Delco Candidates Night

Mark your calendar. On Sunday, January 31st, The Mid-county Delaware County Democrats are having a candidates night, Rose Tree Fire company, 6:30 - 9:30 pm. I attended four years ago and found it very interesting.

Report on PA Tax Incentives

Catching up on last week's WSJ. Kris Maher's "Pennsylvania tax incentives questioned," on 1/13 discusses a report funded by the Heinz Endowments, produced by Good Jobs First, on the effectiveness of Pennsylvania's tax incentives for business.

The study concludes that the job losses show the tax incentives aren't enough to offset other factors like globalization.

Other points in the article:
*more jobs are lost to other countries than to other states
*companies look for quality of labor force, prevailing wage rates, ease of transporting goods

The study is available online. One primary conclusion is that states should try to grow their own high tech jobs rather than draw in existing companies.

Bucks' Gamesa Receives Tax Credits

From the inbox:

Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) joined green energy entrepreneurs and employees at Gamesa USA’s Fairless Hills facility to announce over $2 million in tax credits for the creation of green energy jobs in Bucks County. The tax credits were awarded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and will allow Gamesa, the world’s third largest producer of wind turbines, to continue to create green jobs in the 8th District while developing cutting-edge wind turbine generator technology. Congressman Murphy has been a tireless advocate for the development of clean energy technologies in Bucks County , arguing that green technology rebuilds our economy, creates jobs, and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

The program, administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides a 30 percent tax credit for investments in 183 manufacturing facilities for clean energy products across 43 states across the country. The credits encourage investment in clean technologies that will decrease our dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our national security, and create good-paying jobs. With these $2 million in tax credits, Gamesa can expand their manufacturing technology to develop the next generation of cutting-edge wind turbine generators, meeting the need for clean energy products with parts and equipment made in the U.S.A.

“Congressman Murphy has been a tireless advocate for Gamesa in southeastern Pennsylvania ,” said Michael Peck, Director of External Affairs for Gamesa USA . “He has been a leader in the fight for green energy and green jobs, and he has worked to secure funding for the development and deployment of renewable energy. Locally, he understands how hard the loss of manufacturing jobs hit his district, and he sees the manufacturing resurgence that can be realized by companies like Gamesa. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Congressman Murphy to grow new opportunities in the emerging green economy.”

“Gamesa USA has been an outstanding example of a company bringing good-paying green jobs to Bucks County , and I’ve been proud to fight for funding that will enable them to create even more jobs,” said Rep. Patrick Murphy.

Kanjorski Supports Obama Statement

In case you were wondering:

Statement from Congressman Paul Kanjorski on President Obama’s proposed Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee:

“Over the last two years, our economy has faced its most dire circumstances since the Great Depression. We took extraordinary, but necessary action to pull the economy back from the brink. Now, it is time for Wall Street, whose reckless actions led to the credit crunch that has affected all Americans, to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that all of the money that was used to ensure their survival is returned to the taxpayers and not added to the debt of the United States. This fee of just 0.15 percent of liabilities would impact only the largest financial firms that either borrowed federal funding or benefited from that funding, which helped to stabilize the economy. Many Americans still face serious financial hardships as a result of the economic downturn, while Wall Street is back up and running. Furthermore, we can ensure that a small portion of profits derived from the taxpayers’ intervention are returned to the taxpayers and not distributed to employees in massive bonuses.”

Should words be insufficient, video is available.

Mark Zandi and Others at World Affairs Council

The World Affairs Council has announced their spring speakers series. Check this out, four white guys you might want to go out and listen to:

Gen. David Petraeus / Feb. 12
Charles Plosser / Feb. 10
Mark Zandi / Mar. 10
Mitt Romney / April 6

More details, including cost, on their website: www.wacphila.org

Second Miracle on the Hudson: No Lawsuits

A fascinating note from "A year later, fears blend with their gratitude," by Samantha Gross in today's Inky (Philadelphia Inquirer):

"Members of the group [survivors of Flight 1549] surprised some observers with what they have chosen not to do: No one on the plane has sued the airline."

Capt. Sullenberger's miraculous landing and responsible behavior afterwards may, perhaps, have had something to do that. It would make an interesting study.

