By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

The Republican primary for U.S. Senate is heating up in the wake of Steve Welch’s endorsement by GOP state committee, and Tim Burns’ departure from the race. The frenzied pace of forums and straw polls continued over the weekend.

The Associated Press is tuning in, covering a candidates forum Saturday in Phoenixville hosted by the Valley Forge Patriots, a Tea Party group:

“The size of the deficit and the reach of the federal government were key topics that the candidates spent much of the 80-minute forum answering questions about from an audience of more than 200. A Tea Party-aligned group organized the event, and calls to defeat President Barack Obama drew louder applause than calls to defeat Casey.”

Sam Rohrer, a former State Rep. who the AP noted lives about 20 miles away from Phoenixville, won the ensuing straw poll far and away. he defeated Welch, who lives about 8 miles away.

The final tally was Rohrer 104; Marc Scaringi 24; Welch 18, and Tom Smith 6.

“After four straight forums and debates, Sam has won three and finished second in the other. Tonight showed yet again that Sam Rohrer is the most qualified candidate in this race and the true voice of the people of Pennsylvania,” said Rohrer Campaign Manager Zac Moyle in a statement.

Welch is an entrepreneur from Chester County, Scaringi is an attorney from Cumberland County, and Smith is a former coal company owner from Armstrong County.

Rohrer Dings Corbett

On a semi-related note, Rohrer shared some less-than-flattering words about Gov. Tom Corbett and his endorsement of Welch. From Bill Lawrence’s latest blog post:

Rohrer and others in the Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 252 described the apparently unprecedented pressure placed on the State Committee people by Gov. Tom Corbett and the party establishment to vote for Welch. Rohrer said he saw some of the committeepeople in tears from the intimidation which included threats of lost government jobs.

What was Corbett’s motivation? Rohrer – who challenged Corbett in the 2010 gubernatorial primary —  wouldn’t say.

“Dig it out,” he directed.

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Can Republicans convince a federal judge to toss out district lines from 2001 in favor of a redistricting plan that doesn’t yet exist?

No way, argued Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa and House Minority Leader Frank Dermody in a conference call Sunday afternoon. They said they were filing in federal court to “intervene” in federal litigation by Republicans to force the institution of an as-yet-undrawn redistricting plan.

The preliminary 2011 map, “doesn’t exist any more,” Costa said. “If 2011’s map does not exist, and Senate and House Republicans get their way, the 2001 maps won’t exist, we’re in a situation where we have no maps to move forward with. We think that’s an inappropriate result, particularly when the Court said to use the 2001 lines.”

It’s the latest chapter in the tug of war that ensued when the Pa. Supreme Court remanded the preliminary map of state House and Senate districts back to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. In its decision and ruling, the Court directed candidates to use 2001 lines for the 2012 election. Justice Max Baer, a Democrat, told Capitolwire that he thought developing a new map in time for 2012 was impossible.

Thus the outcome of the redistricting process – and the subsequent outcome of the 2012 elections – hinges on the outcome of a federal court case whose scope has yet to be determined.

Population changes

Republicans say the 2001 lines won’t cut it. GOP leaders filed suit last week to block the use of maps from 2001 on the grounds sharp population changes since those districts were drawn would leave districts unfairly – and unconstitutionally – unbalanced.

Their objections are similar to those of Latino groups, who argue that lines based on 2000 census data fail to afford them sufficient representation.

But keeping an out-of-date product for 2 years is better than settling for an unconstitutional product for 10 years, argued Senate Caucus attorney Cliff Levine.

“Everybody knows that in 2010 [or 2008, or 2006], when we had the last election, there was population deviation. Over time, there’s always going to be deviation.”

Dermody agreed.

“There’s been population deviation now for 9 years and 11 months or something,” he said. “The day after the new plan is adopted, somebody moves, the population changes. We’ve been living that way now. The court’s saying get it right.”

The election calendar

As Republican staffers hustle to prepare a new map, Costa and Dermody lambasted the idea of trying to institute new lines in time for April 24 or 2012 in general.

They highlighted a footnote (number 40) in the Court’s ruling which states its demand for an additional review period in the LRC process:

“We note that once the LRC approves a new preliminary plan, the Constitution affords persons aggrieved by the new plan a right to object, before the plan is finally approved by the LRC, and to a subsequent right to appeal to this Court,” it read.

If the Court interprets that review period to be the same in the second instance as the first, it will be a minimum of 60 days – plus whatever time it takes the Court to render its actual verdict.

Republicans are advocating a plan to push back the primary to give the LRC time to develop a new map. If such a delay is necessary, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi suggested Pa’s typical date for non-presidential year primaries, the third Tuesday (in 2012, May 15).

Practically speaking, Republicans would face few obstacles if they seek to change the date of Pa’s elections; they could change the election code with simple majorities in both chambers.

