The First Read — September 9, 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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Gerlach: Strip pay from guv, lawmakers until a budget passes
Gubernatorial candidate Jim Gerlach sought to insert himself into Pennsylvania’s protracted budget impasse Tuesday, when he called for taking paychecks away from the governor, cabinet members and state legislators every day until a budget is finally enacted. It was the strongest policy statement so far by Gerlach, the Republican Congressman, and underscored how he will leverage his experience in state governance to make the case that he’s the stronger GOP candidate in next year’s primary. Read More

Not so indirectly, Knox responds to Hoeffel’s ‘progressive’ criticism
Obviously, Tom Knox wants to be seen as the true progressive in this race before anyone else gets in. His larger point? It doesn’t matter. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Defining ‘Progress’

Toomey praises Obama’s speech
After much of the conservative-right assailed President Obama’s plan to address schoolchildren, their standard-bearer in Pennsylvania on Tuesday lauded his speech as “inspiring and moving.” Read More

Budget crisis won’t keep Rendell off Eagles post-game show
Gov. Ed Rendell will continue his Comcast SportsNet gig on fall football Sundays, despite the long-running absence of a state budget. Read More

No Pennsylvania budget? Religious leaders give prayer a chance
A group of interfaith religious leaders brought the power they know best to the Pennsylvania state Capitol to apply more pressure for a state budget resolution: the power of prayer. Some 30 pastors representing Jewish, Catholic and Protestant congregations held a lunch-hour prayer vigil Tuesday, asking God to shower wisdom, understanding and a sense of responsibility on leaders in whose hands the budget rests. Read More

Iraq vet will challenge Pike for nomination in PA-6
An Iraq War veteran and primary care physician in Reading became the first Democrat to run against Doug Pike in next year’s Democratic primary. Read More

Yet another Republican eyes Lt. Gov. race
Pennsylvania Army National Guardsman says he plans to toss his hat into the increasingly crowded ring that is the GOP primary for Lieutenant Governor. Read More

Schroder warns Welch about switching races
State Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) said that Republican businessman Steven Welch moving his Congressional candidacy from the 7th District to the 6th would be a “mistake.” Read More

Obama speech well received at Philly-area schools
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Phila.) and Mayor Nutter watched the president’s address to schoolchildren this afternoon at Thurgood Marshall Elementary, a K-8 school in Olney. Read More

Altmire among Dems saying they’ll vote ‘no’ on health care reform
Congressman Jason Altmire (D-4) is one of 23 Democrats who have said they plan to vote against emerging health care reform legislation. Read More

Reflections from a day of GOP events
Purple in Pennsylvania blogs about back-to-back looks at the Gerlach and Dachwoski campaigns. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: We’re back!

Police, firefighters rally against pension changes
Police and firefighters are turning out in force in Harrisburg to urge legislators to vote down proposed changes in the state municipal pension laws. Read More

Former Lawrence County treasurer gets probation in tax crime
A former Lawrence County treasurer received a break on his federal tax evasion conviction Tuesday because, lawyers say, he’s helping the government uncover a stew of corruption in the county. Read More

Have a great day!