Pennsylvania
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4:19 p.m.
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One of the most specious arguments we've heard some of the Democratic strategists make is that Obama is weaker in Ohio and Pennsylvania than Clinton is simply because Clinton defeated him there. ...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - 2:09 p.m. - 2 clicks 
On his own website Bill Shuster touts the need to expand the use of coal to relieve Americas energy woes. This will bring big bucks to the mining companies and energy companies that line Bill Shusters campaign coffers. Yet on April 30th of this year, Bill Shuster told the men and women who have to actually dig the coal that they are on their own. Roll Call vote #233 was on passage of The Combust...
shuck shuster - Sat 9:24 p.m. - 14 clicks
We've all been hearing more and more and seeing it in the polls that Obama is having trouble winning the white working class vote lately. The latest salvo of states has been Indiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and the next one will be in West Virginia. These states are the most important because of their location and an even distribution of blacks and minorities in their states. But wait a m...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Sat 4:40 p.m. - 34 clicks
The WaPo's Steven Mufson wrote a courageous piece for today's Business section in which he unveils the real reason for the Bush Bribe (read: "stimulus package"). Since Congress and Bush unveiled an economic stimulus package Jan. 24, the price of......
Fact-esque - Sat 2:09 p.m. - 17 clicks
San Franciscans Want to Put Bush's Name in the Toilet A group called the Presidential Memorial Commission of San Francisco has launched a ballot initiative that would rename a city sewage treatment plant the "George W. Bush Sewage Plant." A petition is being circulated that would put the measure up for a vote in November. If it passes, it will rename the city's Oceanside Treatment Pl...
Gort42 - Sat 12:18 a.m. - 23 clicks
Um. Hi guys. I've been lurking around here since Winter 2006, but never really felt the need to write a diary. Until now, I guess. I don't have any breaking news. I don't have any primary banter. But I am kind of pissed off... ...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Fri 5:08 p.m. - 25 clicks
First off, I’m not sure what’s more tragic: the damage caused by the cyclone or the paranoid Myanmar government’s refusal to let in outside aid workers — letting their own citizens die. As an American citizen, this especially pisses me off because it’s not too often that I agree with the decisions of my president. I fully support Bush in his offer to give ai...
Comments From Left Field - Fri 5:08 p.m. - 26 clicks
Why is it that this bloated idiot has the audacity to push his way into the hooplah over the beatings of a few black men, by Philadelphia police officers, but he cannot weigh in on the senseless violence which takes so many black lives, daily? On any given day, in Philadelphia, about 5 people are shot. I'm guessing that the majority are blacks shooting other blacks. Actually, I don't have to ...
DrChuckSpeaks - Fri 1:18 p.m. - 24 clicks
I've been memed by SteveG ! So soon after my reemergence into the blogosphere! Here are the rules: Post a picture or make/take/create your own that captures what YOU are most passionate for students to learn about. Give your picture a short title. Title your blog post "Meme: Passion Quilt." Link back to this blog entry. The caption for my image are embedded in the image: "I Came to ...
Mad Melancholic Feminista - Fri 10:42 a.m. - 22 clicks
U.S. Rep. Chris Carney ended months of mulling it over and announced Thursday he’s backing New York Sen. Hillary Clinton for president. In a statement, Mr. Carney said he met with Mrs. Clinton on Wednesday, “and let her know Thursday that I am supporting her.” “I have watched this primary process very closely, and as I said I would do, I have weighed the temperament and leadership displa...
Keystone Politics - Fri 7:02 a.m. - 17 clicks
From the Trib : Former Pittsburgh Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle charged taxpayers for two plane tickets to Las Vegas even after prosecutors charged her in the kickback scheme that eventually sent her to prison. An invoice showing the $726 round-trip tickets on a city-owned American Airline credit card shocked City Controller Michael Lamb, who refused Thursday to pay the eight-month-old bill....