An LRC memo issued on Friday afternoon instructs all four legislative caucuses to present new maps on February 15 and prepare for a final vote on February 22. That means the first day the Court would look at the new map would be April 24. If, as Democrats argue, the petition period could not begin until after the Court rules, the soonest that the primary could be held would be July 25.

And that’s if the Court approves the new preliminary map – no safe assumption.

“It’s as if the primary is essentially scheduled tomorrow because the election process really requires about 90 days,” Levine said. “A candidate has to run, they have to get petitions, they have to get signatures, they have to file, there’s a right to challenge. There’s a whole due process in place.”

By Ben Hulac, Contributing Writer

Steve Urban, a councilman for Luzerne County, confirmed with PoliticsPA Thursday that he is circulating petitions to run for U.S. Congress. He would be representing the recently redistricted PA-17.

PoliticsPA previously reported that Steve was circulating petitions. We reported then that if Urban enters the race, it would be a big boon to Holden. He would likely split the Lackawanna-Luzerne bloc that is key to Cartwright’s campaign.

Urban, 59, would face Rep. Tim Holden, the number two most senior Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee. Holden most recently made national headlines when he withdrew support for the Stop Online Piracy Act.  

There is currently another Democrat in addition to Rep. Holden in the race. Moosic-based attorney Matt Cartwright jumped into the race for the 17th Congressional District, he formally declared his candidacy on Jan. 24.

When asked about the most important issues for the PA-17 campaign, and to the region he would be representing if elected, Urban cited the economy, local businesses and regional growth —all part of the same problem in one way or another.

Stephen is currently working in Luzerne County, but spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, and also was deployed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. More recently, Urban worked at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. for four and a half years.

Urban had the following to say about Matt Cartwright. “I don’t think he’s ever run for public office before,” he said. When asked about he’s outlook on the race and how he felt he would fare, Urban said: “You’ve always got to run like you’re behind in the race.”

“I know the district well,” said the Wilkes-Barre resident. “People in the area know my name from fighting corruption in Luzerne County.”

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor and Geoff Middleberg, Deputy Editor

Prospective candidates, it’s not over yet. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court rendered its much-anticipated redistricting ruling Friday afternoon but declined to lay out a specific way forward for the 2012 elections.

The Court cited an excess in municipal divisions as its chief complaint with the plan.

“We are not in a position to predict when the LRC will complete its task of developing a new final redistricting plan that complies with law, nor when such a new plan can become final and have force of law,” the Court ruled. “Any issues respecting deferring the state legislative primary, or scheduling special elections, etc., are, in the first instance, the concern and province of the political branches. Such questions have not been briefed and presented to this Court.”

The court ruled last week 4-3 to remand the map back to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission.

Lawmakers are still absorbing the decision, but prior to the ruling Republicans were intent in enacting the new lines prior to the 2012 primary. The 2001 lines would negate the GOP’s efforts to shore up incumbents via redistricting. On the legal side, Republicans argue that the vast shift in population since 2001 means that those lines would violate constitutional provisions one man, one vote. Additionally, Latino groups have argued that the 2001 are illegal on the grounds that they do not reflect minority populations in Pa.

Democrats, on the other hand, say there is no way for the LRC to resubmit a map and put it forward for a 30 day review period in time for the April 24 primary, and are pushing for the 2001 lines.

A split between the state and federal primaries is unlikely, indicated one Republican, but said a measure to delay the primary would require a relatively simple change to the election code.

More about the decision

The ruling follows more than a week of confusion from lawmakers and prospective candidates. But the Court was direct in pointing the blame at the Legislative Reapportionment Commission which, despite technological advancements, the 2011 Commission took weeks longer than previous ones. (23 days longer than 2001, 27 days longer than 1991).

As to why this plan passed the muster as opposed to the 2001 plan, which was also challenged but Castille voted to uphold, the court said it was a matter of the fact that the 2001 challenges were piecemeal. The challenges this year, namely than by citizen activist Amanda Holt, challenged the plan as a whole.

The problem was not, as some suspected, the LRC’s decision to move districts from some parts of the state to others.

Finally, the LRC needn’t prioritize population equality at the expense of other considerations, the Court said.

“Embrace contiguity, compactness, and the integrity of political subdivisions, no less than the command to create legislative districts as nearly equal in population as ‘practicable.’”

By Ben Griffiths and Keegan Gibson

Pennsylvania’s Senate delegation split Thursday, with one Senator voting against the other’s legislation.

The Earmark Elimination Act of 2011, introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), was voted down 59-40 in the Senate. Among those opposed: Sen. Bob Casey.

The bill would effectively finish off the practice of earmarking. Earmarks, the allocation of federal money for specific home-front projects and organizations often buried deep in congressional bills, have been under a moratorium for over a year now.

Casey’s office said he supports a ban on earmarks – the one currently in place.

“Senator Casey supports the earmark ban that has been in effect for the current Congress and he is pleased that the ban is being extended through next year,” said spokesman Larry Smar.  “He has consistently supported a number of measures to clean up the process to make it more transparent and accountable to taxpayers.”

