Orie’s resignation in late May set in motion the need for another special election, but the timing of that election seems guaranteed to bring out even fewer voters than ever.

It may be the worst time of year for an election — with lots of folks away on vacation or enjoying the summer pool — but Senate Republican leaders have declared Tuesday, August 7th, as Election Day for Allegheny and Butler County voters to elect a replacement for Orie.

The official call was made by Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley who said he chose an early date to give those North Hills and Butler County residents representation in the state Senate.

In a separate statement, Senate Republican leader Joe Scarnati said the summer time election is needed “in order that the newly elected member has the opportunity to cast votes on several important fall issues including pension reform and infrastructure investment.”

There will be no primary which means local insiders in both parties will pick the two nominees.

On the Republican side, possible candidates include Valencia businessman Doug Austin, Ross attorney Scott Brady, Allegheny Councilman Matt Drozd, Hampton attorney Hal English, former U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart, North Hills school director Jeff Meyers, Butler County Republican Party vice chair Robin Redding, and Allegheny County Republican Party treasurer Karen Shaheen.

On the Democratic side, Ross Township commissioner Dan Demarco — who lost to Orie two years ago — will run again.

Now the Democrats intend to pick their nominee by mid-June as well, so both the Republican and Democratic candidates will have about seven weeks to campaign.

The district has a strong history of voting Republican — and Republican insiders hope that a summer election will be even better for them.

Democrats think they can still win this — especially if more Republicans than Democrats are out-of-town on vacation.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

RELATED LINKS:
State Sen. Orie Resigns Seat Ahead Of Sentencing (5/21/12)
More News on Jane Orie

State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr., says cars 10 years old and newer — and all alternative fuel vehicles — shouldn’t have to get emissions tests.

He says fewer than 3 percent of all cars fail the test and newer ones make up a small fraction of that.

Some drivers like the idea.

“It’ll be 30 bucks in my pocket,” one driver said.

Troubleshooters repair shop owner Tim Dietz says the exemption should stop at five years because failure rates increase significantly after that.

“I would probably say that there might be one in 30 that might fail with five years or newer,” he said.

The bill would replace the mandatory tailpipe test with a visual inspection of all parts of the emissions system to guard against tampering.

The legislation has bi-partisan support but probably will not make it to a vote until fall.

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“Under the HHS mandate, our church-sponsored organizations — everything from hospitals for the sick to soup kitchens that feed the hungry — are required to let the federal government determine which of our beliefs we can follow and which of our beliefs we cannot follow,” Zubik said at a press conference on Monday afternoon.

Because HHS will soon require all women to have access to free birth control through employer insurance, the diocese says, if required to provide such to their employees, this violates its own religious principles against contraceptives.

“This lawsuit is meant to protect that freedom already guaranteed to us by the Constitution,” Zubik said.

In response to similar objections, President Obama issued an accommodation last February, providing health services to all women but making the insurance companies, not the Catholic institution, pay for it.

“These employers will not have to pay for or provide contraceptive services. But women who work at these institutions will have access to free contraceptive services just like other women,” the President said at the time.

Zubik says it’s not enough.

“The issue there for me is that we’re still involved because we would have to facilitate that process,” he said.

This lawsuit is one of many filed all over the country today by many Catholic dioceses and institutions.

Zubik says the diocese has a self-insured insurance plan — meaning they cannot help but be involved — but HHS officials say they are working on a way to accommodate even this.

The bishop denied this lawsuit was politically-motivated.

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She has served as an elected official from the North Hills since 1996, but now Orie is out of office.

She decided Monday to step down before her June 4 sentencing on 14 counts of forgery, theft of services and conflict of interest.

The Pennsylvania Constitution prohibits convicted felons from holding public office.

In a statement posted on her website, the former senator issued a statement to her constituents:

“It is with utmost humility and regret that I must announce my resignation as Senator, representing the 40th Senatorial District, effective May 21, 2012. It has been my honor to have served the constituents of Northern Allegheny County and Southern Butler County for the past 11 years in the Senate of Pennsylvania. For those of you who have reached out to my office over the years, thank you for being involved in the legislative process and for voicing your opinion. Also, I am grateful for all the support I have received over the years and for the opportunity to represent the 40th Senatorial District and the wonderful people and communities that make it one of the best places to live.”

With the office now vacant, the President Pro Temp of the Senate is expected to call a special election for mid-summer and already, a number of people are considering a run.

The list of possible GOP candidates includes:

• Christopher Abernathy (Shaler attorney)
• Scott Cunningham (Former North Allegheny School Director}
• Matt Drozd (Allegheny Co. Councilman)
• Melissa Hart (Former Congresswoman)
• Bill Kirk (McCandless Republican Party Chairman)
• Jeff Meyers (North Hills School Director)
• Robin Redding (Butler Co. Republican Vice Chair)
• Karen Shaheen (Allegheny Co. Republican Party Treasurer)

On the Democratic side, Dan DeMarco, who lost to Orie two years ago is expected to run again.

Republicans are expected to pick their nominee during the first week of June, and Democrats won’t be far behind.

As for Orie, she has some post-conviction legal motions before Judge Manning, including one to stay out of jail pending appeal. Those motions will be considered — and her sentence will be announced — two weeks from today.

Her sister, State Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, was also accused of similar campaign-related charges last week.

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Now, there are new details on why he was released.

Former State Rep. Bill DeWeese walked out of prison Friday night after his attorney went to the state Superior Court with an emergency petition.

