When All News is Local

In the interest of inbox cleanliness, I delete most of the email I get from elected officials. Yes, I signed up to be on their mailing lists to stay in the loop. But No, I don't really want or need to hear their every thought on every matter of seeming import.

Still, the rush to react to the news that U.S. forces had finally located and exterminated Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden proved an interesting study in political staffing and speed.

Would you believe that Rick Santorum -- the former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania elected to nothing at this very moment - seems to have led the area pack by firing off his bin Laden missive at 11:40 p.m.?

U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, and State Senate President Steve Sweeney appear to have tied in the race to be first in the Garden State to emote. Both Democrats' statements were emailed at 11:45 p.m.

CLose behind was Republican Gov. Chris Christie, weighing in at 11:49 p.m.

As the former U.S. Attorney and now Governor of New Jersey, I speak for all the families of this state who have courageously endured the unspeakable and devastating consequences of terrorism. There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered. While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden's reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail."

Between 11:50 and 1 a.m. -- I was dead asleep -- my inbox filled up with urgent remarks. Pennsylvania Senators Pat Meehan and Bob Casey joined the pack at 11:52 p.m., and 12:19 a.m. respectively. New Jersey Senator Bob Mendenez at 12:27 a.m.

As of 10 a.m. Monday., still haven't received word one on the trending topic of the day from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett. But he's definitely on the job, as are his press people. Just got a 9:39 a.m. advisory citing mourning this morning much closer to home:

Governor Corbett to Salute Fallen Police Officers

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett will participate in a memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers at noon today, Monday, May 2, outside the Capitol East Wing in Harrisburg. The event is organized by the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and will include law enforcement officials from across the state.

-- Monica Yant Kinney

(read more at philly.com/blinq)