STFriday: a party in NYC and a compromise on Capitol Hill

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday:

Politicos from Erie to Exton are on their way to Manhattan for the 115th annual Pennsylvania Society gathering.

The weekend is chock-full of fundraisers, receptions and other soirees. Most are invitation only.

The highlight is the Pennsylvania Society’s annual dinner, featuring an appearance by Vice President Joe Biden, a PA native.

witf Capitol Bureau Chief Mary Wilson will be making the trip. We’ll also talk with Ceisler Media founder and PoliticsPA.com owner Larry Ceisler, a Pennsylvania Society Veteran, who throws his own party every year.

In legislative business, the state Senate has voted to study gambling in the commonwealth — with an eye on how online gaming could affect casino revenues and employment. Mary met up with Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) to discuss the state of the industry and its impact on the state budget.

Also, Political Junkie Ken Rudin weighs in on the bipartisan budget deal in Washington D.C. that could avert a government shutdown for at least the next two years.

We wrap up today’s show with a conversation with the co-founder of the Mifflinburg Christkindl Market. Organizers call it the oldest, authentic Christkindl Market in the United States, and it’s underway through Saturday in Union County.

Listen to the program:

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