News & Brews August 8, 2022
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Fetterman to hold first public event since stroke
Democrat U.S. Senate nominee John Fetterman is scheduled to hold his first public event since the stroke he suffered in May, the Inquirer reported. The event will be a rally this Friday in Erie County. Fetterman “is also scheduled to attend a fundraiser with donors from Southeastern Pennsylvania in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood on Tuesday, according to organizers. But it remains to be seen how frequently or extensively Fetterman will be able to campaign after the [Friday] event.”
Wolf v. Democracy: The latest
After Gov. Wolf filed a lawsuit seeking to block voters from voting on several proposed constitutional amendments, GOP leadership in the House and Senate filed motions to intervene in the case. On Friday, Wolf filed a response, urging the court to deny their motions. He argues in part that these lawmakers’ “mere status as legislators and leaders is insufficient to confer party standing to defend previously-enacted legislation.” So, Gov. Wolf believes lawmakers can’t defend legislation in court, but Wolf can block voters from voting on proposed constitutional amendments.
Mariner East pipeline developer settles criminal cases, calls out Shapiro for politicizing the facts
Energy Transfer, which owns the Mariner East pipelines, has settled “two separate criminal cases brought by the Pennsylvania attorney general. Under a plea deal, the company will also pay $10 million to restore watersheds and streams along the route of its Mariner East pipeline network.” AG Josh Shapiro held a press conference (of course), claiming, “We are holding Energy Transfer accountable for their crimes against our natural resources.” But an Energy Transfer spokesperson noted the payment is “not a fine or penalty of any kind but the product of a voluntary collaboration” with PA. The spokesperson continued, “While we understand Mr. Shapiro is running for office, it remains disappointing that he would mischaracterize the facts of this voluntary agreement to his political advantagerather than acknowledge the good faith efforts of Energy Transfer to resolve this dispute.”
Lots of Libertarians?
The Allentown Morning Call reports, “The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania has more legislative candidates on the November election ballot than it has had in 28 years…. Rob Cowburn, chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, which is the state affiliate of the Libertarian National Party, said it has fielded 23 legislative candidates this year, the largest number since 1994.” What’s more, “Cowburn said 176 Libertarians were elected to office in the state last year, more than the elected total in the other 49 states combined. The Pennsylvania winners were municipal auditors, constables, school board and city council members and mayors….”