KDKA’s Sarah Arbogast reports:

Bill Costopoulos argued DeWeese shouldn’t be locked up before a Lower Court judge’s ruling on whether to grant bail.

The Superior Court ruled quickly in DeWeese’s favor.

“I also was surprised at how quickly the Superior Court acted because I filed the petition [Friday] morning and they gave us a favorable ruling by four o’clock [Friday] afternoon,” Costopoulos said.

Costopoulos says DeWeese is not flight risk or a threat to society.

“There is that possibility that he will win on appeal, and if you win on appeal and you’ve already done half your sentence, what’s that about,” he says.

Listen to Bill Costopoulos’ full interview on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA:

A judge now has seven days to make a decision on the bail issue. If he says no to bail, DeWeese could return to prison until his appeal.

Earlier this evening, DeWeese spoke over the phone with KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano.

He said: “I’m going to respectfully withhold comment until all the bail procedures are final.”

RELATED LINKS:
Former State Rep. Bill DeWeese Out Of Jail (5/18/12)
DeWeese’s Attorney Talks About Former State Representative’s Release (5/19/12)
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DeWeese was released on bail late Friday.

“This has been a very stressful and dark hour in his life,” said Bill Costopoulos, DeWeese’s attorney. “He was a former Speaker of the House. I happen to believe he was one of the best state representatives and speakers in the history of this Commonwealth, and so when you walk through those iron gates and they slam shut, it’s different.

“I can tell you these past four days have been an experience, and it was very surprising and pleasing to him to be out at least this weekend,” Costopoulos added.

The former state representative had reported to Dauphin County Prison in Harrisburg on Monday after a judge rejected DeWeese’s motion to delay the start of his two-and-a-half to five year prison term.

He is appealing his conviction.

“He did report to prison last Monday at 1:30 as ordered; but when he went in, the Lower Court had not acted on our petition for bail pending appeal,” Costopoulos said. “It was the judge that tried the case and the judge that sentenced him and the judge that makes the first call on whether he can be out on bail pending appeal, but he did not make a ruling. Well, DeWeese was in jail for three days without a ruling, and so the defense, I, went to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania with an emergency petition complaining about him being confined without a ruling.

“And I must tell you, I also was surprised at how quickly the Superior Court acted because I filed the petition [Friday] morning and they gave us a favorable ruling by four o’clock [Friday] afternoon to let him out until the Lower Court does rule.”

Costopoulos went on to detail the next step in the process.

“What’s going to happen is the court now has, the trial judge now has seven days to act. He could act Monday and direct that he go back in, but if he does that we’re going back to the Superior Court,” he said. “I’m really pushing hard for bail pending appeal; and if he gives it to us, great, if he doesn’t there could be a scenario where he goes back in. And optimally, if he goes back in, we’ll get him back out Tuesday.”

You can listen to the interview by clicking on the link below:

Listen to Johnna Pro on Saturday’s from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

The Associated Press reported late Friday that DeWeese is out on bail.

Earlier this week, he began serving his sentence at the State Correction Institution in Camp Hill near Harrisburg.

The former Greene County lawmaker served in the House for 35 years, including two years as speaker.

In February, a jury convicted DeWeese of conspiracy, conflict of interest and three counts of theft for using public resources for political purposes.

He kept his House seat for more than two months because the constitutional ban on felons serving in the state Legislature is not triggered until they are sentenced.

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(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

KDKA’s Harold Hayes reports from the courthouse that Orie Melvin is facing charges of theft of services, criminal conspiracy, misapplication of entrusted property, official oppression and criminal solicitation.

The grand jury presentment is 100 pages long, and it led to those charges against the sitting Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice.

The presentment concludes: “…not only was Justice Orie Melvin directly and knowingly involved in using state paid staffers from both the judicial and legislative branches of Pennsylvania government in her political campaign activities, but it also appears that she was aided by Janine and Jane Orie.”

The grand jury also pointed to the testimony of a number of people in the judicial system, including a former law clerk of Justice Melvin’s, which helped lead to the charges.

That particular witness is currently the wife of a sitting Allegheny County Court judge.

Melvin was set to be arraigned on the charges this afternoon. She arrived at city court just before 2 p.m. with her brother, Jack.

She notified the court today that she is recusing herself from cases as a result of the charges; however, in a letter that her lawyer sent to the Supreme Court, it says she is not resigning and denies the allegations.

Justice Melvin read a statement after the arraignment calling charges “politically motivated.”

Prosecutor Lawrence Claus tells reporters Melvin’s political claims are baseless.

Court officials say this is only the second time a sitting judge has faced criminal charges.

Orie Melvin’s sister, State Sen. Jane Orie, was convicted of 14 corruption charges back in March. She is awaiting sentencing.

Orie was found guilty of two counts each of theft of services, conflict of interest, and forgery, in addition to seven counts of tampering with evidence and one count of criminal conspiracy.

She was acquitted of perjury and obstruction of justice.

Another sister, Janine, is also awaiting trial on charges.

RELATED LINKS:
Orie Found Guilty On 14 Of 24 Counts (3/26/12)
Calls Begin For State Sen. Jane Orie’s Resignation (3/27/12)
More Joan Orie Melvin News

He dropped in unannounced at Hog father’s BBQ in Washington after visiting Ohio.

Biden worked the tables, posed for pictures and told family stories. He says the people of the Pittsburgh area remind him of Scranton where he grew up.

“These are good, good people,” he said. “They’re just like the folks in northeast Pennsylvania, the folks in Claymont. These people are ready to do whatever it takes to get things straight.”