2 Political Junkies - Fri 7:01 a.m. - 16 clicks
On May 5th, Governor Rendell's budget office released a new analysis of the plan to pay for Access to Basic Care [ABC], a comprehensive plan to provide health insurance to thousands of Pennsylvanians that have been going without it. In short, the plan to pay for ABC is sound. From the Governor's press release: This analysis answers the argument from critics that the bill does not h...
Young Philly Politics - Thu 4:46 p.m. - 22 clicks
Back in the day, I was a huge Clinton supporter (by the way, back in the day was like last year), today that has changed. Clearly, Obama has demonstrated that he can do well in the general election. If you examine the coalition of folks that he has brought together, i.e., blacks, whites, young, not so young, Independents, and Republicans (Operation Chaos not withstanding), there is no way tha...
DrChuckSpeaks - Thu 2:23 p.m. - 25 clicks
Political consultant Thomas E. Severson, accused of threatening Northampton County Councilman Ron Angle at a funeral Mass, today lost his bid to have a special prosecutor assigned to hear the case. Senior Judge Lawrence Brenner denied a legal motion filed by Severson’s attorney, George Heitczman of Bethlehem. Pen Argyl police charged Severson in March with making terroristic threat...
Keystone Politics - Thu 2:22 p.m. - 21 clicks
The first part of a fascinating series on gender identity and young children aired yesterday on All Things Considered . I am always drawn to these stories and, more importantly, the analyses of what could possibly be at work in a young child's desire to live as a different gender than he or she was born. What struck me in this report was the way in which one Gender Identity Disorder spe...
Mad Melancholic Feminista - Thu 2:21 p.m. - 21 clicks
The state House is moving to help nonprofit groups that raise funds by holding bingos, which have slipped in attendance as more casinos have opened around Pennsylvania and in neighboring states. The House voted 180-18 yesterday for a bill introduced by Rep. Don Walko, D-North Side. It would permit nonprofits and charities like volunteer fire companies and church groups to conduct as many as ...
Keystone Politics - Thu 10:25 a.m. - 18 clicks
On the Monday night beating depicted above, which has made national news, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Ramsey: "We have 6,700 members on the city police force," Ramsey said to CNN's John Roberts. "Occasionally we have someone engaging in conduct we're not especially proud of. It happens in any large organization. Ramsey said the beating should be placed in context. "We're g...
Young Philly Politics - Thu 10:24 a.m. - 15 clicks
Democratic state House candidate John R. Ritter is undergoing treatment for leukemia but plans to stay in the race for the 187th District seat, his campaign said Wednesday. Ritter began treatment at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on Monday. He was diagnosed and received a treatment plan last week, his campaign said. ‘‘John’s doctor antici...
Keystone Politics - Thu 5:34 a.m. - 13 clicks
Casinos, private clubs and smaller bars and taverns appear to be winning their fights for exceptions from a bill to ban smoking from most indoor facilities in Pennsylvania. Sources close to talks said all three groups might escape the statewide ban. But smoking could be banished at restaurants, offices and other workplaces, and public facilities such as stadiums or government buildings. ...
Keystone Politics - Thu 5:34 a.m. - 13 clicks
It's official, two consecutive sessions in a row, the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment in Pennsylvania has failed to move from the Senate. Actually, last year it didn't make it out of committee. This year it did, but was tabled because the Senate knows that there is virtually no path to approval on the floor. I must say, I am very proud of one Senator in particular: Vincent Fumo (D-...
Declarations of Pride - Thu 2:09 a.m. - 19 clicks
Tom DeLay's visit to the area got my Democratic friends all riled up as they tried to tie him to Chris Hackett which I think is a stretch. Delay told a crowd of 50 people that all the charges against him are from " a rogue district attorney ." Chris Carney's camp said " Fresh from the brutally negative primary, Hackett is now bringing the worst kind of Washington values to Penn...
Gort42 - Thu 2:08 a.m. - 17 clicks
From the Post-Gazette : HARRISBURG -- A bill that would amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage is in a deep coma and is probably dead, at least for the rest of this session. Faced with staunch opposition to the measure in the Democrat-controlled House, the main sponsor, Sen. Michael Brubaker, R-Lancaster, asked the Senate last evening to table the bill indefinitely, and it...
