The First Read — October 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.

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Welch loaned his campaign half-a-million dollars
For those wondering whether Republican Steven Welch would shell out the dough for his own Congressional campaign, the answer has emerged. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Schroder has $87K on hand

New poll shows Specter and Sestak with narrow leads over Toomey
Both major Democratic candidates for Senate would narrowly defeat Republican Pat Toomey if next year’s general election were held today, according to a new poll. Read More

When pols get sneaky with campaign finance numbers
Ah, the preemptive campaign finance leak. In a fragmented, hour-to-hour media landscape, with campaigns looking for any narrative leg-up in the perception game, it’s becoming a new mainstay of political news, as candidates look to convince whoever happens to be watching that they’re politically viable. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Sestak copies The In-Specter
Obama proves elusive target for GOP

Romney calls Toomey ‘one of the heroes of American politics’
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney on Tuesday endorsed Republican Pat Toomey for Senate, further solidifying establishment Republican support behind the former congressman’s campaign. Read More

New state budget cuts film tax by 45 percent
Pennsylvanians in the movie business are seeing a half-full glass this week. State legislators last week closed a $3 billion budget gap in part by reducing—but not eliminating—the Film Tax Credit program, trimmed from $75 million to $42 million for fiscal year 2009-2010. Read More
More budget news: Schools, counties want state to repay borrowing costs
Some final budget thoughts

Rendell says Harley will receive $15-20 million to stay
How much of an incentive package Pennsylvania plans to eventually offer Harley-Davidson in an effort to keep the company’s operations in Springettsbury Township depends on manufacturer’s plans for job creation and retention. Read More

Report backs I-80 toll foes
Opponents of tolling Interstate 80 on Tuesday vowed to continue fighting what they see as a scheme to siphon money to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia from the state’s rural northern tier. Read More

Public option supporters rally at Casey, Specter offices
A group of about a half-dozen supporters of including a public option in health care reform legislation under consideration in Washington brought their campaign to the Harrisburg offices of Senators Robert Casey and Arlen Specter Tuesday. Read More

Sestak backs repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Congressman Joe Sestak, the highest-ranking former military officer serving in Congress, says he supports repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” provision, calling it “discrimination policy.” Read More

Allegheny Democratic chair calls for Buchanan’s resignation
Claiming a political conflict of interest stemming from a possible run for Congress, Allegheny County Democratic Party Chair Jim Burn called for U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan to resign. Read More

Veterans to honor to Wagner
Veteran Community Initiatives has named Jack Wagner, Pennsylvania auditor general, as its 2009 veteran of the year. Read More

Kanjorski brings $150,000 in federal funds to local building
Congressman Paul Kanjorski announced Tuesday $150,000 in federal funding for the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts to replace and repair the roof of the building. Read More

Have a great day!