Biden accused the Republicans of favoring the rich over the hard-working middle class.

“Everybody knows they got a chip in – there’s no easy way out of this recession we inherited and they don’t mind,” Biden said. “But what they don’t like is turn around and find that they’re being played for a sucker. They’re in – everybody else is in a deal, except there’s certain folks ain’t in at all.”

He claimed it was this administration that gets it, that understands why unemployment hurts.

“This is about a lot more than just their job,” Biden said. “It’s about their pride. It’s about their sense of self, it’s about dignity. That’s the part that everybody seems to miss.”

The message seemed to resonate with some.

“I think the middle class is struggling and they’re fighting out to survive and I think the Republicans are totally out of touch,” Bob Sabot, of North Franklin, said. “When you see people losing jobs and not being able to maintain their way of life, it’s very difficult and I think Joe Biden understands that.”

The campaign refused to say where Biden was planning to go because he intends to come back to Pittsburgh again and that site might be the place for another surprise visit.

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The House transportation committee has approved a bill that would allow the Turnpike Commission to raise the speed limit to 70 mph.

“All I am doing is giving the Turnpike Commission permission to be able to raise the limits if they so choose, but they have to review it after a year,” State Rep. Joseph Preston, Jr., D-East Liberty, said.

The current speed limit for most parts of the turnpike is 65 mph. The increase would only apply to parts of the highway that are structurally capable of handling the speed without compromising safety.

“I think it’s great because to me it’s safer because everybody’s going to do more than the posted speed limit,” Carolyn Welch said.

The bill needs to pass a full vote in the House and the Senate and get the governor’s approval. If all of that happens, it would be next year before we see the new speed limit posted.

“I guess it’s good for some, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ll leave ahead of time and I don’t have to rush to get where I’m going,” Edna Jones said.

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PA Turnpike Commission

On Monday afternoon, he began serving his two-and-a-half years to five-year sentence on charges of using his state office for political purposes.

It was the latest chapter in the life of the 62-year-old lawmaker who once was Speaker of the state House of Representatives and was re-elected by his district despite charges against him.

The loquacious former Marine known for his flowery language was cryptic as he entered prison.

“One, I’m going to behave myself and obviously conform to the protocols of the institution.

“Two, I’m going to stay in tiptop physical condition.

“And three and finally, I’m going to make some new friends,” he said. “Thank you very much.”

After initial processing, DeWeese will be transferred to the Camp Hill state prison for several weeks of testing before being assigned to one of the state’s prison for permanent residency.

With a final hug and kiss with his girlfriend, DeWeese left the public spotlight for the first time in 35 years.

But even behind bars, DeWeese remains the Democratic nominee for state House in his legislative district this November.

As a convicted felon, DeWeese is not likely to be able to serve again in the state House — even if reelected this fall unless his appeal is successful.

That is not likely to be resolved until after the November election.

When sentenced, DeWeese did resign his seat, so no one is representing his district presently and no special election will be scheduled to replace him.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

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“We are a struggling arts organization like everybody else,” says Christopher Hahn, the Opera’s director. “We desperately need support and funding.”

To raise money, a parking garage in the Strip District is undergoing a makeover for a swanky $750-a-ticket event to honor Governor Corbett and his wife, Susan, chair of the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts.

On a makeshift stage, the governor and his wife will receive from the Opera a Lifetime Achievement Award, an award that some say is undeserved but which the Opera says recognizes the governor’s effort to stop funding cuts for the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts.

Hahn says Corbett blocked House Republicans from cutting the Council’s budget by 70 percent.

“That is something that we felt we needed to thank him and the first lady for because I think it is very important work,” says Hahn, “and it allows us along with other things to keep our ticket prices low and to do a lot of arts education, music education in the schools ourselves.”
But University of Pittsburgh Professor Jessie Ramey, author of the blog Yinzercation, says the award is misplaced.

“I was really outraged that they would make this what is really a disappointing choice to recognize Governor Corbett who has actually devastated our public education system.”

Ramey, whose blog protest has had 13,000 hits, warns, “We are gutting our arts education programs all across the state.”

As for the 400 attending the opera’s even, Ramey hopes, “I hope they take that front row opportunity that they have with the governor in the room on Saturday to let him know, too, that the public cares about public education, it cares about arts education.”

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“People are concerned that big government is turning out the lights,” Rothfus said.

“They’re turning out the lights at our power plants. They’re turning out the lights at our community banks. They’re turning off the lights at our doctor’s offices. I tell everybody that we got to relight America with a new set of policies coming out of Washington.”

The new 12th district stretches from the Ohio line through Lawrence and Beaver counties, northern Allegheny and Westmoreland counties into Cambria and Somerset counties.

“I am conservative on some issues, but when you come down to it, every decision I make is about working families,” Critz said. “It’s about making sure that everyone has a shot.”

Both candidates are taking shots. Rothfus says Critz is no conservative.

“When a conservative Democrat votes to keep Obamacare in place, I don’t think you’re a conservative Democrat,” he said.

Critz says unlike Rothfus, he won’t repeal the good parts of the bill.

“He’s against closing the donut hole for seniors, he’s against funding for them to get a free physical every year, for keeping kids on their parent’s insurance through the age of 26,” he said.

And Critz says Rothfus doesn’t even live in the 12th congressional district.

“Keith lives in the 18th,” he said. “If he is so intent on being in Congress, why is he moving to a different district to run?”

“We’re about 30 days from living in the district. We put an offer on a house,” Rothfus said. “Look, we live a thousand feet from the district line. My kids go to school in the district. My church is in the district. It’s not an issue.”

