Candidates court DelCo Dems

MEDIA—Candidates for Governor, Senate and Congress took turns addressing Delaware County Democrats here Sunday night, appearing in a crowded forum that brought Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7) back to his home turf.

A day after he and Senator Arlen Specter both made their cases to liberal activists in Harrisburg, Sestak was back in his district talking up his anti-establishment message.

“We’re not Rendell-ites or Biden-ites,” Sestak said, referring to Specter’s support from the governor and the…

February 1, 2010 at 2:25 pm | Comments (3)

Trivedi’s fundraising pace slows; about $123K on hand

After raking in some quick cash during an abbreviated third quarter last year, Democrat Manan Trivedi saw his fundraising pace slow during the last three months of 2009. Coupled with the money his 6th District primary opponent

February 1, 2010 at 12:30 pm | Comments (3)

In newly-competitive contest, Murphy has $848K

Facing the prospect of a viable Republican challenge that seemed remote only weeks ago, Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8) is in the process of refilling campaign coffers that were greatly depleted by a late spending push in 2008.

Murphy raised about $321,000 in the last three months of 2009, finishing the year with about $848,000 in cash on hand, according to

February 1, 2010 at 9:30 am | Comments (6)

From the Blogs

Obama and Republicans both need to take a deep breath

by Michael Livingston

Since his administration took a tumble in Massachusetts a couple of weeks ago, people have been full of advice for President Obama, much of it less than helpful. In Sunday’s New York Times, Frank Rich urged him to

February 1, 2010 at 9:15 am | Comments (4)

Home run: Philliez prez donates to Meehan

The man who likes baseball also like former Pat Meehan.

Philadelphia Phillies president David Montgomery contributed $500 to the former U.S. Attorney’s GOP campaign in the 7th Congressional District. It was only a tiny drop in the $580,000-bucket that Meehan raised in the last three months of 2009. Nonetheless, Montgomery was one donor of at least two locals who could be called quasi-celebrities in the area. The other? Radio talk-show host and columnist Michael Smerconish,…

February 1, 2010 at 9:00 am | Comments (0)

From leaders to rank-and-file, Dems pitch in for Lentz

Whether it’s House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, freshman state Representative Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) or recently-defeated judicial candidate Nancy Rhoads Koons, Democrats from the top of the party hierarchy to the bottom are giving money to Bryan Lentz.

Lentz, the second-term state Representative from Delaware County, is running to replace Congressman Joe Sestak (D-7), in a conservative-leaning district that will be tough for the party to hold. But even with Lentz likely to be outspent by presumptive…

February 1, 2010 at 8:30 am | Comments (2)

Pike closing in on $1M donated

Democrat Doug Pike is continuing to heavily self-fund his own campaign in the 6th Congressional District, and has now given almost $1 million to the effort, according to

February 1, 2010 at 8:00 am | Comments (9)

Opinion

What is a Scott Brown Republican?

by Clayton Grabb

It was so refreshing to hear someone with integrity finally lead with their own character, defining how they will represent the people.

Scott Brown of Massachusetts, when asked what kind of Republican he would be as the newly elected Senator from Massachusetts, said simply: “A Scott Brown Republican.” Brown is the symbolic spark this country has needed. He is the spark that defines the new breed of lawmaker, one who hopes to replace the career-incumbent,…

February 1, 2010 at 7:45 am | Comments (1)

After late entrance, Barletta has $52K; still in debt

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta only had about a month to raise money for his third congressional run before the door closed on 2009. In that time, racked up about $60,000 in donations, finishing the year with about $52,000 in cash on hand, according to

February 1, 2010 at 7:30 am | Comments (0)

Fundraising sparse, Paige signals he’s ready to spend

With relatively few campaign contributions to boast, Republican hedge fund executive Chris Paige signaled last weekend that he’s prepared to spend at least $300,000 on his attempt to win the GOP’s nomination in the 11th Congressional District.

Paige, considered an underdog to party-favorite Lou Barletta, has raised about $21,000 during the election cycle so far, and finished 2009 with only $3,500 in cash on hand, according to

February 1, 2010 at 7:00 am | Comments (0)