News & Brews September 30, 2024
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WSJ: The fight for the Keystone State
Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Member Kyle Peterson writes that as November 5 approaches, “Each side can tell a hopeful story” in Pa., even as the state remains “closely and deeply divided.” Republicans look at Kamala Harris’ far left policies and lack of Pa. ties., while Democrats consider that they’ve won the state in seven of the past eight presidential elections. Which way will Pa. go this year? That’s anyone’s guess.
Pa. voter registration changes, county by county
As the gap between registered Republicans and registered Democrats in Pa. continues to shrink, WESA maps out what the shift looks like, county by county. If you like charts, you’ll like this piece. (Scroll to the bottom for a drop-down menu of all Pa. counties).
Fundraising in this year’s row office races
Let’s face it: With Pa. being THE battleground presidential state this year and with a contested U.S. Senate race, the campaigns for state row offices are hardly drawing nearly as much attention (or donations) as the top of the ticket races. Still, the races are critically important, as voters will select a new attorney general in an open race (we are endorsing Dave Sunday) and also vote in the auditor general and treasurer races (we are backing incumbent Auditor General Tim DeFoor and incumbent Treasurer Stacy Garrity). Spotlight Pa. took a brief look at fundraising thus far in these races.
Pa. turnpike drivers have paid billions to prop up public transit
Here’s a Monday morning reminder from the Inquirer: “Next time you travel the Pennsylvania Turnpike, remember this: Your toll is also paying back the loans for billions of dollars of past spending on public transportation and state highways and bridges unrelated to America’s First Superhighway.” The Inky looks at the now-infamous Act 44, which for years has forced turnpike drivers to prop up mass transit—primarily SEPTA. And guess what: more than 15 years later, SEPTA is still begging for money. (For our explanation of the problem, click here.)
Dem candidate settles lawsuit for unpaid tuition
The Democrat candidate hoping to be the state’s top fiscal watchdog recently settled a lawsuit after being sued by his alma mater, Drexel University, for unpaid tuition. Broad + Liberty reports that in January, Drexel sued Democrat state Rep. (and Dem auditor general nominee) Malcolm Kenyatta “for more than $36,000 in unpaid tuition and late fees.” His campaign “brushed aside the lawsuit,” with a spokesperson saying, “Like millions of Americans, Rep. Kenyatta carries debt from pursuing higher education. This matter is no longer pending and was settled between the parties in 2024.” The settlement amount was reportedly $37,585.