Taxation problem is taxing Nov 15, 2009
Bob Freeman suggests taking the 18 percent tax on wine and liquor -- long called the "Johnstown Flood Tax" because it was implemented to meet the 1936 crisis -- and dedicate it to Pennsylvania's ongoing, slow-motion nightmare of city financing ... The city is where the lion's share of the jobs are, and nonprofits play a huge role in providing them here and throughout Pennsylvania ... That number might be higher in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, where so many are health-care workers, according to... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
2012 already? GOP wannabes jockey early Nov 15, 2009
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum has fueled speculation with a visit to Iowa, where he said: "I want a role in where this party is going, where this country is going." Republicans like South Dakota Sen. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Meet the Press Nov 14, 2009
Then, Republican Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell discuss the impact of election results. Insights and analysis from our political roundtable: David Brooks, E.J. Dionne, Rachel Maddow and Ed Gillespie. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Latest probe charges may help Corbett's campaign Nov 14, 2009
A former House speaker, an ex-lawmaker and eight aides Thursday became the latest - and the first Republicans - to be charged in a 3-year-old investigation into the diversion of public resources and employees to Pennsylvania legislative campaigns ... AP Photo - Former Pennsylvania House Speaker John Perzel R-Philadelphia, is escorted by law enforcement to a hearing in Harrisburg, Pa ... AP Photo - Former Pennsylvania House Speaker John Perzel R-Philadelphia, walks through members of the media... (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Thumbs up, thumbs down Nov 14, 2009
Kough was honored recently as a finalists for the title of Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year ... Thumbs up: To excellence in the classroom, Part II: Cumberland Valleys Shaull Elementary School is one of 13 schools in Pennsylvania and 264 in the nation to be designated a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Persecuting Palin? Nov 14, 2009
Now he is at 1600 Pennsylvania avenue. HANNITY: Do you think people that underestimate her do so to their own peril. (Fox News)
Experts to review test scores Nov 14, 2009
Andrew Porter, education dean of the University of Pennsylvania s Graduate School of Education, and Douglas Reeves, a nationally recognized consultant on improving student achievement in K-12 schools, will conduct the review that is expected to take several months. Neither has begun work and a spokesman for Hall said they have not set a deadline. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Riders Midnight Madness a blast Nov 14, 2009
The Riders go up against schools from Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Virginia and will be the smallest school in their bracket. The bleachers were packed to welcome the new season as the madness started with a routine by the cheerleading squad to get the crowd hyped up. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Pastrick’s salary protected by contract Nov 13, 2009
Pastrick s salary protected by contract - Somerset - Daily American. According to an Indiana Gazette article dated Dec. 8, 2004, Pastrick accepted a 102,000 settlement from the Marion Center Area School District. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Can the Dems Keep Putting Up with Joe Lieberman? Nov 13, 2009
"He's a Senator, he's got a right to his opinions," says Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Democrat (as of April, when he switched from the Republican Party). "We'll work it out." "There's a long ways to go" before considering punitive measures, says Patty Murray of Washington. (Time.com)
How the Pennsylvania Legislature bonus scandal unfolded Nov 13, 2009
The following timeline traces the major developments in the Pennsylvania Legislature bonus scandal as it has unfolded in Harrisburg over the last three years ... July 7, 2005 State lawmakers approve hefty raises for themselves, sparking voter outrage and turning the next election cycle into one of the most contentious in Pennsylvania history. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Palin in book: McCain aides kept me 'bottled up' Nov 13, 2009
Palin plans to travel through such battleground states as Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania by bus. The tour starts Wednesday in Grand Rapids, Mich. (USA Today)
The Weight of War Is Showing on Obama Nov 13, 2009
Born in Pennsylvania, McGinnis, 19, wound up in Iraq as a machine gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment. An insurgent threw a hand grenade into his Humvee. (CBS News)
Lexington remembers military here and abroad Nov 12, 2009
