Early Returns

All eyes on Pittsburgh

Timothy McNulty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:31:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 20, 2009

You know how Pittsburgh has continually been cited in those "city on the rebound" stories, during the G-20, but even continuing today (Chris Briem links to new ones in Forbes and Time here)? He and the other Chris also note how Ravenstahl is making national headlines with his student tax, this time in Inside Higher Education:

A tuition tax in Pittsburgh would likely be the first in the nation, and much attention is focused on western Pennsylvania.

"As far as our research shows, there is no other city in the country that is taxing students' tuition," Hines said. Since Ravenstahl announced his proposal, "we've heard an outcry from institutions across the nation. We're very sensitive to the fact that a lot of people out there are looking to us, to see what happens here in terms of what it could mean for them."

Kim Griffo, director of the Clemson University-based International Town and Gown Association, said her group is watching carefully. "This is a hot topic across the country" that is "quietly brewing in university and college towns," she said. "All eyes are on Pittsburgh to see how they handle this and whether it works."

Specter and Afghanistan

Timothy McNulty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 20, 2009

Arlen Specter did a conference call with bloggers yesterday to say he does not support sending extra troops to Afghanistan, which puts him at odds with Dem foe Joe Sestak (and perhaps Obama).

The take from the conservative American Prospect (via RealClearPolitics) is he's trying to stake out territory to Sestak's left:

All very interesting stuff from the newest Democratic senator. But, when asked what would happen if the president proposed a troop increase -- "I don't think Congress would leap forward with plaudits" -- Specter gave the game away: "When you have Congressman [Joe] Sestak calling for an increase, a major increase, I think his view would be in the minority." Sestak, a retired Admiral, is the Pennsylvania Representative challenging Specter for his senate seat. Asked how much of his forward leaning statements were political positioning, Specter replied,"None, None," pointing to a statement he delivered in September raising similar questions about the war -- which also came after Sestak's decision to run.

Funny to see Specter, the former Republican, is finding ground to the left of Sestak in the Pennsylvania primary on an issue of major importance to progressives. Sestak probably has the advantage on almost every other issue among the Democratic base, but his support of increasing troops in Afghanistan could present a window of opportunity to Specter. It all depends on what the Obama administration chooses, and whether real congressional opposition emerges following that decision.

Maybe the tactic worked. Here's Talk Left:

But on the issue of Pakistan, I believe Senator Specter demonstrated understanding of the issue and when I pressed for an answer on what type of initiatives he would support, he made a good point - promoting peace between India and Pakistan would be an important breakthrough that could lead to a more cooperative and responsible Pakistan. Which could lead to a more successful policy against the Taliban and al Qaida in the region.

Palin approaches

Timothy McNulty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 20, 2009

A bit more on the Palin book tour, in advance of her appearance in Washington County tomorrow.

Here's Politico from Noblesville, Indiana:

More than 1,000 people queued up outside a Borders bookstore during a cold rain in rock-ribbed Republican Hamilton County, an event covered by few print reporters but many broadcast crews, including those from six area television stations, Entertainment Tonight and Inside Edition.

The Indy Star notes the crowd was smaller than the 1,500 to 3,000 that organizers were anticipating. Here's what Palin said before the event started:

"My story. My words. Unfiltered," Palin told more than 1,000 before signing copies."You guys are hardcore patriots, and I thank you so much for being here," she said to fans as they waited outside.

"I wrote my book dedicated to good Americans like all of you; hard-working, patriotic Americans. . . . We had a great time a year ago in Indiana, but I think I'm having even more fun now."

The Army is barring the media from Palin's stop at Ft. Bragg, saying it could turn into a political/anti-Obama event.

Palin is in Cincinnati and Columbus today. Her political action committee, SarahPAC, is holding a private fundraiser before the noon event in Cincy, the Enquirer reports.

PS, not everybody on the right is in her corner. This post from Pajamas Media is called "Palin is No Reagan: Where the Gipper used his gifts of communication to inspire his audience, Palin unfortunately uses her talents to breed anger and resentment."