Rendell Pushes HB 80

A few quotes from "Rendell gets tough on energy bill," by Diane Mastrull in the business section of today's Inky:

The measure would significantly boost Pennsylvania's clean-energy standards beyond those enacted in 2004 and, Rendell contends, help ensure the state's ability to attract alternative-energy companies. Surrounding states such as New Jersey and Maryland already are at a competitive advantage because they have higher standards, he said.

In a brief interview after the event, Rendell called House Bill 80 "the single most important thing that we have to do for the long-range health of the state."

Among those opposed to the bill is the Pennsylvania Coal Association. Go figure.

Duquesne Adopts Lost or Stolen Gun Ordinance

From the inbox:

Last night, Duquesne City Council passed an ordinance requiring that lost or stolen firearms be reported missing to the police upon discovery of their absence. Duquesne Council voted 4-0 in favor of the reform. Duquesne joins 23 other cities and towns across the Commonwealth that have taken action to require lost or stolen handgun reporting.

In accordance with the new law, Duquesne gun owners will have 24 hours to report a lost or stolen firearm missing to the police, from the time the loss or theft is discovered. Penalties for a first violation may include a fine of up to $500 and mandatory participation in an educational program on handgun safety. Penalties for second and subsequent violations include fines up to $1000 and/or up to 30 days imprisonment.

For a list of the other cities or to read more on "lost or stolen" firearms legislation, see www.ceasefirepa.org.

PA OFA Responds to Obama Statement

From the inbox:

Organizing for America Pennsylvania State Director Elizabeth Lucas released the following statement following President Obama’s announcement of a Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee that would recoup money that American taxpayers gave troubled financial institutions to stave off economic collapse. While the majority of the money given to financial firms through the Troubled Asset Relief Program has been paid back, that is not enough. Organizing for America (OFA) is a project of the Democratic National Committee committed to supporting President Obama’s agenda for change.

“President Obama’s Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee is an important initiative that will ensure that American taxpayers are fully repaid for their extraordinary assistance to banks during the financial crisis. Many of these banks are now reporting profits and paying out huge bonuses to executives while these firms still have not fully paid back the American taxpayer. I applaud President Obama for his courage to hold Wall Street accountable while Main Street still suffers.

“This tax sends a clear message to Wall Street that the excessive risk-taking that led to a near collapse of our economy in 2008 will no longer be tolerated – the status quo is unacceptable. President Obama and OFA volunteers across the state of Pennsylvania will not stand idly by as big banks rake in profits while millions of Americans struggle to keep their heads above water.”

Obama Proposes Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee

From the inbox:

President Barack Obama will join his economic team today to propose a Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee to be imposed on the debt of the largest financial firms until the American people are fully compensated for the extraordinary assistance they provided to Wall Street.

“My commitment is to recover every single dime the American people are owed. And my determination to achieve this goal is only heightened when I see reports of massive profits and obscene bonuses at the very firms who owe their continued existence to the American people – who have not been made whole, and who continue to face real hardship in this recession,” said President Barack Obama. “That’s why I’m proposing a Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee to be imposed on major financial firms until the American people are fully compensated for the extraordinary assistance they provided to Wall Street.”

The fee will be in place at least 10 years, but even longer if needed to pay back every penny of TARP. This will not be a cost borne by community banks or small firms; only the largest firms with more than $50 billion in assets will be affected. In fact, 60% of the revenue will come from the 10 largest financial firms.

Fact Sheet on the Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/financial_responsibility_fee_fact_sheet.pdf

The fee the President is proposing would:

· Require the Financial Sector to Pay Back For the Extraordinary Benefits Received: Many of the largest financial firms contributed to the financial crisis through the risks they took, and all of the largest firms benefitted enormously from the extraordinary actions taken to stabilize the financial system. It is our responsibility to ensure that the taxpayer dollars that supported these actions are reimbursed by the financial sector so that the deficit is not increased.

· Responsibility Fee Would Remain in Place for 10 Years or Longer if Necessary to Fully Pay Back TARP: The fee – which would go into effect on June 30, 2010 – would last at least 10 years. If the costs have not been recouped after 10 years, the fee would remain in place until they are paid back in full. In addition, the Treasury Department would be asked to report after five years on the effectiveness of the fee as well as its progress in repaying projected TARP losses.