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Delta Foundation is the regions largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered organizations.

Gary joined Robert to talk about President Obama supporting Same Sex Marriages and what it means to the LGBT community and even for him in the Presidential race.

You can listen to the interview here! You can also listen to Robert Mangino weekdays 6pm to 10pm.

In an interview Wednesday afternoon, he told ABC News that he supports gay marriage, making him the first president to take that position.

As a candidate in 2008, Obama said he was against gay marriage and in 2010, he said his views were evolving at the time.

Now, he took a clear stance saying it is personally important for him to affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married.

KDKA-TV spoke to people in Market Square to get their views on the issue.

“I think it’s wonderful,” a woman said. “I definitely am all for gay marriage. I believe that you should be able to love who you want to love and be with who you want to be with.

“I don’t believe that marriage has to be between a man and a woman. I believe it should be between two people who love each other enough to make that commitment to each other.”

Another person had a different opinion.

“I disagree with same-sex marriage,” a man said.

“I’m for gay marriage – my best friend is gay,” a young woman said. “I don’t see nothing wrong with somebody being in love with the same sex.”

“Bad idea,” another woman said. “I’m sorry. That’s the way I feel.”

“I don’t see what’s wrong with approving that,” a young man said. “I mean, why can’t gays be married like regular straight people? If you love someone, does it really matter?”

“My opinion is they have a right to do what they want to do, but do I support it personally – no,” another woman said.

“I think they should have the same things we have,” added another woman. “They fight, they go to war, they protect us, they help us with health – why can’t they get married?”

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney says his opinion is the same as it always has been – marriage should be between a man and a woman and he is against marriage between people of the same gender.

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Supporters say it will help clean up the streets, but opponents say that is not their responsibility.

It’s an issue that has divided a neighborhood, a tax that some say will clean up the South Side.

“If we want, as a homeowner, to be protected and taken care of and cleaned up after, I think we have to pay something,” said Jim McCluskey, a homeowner.

However, others say it is an open-ended burden on people who shouldn’t be responsible.

“I can’t see why anybody, that doesn’t cause that dirt, pay for the people who are making the mess,” said another South Side resident. “And nobody does anything about it. Let them pay for it.”

Last night, during a planning meeting, it was voted to now pass the proposal for a Neighborhood Improvement District over to Pittsburgh City Council for their review and possible vote.

“That plan would be mailed to everyone in the proposed district. So then, the people would have a chance to vote,” a local official said. “We’re a long ways a way from a vote ever actually taking place.”

As it stands now, the tax that would help fund the improvement district would be capped at $480 a year for homeowners, for commercial property owners, the cap would be set at $7,500.

Forty percent would have to vote against the improvement district for it to not move forward.

“Bars can pass on this tax through higher drinks, landlords can pass it on through higher rents, but a plain resident has to just take this tax and pay it,” Mary Konieczny, the owner of the Glazing Pot, said.

RELATED LINKS:
Neighborhood Improvement Tax Proposed For South Side Residents (5/9/12)
More News from the South Side

“If we in the county don’t find a way to increase our revenue the lights are going to be turned out here at the courthouse,” Councilman Bill Robinson told KDKA-TV’s political editor Jon Delano.

Councilman Robinson says the recent tax increase wasn’t enough, and he wants another one mill tax hike.

That brought a swift response from a fellow Democrat on council.

“I’m not voting for any tax increases,” Councilman Jim Burn said. “Last year, this tax vote was necessary to keep a safety net, in my opinion, under the most needy resident of Allegheny County. I will not vote for something like that again.”

County executive Rich Fitzgerald also threw cold water on the idea, saying in a statement that he does not support a tax increase.

“I certainly do not support a property tax increase for 2013. We did the first tax increase in 11 years for this year and that was basically adjusting for inflation. We have a hiring freeze in place. I’ve told all county directors to look for savings and for new revenues that do not involve raising taxes.”

Still, Robinson is undeterred.

“I need 10 votes, I have one: mine,” he said. “But I have a lot of time, and that’s why I started so soon putting this proposal out there.”

It takes 10 out of 15 votes on county council to pass any kind of tax increase. And while there may not be the votes now, it is a long time until December when the county council approves a budget for 2013.

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“Well it’s very strange,” Allegheny County Republican chairman Jim Roddey told KDKA-TV’s political editor Jon Delano. “It’s almost as if he agreed that he’d endorse but didn’t want to. He did it reluctantly and then he didn’t really want to make a big deal out of it, so he waited until 11 p.m. so that it misses all of the news.”

Roddey finds the whole thing perplexing. It wasn’t until the 13th paragraph of a lengthy e-mail that Santorum endorsed Romney.

“Then his endorsement was very strange. He talked more about the things he disagreed with Romney than the things he agreed,” noted Roddey.

Pennsylvania Democratic chairman Jim Burn says Republicans are clearly divided over Romney.

“They are not comfortable with him; they cannot put their arms around him. The cool reception — slash endorsement — that we have seen first from Mr. Gingrich and now Mr. Santorum is a reflection of that disconnect that Mr. Romney has with the base of the party,” said Burn.

But if there’s one thing that unites many Republicans, it’s Barack Obama.

Santorum noted that in his statement: “Above all else, we both agree that President Obama must be defeated. The task will not be easy. It will require all hands on deck if our nominee is to be victorious. Governor Romney will be that nominee and he has my endorsement and support to win this the most critical election of our lifetime.”

“They want to see a Republican in the White House, or they want to see someone other than Barack Obama, and so I think they’ll come around,” added Roddey.