7 million), New York (1 million) and Pennsylvania (1 million). 26 Percent of veterans 25 and older with at least a bachelor s degree in 2008. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Hasan's Ties Spark Government Blame Game Nov 12, 2009
If you think about it, he took out more people than 1 of the hijackers on Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It took 4 hijackers to kill 40 passengers and crew. (CBS News -- Early Show)
State judicial recount could begin Monday Nov 11, 2009
A recount could cost taxpayers as much as 1. 3 million, according to the Department of State. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Judge's ruling allows autism helper dog in class Nov 11, 2009
Similar lawsuits have been filed on behalf of autistic children in other states, including California and Pennsylvania. The judge ruled that the Drews had presented "clear and convincing evidence" to show Chewey is a service animal that helps the boy function, said attorney Margie Wakelin, who works with Chicago-based Equip for Equality and represented the family. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Barletta to Make Another Run at Kanjorski Nov 11, 2009
Northeastern Pennsylvanians are frustrated with a career politician who has a knack for ethical lapses and has done little to create jobs. Barletta gained national recognition in the past few years for implementing anti-illegal-immigration ordinances in his small northeastern Pennsylvania town. (Roll Call)
Heath confirmed as winner of third council seat Nov 11, 2009
The county board will certify the results Tuesday to the Pennsylvania Department of State. Your View - Comment on this Story. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Health care bill is history in the making Nov 10, 2009
Ed Rendell, the current governor of Pennsylvania and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said it perfectly: "There's no perfect bill out there, but this bill is what we need.". I believe that within the year Congress will pass health care legislation that will become law with the president's signature. (Daily Orange, NY)
Gay marriage Nov 10, 2009
Follow News & Politics. Editor: Updated: Today Topic. (Salon)
Pastrick paid but barred from building Nov 10, 2009
At Monday s meeting, Somerset Area School District officials would give no further comment on Pastrick s status with the district or the circumstances surrounding his abrupt departure (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Read the 'News Watch' transcript Nov 10, 2009
It seemed that once the two governors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania I'm sorry, New Jersey and Virginia were going to be going Republican, they focused their attention on the fact that the Republicans have huge intra-party squabbles that are going to cause all kinds of problems down the road. CUPP: That New York 23 race was very convenient, once it looked like New Jersey and Virginia were going to go Republican. (Fox News)
Pa. city OKs settlement for 2005 police death Nov 10, 2009
The central Pennsylvania city of York has elected its first black mayor, 40 years after violent race riots led to the death of a white police officer and a black woman ... -- An eastern Pennsylvania city council has approved a $5 million settlement with the widow of a police officer shot dead inside police headquarters. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Rick Holmes: Obama comes down to earth Nov 9, 2009
You can say Obama has failed to deliver on the promise of bipartisanship, but that puts the blame on the wrong end of Pennsylvania Avenue. For lots of reasons, Republicans and Democrats in the House have been at each other's throats since at least 1994. (Wakefield Observer, MA)
Editorial: PSU's status with state troubling Nov 9, 2009
During election season, politicians from Pennsylvania make it a point to tell students that education is a top priority. And maybe that's true for some of them, but judging by how state legislators are handling appropriations for state-related universities -- Penn State included -- one should question whether or not education is very high of a priority. (Daily Collegian, PA)
2010 elections: Democratic fears, GOP hopes Nov 9, 2009
Conservatives are challenging establishment-favored Republicans in several states, including Florida and California, while liberals are taking on Democratic moderates in Pennsylvania, Colorado and elsewhere ... Blanche Lincoln in Arkansas, a state John McCain won last fall; Chris Dodd in Connecticut, hampered by a mortgage controversy; Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania, the party-switching former Republican; and Barbara Boxer in California, a frequent GOP target. (MSNBC -- Politics)
The November Chronicles Nov 8, 2009
Jimmy Carter lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in those days, but his presidency would languish due to lack of foresight, insufficient resolve, and malaise-driven methodology. Exactly one year later yep, you got it right smack dab on November 4, 1980, Ronald Wilson Reagan trounced Mr. Carter, who vainly sought re-election, with the networks calling the race even before many Americans had voted. (Townhall.com)