· Raise Up to $117 Billion to Repay Projected Cost of TARP: As a result of prudent management and the stabilization of the financial system, the expected cost of the TARP program has dropped dramatically. While the Administration projected a cost of $341 billion as recently as August, it now estimates, under very conservative assumptions, that the cost will be $117 billion—reflecting the $224 billion reduction in the expected cost to the deficit. The proposed fee is expected to raise $117 billion over about 12 years, and $90 billion over the next 10 years.

· President Obama is Fulfilling His Commitment to Provide a Plan for Taxpayer Repayment Three Years Earlier Than Required: The EESA statute that created the TARP requires that by 2013 the President put forward a plan “that recoups from the financial industry an amount equal to the shortfall in order to ensure that the Troubled Asset Relief Program does not add to the deficit or national debt.” The President has no intention of waiting that long. Instead, the President is fulfilling three years early his commitment to put forward a proposal that would – at a minimum – ensure that taxpayers are fully repaid for the support they provided.

· Apply to the Largest and Most Highly Levered Firms: The fee the President is proposing would be levied on the debts of financial firms with more than $50 billion in consolidated assets, providing a deterrent against excessive leverage for the largest financial firms. By levying a fee on the liabilities of the largest firms – excluding FDIC-assessed deposits and insurance policy reserves, as appropriate – the Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee will place its heaviest burden on the largest firms that have taken on the most debt. Over sixty percent of revenues will most likely be paid by the 10 largest financial institutions.

PMC Calls for Change to Judicial Conduct Board

from the inbox:

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) today called upon the Judicial Conduct Board to amend its policy of deferring investigations into complaints against judges when criminal investigations are pending. The Judicial Conduct Board announced this policy during the recent hearings of the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice and adopted new Internal Operating Procedures at the beginning of the year formally permitting such deferrals. PMC questions the wisdom of the policy generally, its potential role in allowing the Luzerne County Courthouse debacle to continue as long as it did, and the Judicial Conduct Board’s ability to ensure that it will not permit another Luzerne County-type scandal to go unexamined and unpunished.

PMC is specifically concerned with the Judicial Conduct Board’s handling of cases that allege judicial misconduct in office – allegations related to the judicial role or function itself. According to the limited information that has been made public, complaints filed with the Board against the Luzerne County judges alleged such misconduct. PMC Deputy Director Shira Goodman explained: “Where there are allegations relating to subversion of the judicial role, the obligation of the Judicial Conduct Board to protect our system of justice from rogue judges should wait for no other process.”

“The people of Pennsylvania need and deserve certainty – certainty that the Board will investigate judicial misconduct in office, regardless of pending criminal investigations,” said Goodman. “The Board’s deferral policy does not provide this certainty.” According to PMC, the deferral procedures outlined in IOP 4.07 would not prevent the Board from tabling or deferring a future investigation into allegations like the ones that were made about the Luzerne County judges.

PMC urged the Board to take clear steps to adopt and implement a policy that will ensure that the Judicial Conduct Board will never again cede its jurisdiction and abandon or delay exercising its duty to protect the people of Pennsylvania . “Unless that occurs and the deferral policy is amended,” said Goodman, “we cannot be confident that our judicial discipline system is able to prevent a Luzerne County-type tragedy from occurring again.”

Pennsylvanians Honored as Early Career Scientists

Several Pennsylvanians were among those honored by President Obama as:

the latest winners of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The Award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Those at Pennsylvania institutions are:

Dept of Defense
Carlos E. Guestrin, Carnegie Mellon University
Michael A. Hickner, The Pennsylvania State University
Susan E. Parks, The Pennsylvania State University

NIH, Health & Human Services
Thomas P. Cappola, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Gonzalo E. Torres, University of Pittsburgh

National Science Foundation
Sean Hallgren, The Pennsylvania State University
Adam D. Smith, The Pennsylvania State University

Federal Funding for Washington's Crossing VA Cemetery

From the inbox:

Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) announced a new round of federal funding that he recently secured for improvements to Stoopville Road . The $950,000 will ensure construction and improvements continue on Stoopville Road from Durham Road to Washington Crossing Road in Newtown Township and Upper Makefield Township.

