News & Brews September 8, 2022
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Fetterman agrees to one debate
Amid intense pressure after weeks of declining to accept any debate invitations, Democrat John Fetterman has agreed to one debate with Republican Mehmet Oz. POLITICO reports that “Fetterman declined to specify which debate he will attend or provide an exact date for it, though he said it will ‘be sometime in the middle to end of October’ on a ‘major television station’ in the state.” Fetterman further added that it was “really always” his “intent” to debate—a statement that may surprise a lot of people.
Wolf signs executive order on voter registration forms at state agencies
Yesterday, Gov. Wolf signed an executive order directing additional state agencies to make voter registration materials available to visitors. PennLive reports that following the order, “voter registration materials will now be available at state park offices, public libraries, Farm Show events, CareerLink offices, veterans homes, Bureau of Community Corrections services, and public Bureau of Elections, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations locations.” These agencies will now be required to provide “a voter registration application not specific to any county, a non-postage-paid envelope to return the form, and instructions on where to send it.”
Audit of Pa. turnpike shows dire financial situation
Yesterday, Auditor General Tim DeFoor released his office’s audit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. His conclusion? The turnpike could become the “nicest roadway in the nation that no one ever uses” due to the high price tag of driving it. Not only that, but the commission has more debt at $13.2 billion than all of state government ($11.7 billion). PennLive has more on the audit’s findings and recommendations.
Penn flunks free speech report card
The University of Pennsylvania ranked the second-worst in the country for free speech, according to a ranking of more than 200 colleges by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Only Columbia University had a worse rating. The Pa. college placing highest on the list was Bucknell University, at 48th. The Center Square has more.
Q&A with convicted labor leader and major Dem donor Johnny Doc
What happens after you’ve spent about $40 million over 10 years electing (mostly) Democrats and then you’re convicted on federal charges of bribery? You get a media profile piece. City & State PA spoke with former Philly union leader John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty about his rise and who he’s eyeing now as a rising star. Johnny Doc is still facing additional trials, so “Due to pending litigation, none of his legal issues were discussed.” Read the short interview here.