2 Political Junkies - Wed 9:19 p.m. - 15 clicks
I had planned this somewhat corny narrative for The Triangle, but didn't get it written in time for it to go in post-election day. It's a little targeted for the general apathetic college student, but I hope you enjoy it... A Good Ol’ Fashioned Election Day I can’t think of a more inspirational way to wake up on Election Day morn’ than to the sound of a woman and child belting out a renditi...
Drexel Democrats - Wed 8:10 p.m. - 21 clicks
This is very cool: HARRISBURG -- A bill that would amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage is in a deep coma and is probably dead, at least for the rest of this session. Faced with staunch opposition to the measure in the Democrat-controlled House, the main sponsor, Sen. Michael Brubaker, R-Lancaster, asked the Senate last evening to table the bill indefinitely, and it a...
Young Philly Politics - Wed 1:25 p.m. - 17 clicks
One more reason for the GOP not to be overly enthusiastic about their prospects in PA. this November: Same-sex marriage ban likely dead in Pa. Senate Wednesday, May 07, 2008 By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau HARRISBURG -- A bill that would amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage is in a deep coma and is probably dead, at least for the rest of this session. ...
DailyKos (Pennsylvania) - Wed 8:17 a.m. - 15 clicks
On April 10, LEAD member Doris Cipolla testified against Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1250 before the PA Senate Judiciary Committee at the Allegheny Courthouse in Pittsburgh PA. This is the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment. Here is her testimony: Thank you for allowing me to testify. I am saddened, however, that this amendment is again rearing its ugly head in light of all the conflicting ...
Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy - Wed 8:17 a.m. - 17 clicks
In the days following the shocking, repulsive, execution-style murder of Philadelphia police officer Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, there has been a renewed focus on the power of the NRA specifically and the gun lobby generally. ( For example, see Jill Porter's column today, or Mike Nutter's comments from Monday .) While I welcome that scrutiny, and think it is common-sense that we keep assault-we...
Young Philly Politics - Wed 8:16 a.m. - 17 clicks
Gives his victory speech on the night that he becomes the Democratic nominee: ...
Gort42 - Wed 5:46 a.m. - 19 clicks
Bernie O’Hare conducted a great interview with congressional candidate Sam Bennett, who’s challenging Charlie Dent in the 15th. I think he’s splitting it up into parts, but here’s my favorite piece of Part 1: Question: How are you qualified to represent us in the U.S. House of Reps., having never served as an elected official before? (Bennett has never won a primary in...
Keystone Politics - Wed 3:09 a.m. - 16 clicks
"Will. i. am will be honored with A Webby Artist of the Year Award in recognition of his contribution to the political landscape with his making of the Obama videos." Which Obama videos? "Yes we can" here . "We are the ones" here. -Agent Ska- I'd like to believe but so far the country hasn't voted in anyone I wanted for president since I've been old enough to vote...
Pittsburgh Women's Blogging Society - Tue 11:41 p.m. - 23 clicks
I saw it first at Delaware Online followed by the Post-Gazette. HARRISBURG -- The state Senate this evening voted to table a bill that would have amended the state constitution to ban gay marriage. The main sponsor, Sen. Michael Brubaker, R-Lancaster, said it had become clear to him that the bill would not pass in the House and he therefore saw no point to a lengthy debate in the Sen...
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents - Tue 9:23 p.m. - 19 clicks
Pennsylvania's most colorful Senator -- and he would stand out brightly even in the gayest of gay communities -- Vince Fumo is proposing to amend the, well, amendment legislation to outlaw divorce with a few exceptions. Mr. Fumo, who leaves the Senate on Nov. 30, said the stated goal of Senate Bill 1250 is to "protect the sanctity of the marital institution" by defining a legal marriage as...
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents - Tue 9:23 p.m. - 23 clicks
One reason this year's election seems so long is because it really began when the 2006 election ended. That contest, which saw Democrats unexpectedly sweep both the House and the Senate, finally turned in favor of the good guys—after distractions over relatively minor issues—because it finally became a mandate over one sweeping, presidential issue: George W. Bush. The electorate, of course, man...
