Tuesday news

• The Inquirer takes a look at what the mayoral hopefuls have been doing with their summers, working the donors and neighborhood gatherings before the fall election season gets into full swing. Brady is included here, giving us a full Seven Dwarves to follow into the cold season...
  
  
• Also, the papers report that Santorum and Casey have added a second debate (Oct 16) in Philly to the TV debate on Meet the Press (Sept 3) previously announced. A longer story notes that there are other joint appearances scheduled and under discussion, and reflects Casey's consequent impatience with Santorum camp accusations that he's avoiding them. Geez, can you imagine 10 debates? How many people could keep up their interest by the third Presidential debate?!
  
  
• Speaking of debates, AAJane gives her takes on the Fitzpatrick-Murphy debate after reading a transcript of the event. Sounds interesting but a bit poisoned by frequent reiteration of campaign sound-bites.
  
  
• The Daily News has been plumbing the list of casino ownership stakes just released, and they found a few additions to the ranks of glitterati there.
  
  
• Apparently local billboard activists aren't so happy with the federal suit settlement announced recently, saying it gives away too much, including the legitimization of some signs already ruled illegal.
  
  
• DN columnist Elmer Smith despairs that PA could join other gun-happy states in implementing a shoot-first law, despite opposition by legal authorities.
  
  
• An Inquirer editorial objects not just to the (still-) proposed Independence Hall security fence, but to the entire heavy-handed security set-up around our local gems of democracy.
  
  
• AAJane alerts us to a new blog over at the Harrisburg Patriot-News, with the amusing name of Pennsyltucky Politics. A good addition to the roster of blogs keeping track of coverage of statewide races and issues.
  
  
• For those wanting to hear/read Joe Sestak's weekend speech (a Democratic response to Bush's radio address), the links are available here.
  (via Above Average Jane)