News & Brews June 6, 2025
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How the GOP is seeking inroads in Allegheny
The Post-Gazette notes, “It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that [Democrat] Corey O’Connor will be the next mayor of Pittsburgh.” But while Democrat voter registration significantly exceeds GOP, “Republicans in the city and the county are fielding more candidates than they have in years.” What’s more, “They are working on the ground game, training canvassers and teaching candidates about fundraising and effective social media use. They’re trying to end what they call ‘one party rule’ in Pittsburgh.” Don’t expect PGH to turn red anytime soon, but the story says the GOP may make some gains in certain pockets.
Fetterman defends his Democrat-ness
Amid odd speculation that U.S. Sen. John Fetterman would turn Republican, he has reiterated that he would not, as he would “make a pretty bad Republican.” The reasons he gives are his support for abortion, which of course is the golden calf of the Democrat party, and his stance on LGBTQ issues, including his support of forcing girls to compete in sports against biological males. WESA has more.
Topper: Shapiro’s energy plan is bad for growths
Pa. House Republican Leader Jesse Topper writes in the Delaware Valley Journal that amid news of rising energy costs, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s energy plan “will only add to the problem by incentivizing state investment in so-called alternative energy sources like wind and solar while disincentivizing clean burning and affordable natural gas and other staple energy products that have produced Pennsylvania jobs and can lead to a better Pennsylvania economy.” Instead of embracing Shapiro’s scheme, lawmakers should pursue real energy solutions. “The first thing we need to do,” Topper writes, “is immediately get out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)—a tax that increases energy bills and has placed significant uncertainty in the energy market….”
How Americans’ views on energy have changed
The Pew Research Center surveyed 5,085 U.S. adults to see how their views on energy have changed over recent years. Among the findings: Support for wind power is down. Support for nuclear power is up. And Americans still want access to gasoline cars and trucks. The study also breaks down the partisan differences in the shifting support.
Cartwright confirms he’s a no-go for 2026
Confirming earlier reports, former Democrat U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, who lost last year to Republican Rob Bresnahan, said he will not run again next year. Instead, WVIA reports, “Cartwright said Democrats ‘have a deep bench’ from which to choose a new nominee to run against Bresnahan next year. He declined to name names.” WVIA, however, named a few. “Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardohas said he’s considering running. State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski has not ruled out a bid. State Sen. Marty Flynn, a rumored candidate, has not responded to messages sent to gauge his interest. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, long a rumored candidate but facing re-election this year, texted, ‘I’m running for mayor of Scranton.’ Cognetti did not answer a text asking if running for mayor means she won’t run for Congress.”