Lessons learned and thoughts gleaned from a blurry weekend in New York

Those weekends of politicking go by so fast it’s hard to think. But after dozens of parties and even more conversations with political insiders during last week’s Pennsylvania Society gathering in midtown Manhattan, here are a few things on our mind about 2010.

Chris Doherty won’t be counted out. There’s no questions that the Scranton mayor is an underdog for the Democratic nomination for governor. But more than a few people who spoke with him…

December 14, 2009 at 4:00 pm | Comments (10)

Day 2 at the Pa. Society: A live blog

NEW YORK—It’s another freezing-cold winter day here in midtown Manhattan at the Pennsylvania Society weekend. We tried to give you play-by-play coverage of yesterday’s events in our first live blog. We hope you enjoy spending the day with us again.

Like before, if you’re in New York, send us your dispatches.

7:47—About to head to the Penn Club for the University of Pennsylvania’s annual breakfast. Along with some other stuff this morning, this…

December 12, 2009 at 10:00 pm | Comments (13)

No decision yet from Zelov

NEW YORK—Lower Merion Township Commissioner Scott Zelov says he hasn’t yet decided whether to join the crowded GOP primary in the 6th Congressional District. But as he joined at least two other potential opponents at Congressman Charlie Dent’s party here Saturday afternoon, it was clear he had come to New York to stir up some interest in his candidacy.

“The reception’s been wonderful,” Zelov said. “I know a lot of people, I’ve met a lot…

December 12, 2009 at 9:59 pm | Comments (7)

Schroder welcomes all PA-6 candidates… except Welch

NEW YORK—It’s clear that state Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) will continue to make an issue of primary opponent Steven Welch’s residency, as he keeps up an attack line against the man seen by some as the candidate with the best chance of beating him.

In an interview with pa2010.com during Congressman Charlie Dent’s reception here Saturday afternoon, with Welch about 25 feet away, Schroder said he’s glad to see so many candidates running in the…

December 12, 2009 at 9:50 pm | Comments (13)

Toomey on a ‘united party’

NEW YORK—It’s the crux in intra-party politics that a primary is both good and bad—bad because it drains resources that could be used to fight the other guys, good because it draws attention to the candidates.

Right now, Republican Senate candidate Pat Toomey, expected to cruise to a primary victory next May, isn’t getting an iota of the media attention either of his likely Democratic opponents are. But he insists this isn’t a disadvantage.

“I…

December 12, 2009 at 9:39 pm | Comments (4)

Senate update: They’re in town?

NEW YORK—After much speculation that Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey would miss the Pennsylvania Society weekend here, we’re hearing that both have made it into town for the tail end of the festivities.

We bumped into a couple Specter aides who said the senator is already here or will be shortly, and we’re hearing the same thing about Casey a day after his missed his own event.

Both were in Washington with the Senate…

December 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm | Comments (1)

Welch mum on how much he’ll spend

NEW YORK—Everyone has a theory on how much millionaire businessman Steven Welch will spend as he tried to win in the 6th Congressional District. The latest came from a well-placed conservative, who wrote on his blog that Welch “can fund his campaign to three million dollars if necessary.”

For obvious strategic reasons, Welch is keeping that information close to the chest.

“I don’t know if he talked to my wife, but we don’t comment on…

December 12, 2009 at 2:14 pm | Comments (0)

Costello calls the primary he exited a ‘free-for-all’

NEW YORK—Now that he’s no longer running for the Republican nomination in the 6th Congressional District, Chester County Recorder of Deeds Ryan Costello is free to pontificate on the political landscape unfettered.

Asked by pa2010.com to offer his analysis, Costello said he sees state Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) and businessman Steven Welch as the two favorites. And the contrast between them, he said, shows a sort of double-edged sword in electoral politics. Candidates in Montgomery…

December 12, 2009 at 2:07 pm | Comments (2)

On enemy ground

NEW YORK—One of the nice things about the Pennsylvania Society weekend here is the apparent moments of political peace.

So there was Tom Knox’s campaign manager hanging out at opponent Jack Wagner’s reception. And two of Dan Onorato’s campaign staffers checking out Joe Hoeffel’s late-night reception. And Sam Rohrer briefly mulling outside Onorato’s party.

Seems we can all just get along.

…

December 12, 2009 at 6:57 am | Comments (0)

Day 1 rumor mill and wrap up

NEW YORK—It was a day of non-stop politicking here Friday in midtown Manhattan. Here are a few things we’re hearing.

-—Lonely in D.C: Looks like the health care debate in Washington held up Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter. It may even make them miss whole weekend, but we hear they might show up later on Saturday. Specter certainly can’t afford to miss important moments for all the guff he’s given Joe Sestak about his…

December 12, 2009 at 6:54 am | Comments (0)