Congressman Murphy has successfully secured $2.84 million in federal funding for these improvements, including $1.4 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Congressman Murphy continues to deliver on his local promises- this ensures that the Washington Crossing Cemetery and the roadways leading to it are given the care and attention that this important site deserves,” said Jerry Schenkman, Newtown Township Supervisor.

“I’m proud to fight for funding that creates jobs in Bucks and, most importantly, ensures that this project finally gets done,” said Rep. Murphy.

The Washington Crossing National Veterans Cemetery will draw thousands of new visitors to the area. Rep. Murphy has worked closely with members of the townships’ Boards of Supervisors to find ways to devote resources to traffic calming measures that will keep local residents, commuters, and school-children safe. Planned improvements include landscaped medians and gateway treatments along with a pedestrian/bicycle path to promote safe and efficient travel along the roadway and to access adjoining land. The ability to secure these federal funds was a critical factor in ensuring that Bucks County was chosen as the location for the National Veterans Cemetery .

Obama on Haiti

From the inbox:

Good morning, everybody. This morning I want to extend to the people of Haiti the deep condolences and unwavering support of the American people following yesterday's terrible earthquake.

We are just now beginning to learn the extent of the devastation, but the reports and images that we've seen of collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors through the streets are truly heart-wrenching. Indeed, for a country and a people who are no strangers to hardship and suffering, this tragedy seems especially cruel and incomprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the many Haitian Americans around our country who do not yet know the fate of their families and loved ones back home.

I have directed my administration to respond with a swift, coordinated, and aggressive effort to save lives. The people of Haiti will have the full support of the United States in the urgent effort to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble, and to deliver the humanitarian relief -- the food, water and medicine -- that Haitians will need in the coming days. In that effort, our government, especially USAID and the Departments of State and Defense are working closely together and with our partners in Haiti, the region, and around the world.

Right now our efforts are focused on several urgent priorities. First, we're working quickly to account for U.S. embassy personnel and their families in Port-au-Prince, as well as the many American citizens who live and work in Haiti. Americans trying to locate family members in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at 888/407-4747. I'm going to repeat that – 888/407-4747.

Second, we've mobilized resources to help rescue efforts. Military overflights have assessed the damage, and by early afternoon our civilian disaster assistance team are beginning to arrive. Search and rescue teams from Florida, Virginia and California will arrive throughout today and tomorrow, and more rescue and medical equipment and emergency personnel are being prepared.

Because in disasters such as this the first hours and days are absolutely critical to saving lives and avoiding even greater tragedy, I have directed my teams to be as forward-leaning as possible in getting the help on the ground and coordinating with our international partners as well.

Third, given the many different resources that are needed, we are taking steps to ensure that our government acts in a unified way. My national security team has led an interagency effort overnight. And to ensure that we coordinate our effort, going forward, I've designated the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Dr. Rajiv Shah, to be our government's unified disaster coordinator.

Now, this rescue and recovery effort will be complex and challenging. As we move resources into Haiti, we will be working closely with partners on the ground, including the many NGOs from Haiti and across Haiti, the United Nations Stabilization Mission, which appears to have suffered its own losses, and our partners in the region and around the world. This must truly be an international effort.

Finally, let me just say that this is a time when we are reminded of the common humanity that we all share. With just a few hundred miles of ocean between us and a long history that binds us together, Haitians are neighbors of the Americas and here at home. So we have to be there for them in their hour of need.

Despite the fact that we are experiencing tough times here at home, I would encourage those Americans who want to support the urgent humanitarian efforts to go to whitehouse.gov where you can learn how to contribute. We must be prepared for difficult hours and days ahead as we learn about the scope of the tragedy. We will keep the victims and their families in our prayers. We will be resolute in our response, and I pledge to the people of Haiti that you will have a friend and partner in the United States of America today and going forward.

May God bless the people of Haiti and those working on their behalf.

Thank you very much.

PA Programs Funded by US Dept of Labor $150 Million for Green Jobs Training

From the inbox (with PA programs following):

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced $150 million in green jobs training grants, as authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The “Pathways Out of Poverty” grants — as the group of funding awards is known — will support programs that help disadvantaged populations find ways out of poverty and into economic self-sufficiency through employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

“These Pathways Out of Poverty grants will help workers in disadvantaged communities gain access to the good, safe and prosperous jobs of the 21st century green economy,”said Secretary Solis. “Green jobs present tremendous opportunities for people who have the core skills and competencies needed in such well-paying and rapidly growing industries as energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Through the 38 grants awards announced today, targeted populations will receive recruitment and referral services; basic skills, work-readiness and occupational skills training; supportive services to help overcome barriers to employment; and other services at times and locations that are easily accessible. Through these programs, participants will receive certifications and on-the-job training that will lead to employment.

