Totalitarian Pennsylvania Update. (Part 3)

Behold Slow Eddie, Friend of Joe Sixpack and Fan of Losers!

Pittsburgh's other newspaper: Gov. Rendell says he will try to talk to NHL on arena
Gov. Ed Rendell may try to go directly to the National Hockey League to discuss ways to keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

Direct talks with the NHL is an option the governor is "strongly considering," said Kate Philips, Mr. Rendell's spokeswoman.

Mr. Rendell may turn to the NHL because the Penguins have refused to discuss with state and local officials an alternative plan for funding a new arena. Team officials said they are barred from doing so because of their agreement with Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., which is pledging $290 million toward an arena in its bid to win the Pittsburgh slot machine license.

The team's stance has frustrated Mr. Rendell, Mayor Bob O'Connor, and county Chief Executive Dan Onorato, who are trying to put together an alternate plan that likely would involve taxpayer funding and private funding from the Penguins.

I love the Penguins, but the Commonwealth's taxpayers have been screwed by their politicians, the Eagles, the Steelers, the Pirates, the Phillies, and several minor league teams.

Providing funding for new stadia to keep sports franchises from moving to other states is not a legitimate function of government at any level.