It’s easy to make more out of these endorsements than they are really worth.

This election is still six months away, and by that time the only names important to voters will be Mitt Romney and Barack Obama.

Still, endorsing a rival in this way — especially after an hour and a half meeting with him last Friday — is, to say the least, unusual.

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“As a consistuent of the 12th congressional district, I support Mark Critz,” Altmire said. “I am here to offer him my full support in this race. I am happy to do so. He is a friend, and somebody I have campaigned for before, and I’ll be happy to do so again.”

Altmire said it was important that every democratic voter in the region unite behind Critz, or else.

“The entire western part of the state, from Harrisburg up to State College all the way west to the Ohio border, will have one Democratic member of the House of Representatives,” Altmire said. “That cannot be allowed to happen.”

At a time when Rick Santorum has still not endorsed Mitt Romney, Critz said Altmire’s quick support speaks volumes.

“For him to turn around so fast to endorse me really is a testament to his character and his integrity,” Critz told KDKA-TV’s political editor Jon Delano.

Critz now races republican Keith Rothfus in the new 12th District from the Ohio line in Beaver and Lawrence Counties through the North Hills and northern Westmoreland County into Cambria and Somerset Counties.

“This is not going to be a cakewalk,” Critz said. “We’re going to work hard at it. It’s obviously republican leaning, although it’s a Democratic registration edge. We have some work to do. I’ve been through tough races; Jason’s been through tough races.

“Together I think this is a mountain we can climb.”

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The family was excited about the visit.

“It was terribly exciting,” CEO Eric Sauereisen told KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano. “When you look at what goes on television, and actually be a part of it, it’s immense. It’s quite a stage, quite a show that they put on.”

On stage, Romney quickly went on the attack on the president’s handling of the economy.

“I’ve also met a lot of people who are really suffering under the Obama economy. It hasn’t gotten better at the rate of speed they were told it was going to get better. And that’s in part because the Obama policies didn’t work,” Romney told the crowd.

It was Romney’s third visit to the region in less than a month — this one precipitated by his desire to meet with Rick Santorum before the rally — but Romney never mentioned that, focusing instead on the economy.

“I was with a barber who was cutting my hair — he was in his 70s. I said, ‘Why haven’t you retired?’

“He said, ‘I’m not able to. I hope to be able to but I can’t.’ Because the savings he had coming are worth less, he had to keep working.”

Presidential campaign events are really staged appearances, so it’s really no surprise that much of what he said today here he said on his last visit to Pittsburgh, like the references to the President’s all-of-the-above energy policy.

“Then I figured it out, he’s for all the energy that comes from above the ground, not the ones that come from below the ground.”

While Romney’s focus was inside, a small group of demonstrators were outside, including a dog with a specific message for the governor.

No matter. Romney picked Sauereisen to showcase his support for small business.

“This is an extraordinary enterprise. The Sauereisen family has been in this business, as you’ve probably heard, since 1899.”

The main reason for Romney’s visit to Pittsburgh was to pow-wow with Santorum. The two met alone, with no aides for 90 minutes at the office of Santorum’s media advisor, John Brabender, up on Mt. Washington.

Sources say it’s their first chance to get to know each other, and Santorum pushed issues important to his conservative supporters.

At his rally, Romney used the latest unemployment figures — down from 8.2 percent to 8.1 percent — to take on the president.

“The reason the rate came down was because about 340,000 dropped out of the workforce,” said Romney. “So many became discouraged they stopped looking for work. And if they stopped looking for work, the statisticians say, ‘Oh, the unemployment is lower now because not so many people want to work.’”

Using a line Romney repeats frequently, “President Obama is out of ideas, he’s out of excuses, and in 2012 it’s time we put him out of office.”

For that to happen, Romney will need to convince these undecided voters who were at his rally.

“You got to look at the pros and cons, and see who will do the better job,” notes Paula Brain of Sarver.

“I do have an open mind, and I was very intrigued by what he had to say,” adds Maureen Bankert of New Kensington.

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The goal? Unite the Republican party in the race against President Obama, despite the former primary candidate’s differences.

Listen to the interview here.

Listen to Mike Pintek weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

He is holding an event this afternoon at a cement development company in RIDC Park.

During his visit, Romney is also meeting with Rick Santorum, who is his former rival for the Republican presidential nomination.

This is the first sit-down meeting between the two since Santorum suspended his campaign last month.

The two were expected to discuss a number of issues.

Stay with KDKA for full reports on Romney’s visit to Pittsburgh.

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“In years past, the state has been able to just produce money and help solve that. We don’t have that money,” Corbett said at the time in response to questions from KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano.

• RELATED STORY: Corbett: State Will Not Rescue Port Authority From Budget Woes

Basically, Corbett said it was up to the transit union to work with management to cut costs.

Delano: “Is reducing service to a third of their routes and 40,000 people affected, is that the way to balance their budget?”

Corbett: “Well, I think that they have to take a look at where they are spending and, as I said, I think they have to sit down and talk to the unions.”

Today, on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA Corbett seemed to soften his tone.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview:

Larry Richert: “But the door is open?”

Corbett: “The door has always been open, but somebody, they have to start taking action over in Allegheny County.”

John Shumway: “So to say that there will be no help coming from Harrisburg on this issue is an overstatement?”

Corbett: “It is an overstatement, but I think you both know that I’d rather understate what the amount of help will be.”

At a press conference with Mayor Ravenstahl and Philadelphia Mayor Nutter, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald was optimistic.

