CORBETT, TOOMEY STILL LEADING IN LATEST POLL
According to an article in the Patriot News, the Franklin and Marshall College poll released yesterday found that Republican Tom Corbett leads Democrat Dan Onorato 38 to 27 percent in the Governor’s race and Democrat Joe Sestak trails Republican Pat Toomey 40 to 31 percent in the race for U.S. Senator. “Democrats are at a decided disadvantage when it comes to voter motivation,” said F&M pollster G. Terry Madonna. The poll points to ominous signs for Democrats. Voters are pessimistic about the state’s direction, the economy, and the performance of President Barack Obama, Madonna said. And Democratic voters say they are less likely to vote than Republicans. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
DOH REPORTS PENNSYLVANIA’S FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS OF 2010
The Department of Health reported this year’s first human case of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania yesterday. The individual is a 69-year-old man from Philadelphia County. West Nile virus is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Usually, the infection does not result in any illness. Older adults and persons with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk of becoming ill after a West Nile infection. Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the Department of Health’s full statement.
REPUBLICAN LEADERS QUESTION LEGALITY OF PROPOSED OIL PROFIT TAX
According to an WITF article, critics are raising questions about whether an oil company profits tax pitched by Governor Rendell would be legal. Some Republicans doubt the oil company tax would hold up in court — namely whether it would be legal to ban companies from passing the cost of the levy along to consumers. “I think most of us believe it’s unconstitutional and the fact that it’s not going to be passed through to the public just isn’t a reality,” says House Minority Leader Sam Smith. Senate Transportation Committee chairman John Rafferty, a Republican, says lawyers are exploring the legality question. “It only behooves us to do that. It’s beneficial to the people to the commonwealth,” he says. Click here to read the WITF article.
Upcoming Meetings
House Republican Policy Committee
1:00 p.m., Hempfield Hunt Club, 220 West Pennsylvania Avenue, New Stanton
Public hearing on PICS/NICS – gun registration systems
