Joe Scarnati

First we at PolitickerPA.com wish the best for Catherine Baker Knoll and will keep her and her family in our prayers.

However, this illness could greatly affect Governor Ed Rendell and his future. If Barack Obama were to win the presidency, an Ed Rendell in the cabinet would be an attractive proposition for the Obama administration. Rendell has been around the block and is a sound political mind that would be a valuable addition to any democratic administration. Rendell has also hinted he would be open to accepting such a position. But CBK’s recent admission of cancer, which she appears to have hidden from the Governor for more than a month, could put a plug in any plans for Rendell to head to DC.

If Rendell were to leave for the administration, Knoll would become Governor and Republican Senate President Joe Scarnati would become the Lt. Governor. Then any health problems which may cause Knoll to leave office would leave a Republican as Governor. While no one wants to think or talk about such a dire situation, it has to go through Rendell’s thought processing. The possibilities of such will likely figure deep into any decision.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Budget negotiations among state Democratic and Republican leaders in the Keystone State have gone from productive, to disappointing, to non-existent in fewer than three days after they did not meet Saturday. But the negotiators don't seem worried. Although they reiterated their displeasure with the other side's budget, each also said Saturday's absence of talks doesn't shake their optimism that a "handshake" agreement can be reached by Monday's June 30 deadline.

HARRISBURG -- With a June 30 deadline looming to resolve Pennsylvania's budget showdown, Republicans emerged from Friday night's negotiations at the Capitol saying they needed between $200 million to $250 million in cuts to agree to a deal.

Democrats emerged from the same meeting saying they've already cut $600 million and accused Republicans of shifting their demands.

The two sides agreed only that the night's talks were disappointing.