Young Philly Politics - Tue 5:14 a.m. - 18 clicks
From Equality Advocates Pennsylvania : SB 1250, the anti-family constitutional amendment was voted out of the the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 5 and a full Senate vote can occur as soon as May 6. We need your help NOW! Please call your state Senator and Representative on Tuesday and ask them to oppose SB 1250. To find out the name of your state legislators and their contac...
2 Political Junkies - Tue 4:00 a.m. - 11 clicks
During the last round of redistricting they took Scranton out of the 10 th Congressional District adding it to the 11 th and split Luzerne County in half putting the back mountain in the 10 th . Above Average Jane points out that Montgomery county has been chopped into pieces and the Pocono Record reports that Monroe county was diced into six state senate districts after the 2000 cen...
Gort42 - Tue 2:11 a.m. - 20 clicks
Chuck Pennacchio will be in town to push for a single payer system on Thursday sponsored by the Northeastern PA Organizing Center at 198 S. Main St. Wilkes-Barre, PA, 6PM. . From a release: . The NEPA Organizing Center will sponsor our first Universal Health Care Campaign event on Thursday, May 8th, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be held at the newly opened center, located at 198 S....
Gort42 - Tue 2:11 a.m. - 19 clicks
TL: Registered Republicans in the sprawling district that encompasses all or parts of 14 northeastern and central Pennsylvania counties, now stands at 206,093, or 48.7 percent. That’s a drop of about 4 percent from 2006. The number of Democrats increased about 2 percent in that time frame, now showing a total of 171,263, or 40.5 percent of the registered voters. Third-party candidates or th...
Gort42 - Tue 2:11 a.m. - 15 clicks
From the left: Daniel Kingery , Joseph A. Oliva , Bill Ingram, Donald K. Allen and Christopher Popham Smith. All are independent candidates for President. I attended Mario Mario Fiorucci's annual State of the World forum in Sugar Notch yesterday. He's been doing this for about 10 years and he had new catch this time by inviting some independent candidates for President. The c...
Gort42 - Mon 11:04 p.m. - 16 clicks
As the Democratic contest continues on, the media has finally picked up on a simple fact: that apart from an absolute avalanche of super delegates supporting her (which will not happen), Hillary Clinton cannot win this nomination. So, while she sends around NRA-like mailings against Obama (oh, the irony ), we wait for the inevitable to become clear. One of the remaining undeclared super d...
Young Philly Politics - Mon 11:10 a.m. - 23 clicks
So the Democrats will either pick a Woman or an African American as their standard bearer in November. In my last two posts, I wrote about two women Senators from Washington State and what their Presidential aspirations might be. This weekend I read about much of the speculation on who John McCain might choose as his Republican running mate. Would he pick a woman if his opponent is Hillary Clinton...
The Lehigh Valley Political Blog - Mon 7:34 a.m. - 22 clicks
UPDATE: I made a call this morning to Fontana's office in Harrisburg. They are getting a ton of calls, going both directions. Similar reports from Costa's Harrisburg office. Keep it up. Sneak out for a cigarette break, even if you don't smoke, to make the call. I also heard that the rally is noisy. All good news. Keep it up. You are doing great...
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents - Sun 7:21 p.m. - 19 clicks
Uh-oh. Until now, Shirley Morgan had always been the kind of voter the Republican Party thought it could count on. She comes from a family of staunch Republicans, has a son in the military and has supported Republican presidential candidates......
Fact-esque - May 3 - 15 clicks
Wow, lots to catch up on ... Monday, May 5, 2008 is the Rally in Harrisburg. Rally? The Rally Against the "Protection of Marriage" Amendment. Ledcat and I had hoped to attend, but fate (and work) conspired against us. Are you planning to attend? I'm hoping for an eyewitness account. Last week, there was a "highly charged" hearing in Harrisburg. The PG has ...
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents - May 3 - 14 clicks
