The First Read — September 29, 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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Touey enters PA-7 as a ‘pro-business, no-waste, progressive Democrat’
DREXEL HILL—E. Teresa Touey returned from 18 years as a Massachusetts resident Monday morning to declare her candidacy for one of the most competitive House seats in Pennsylvania, when she stood by a train stop here and entered the Democratic primary in the 7th District. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Win or lose, Touey says she’s back in the district to stay

Vitali to make decision on House race soon after November election
While his two potential primary opponents look to build their Congressional campaigns early, state Representative Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) seems content to sit and wait just a little longer. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: DelCo Dem chairman not worried about a PA-7 primary

Rendell hopes to have a budget by Sunday
Gov. Ed Rendell met with legislative leaders Monday to urge them to quickly close out any remaining differences in a $27.9 billion spending plan so it can move to his desk by Sunday. It’s been 10 days since Rendell and top-ranking lawmakers trumpeted a breakthrough agreement they said would end the state’s three-month-old budget impasse. Read More
More budget news: Baffled? Join the club

Chris Doherty, saving Scranton and 2010
For the moment, Doherty is unbowed by his long-shot status, calling the primary “wide open” and adding: “People are only known inside their region.” Read More

Senate special election in home stretch
Anne Schuering’s campaign for the 24th Senatorial District has focused on individual contact with potential constituents. Read More

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Rendell praises Harrisburg mayor, offers up a job
Gov. Ed Rendell offered to give Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed a job in his administration as he praised the mayor’s decision to not seek re-election to an eighth term as the right decision for the people of the city. Read More

Specter and Sestak take their sniping to the Inky
Whoever said newspapers have lost their place in contemporary political discourse? Read More

Harrisburg commerce center still incomplete
Four years after supporters touted it as a project that would create jobs and business, the Capitol View Commerce Center sits unfinished in Harrisburg. Read More

Guv race a match of equals
Seven months before the party primaries in May—and with 13 months to go before the November 2010 general election—the race for governor is well under way and wide open. Read More

Have a great day!