Friday health care headlines

Timothy McNulty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:17:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 20, 2009

Happy Light Up Night.

Jason Altmire has an op-ed in the PG today explaining his vote against health care reform. Pat Toomey had one yesterday in the Inquirer explaining how he would vote.

Also in today's P-G, see Dan Malloy on the role abortion is playing in the health care fight.

The "toaster in Godzilla's bathwater"

Timothy McNulty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:33:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 19, 2009

Lots of really smart stuff on the Palin phenomenon here (with brickbats for the left and right) from NYC media critic/consultant Tom Watso n. He's commenting on that Newsweek cover but it goes deeper than that:

What makes a respectable national magazine run porn doll photos of a 45-year-old politician? What makes commenters on liberal blogs dive into the deep-end ooze of bitter and crude sexism?

In truth, Hillary Clinton has to secretly love the Palin phenomenon - because Palin has replaced the now wildly-popular Secretary of State as the female public figure most likely to drive grown men (and some women) to crazed and angry obsession. (You suspect Nancy Pelosi and Michelle Obama also admire that high pick that Palin's setting at the top of the political key).

. . . The attention meter is stuck on eleven and honest to God, it's like dropping a live toaster into Godzilla's bathwater.

Since the days of Richard Nixon, the American right has been fueled by the resentment of elitism - very successfully, I might add. By mocking Sarah Palin, by sticking her on the cover in shorts, and portraying her inside the magazine as a porn doll, Newsweek is attempting to reduce her to an object - easily packaged, handled, and defeated. But the effect is the opposite; that kind of stuff only makes Palin more popular. Look at the book sales and Oprah's numbers. And conservative fans of Palin's golly-gee social conservatism aren't the only ones noticing the sexist taint in much of the Palin criticism.

House bill bars AGs from guv job

Timothy McNulty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:02:00 GMT

Tom Barnes | November 19, 2009

HARRISBURG -- A new move by a Philadelphia Democrat won't actually limit Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett, but it might irritate him a little.

State Rep. Babette Josephs, chair of the House's State Government Committee, has introduced a bill that would prohibit sitting attorneys general from being able to run for governor until at least four years after they leave office.

Mr. Corbett is running for governor in 2010 and is regarded as the Republican frontrunner. Some critics have called for him to step down as attorney general if he wants to continue running but he sees no need to.

Ms. Josephs disagrees. She said that a powerful person like an attorney general "has unfettered constitutional authority to investigate and prosecute a variety of alleged crimes.''

If an attorney general runs for governor, Ms. Josephs said, "It is all too easy and tempting to use such authority to advance his or her political pursuit. This should not be so.''

Mr. Corbett is in fact leading an investigation into alleged political corruption in the Legislature, which has resulted in charges against 12 House Democrats and 10 House Republicans.

Since attorney general became an elected job in 1980, every single office holder has been a Republican, so in practical terms, Democrat Josephs' limitation would only affect Republicans. Theoretically, of course, a Democrat might be elected attorney general some day.

Ms. Josephs' committee will hold a hearing Dec. 14 on House Bill 2083. Since the state Senate is controlled by Republicans, the bill likely would face a hard time there.

Going Rogue tour by the numbers

Timothy McNulty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:57:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 19, 2009

The WashPost's Chris Cillizza looks into Sarah Palin's booksigning stops -- as the poster above shows, she'll be leaving South Strabane to make Rochester, NY, later on Saturday -- and finds she is indeed dropping into friendly territory for the most part:

Of the 31 counties, just 11 were carried by President Barack Obama last November. Obama's best performance in a "Going Rogue" county came in Hennepin County (Minneapolis, MN) where he won 64 percent; he took 59 percent in Franklin County (Columbus, OH), Cumberland County (Fort Bragg, NC) and Orange County (Orlando, FL).