“He’s willing to partner with us in doing that and some of that may be the fact that the state is collecting more money now,” he said.

But Fitzgerald said the governor still wants the Port Authority to cut costs.

“They do need to see savings out of the Port Authority agency, meaning the drivers contract which is up now, up in June, being negotiated now, and that the management at the Port Authority also needs to show significant savings.”

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Thanks to Gov. Corbett’s leadership, the two providers have agreed to an extension into the end of 2014, delaying the schism.

KDKA AM’s Larry Richert and John Shumway get the details from Gov. Corbett on how the deal was made, and also discuss news about public transportation funding.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview:

And it means millions of people insured by Highmark can still get the in-network rate at UPMC.

Healthcare provider UPMC said it would no longer accept Highmark insurance in-network. It meant Highmark customers would pay a huge premium for UPMC doctors and hospitals.

For the folks caught in the middle, it made little sense.

“It’s asinine. That should have never even existed,” said Alice Muhammed, of Homewood. “If they’re for the people here then it should be affordable for everybody.”

“It just seemed like they’re both very well off,” added Pat Monahan, of Greensburg. “They both make a lot of money. They can’t seem to figure how to work together.”

But a deal has finally been struck between the two healthcare giants in the Pittsburgh region, following pressure from the legislature and the Governor.

“The dispute between these two Western Pennsylvania institutions was a cause of great uncertainty and troubling anxiety to many in Western Pennsylvania, from individuals to businesses to associations,” said Gov. Tom Corbett. “I believe we can all breathe easier now.”

The deal means UPMC’s doctors and medical centers will remain in Highmark’s network through the end of 2014.

It also means many people with Highmark insurance can rest a little easier.

“It is good news that we don’t have to switch kid doctors or the doctors that we currently use,” said Kelly Morgano, of Squirrel Hill.

The deal only lasts until the end of 2014. Both say the extension provides more time for patients to make arrangements for care after that date.

But at least for the next couple of years, Highmark customers will have access to UPMC at more affordable, in-network rates.

RELATED LINKS:
Corbett Announces Agreement Extension Between Highmark, UPMC (5/2/12)
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That’s the crux of a 53-page lawsuit filed in Commonwealth Court by citizens and three organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and the Homeless Advocacy Project.

The petitioners say there is just no evidence of fraud so, they argue, the state has no compelling reason to deny legitimate voters the right to vote.

Calling it a “phantom” argument, ACLU attorney Vic Walczak said, “You would think if you’re passing a law like this that there would have been some scandal involving a conspiracy, a large prosecution of a ring involved in in-person voter fraud. But, in fact, there is nothing like that.”

For many non-drivers to get a photo ID, Pennsylvania requires a birth certificate — certificates that some states do not have for older Americans born decades ago and who have rarely missed an election.

“People who can vote, who are legally entitled to vote, are going to be blocked from voting under this law. And that’s why we are bringing this lawsuit — to have that law declared unconstitutional,” said David Gersch, an attorney from the Washington, D.C., law firm of Arnold & Porter.

And, lawyers, say, requiring people to pay cash for a voter ID violates the state Constitution that all elections are “free and equal.”

“This is an extremely important right,” noted Walczak. “Our clients are not going to give up without a fight and with this formidable legal team, we’re ready to rumble and we’ll see you in court.”

Three of the 10 petitioners are from the Pittsburgh area: an 84-year-old suburban white woman who never drove and for whom Pennsylvania says it has no birth certificate even though she was born here; a 75-year-old black woman from the city who had to pay for a voter ID card; and a transgendered man, once a woman, who says he will be denied the right to vote because all his certificates and photo ID’s are of a woman.

The petitioners are being represented by the ACLU, the Public Interest Law Center, and Arnold & Porter.

Attorneys have asked the Commonwealth Court to expedite its process and hold a hearing on this case in mid-June.

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The cuts are part of an effort to balance a budget with a $64 million hole.

Outside of this morning’s board meeting, protestors voiced their objections, while inside, members of the Port Authority board voted to both cut service and increase fares.

The sign glowed behind them: “Port Authority – Dedicated to a Gold Standard of Service.”

But for thousands of riders, the service is shrinking and the gold is starting to lose its luster.

The cuts hit hard, especially those reductions in access which will leave an estimated 1,800 users stranded.

“We’re very concerned,” said Lucy Spruill, a rider. “Those 1,800 people who will not be able to leave their homes to get healthcare, to go to work, to go to school, to go to their mother’s funeral.”

Here’s the vote: fares increase July 1, they’re going to eliminate 46 of 102 bus routes, terminate service after 10 p.m. on all but 13 routes and lay off 400 to 500 drivers, mechanics and administrative staff.

All that could happen on September 2.

“And one of the directions we got as staff from the board today was plan for the cuts, but also plan not to have those cuts go about,” said Steve Bland, the Port Authority’s CEO.

A statement released today by the Port Authority reads in part: “Port Authority’s Board of Directors today voted to authorize a fare increase and 35-percent service reduction scheduled to go into effect later this year. Port Authority is legally obligated to balance its budget, and these actions are prompted by a $64 million deficit projected for the Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget.

“Today’s vote is reversible. The vote authorizes Port Authority staff to begin preparing for the changes – writing new schedules, preparing for staffing reductions and a garage closure, and other actions. While staff must prepare for the worst, the service reductions may be scaled back or rescinded entirely if Port Authority’s finances improve.”