Ground breaks on Flight 93 memorial Nov 8, 2009
PENNSYLVANIA SHANKSVILLE - With the words Let s roll, the command issued by United Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer to lead the passenger revolt, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and 39 victims relatives and dignitaries turned shovels of dirt at a groundbreaking yesterday for a national memorial. We made it. (Boston Globe)
Late TV Listings Nov 8, 2009
Guests: Governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania; David Brooks, New York Times columnist; E.J. Dionne, Washington Post columnist; Rachel Maddow, MSNBC host; Ed Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee; Tom Brokaw, NBC News. 10:30 a.m. (7). (Boston Globe)
The White House and Abramoff: 70 more contacts revealed Nov 8, 2009
The one-time Pennsylvania governor admits in a new book that he felt political pressure from the White House to issue bogus terror alerts before the 2004 presidential election. Big surprise, right. (Salon)
A Meaty Debate Nov 7, 2009
But life also involves crass displays of exhibitionism, such as the day a pair of PETA beauties shared an outdoor shower on Pennsylvania Ave. They languidly wash each other with cruelty-free soap and ignore heckles from the growing crowd, wrote Post reporter Monica Hesse. But why ignore it. (Townhall.com)
Grossman gears up Nov 7, 2009
- Edinboro University of Pennsylvania spokesman Jeff Pinski. - Sister Christine Vladimiroff, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Written out of the story Nov 7, 2009
The eSlate is not only being used in Texas; it's also deployed in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. Unfortunately for Sekula-Gibbs, the eSlate system doesn't offer a hyphen as an option for write-ins. (Salon)
Local Briefs Nov 7, 2009
The ICC boys will make the trip to Disney World on Dec. 27, and are currently scheduled in the Blue Bracket with teams from Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Virginia. Ichabod Crane will be the smallest school in the bracket with the other schools sized 2A and up. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Take to the phones! Nov 6, 2009
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood has organized rallies and demonstrations in states from Georgia and Pennsylvania to Missouri and Utah, and has also launched the Parenthood Pledge, "a grass-roots campaign to engage activists and supporters across the country and urge them to put every elected leader in America on notice: the American people will not allow hardliners to use the Supreme Court's reckless decision to threaten women's health. The Planned Parenthood Pledge will be shared with members of... (Salon)
Gubernatorial hopeful Tom Knox advocates reforms Nov 6, 2009
Knox, a Philadelphia businessman and one of five Democratic hopefuls, called Thursday for imposing first-ever limits on campaign contributions in state election campaigns. In an e-mail to hundreds of thousands of Democratic voters, he also advocates a ban on gifts and other freebies from lobbyists to public officials. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Common Sense Nov 5, 2009
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said that to me Tuesday night during my election coverage. Column Archive. (Fox News)
Heath takes third Carlisle council seat Nov 5, 2009
The results will be put on display for five days starting Nov. 10, after which the county board would then certify the results to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Brown said. She added it is up to the candidates to decide whether to pursue the legal right to a recount in tight races. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
DiVecchios final days Nov 5, 2009
"That's the area I concentrated on as county executive, and I think this county has some of the best human services in Pennsylvania," DiVecchio said ... DiVecchio counts the push toward establishing a community college in northwestern Pennsylvania and helping to secure county funding for the airport runway project among his administration's biggest achievements ... Other controversies included DiVecchio in January 2008 having county workers, on county time and with county equipment, clear snow... (Erie Times-News, PA)
Superior Court race may require recount Nov 5, 2009
The candidates vying for the fourth seat up for grabs on the Pennsylvania Superior Court are separated by just 0. 2 percentage points, which means it is likely the Department of State will have to conduct a recount that could cost more than $1 million. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
2 Republicans win seats on Pa. Superior Court Nov 5, 2009