In order to serve the specific populations targeted by these grants effectively, the Department of Labor encouraged applicants to focus project efforts in communities located within one or more contiguous Public Micro Data Areas (PUMAs) where poverty rates were 15 percent or higher. PUMAs are geographic areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. All applicants were required to have experience serving economically disadvantaged populations. Programs funded today will serve unemployed individuals, high school dropouts, and other disadvantaged individuals within areas of high poverty.

There are two types of award recipients for these grants: 1) national nonprofit entities with networks of local affiliates, coalition members or other established partners; and 2) local entities including nonprofit organizations, such as community and faith-based organizations, the public workforce investment system, the education and training community, labor organizations, and employer and industry-related organizations.

Today’s grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative — totaling $500 million — to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency industries. For a full listing of the grants and project descriptions, visit http://www.doleta.gov. To view a video by Secretary Solis, visit http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/pathways. The U.S. Department of Labor expects to release funding for one remaining green grant award category over the next several weeks.

Pennsylvania programs listed are:

Community College of Philadelphia / Local / Philadelphia, Pa. (PUMAs 04105, 04107) /
$3,184,428 / Unemployed workers, ex-offenders and veterans

East Harlem Employment Services Inc. doing business as as STRIVE / National / Philadelphia (and other locations) / /$4,728,419 / Unemployed individuals, high school dropouts and individuals with a criminal record

Jobs for the Future Inc. (JFF)/ National / Philadelphia (and other locations) / $7,997,936 / Unemployed and disadvantaged individuals

Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board Inc. / Local / Allentown, Pa. (PUMA 03600) / $4,000,000 / At-risk youth, veterans and eligible spouses, and underemployed and unemployed individuals

Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/ Fayette Inc. / Local / Fayette County, Pa. (PUMA 02300) / $2,732,719 / Unemployed individuals, high school dropouts and individuals with a criminal record

PA Legislature on the Thicket Ranking

Continuing a recent theme, I noticed a post on the National Conference of State Legislatures's blog, The Thicket. It lists each state's legislature and what percentage of the elected legislators are female. The national average is 24.4%; in Pennsylvania it is 14.6%. The only states with fewer women in their state legislatures are South Carolina, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Alabama. Food for thought.

Gov Candidates Agriculture Policies

This week there has been a lot of press about the Pennsylvania Farm Show. In keeping with that I took a look a the agricultural issue statements on gubernatorial candidates' web sites. There was nothing listed for Chris Doherty or Jack Wagner. Tom Knox has a brief agriculture policy on his site. The other Democratic candidates did have something on agriculture.

Joe Hoeffel has a 2 page policy. Don Onorato has a 6 page policy (but the font is larger). There is some overlap. Both acknowledge the expected retirement of many of Pennsylvania's farmers, and as most farms in the commonwealth are family and not corporate, this will have serious repercussions. Both suggest that increased education in education farming and related areas, at community colleges and high schools. Onorato throws in a shout out to 4H and FFA programs. Both pledge to restore cuts to the state's Department of Agriculture.

Hoeffel mentions the Growing Greener program and proposes an excise tax on natural gas extraction. Onorato mentions the Clean and Green law and suggests encouraging farms to use more green technology. Onorato goes into more detail on more programs. Both promise a lot more money.

Republican Tom Corbett does not have any issue statements on his site so no comparisons are possible.

Lobbyists Wrote Murkowski Amendment

From Desmoblog:

The Washington Post is reporting that Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s amendment to gut EPA authority to regulate carbon dioxide under the Clean Air Act was written by two Washington lobbyists known for representing some of the worst polluters in the nation.

It's not surprising, but it's definitely not good.

The Economy League Turns 100 (Again)

A few weeks ago I wished the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia a happy 100th birthday. As part of their continuing celebration they have published a three page history of the organization. They have also posted a survey to see what you think does or could make Philadelphia a world class city.

