This image is the cover for the book On the Front Lines of Pennsylvania Politics

On the Front Lines of Pennsylvania Politics

Enjoy a fun look at behind-the-scenes politics and personalities in the history of Harrisburg and the Keystone State.


Pennsylvania, first home of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, has a tradition of political progress. However, along with the good, the political playground of Pennsylvania has also seen the brazenly bad behavior of its political leaders. For over twenty-five years, political columnist John Baer has had a front-row seat to the foibles and follies of the Keystone State's political system. Baer takes readers through his memories of covering state politics for the last quarter century, from Democratic governor Milton Shapp's short-lived run for president--in which he finished behind "no preference" in the Florida primary--to highlights of some of the game-changing campaign missteps and maneuvers that moved administrations in and out of the capital. With a delightfully gruff wit, Baer gives readers a behind-the-scenes view of the politics and personalities that have passed through Harrisburg.

John M. Baer

John Baer has covered Pennsylvania politics for the Harrisburg Patriot-News and the Philadelphia Daily News since 1972 and as a Daily News reporter since 1987. He has hosted multiple statewide debates for governor and U.S. Senate and is the founder and president of the Pennsylvania Press Club. Zack Stalberg was Editor of the Philadelphia Daily News from 1984 to 2005. He is now president of the Committee of Seventy, a Philadelphia-based non-partisan organization that fights for better government.

The History Press