RELATED LINKS:
Port Authority
Corbett: State Will Not Rescue Port Authority From Budget Woes (4/26/12)
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On the eve of that meeting, KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano caught up to Governor Tom Corbett, who was blunt about the role of state government in preventing this.

Delano: “Have you washed your hands of the transit issues here in Pittsburgh?”

Corbett: “We have not washed our hands of the transit issue, but what we are doing is looking to the Port Authority board, the county, and the unions to come up with some solutions, and we are there to help in any way we can.”

But unlike past years, that help will not be any state money to keep the system running as is or to erase a $64 million deficit.

“In years past, the state has been able to produce that money and solve that. We don’t have that money,” said Corbett.

Critics say last summer Corbett’s own transportation advisory commission made funding recommendations. Yet, he has not embraced any of the proposals or pushed the legislature to enact anything.

“I have some ideas. I think it is a matter of timing. We’re going to work on it. I hope we can address it this calendar year.”

In the meantime, the governor says, locally, it’s up to the transit union to work with management to cut costs.

Delano: “Is reducing service to a third of their routes and 40,000 people affected, is that the way to balance their budget?”

Corbett: “Well, I think they have to take a look at where they are spending and, as I said, they have to sit down and talk to the unions.”

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Port Authority of Allegheny County

The idea is to allow advertisers to place ads on city-owned space.

An example given by Councilman Bill Peduto was an ad for a brand of garbage bags on the side of a city garbage truck.

It’s something that could bring in a lot of much needed revenue for the city.

They’ll be tasteful ads, carefully placed on trash cans, recycling bins and parking meters as just a few examples.

As a way to generate extra money for the city, Peduto has been working on a proposal to use space the city already owns to make more cash.

A consultant agency estimates that by placing ads on city spaces and even websites, Pittsburgh could rake in between $800,000 to $2 million annually.

Councilman Peduto realizes that some may have concerns about the size, nature and location of future advertisements, but that’s something that a task force has been discussing and working on for years.

“I don’t want people to think that this means there’s going to be advertising everywhere in the city,” said Peduto. “The goal is to minimize what you see as you’re walking down the street, but at the same time, maximize the amount of profit the city can realize without putting billboards up or other things that would take away from the beauty of Pittsburgh.”

The ads will be G-rated. Naming rights and sponsorship opportunities is something that’s also being discussed. Legislation could be ready for a vote by next month.

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The winner in the new 12th District that stretches from Beaver County to Cambria County was Congressman Mark Critz of Johnstown.

For many, Critz is brand new. The Johnstown Democrat defeated the North Hills Democrat because of strong labor support and a higher voter turnout in Critz’s part of the new district.

“We knew we had to turn our people up here in bigger numbers,” Critz said after his victory. “I had to win significantly up here, and we knew that I had to pick up a lot of labor support to cut into his area — and that’s exactly what we did.”

With strong backing from the most labor unions, Critz carried his home area with 90 percent of the vote, while Altmire won the North Hills and Beaver County with 70 percent of the vote.

That margin was enough for Critz to win by 1200 votes.

“Obviously, I’m going to sit down with Jason and talk about these parts of the district that are his old parts,” Critz said.

Altmire promised to help Critz defeat the Republican candidate, Kith Rothfus of Edgeworth, noting in a statement that “it was that turnout that won the election, and I have no doubt that the remainder of the district will have the same level of support for Congressman Critz as they get to know him.”

New to Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties, Critz acknowledged the work ahead.

“I want to make sure that I’m learning what the issues are, where there are spots I need to work harder, getting to know the elected officials and making sure that I’m doing the best job to get to know them and get to know their issues so that I carry the enthusiasm that we had from the primary in through the general.”

The Critz-Rothfus race this fall is likely to be highly competitive.

Democrats outnumber Republicans 52 percent to 38 percent, but the new district generally votes Republican. For example, John McCain beat Barack Obama by 10 points here.

Critz hopes his conservative values — prolife and pro-gun — coupled with labor support will work for him again in November.

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The self-made multi-millionaire easily defeated Governor Tom Corbett’s candidate, Steve Welch, and three others to win the right to take on incumbent Democratic senator Bob Casey.

Smith says Republicans will be united this fall.

“I got a call from the governor, I got a call from the lieutenant governor,” Smith said. “No, I don’t think there will be any healing process (needed). We’ll be together.”

Smith, who pumped $4 million of his own money into the primary, is expected to do the same against Casey.

“Senator Bob Casey has a voting record now, and it’s a voting record I would hate to defend,” Smith said. “I mean, he voted with (President Barack) Obama 98 percent of the time. He voted for many things that we don’t agree, or I don’t agree: ObamaCare, Cash For Clunkers, Dodd Frank, stimulus. The list goes on and on.”

Smith also says Casey shows no leadership in the Senate.

“I haven’t seen any proposals from Senator Casey on how to fix these problems,” he said. “It’s just, ‘well, whatever the majority of the Democratic Party wants, that’s what I’m for.’”

Not well known yet, Smith plans to contrast him humble beginnings with the famous Casey name.

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The newly-created 12th District featured a battle between two Democratic Congressmen fighting for the same seat.

It was a close race, but Mark Critz beat Jason Altmire with 51 percent of the vote.

There was also a five-way Republican race to decide who will take on incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey in the fall.

The winner was Tom Smith, who is a retired coal company executive from Armstrong County.

Many had eyes on the heated campaign between Mark Mustio, Sue Means and D. Raja. All were vying for the Republican nomination in Senate District 37.

There were a lot of attack ads in this campaign, but in the end, Raja won with 44 percent of the vote.

