In the 19th District, a primary challenge for Platts

York businessman Mike Smeltzer plans to challenge Congressman Todd Platts (R-19) for their party’s nomination.

In a statement Monday, Smeltzer announced the formation of a committee to explore his bid. He is the director of the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central Pennsylvania.

“Our community needs an independent, effective voice in Washington – someone who will provide leadership in addressing these challenging times,” Smeltzer says in the announcement. “We need a new direction that focuses on…

Hoeffel Commits to Reproductive Freedom in Health Care Reform

By HOEFFEL FOR GOVERNOR

Statement of Democrat Joe Hoeffel, Candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania

The US Senate is finally prepared to vote on its version of the health care reform bill, after weeks of intense negotiation and compromise. While I am elated to see America one step closer to reforming our health care system, I am extremely distressed — as are many of you — by one of the final compromises added to the Senate…

BELLS TO TOLL FOR TURNPIKE

By GERLACH FOR GOVERNOR

(EXTON, PA) – Taxpayers’ Candidate Jim Gerlach on Monday continued to show his commitment to changing the culture in Harrisburg as our governor by announcing that he would abolish the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and turn management of the 531-mile toll road over to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

“My administration will mean the end of the road for a Commission that has built a reputation over the past several decades as…

Cameron County Dems endorse Wagner

By JACK WAGNER FOR GOVERNOR

EMPORIUM (Dec. 21, 2009) – Three leaders of the Democratic Party in Cameron County today announced their endorsement of Auditor General Jack Wagner for Governor.

“I’ve never had so much faith in any one politician on the state level.  That’s why I am proud to back Jack in 2010,” said Zachary V. Hause, Chair of the Cameron County Democratic Committee.  Hause is also Director of Political Affairs of the Pennsylvania…

Mike Smeltzer Launches Congressional Exploratory Committee

By SMELTZER FOR CONGRESS

York, PA – Mike Smeltzer today announced the formation of a committee to explore his seeking the 2010 Republican nomination to represent Pennsylvania’s 19th Congressional District.

Smeltzer, a successful York businessman, is the Director of the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central Pennsylvania and a small business investor.  He champions two issues: (1) reining in out-of-control government spending and (2) returning good family-supporting jobs to the district.  During this exploration Mike will…

Hoeffel to ALL Candidates Running in PA Primaries for Governor: Put Aside Differences and Join me on Marcellus Shale – TOGETHER we can get this right

By HOEFFEL FOR GOVERNOR

“This morning I sent a fax to each of the candidates running for governor in Pennsylvania asking them to join me in advocating for policies which balance the creation of jobs and revenue with strong regulations to protect our health and environment.”

“It’s clear that wastewater contamination is going to be the key health and environmental issue of 2010 — and Pennsylvania is going to be ground zero in the debate…

LEFTOVERS: Opponents for Carney, Dent’s right flank, Doherty invites McCain

It’s almost that time of year when everyone hibernates for a couple weeks and the news slows to a near-halt. In the meantime, here’s a couple items we missed earlier.

Looks like Congressman Chris Carney (D-10) could soon have a couple more serious opponents. Snyder County Commissioner Malcolm Derk, pSpeaking of House challengers, looks like Congressman Charlie Dent (D-15) now a href="http://www.mcall.com/news/all-a1_5benol.7119522dec18,0,6729261.story" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.mcall.com']);return TrackClick("http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fall-a1_5benol.7119522dec18%2C0%2C6729261.story','has+an+opponent+on+his+right+flank')" target="_blank">has an opponent on his right flank: Tea Party activist Mathew Benol.

And meanwhile, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty took exception to Senator John McCain’s (R-Ariz.)

Lentz gets to brunch with the MontCo big-wigs

As he continues to shore up support among political insiders in southeast Pennsylvania, state Representative Bryan Lentz (D-Delaware) will be enjoying a little brunch on Sunday with some of Montgomery County’s high-profile Democrats.

In a reception Sunday morning at the home of state Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Lentz will be joined by local party chairman Marcel Groen, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-13) and former state Senator Connie Williams. Lentz’s 7th District congressional campaign told supporters of…

Specter leads Sestak big, tied with Toomey in new poll

Arlen Specter holds a wide advantage over Joe Sestak in next year’s Democratic Senate primary, but the longtime senator faces an eventual  deadlocked dogfight against Republican Pat Toomey, who he fled the GOP earlier this year to avoid a primary fight against, according to a new poll.

The Quinnipiac University survey released Friday showed Specter easily edging Sestak by 23 points, 53 percent to 30 percent. While some polls have shown Sestak closing the gap,…

Philly’s latest news Web site

Here’s a big pa2010.com Central shout-out to our favorite contributor, longtime Inquirer writer Tom Ferrick, who recently launched his own Web site for local news in Philadelphia.

It’s called Metropolis, and it’s a great collection of local news, information, analysis and commentary.