(AP) Two Republicans have won seats to the Pennsylvania Superior Court but two other open seats are too close to call. Allegheny County Judge Judy Olson and Tioga County lawyer Sallie Mundy both won seats to the court in Tuesday's general election. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Staff Column: Local election underscores national issue Nov 5, 2009
Pennsylvania has 66 others, and the United States has more than 3,100. For much of America, the ceiling still stands, and we shouldn't stand for that. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Republican Purists Scare Democrats, GOP Too Nov 5, 2009
The Clubs other big accomplishment this year was to drive Pennsylvania Republican Senator out of the party. Specter would rather take his chances as a Democrat than face a rematch in 2010 with former Congressman , who, with the Clubs backing, came within two points of defeating Specter in the 2004 primary election. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Warning sign for Democrats: They're losing independents Nov 5, 2009
"The White House insisted that the Democrats' loss of the governor's offices in New Jersey and Virginia had nothing to do with Obama."I think the data from the gubernatorial races demonstrates that voters went to the polls in those two contests to talk about and work though very local issues that didn't involve the president," press secretary Robert Gibbs said.He said that exit polls showed that a majority of voters in the two states said that Obama wasn't a factor in their decisions. However,... (Fresno Bee)
First Niagara creates health-care team Nov 5, 2009
The division will be headed by Matthew Huber, first vice president, who will lead a team of relationship managers throughout Upstate New York and Western Pennsylvania. First Niagara (NASDAQ: FNFG) is currently based in Pendleton in Niagara County. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Sarah Palin Book Tour Kicks Off Nov. 18 Nov 5, 2009
Instead, the itinerary for Palin, whose "Going Rogue" comes out Nov. 17, includes Noblesville, Indiana; Washington, Pennsylvania; and Rochester, New York. "She wants to be unconventional. She is unconventional," HarperCollins spokeswoman Tina Andreadis said Wednesday. (CBS News -- Entertainment)
GOP had a good day in Pennsylvania Nov 5, 2009
Republican candidates' robust showings across Pennsylvania Tuesday raised GOP hopes for the next year's state and congressional elections ... Tuesday left Pennsylvania Republicans, like their colleagues nationally, with at least temporary bragging rights, but analysts and partisans debated just how reliable a guide those results offered to the bigger prizes on the 2010 ballots -- a governor's race, a U.S. Senate seat and scores of legislative and congressional contests ... "States like... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Jeb Bush: Florida Needs McCollum as Governor Nov 5, 2009
Other current state attorneys general planning to run for governor in 2010 are South Carolina's Henry McMaster, Georgia's Thurbert Baker, California's Jerry Brown, Pennsylvania's Tom Corbett, Rhode Island's Patrick Lynch, Oklahoma's Drew Edmondson and Michigan's Mike Cox ... (Legal Newsline) - While pay-to-play allegations abound in Pennsylvania, state Rep. (Newsmax)
Schools Reopen as Philly Transit Strike Continues Nov 4, 2009
The first day of a transit strike caused widespread delays and frustrated thousands of commuters who had to find other ways to get around Pennsylvania's largest city ... The sudden strike called early Tuesday by Transport Workers Union Local 234 all but crippled the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday. (ABC News -- Wire)
GOP Wins Control of Penn. Supreme Court Nov 4, 2009
Orie Melvin leads Panella for Pennsylvania Supreme Court seat - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ... Orie Melvin leads Panella for Pennsylvania Supreme Court seat ... Voters elected four judges to the Pennsylvania's Superior Court and two judges to the Commonwealth Court. (Newsmax)
PSAC Football: State up for grabs Saturday Nov 4, 2009
With that total, Rees ranks seventh in the history of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) for career coaching victories ... He has guided Cal U to four-consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West crowns with back-to-back NCAA Division II Semifinal appearances and consecutive Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Lambert Trophies. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Deer Lodge project lasting tribute to architect Nov 4, 2009
Working for several different firms during his career, Hillman designed many notable buildings in Central Pennsylvania, including Outlook Point at Creekview in Mechanicsburg, the West Shore Evangelical Free Church and the upcoming state memorial for fallen firefighters in Harrisburg. Roy listened to his clients needs. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
McCullough, Brobson expected to win seats Nov 4, 2009