The remainder of the counties in which the Palin road show will visit range from leaning Republican -- Allen County (Fort Wayne), where she will stop today, went for McCain with 52 percent -- to strongly favoring the GOP. Five of the counties where Palin will stop to hock her book -- Kootenai (Cour d'Alene, ID), Chaves (Roswell, NM), Benton (Richland, WA), Sumter (The Villages, FL) and Roanoke (Roanoke, VA) -- went for Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) with 60 percent or more in 2008.

McCain took Washington County 51.5% to Obama's 46.8%.

Buchanan still hasn't left office (Updated)

Timothy McNulty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:53:00 GMT

Paula Reed Ward | November 19, 2009

Even though former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan's official reign ended at midnight Monday, she has been spotted in her office both Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Sure, you might think she's busy packing up her belongings, but apparently, that's not the case. Her shelves are still full, even though empty boxes have been provided.

Her car, complete with vanity plate "MBB" on the front, was in the garage under the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse at 700 Grant St. at 6:45 p.m. yesterday.There haven't been any sightings yet today, though the day is young. (UPDATE: Sure enough, her car is there as of 4 p.m.)

Ms. Buchanan, who served from 2001 to 2008, plans to leave Saturday for a three-week trip Down Under. No announcement yet on what her future professional plans include. But maybe she could be considered to play a role in some kind of protest movie. She apparently would be good in a sit-in scene.

(From the editor: Ms. Buchanan is already doing a good version of George Costanza in "Seinfeld," when he regretted quitting his job and tried to come back to the office like nothing ever happened.)

Ravenstahl looking to courts

Timothy McNulty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:10:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 19, 2009

Rich Lord has a breaking news story up on Luke Ravenstahl's budget strategy -- he has the votes to keep the 1% student tax in the city's 2010 budget, though it will be balanced with other cuts while the tax winds its way through the courts. At least that appears to be the plan. Here's Rich:

The tuition tax has the votes to win approval.

That was the message at a news conference this morning at which Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl stood with five city council members -- Ricky Burgess, Darlene Harris, Jim Motznik, Tonya Payne and Theresa Smith -- who support a 1 percent levy on post-secondary school tuition.

. . . The tuition tax will be the subject of a special council meeting at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow and a public hearing at 10 a.m. Nov. 30. A vote could come any time in December, now that the tax is divorced from the 2010 budget. There are nine council members, so five yes votes are enough to pass it.

The state-picked Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority ruled Tuesday that $16.2 million in tuition tax revenue can't be included in the 2010 budget, because the tax is unproven, not specifically authorized by any state or local legislation and likely to face a court challenge. As a result, Mr. Ravenstahl said he will take "a stopgap approach for 2010," plugging a budget hole with quick-fix cuts and revenue enhancements, including some suggested Tuesday by Councilman William Peduto and Controller Michael Lamb.

Nonetheless, he will include in his long-range plan brutal cuts in police, crossing guards, pools, paving, demolition and potentially other areas in 2011 and beyond. He said he hopes those cuts won't be necessary if the tuition tax is passed and survives a likely court challenge -- or better yet, if the tax-exempt institutions agree to make voluntary payments of $16.2 million a year.

Health bill write-thrus

Timothy McNulty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Timothy McNulty | November 19, 2009

Here's the WSJ's overview:

Mr. Reid's proposed legislation, 2,074 pages, is the Senate's answer to a bill that narrowly passed the House Nov. 7. The two bills have differences on taxes, abortion coverage and a public-insurance plan and would require considerable work to reconcile if Congress hopes to pass some form of health care overhaul -- the centerpiece of President Barack Obama's domestic agenda.

The Senate bill needs 60 votes to proceed to a floor debate, and Mr. Reid is expected to call a vote later this week, perhaps Saturday if not sooner. If the tally gets to 60 -- which was still uncertain Wednesday, though Senate Democrats showed increasing confidence -- that would open perhaps the most critical period of legislative action on American health care since Congress created Medicare in the 1960s. The debate would end with a vote on the bill by the full Senate. Nearly every Republican in Congress still opposes the overhaul effort, and there are still sharp disputes among Democrats about central provisions.

The NYT is here and the WashPost here.