Here's the latest news on what's happening in Pennsylvania, with regard to the upcoming Democratic Primary.  Word on the street is that Philly Mayor Michael Nutter is working feverishly to get the candidates to agree to hold a debate there, during the week prior to voting day.  It would be held at The National Constitution Center which is a great location.  I sure hope he succeeds. 

Pennsylvanians need to see Hillary in action once more before going to the polls.  I know many PA folks who haven't been paying very close attention because they never thought their late April vote would matter in the overall scheme of things.  Hillary's March 4th wins changed all that and now folks are excited & very interested in seeing the candidates, up close & personal, before making a final decision. 

From today's Philadelphia Newspapers:

Obama, Clinton camps roll into Philadelphia

By BRIAN SCHEID
The Intelligencer

On his train ride back from Washington, D.C., on Thursday night, Bucks County Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy got a call from presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

The Illinois senator needed Murphy to speak on his behalf Friday afternoon at a meeting of Philadelphia’s Democratic ward leaders in Center City.

Murphy quickly agreed, but the freshman lawmaker, who represents Bucks County and parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, also knew that former President Bill Clinton would essentially be his warm-up act. (Poster's note:  Tough act to follow!)

<snipped>

Murphy had to follow one of the most electric acts in politics to ask them not to endorse either candidate and, instead, let Democratic voters decide in the April 22 primary.

<snipped>

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, a Hillary Clinton supporter, said he hoped to get a televised debate between Clinton and Obama in Philadelphia. He said the world would be watching Pennsylvania in the weeks leading up to next month’s primary.

“We have an incredibly unique opportunity right now,” Nutter said.

 <snipped>

After former President Clinton’s speech, Democratic Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, who has endorsed Hillary Clinton, said she was not concerned that a rift had formed in the Democratic Party between Obama supporters and Clinton supporters. Schwartz represents most of Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia.

“This is a good debate,” Schwartz said. “This is part of democracy.”

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/113-03082008-1500130.html

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

Congressman: Clinton, Obama agree to possible debate in Philly

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - The city's Democratic ward leaders on Friday postponed a decision on whether to take sides in the presidential nomination race until they can hear from Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama in person.

U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, the Democratic chairman in Pennsylvania's most populous city, said both campaigns support the idea and that he is working with them to firm up the details. He said he envisions scheduling both candidates' appearances and the city committee vote on the same day.

<snipped>

Brady also said both candidates agreed to attend the Philadelphia Democrats' April 14 Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner and that, if they decide to hold a debate in Pennsylvania, it will take place in Philadelphia. He said he has reserved the dates between April 15-17 to stage the event at the National Constitution Center.

Brady spoke with reporters after the ward leaders heard presentations from surrogates for both candidates. Former President Bill Clinton spoke on behalf of his wife and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, a freshman congressman from suburban Philadelphia, spoke for Obama.

<snipped>

Mark Nevins, a Clinton campaign spokesman, said the former president was "warmly received" and that he wanted to "let people vote the way they want to vote."

Murphy told reporters he urged the city committee to hold off on any endorsement, at least until Obama can address the group personally.

<snipped>

Clinton did not speak to reporters after addressing the committee. But later Friday, he spoke to hundreds of supporters during a half-hour speech at Penn State's Brandywine campus in suburban Philadelphia.

Calling her a "changemaker," Clinton touted his wife's plans to improve the country's education and health care systems and push for more environmentally friendly technology. He also said she has maintained valuable diplomatic ties that she created as first lady.

"She is a changemaker," he said. "The fact of change is even more important than the feeling of change."

Clinton's campaign also said she will be in Pennsylvania next week, starting with an event at a high school in Scranton on Monday. On Tuesday, she is scheduled to hold events in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-03082008-1499903.html