News & Brews March 8, 2021
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Bartos to launch Senate bid today
The Inquirer reports that MontCo Republican Jeff Bartos plans to launch his U.S. Senate campaign today, making him “the most high-profile Republican to enter the Senate race so far,” although he’s “unlikely to be the last.” Bartos has not held public office before but is hardly a newcomer to politics, having run for Lieutenant Governor in 2018.
GOP picks candidate for special senate election
Over the weekend, Republicans selected Lebanon County businessman Christopher Gebhard to run in the May 18 special election to fill the 48th senate district seat(Lebanon, Dauphin, and York counties). The seat was left vacant following the death of Sen. Dave Arnold in January. Democrats will select their nominee this Saturday in what will be a three-way race with Libertarian Tim McMaster also joining the race.
Marking one year of Wolf’s unilateral rule
Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of Gov. Wolf’s first COVID disaster declaration, under which he closed businesses and forced millions of Pennsylvanians into unemployment lines. Tim Hartman captured the event well. On May 18, voters will have the opportunity to guard against future self-coronation by an executive by voting in favor of two constitutional amendments to provide a legislative check on executive authority. Because this is a ballot question, voting on it will be open to all registered voters (not just registered Republicans and Democrats).
‘Chris Frye is helping stage New Castle’s comeback’
On Nov. 5, 2019, Chris Frye made history in New Castle (Lawrence County) by becoming the city’s first Black mayor. Chris—a Republican—won in a city where approximately 70% of voters were registered Democrats. (Our connected PAC strongly supported Chris). Now, more than a year later, the Washington Examiner’s Salina Zito caught up with Chris to look at what’s been happening in the city since he took office. (And be sure to check out our previous Brews & Views conversation with Chris to hear more about his path to political office.)
Some Philly schools set to reopen today
Nearly a year after they closed, some Philadelphia public schools are set to reopen today for in-person learning for about 2,600 Pre-K-2nd grade students. WHYY has more. Meanwhile, since Gov. Wolf ordered schools closed, why can’t he order them to reopen? PennLive asks the question.