Good Morning!

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.

For all the latest news, log on to pa2010.com, your destination for Pennsylvania's big 2010 elections.

Sizing up special election contenders in the 12th 
It had only been a few hours since Congressman John Murtha (D-12) passed away Monday. But political circles were already buzzing with the names of possible contenders for the special election to serve out his term, likely to be held on primary day in May. Read More
        Complete Coverage: John Murtha dies at 77
                                          The pols pay their respects to Murtha
                                          12th District primer: Get ready for a mad dash

Wecht trial could be a political headache for Buchanan
Years after Mary Beth Buchanan's investigation of Cyril Wecht began, party insiders on both ends of the political spectrum are predicting the Wecht trial may come back to haunt Buchanan as she prepares to launch a Republican run for Congress in the 4th District. And Wecht is more than happy to get involved on incumbent Democrat Jason Altmire’s behalf—if asked. Read More

Prominent GOP consultants working for Trevorrow in 3rd District
Republican Tom Trevorrow unveiled a consulting team Monday that includes some of the party’s top operatives in Pennsylvania, raising the ante on his primary bid to take on Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3). Read More
        Also: Candidates likely to spend big

The medical elephant in Specter's room
In a Voices piece, a Delaware County Democrat argues that Arlen Specter's age and health are important factors to consider. Read More

LEFTOVERS: NRCC hypes Fitzpatrick, PA NOW for Hoeffel, postal workers for Sestak
Joe Hoeffel was endorsed by the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Organization for Women, and will get financial support from its political action committee. Read More

Rendell to unveil budget proposal today
Gov. Ed Rendell will unveil his 2010-11 budget proposal at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday before a joint session of the state House and Senate. Read More

Court won't strike Bonusgate testimony
A court today rejected a defense motion to strike all testimony given by a key prosecution witness in the Bonusgate corruption case. Read More
        Also: Witness got big bonus

Toohil to challenge Eachus for state House seat
Local attorney Tarah Toohil has announced that she will challenge state House Majority Leader Todd Eachus. Read More
        Also: Smith to seek Erie County state House seat
                 Yudichak will enter Senate race

Big guns aid Onorato, Corbett gubernatorial campaigns
Labor unions, law firms, at least two out-of-state billionaires and several corporate executives accounted for contributions to the gubernatorial campaigns of Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and state Attorney General Tom Corbett. Read More
In November, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta spent $8,000 to mail thousands of letters appealing for contributions to pay off debt from two previous congressional campaigns. Read More

Service unions back Onorato
Three local chapters of the Service Employees International Union endorsed Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato for governor Monday, two days after the state Democratic Party failed to endorse a candidate in the race. Read More

Johnson's raised more than $110K for Lt. Gov. race
Republican Steven Johnson raised almost $110,000 in 2009, according to campaign finance data, a solid amount for a Lieutenant Governor candidate staking his campaign on outsider credentials. Since then, Johnson has launched a populist NoMoreInsiders.com Web site, which claims to have already raised $10,000 for the candidate. Read More

Specter, Sestak and the Dem endorsement
The news that Arlen Specter received the support of three quarters of the Democratic State Committee is being treated as a major victory for the opportunistic senior senator. But it probably shouldn’t be. Read More
        Also on pa2010.com: Meehan takes to the op-ed pages
                                           On the Rick Smith show

McDowell suit returns focus to alleged political firing
A battle between the majority Lackawanna County commissioners and Controller Ken McDowell over staffing cuts has brought renewed attention to a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by a former auditor who says Mr. McDowell fired her to "make room" for political supporters. Read More

Tolling of Interstate 80 has its share of detractors 
For a third time, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and state Department of Transportation have asked the U.S. Department of Transportation for permission to levy a toll on Interstate 80, which runs 311 miles across the middle of Pennsylvania. Read More

Midstaters see 'tea parties' getting stronger
A Warrington Township couple who founded a grassroots organization known as the West Shore 9-12 Patriots spent part of the snowy weekend watching the televised speech of Sarah Palin to the first National Tea Party Convention in Nashville. Read More

Teachers fear cost-cutting measures will hurt their retirements
As an impending spike in required contributions for public school pensions weighs on the minds of school directors, teachers are worried that a move to mitigate the cost to school districts could hurt their retirement. Read More

Montgomery County selection process may have violated the law
Montgomery County approved a $35 million bond issue Thursday but may have violated a 1998 ordinance that requires request for proposals (RFPs) be sent out seeking qualified contractors for professional services. Read More

Bill lets members have vote to fill job
Though Stephen Urban and Maryanne Petrilla sit alongside fellow Luzerne County Commissioner Thomas Cooney, they had no say in the process that put him there. That process would change under a bill moving along in the state Senate. Read More

Have a great day!