Monday, 06 February 2012 14:27

Written by Tim McNulty

Former Senate staffer Evan Feinberg is way behind US Rep. Tim Murphy in the money-raising department when it comes to his GOP primary challenge of the 18th District incumbent, but other support keeps coming his way.

The grassroots Tea Party group FreedomWorks is announcing its support of Feinberg tomorrow, reports The Hill. That comes on the heels of Club For Growth ads attacking Murphy for being too moderate and national complaints about the incumbent's record from the influential Red State blog.

Monday, 06 February 2012 12:17

Written by Laura Olson

After seven days of trial and a little more than two for jury deliberations, state Rep. Bill DeWeese was found guilty this morning on five of six felony counts of theft, conflict of interest and conspiracy.

In typical DeWeese fashion, he exited the courtroom and told reporters that he is seeking appeal, will continue his re-election bid, and will take his seat on the House floor tomorrow during the budget address from Gov. Tom Corbett (who brought the charges against the long-time lawmaker back in 2009).

"I believe in the court of public opinion I will be favorably received to some substantial degree," he said. "I will certainly continue to run for renomination and re-election."

Senior Deputy Attorney General Ken Brown had a stinging response to DeWeese's declaration: "He's a convicted felon and convicted felons, once they are sentenced, can't sit in the General Assembly.

"If he wants to spit in the face of the jury's verdict, I guess that's his perogative."

It appears that DeWeese could remain in his legislative seat until his April 24 sentencing date -- which coincides with the state's primary election date (though that may be in limbo at the moment...). His six-figure pension also will be forfeited, though it's unclear whether that will occur after today's conviction or sentencing.

In the meantime, the former House Speaker is aiming to be among the lawmakers who escort the governor into the chamber tomorrow. A copy of his email to House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, sent before this morning's verdict was announced, is below:

From: DeWeese, William

Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 9:13 AM
To: Dermody, Frank
Subject: Request

Dear Mr. Leader,

As the second most senior Member in the General Assembly, House and Senate combined, I would respectfully request to be appointed to the Committee that will be escorting the Governor to his annual budget address on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 AD.

Respectfully,
Rep. Bill DeWeese

Monday, 06 February 2012 11:21

Written by Tim McNulty

Early Returns is catching up on some homework, which includes the latest 4th quarter fundraising numbers for US Senate and among the Western Pa candidates for Congress. The Senate numbers (above) aren't complete and contain some ex-candidates, but the key number is GOP Armstrong Co coal company owner Tom Smith out-raising Dem incumbent Bob Casey, by loaning his campaign almost $5 million. Still waiting on numbers from endorsed GOP candidate Steve Welch.

In Congress:

PA-3 incumbent Mike Kelly, R-Butler: Raised $201,541; spent $257,458; had $242,610 cash-on-hand.

PA-4/PA-12 Democrat Jason Altmire of McCandless: Raised $485,516; spent $292,164; $852,292 COH.

PA-12 Democrat Mark Critz of Johnstown: Raised $838,675; spent $382,070; $465,496 COH.

PA-4/PA-12 Republican challenger Keith Rothfus of Edgeworth: Raised $216,500; spent $83,819; $199,897 COH.

PA-14 Democratic incumbent Mike Doyle of Forest Hills: Raised $369,951; spent $199,187; $271,380 COH.

PA-18 Republican incument Tim Murphy of Upper St. Clair: Raised $938,812; spent $278,217; $1,044,684 COH.

PA-18 Republican challenger Evan Feinberg of Upper St. Clair: Raised $50,005; spent $9,956; $40,049 COH.

Monday, 06 February 2012 10:40

Written by Tim McNulty

No better way to rev up the Daily Santorum engine after a week off than to seek out the indefatigable Jennifer Rubin of the WashPost, and her latest take on why RS's presidential bid is still relevant (last place Nevada finish or not):

Santorum’s delegate strategy would go like this: Win the Minnesota caucus on Tuesday; win the Missouri non-binding beauty contest; place second in Colorado; run competitively in Arizona and Michigan on Feb. 28; and then rack up some wins on Super Tuesday in March. (Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ohio and North Dakota are likely his best shots.)

Santorum will be outspent and outorganized by Romney. He’ll need to defend lapses in his record (most especially on right-to-work legislation). And he’ll not be on the ballot in delegate-rich Virginia. But he is a solid conservative and a good debater who possesses very high favorability ratings among Republicans.

Whoa. Tall order. But he's actually polling pretty well in increasingly conservative Minnesota. He won, however tardily, in neighboring Iowa and leads Romney by 2 points in the latest PPP poll of the state. While not getting onto the ballot in Virginia -- his home state these days, instead of Pa -- is embarrassing, his campaign did scrounge up enough lost signatures to get onto the one in Indiana.

And the conservative endorsements continue. Last week the big one was Michelle Malkin. This weekend the campaign scored nods from singer and activist Pat Boone and from influential blogger (and Minnesota resident/Steeler fan) Ed Morrissey at Hot Air (a site founded by Malkin). Here's Boone:

"I am excited to endorse Rick Santorum for President. I've known Rick for many years and Rick has been a consistent defender of conservatism and the values our great nation was founded upon.  I began supporting my friend, Ronald Reagan in the 1960's and I was a Reagan delegate at the 1976 convention because I saw in him a strong leader who would defend traditional America. I see many of those same qualities in Rick Santorum. He's experienced, honest, and deeply principled. Rick will make a brave and capable commander-in-chief, and I look forward to working with his campaign to retire Barack Obama this fall."

It's going to be a rather slow month, but it starts off with something else big for RS: a speaking slot Friday morning at the CPAC conference in DC.