As he campaigns to succeed Jim Gerlach in the 6th Congressional District, Republican Ryan Costello is looking to present himself as something of an uber-native, intricately familiar with a district where he has spent his whole life. Read More

State allows DeNaples to hand Mount Airy casino to daughter
State regulators are allowing Louis DeNaples to hand off his casino to his daughter. Read More

Court upholds Doherty as GOP nominee
A state appeals court has upheld Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty’s write-in victory as the Republican nominee in his re-election bid. Read More

Truck driver making independent run for governor
A truck driver and McKeesport native is running for governor as an independent, promising not to be accountable to corporate donors as he runs a grassroots campaign. Read More

Mayor deputizes about 1,000 out-of-town police for G-20
Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on Wednesday deputized about 1,000 police officers to supplement the local force during the G-20 summit. Read More

Have a great day!