GOP Congressman laud tax bill, Democrats decry ‘gift’ for wealthy, donors

The U.S. Senate last night passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — a sweeping revision of U.S. Tax code, that depending on who is talking is either a spark for job and wage growth or a massive, deficit busting giveaway to the rich, political donors and corporate America. The House voted Tuesday to approve the package, but will have to revote Wednesday because of three provisions in the original bill...

Getting more difficult to stand for hypocracy

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Okay, apparently the Pennsylvania Republican Party can’t stand for judge candidates who support peaceful protest, but can stand for gerrymandering. This week the state GOP sent out a mailer attacking Democratic judicial candidates saying “Vote for Judges who share our values and stand for the flag.” Then days later, the state GOP sought a stay on federal...

GOP putting the ‘mean’ in meaningless legislative efforts

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Fall, that time of year when a young man’s fancy turns to…a budget crisis, political dysfunction, a renewed health care mess and, oh, yeah, off-year elections. So, let’s see, the state still lacks a revenue plan to pay for a spending plan it passed some months ago, so now some bills aren’t being paid. The state House Republicans have come up with a wacky...

The crossroads of hate and politics

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times In this very special edition of Politics As Unusual — a few days early to allow for copious time sitting by the pool and ingesting adult beverages — we’re going to take a look at how politics drives behavior (and the other way around), bad endorsements, chaos, dirty money and more! First, if you’ve been on the Web, watched TV or been exposed to virtually...

Abortion ban makes no religious, moral or political sense

Rushing through SB3 is a suicide play for Pa. GOP By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times On a very special Monday edition of “Why Your State Legislature Sucks,” let me chat with you for a moment about state Senate Bill 3. With the myriad of problems facing our commonwealth, it is this bill, which addresses exactly none of them, that will likely dominate headlines this week and beyond in Pennsylvania. With...

GOP seems to be laying groundwork for two campaigns

As Trump implodes, Republicans pivoting to save down-ballot races By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times As we suggested last week, the heavy firepower is hitting Chester County now — and is likely to continue right up to the election. Already this week, we’ve seen Ted Danson in town stumping for Hillary Clinton and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (and former GOP Vice Presidential...

PA GOP builds brilliant GOTV plan — for Democrats

Attacking ‘Pre-Wal-Mart’ majors and abortion rights could lead Nov. disaster By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times There’s dumb and then there’s pour gasoline on yourself and dive into the barbecue dumb. And it seems like Republicans in your beloved state legislature have stocked up on the Kingsford and are wearing loads of Eau de Sunoco in a brilliant attempt to pander to a small minority...

GOP says Wolf’s tax math doesn’t add up

And they may have a point, when it comes to sales tax hike By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times WEST CHESTER — Five of the county’s state legislative delegation pushed back on Gov. Tom Wolf’s sales tax increase proposal Friday — arguing that it would cost Chester County taxpayers an additional $177 million a year in taxes. State Representatives Dan Truitt (R-156), Becky Corbin (R-155), Tim...

Corbett makes final pitch in Chester County

GOP brings out heavy hitters to make argument for governor’s reelection By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times Gov. Tom Corbett makes his case for reelection Monday at the Helicopter Museum in West Chester. The governor, who faces a tough reelection battle with Democrat Tom Wolf, was supported by a “who’s who” local, regional and statewide elected Republicans. WEST CHESTER...

Ruling clears way for Ross to replace Walker on ballot

GOP meets Sunday night to pick new nominee Updated, 5 p.m. with additional reaction to the ruling By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times State Rep. Chris Ross (R-158). A Commonwealth Court has cleared the way for the Republican Party to place a new candidate on the ballot for the 158th State House District and allow Cuyler Walker to withdraw from the race. Commonwealth Court Senior Judge James G. Colins...