An Historical Look at Pennsylvania Women in Congress

More geek-ery on women in Congress, Pennsylvania style.

I’ve been reading “Comparing predictors of women’s congressional election success: candidates, primaries, and the general election,” by Heather L. Ondercin and Susan Welch, in the July 2009 issue of American Politics Research. It isn’t freely available on the internet but worth tracking down for those interested in the topic.

The authors looked at national congressional races from 1992 to 2000 and found some patterns in when and how women were elected. One factor was an open seat; women are more likely to be elected to an open seat than to defeat an incumbent. [In general incumbents are difficult to defeat.] Before the 1970’s women had an easier time winning a traditionally Republican seat but that has shifted and now it is easier for women to win a traditionally Democratic seat. Another factor is whether or not the district has been represented by a woman before. The percentage of women as a total of the state legislature can also have an effect. There are some other factors included but those are ones that caught my interest.

I decided to look at the history of Pennsylvania women in the US House of Representatives relating to these factors. Pennsylvania has a poor history of women in the state legislature so we can knock that one out right away. Chatham University’s Pennsylvania Center for Women, Politics and Public Policy has a quick list of Pennsylvania women who have been elected to Congress:

In total, only six women from Pennsylvania have served in the U.S. House of Representatives. Veronica Grace Boland (1942-43), Vera Daerr Buchanan (1951-55), and Kathryn Elizabeth Granahan (1957-63) all succeeded their deceased husbands. Buchanan and Granahan were subsequently re-elected. Marjorie Margolies Mezvinsky (1993-95) was the first elected in her own right.

Melissa Hart served from 2000-2006. Allyson Schwartz has represented the 13th district since 2004. Both Hart and Schwartz were elected to open seats. Kathy Dahlkemper defeated an incumbent in 2008.

I went back through and looked at PA Congressional elections as listed in volumes of America Votes. Districts change over the years and I did not have older district maps and am going my general descriptions or other geographic clues. I was also going by names and those can sometimes by deceiving. The Sam Bennett who ran against Charlie Dent in 2008 is a female Siobhan not a male Samuel. Women have run for Congress and lost. Julia L. Maietta ran against James Van Zandt in 1948 and 1958. Margaret Lee Walgren ran against James Fulton in 1960 and 1962. Both of these women were Democrats. Democrat William Barrett faced women Republicans in 1962 (Winifred Malinowsky) and 1966 (Beatrice K. Chernock). There were some other women candidates as well.

Looking at the 13th district, which has been represented by both Margolies-Mezvinsky and currently by Schwartz. One of the early women representatives, Kathryn Elizabeth Granahan, who succeeded her late husband in the then 2nd district (in 1957) and was then was elected and served until the district was eliminated in 1963. I didn’t have historical district maps but she served in the Philadelphia area and was buried in Norristown, Montgomery County, which is now primarily in the 13th district. In 2000, Joe Hoeffel, then the 13th district representative, spoke of her service in Congress. R. Lawrence Coughlin, the Republican who represented the 13th for many years had female Democratic opponents in 1972 (Katherine L. Camp), 1976 (Gertrude Strick), The 13th has also seen the only girl on girl action in congressional elections. In 2004 Schwartz and Dr. Melissa Brown battled over the seat. In 2008, Schwartz face Republican Marina Kats. Clearly Montgomery County and the 13th district have the longest history of female congressional representation in the state.

Melissa Hart represented an area near Pittsburgh. Vera Daerr Buchanan succeeded her husband in the then 33rd and 30th congressional districts (the 33rd was eliminated in 1953 and Buchanan then represented the 30th) which is also near Pittsburgh, though perhaps not the exact location as Hart’s. Austin Murphy who represented part of the Pittsburgh area for almost 20 years (1977-1985), the then 22nd district, faced Republican women opponents in 1980 (Marilyn Ecoff), 1984 (Nancy Pryor), and 1990 (Suzanne Hayden)

Dahlkemper’s election doesn’t have the precedent that the other congresswomen do. However, Tom Ridge who represented the then 21st district (roughly the same area) faced Democrat Joylyn Blackwell in 1986.

This is by no means definitive research; it’s just shifting around through some of the data. Hopefully someone out there will do an in-depth study.