His experience has included work with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, the Department of Revenue and the Gaming Control Board ... Created by the Constitutional Convention of 1968, the Commonwealth Court handles cases that involve Pennsylvania as a party. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
County executive race still undecided Nov 4, 2009
Asked why he thought the race was so close, Grossman said: "I think it mirrored the race four years ago between DiVecchio and (Republican Dale) McBrier. I don't think the county's demographics have changed much. It's heavy Democrat in the city, and a lot of Republican districts south of Interstate 90." Kerner, though, said he believes the election was a referendum on what many political watchers considered the race's central issue -- the proposal to launch a community college in northwestern... (Erie Times-News, PA)
Al Gore: "I am optimistic" Nov 4, 2009
Really, who could pass up of a drunken Boris Yeltsin, at the time the president of Russia, standing out on Pennsylvania Avenue in his underwear trying to hail a cab so that he could get a pizza. It may not be the most substantive thing ever, but it does provide an interesting glimpse into U.S.-Russian relations not long after the end of the Cold War -- just the fact that the story had been kept quiet until now speaks volumes. (Salon)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Nov 4, 2009
During the early days of the investigation, poor worker hygiene repeatedly had been identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health as the likely cause ... The Tennessee outbreak has been linked to green onions from Mexico, but where the green onions in the Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania outbreaks were grown has yet to be determined, according to Fiore. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Not So Fast: Reid Signals Delay in Health Reform Nov 4, 2009
All year, Democratic strategists on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue have made no secret of the fact that they do not view time as their friend on enacting health reform, a goal that has eluded every President since Harry Truman who has attempted it. At one point, Democrats hoped to have the bill passed by both houses over the summer and on Obama's desk in the fall. (Time.com)
Philly Transit Strike a Tough Sell in Down Economy Nov 4, 2009
The sudden strike by Transport Workers Union Local 234 all but crippled the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which averages more than 928,000 trips each weekday. No new negotiations were scheduled Tuesday. (ABC News -- Wire)
Voters in NC's largest city elect Democratic mayor Nov 4, 2009
The central Pennsylvania city of York has elected its first black mayor, 40 years after violent race riots led to the death of a white police officer and a black woman. Democrat Kim Bracey beat Republican Wendell Banks in Tuesday's general election. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Read the 'Journal' transcript Nov 3, 2009
The "Wall Street Journal's Dan Henninger, Jason Riley and Steve Moore, have all been following the races and they join me now. Jason, a referendum on President Obama or not? JASON RILEY, EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBER: Well, these are all places he won pretty handily a year ago, 57 percent of the vote in New Jersey, 53 percent in Virginia. So, yes, I think it's a fair test of whether the Democratic majority he ushered in is sustainable. But it's also a test of whether Republicans can regain some ground... (Fox News)
Iran has another hero, this one still living, in Mahmoud Vahidnia Nov 3, 2009
Groups associated with Acorn in neighboring Pennsylvania and New York appear to have moved into the state. An independent candidate for mayor in Camden has already leveled charges that voter fraud is occurring in his city. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
ACORN Aims to Tip New Jersey Election in Corzine's Favor Nov 3, 2009
According to Fund, Acorn-linked groups from neighboring Pennsylvania and New York "appear to have moved into the state.". Fund also reports that the state's Democratic Party is pressuring county clerks around the Garden State to downplay signature checks on absentee ballots. (Newsmax)
Tuesdays lessons are already known Nov 3, 2009
Hoffman's likely victory, combined with the forced party switch of Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania, has conservatives emboldened, particularly the folks at the Club for Growth. The first half of 2010 is going to be a fight inside the party about finding balance and whether or not candidates should "fit" districts or states even if it means they aren't down the line conservatives. (MSNBC -- Politics)
The First Family brings change Nov 3, 2009
The Bush twins had gone off to college when George W. and moved into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., and Chelsea Clinton was almost a teenager when her father's first term began. The Obamas have insisted that the news media leave Malia and Sasha pretty much alone. (USA Today)
