The First Read — December 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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The ultimate insider’s guide—and schedule—to the Pa. Society weekend
This weekend in New York City is where past political folklore and present electoral jockeying meet at a crossroads—as they do every winter in the Big Apple. That’s right political junkies, it’s time for the annual Pennsylvania Society weekend, a 48-hour orgy of political hob-knobbing mixed with copious amounts of food and alcohol, a rare chance for a far-flung political establishment from one of the country’s largest states to convene within literally just a few city blocks. There will be cocktail parties. There will be receptions. There will be fundraisers. Dinners. Breakfasts. Anything at all that gives elected officials, political candidates, lobbyists, bankers, operatives, lawyers, business leaders—and yes, journalists too—an excuse to kick back a few and revel in their own powerful glory. We’ve got the skinny on more than 40 events. Read More

Toomey dismisses moderation meme; Dems scoff
It’s become conventional wisdom that Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey has been tacking toward the center ever since it became clear that he’ll probably win the party’s nomination hands-down. But Toomey, who has in recent months adopted notably gentle political language if not actually different policies, says that conventional wisdom is wrong. Read More
Also: Expects to win Chester County

Vote to legalize table games delayed
House Democratic leaders on Tuesday delayed a scheduled vote to legalize table games while they tried to round up support for the bill. Read More

Defense turns to character witnesses in Bonusgate trial
Attorneys for Sean Ramaley, a former lawmaker accused of taking a no-work job at ex-House Whip Mike Veon’s Beaver Falls headquarters while running for office in 2004, called a series of witnesses to the stand Tuesday to testify to Ramaley’s honesty and work ethic. Read More

POLICY ROUNDUP: Hoeffel and Knox on energy, Specter on abortion & jobs galore
While we were distracted with raw politics as usual, Tuesday ended up being a day chock full of policy pronouncements. Read More
On the blogosphere: Knox faces questions over event location

Two state senators endorse Schroder
Further underscoring his support among elected officials in the 6th Congressional District, state Representative Curt Schroder’s (R-Chester) campaign announced Tuesday that it had been endorsed by two more members of the state Senate. Read More
Also on pa2010.com: Trivedi gets rank-and-file support

Morganelli to file suit to unseat dual office holders
Two area officials defied threats of a lawsuit leveled last month by Northampton County’s top lawyer and took posts on two school boards, setting the stage for a courtroom showdown. Read More

Controversial Rendell suit named two other drug companies
The original lawsuit filed by Gov. Ed Rendell through high-profile plaintiffs attorneys that is being challenged in state Supreme Court named two other prescription drug companies as defendants. Read More

Have a great day!