There was no drama in the Republican presidential primary.

Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney coasted to victory in Tuesday’s five GOP primaries, including Pennsylvania.

Romney won Pennsylvania with 58 percent of the vote.

Rick Santorum, who suspended his presidential bid earlier this month, still garnered 18 percent of the vote, followed by Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich.

RELATED LINKS

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Complete List Of Primary Results

Voters in the two parties are picking candidates for President, Congress, and the state General Assembly, but perhaps as many as 75 percent of registered voters will not vote today.

It’s almost as if we had an election and nobody showed up to vote. At times, it seemed like that this primary election day.

“It’s been extremely slow. I’ve never had it this slow before,” Louise Pallone, a judge of elections at a Brookline polling place, told KDKA political editor Jon Delano.

Pallone says only the truly committed are voting, like 78-year old Mike Acquaro.

“I had two new knees and just had bypass on my left leg,” said Acquaro, walking slowly.

He wasn’t alone.

“We think it’s important that we always exercise our right to vote,” said Louis Santora, who has never missed an election.

These are the super-voters — people who never miss an election — but even some of them stayed home, and negative advertising may be a cause.

“People are so sick and tired of the ads on television. I am, also,” said Kitty Fusaro of Brookline.
“It’s really tough. A group of girls I have coffee with said, ‘I don’t even feel like voting. I’m so sick and tired of it.’”

Pallone, a veteran of many elections, worries the state’s new voter ID law may be affecting the turnout, too.

“I also think it has something to do with the photo ID,” Pallone said. “People aren’t sure what they are supposed to do when they arrive.”

Even though it’s not required until November, poll workers were asking voters for ID, and many of the elderly who don’t drive may lack such identification.

“Especially the elderly who have been voting for years,” says Fusaro. “When you go to the polls, everybody recognizes you anyhow, so I don’t see that it’s really necessary.”

While nobody expects any problems with this test run of the voter ID law, that’s not the case in November when many more people will vote and some voters may be turned away because they don’t have proper identification.

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Shuster is a political expert from Pitt and Mistik is a political expert and Duquesne Law Professor.

They all discussed the importance of the Pa. Primary and what they think the outcome will be as well as taking questions from callers.

You can listen to the whole interview here!

You can also listen to Mike Pintek weekdays noon to 3 p.m.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Look below for more information from where to find your polling location to more on some of the candidates and voting tips if you’re headed to the polls for the first time, plus more.

Voting:

Pennsylvania Department of State

How To Vote:

Voting In Your County
Preparing For Election Day

Where?:
Polling Place Information

Tips:

• Voter Identification
• Tips For First Time Voters

More:

• League Of Women’s Voters Of Pennsylvania

Primary Voting Results

• View Primary Voting Results Here

Counties:
–Allegheny County
Elections Division

–Beaver County
Election Results

–Butler County
Bureau of Elections

–Fayette County
Election Bureau

–Greene County
General Election Info

–Lawrence County
General Election Info

–Mercer County
Election Information

–Washington County
Election Office

–Westmoreland County
Election Bureau
County Polling Locations

KDKA’s Politics Section:
KDKA.com/Politics

Today’s vote includes some congressional races and the presidential primary.

Excitement has been dwindling in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. In the weeks leading up to the primary, Rick Santorum suspended his campaign, making Mitt Romney the favorite to win both today’s primary and the nomination overall.

As a result, a low voter turnout is expected. The Allegheny County Elections Division said they are expecting only about 25 percent of registered voters to vote.

• View Primary Voting Results Here

It is important to note that Allegheny County courts and offices are closed, but post offices will remain open.

Today’s primary will also serve as a test for a new voter identification law.

When the law goes into effect in November, it will require voters to bring photo identification with them. Since today is only a test, voters will only need to show photo identification is they are voting at a new polling location.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

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2012 Primary Results
More Reports From Heather Abraham

They talked about the Voter ID bill and other issues.

Rep. Metcalfe says tomorrow will by a dry run for the Voter ID bill and those without ID can still vote tomorrow. They will however need to obtain an ID by the November election.

You can listen to the whole interview here now:

You can also listen to Mike Pintek weekdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

This time, he stopped at the Consol Energy facility in South Park.

A presidential campaign rally brings out the politicians like Keith Rothfus running for Congress and incumbent Congressmen Mike Kelly and Tim Murphy.

Kelly even took Murphy’s picture for him, but the big star was Romney.

“I haven’t been in a facility quite like this before and appreciate some miners here today and appreciate the work that you do here,” Romney said.

The backdrop was the Consol Energy research campus in South Park, which Romney used as a platform to ridicule President Barrack Obama’s all-of-the above energy policy.

“I couldn’t figure that out, given his policies, and then it struck me. He’s for all the sources of energy that come from above the ground — wind and solar — he just doesn’t like the things that come from below the ground,” Romney said.

Saying the president opposes resources like coal, natural gas, and oil, Romney pledged.

“The course I’ll put us on is to take advantage of what comes from above the ground as well as what comes from below the ground so that America can finally become energy secure and independent of the oil cartel,” Romney said.

Romney’s reception was enthusiastic, but he chose to end his Pennsylvania primary campaign outside Philadelphia where more Republicans live.

Obviously the platform on which the governor spoke is being hauled away now, as he moves to eastern Pennsylvania for the rest of this campaign.

It appears that energy is going to be an important theme in this campaign for president.

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More Reports From Ross Guidotti

Is it an “attack ad” if their goal is to put the truth out there? You can listen to the interview here.

Listen to Marty Griffin weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.