News & Brews November 12, 2024
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Dem Senate leader doesn’t invite McCormick to orientation
Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not invited Republican Dave McCormick to the new-member orientation in DC this week, citing ballots that are yet to be counted. This despite the fact that the AP has already called the race and multiple observers see no path to victory for Casey. McCormick, however, will be heading to Washington, D.C. this week, nonetheless. The Post-Gazette reports, “Even if he cannot attend the official orientation, he can vote for the new Senate majority leader and attend any Republican-only meetings.”
Former Harris advisor says Philly Dem chair should resign
Nothing like really bringing your intra-party fights out in the open. After last week’s Democrat losses, the Harris campaign had blamed Philly Democrat Chair Bob Brady for not doing enough. But that was primarily through comments issued. (Brady, meanwhile, blamed the Harris campaign.) Now, a former senior advisor to Harris’ Pa. campaign has written an entire op-ed for the Inquirer calling on Brady to step down. (For the record, Brady’s performance aside, we can assure you that Harris’ Pa. problems went far, far beyond Bob Brady.)
Philly towing companies sue Shapiro over 2023 law
Nearly a dozen towing companies in Philadelphia have joined a federal lawsuit against the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), Gov. Josh Shapiro, and state Attorney General Michelle Henry, alleging that a 2023 law signed by Shapiro “gave the Philadelphia Parking Authority an unconstitutional monopoly over the business of towing abandoned vehicles,” the Inquirer reports. The plaintiffs argue that the law “upended more than two decades of business relationships they have in Philadelphia. That interference in contracts is prohibited by both the Pennsylvania and U.S. constitutions.” The towing companies “are asking that a federal judge declare the law null and void, order the PPA to stop towing abandoned vehicles in Philadelphia, and compensate the companies for the earnings that they have lost since the law was enacted.”
Election Day in Pa. was ‘relatively smooth’ for officials
The Center Square reports that as all eyes were on Pa., “officials across the commonwealth oversaw a relatively smooth Election Day.” And, “Of particular note was the speed with which votes were returned this election allowing officials to call the state, and the presidential race, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.” (Of course, things could have gone even more smoothly had former Gov. Wolf not vetoed the election reform passed by the Republican Legislature a few years ago.)
Interview: Fetterman on the election
The media outlet Semafor spoke with Democrat U.S. Sen. John Fetterman on his thoughts on his party’s Election Day losses. Fetterman was one who stood by President Biden post-debate, defending him against the Dems’ attempts to remove him from the ballot. In the interview, Fetterman—who, of course, is no fan of Trump—gives his take on the political implications of issues ranging from the Israel-Hamas war to the Dems’ messaging fumbles.