But one of Casey’s prospective Republican opponents, Steve Welch, blasted him for opposing Toomey’s legislation – and a similar measure back in 2010.

“This shows once again how addicted Bob Casey has become to Washington’s corrupt culture of wasteful spending,” Welch said in a statement. “If Casey is unwilling to vote against the most outrageous, the most wasteful, and the most secretive type of Washington spending, then there is no hope that he will ever do what’s necessary to tackle our $15 trillion national debt.”

NDIC Closing

Back in Pa., where the rhetoric on spending cuts meets the road, both Casey and Toomey criticized a decision by the Department of Justice to close the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown. While not an earmark, many critics of government spending have characterized the NDIC as a pork barrel project. Supporters have said it serves a valuable purpose and means 180 jobs for the area. It was a casualty of Republican-backed spending cuts in November.

“The NDIC has played a crucial role in fighting drug trafficking and gang violence in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation,” said Casey in a statement. “Closing the facility will hurt jobs and the economy throughout the region in addition to hampering the efforts of local law enforcement.”

Early into his term, Toomey departed from conservative orthodoxy on NDIC. He echoed Casey’s concerns.

“It is extremely disappointing that the Obama administration has decided to shut down the National Drug Intelligence Center in Johnstown,” said Toomey in a statement. “As I have repeatedly told Justice Department officials, the NDIC serves an essential function and maintaining its operations in Johnstown is better for taxpayers than relocating those operations elsewhere. Among other reasons, it is also why I voted against the appropriations bill last November that enabled this administration to wind down the NDIC.”

Welch declined to comment on the NDIC.

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

We’re not really sure what to make of this. Is the NRCC rooting for Mark Critz?

“Will Jason Altmire follow Shuler’s lead and just retire now rather than face the embarrassment of being unelected in the primary?” The release asks.

Altmire has $852,292.22 on hand. His prospective GOP opponent Keith Rothfus, who he defeated in the Republican wave year of 2010, has $196,086.20 on hand.

He’s facing fellow Democrat Mark Critz in the primary. They share a career party loyalty vote rating in the neighborhood of 80 percent.

Update 2:00pm: Altmire’s CM Angela Ruslander responsed to the NRCC release.

“The message is clear: the NRCC believes they can beat Mark Critz. Unfortunately for them, the NRCC’s wishful thinking is all for naught. With a 16-point lead in the polls and a nearly two-to-one cash advantage, Jason Altmire is going to win the primary. Having failed 3 times to beat Altmire in a Republican-leaning district, it should come as no surprise that the NRCC is openly rooting for Critz.”

Update 4:30pm: Before the Altmire camp runs too far away with the release, it is fair to note that he is an official, card-carrying member of the Blue Dog Coalition. Critz is not. He voted against Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House:

“Rep. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania was the first Democrat to cast his vote against Pelosi, and did so loudly and with a defiant expression, adding an element of suspense to the usually boring roll call vote for speaker and minority leader, which goes member by member, calling the name of all 435 lawmakers.”

Here’s the whole release image included:

Happy Friday!

Heading into the weekend, consider the following.

Yesterday, Congressman Health Shuler in North Carolina became the latest “Blue Dog” Democrat to announce his retirement, a move that his own colleague Congressman Kurt Schrader described as a “crushing blow” to the vulnerable group.

The Blue Dogs’ ranks are rapidly diminishing, as voters in their districts realize they have been fraudulently campaigning as moderates only to turn their backs on constituents by voting with Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama back in D.C.

Today’s Roll Call lays out how bad things are for the Blue Dogs: “The once-mighty fiscally conservative group was a thorn in the side of Democratic leaders while the party was in the majority following the 2006 elections, but the Blue Dogs lost scores of members to the bruising 2010 midterms, a trend that will continue as a wave of retirements has hit them.”

So, will Jason Altmire follow Shuler’s lead and just retire now rather than face the embarrassment of being unelected in the primary?

“Altmire has played a game of wag-the-dog for too long, scamming voters by campaigning as a moderate and then rolling over for Obama back in Washington. Voters need a watchdog, not a lapdog. It’s time for Altmire to follow the lead of his Blue Dog colleagues and retire before he finds himself in the doghouse come primary day.” – NRCC spokesman Nat Sillin

First things first, check out our list of 2011 fundraising winners and losers. The Ups & Downs are a tad shorter this week because some of our best stuff is in that article.

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Tom Smith. In the wake of Tim Burns’ departure from the GOP Senate primary, each campaign has argued that it’s a boost to them. We think it helps Smith the most. Burns would have taken part of the western Pa. vote that Smith now has virtually to himself. Additionally, with Casey’s Q4 numbers in, it emerged that Smith has more cash on hand than the Senator.
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Tom Corbett. On the campaign trail, Corbett whacked the health care law. But this week, the rubber met the road – as it so often does when actually governing. The administration applied for federal funding under ‘Obamacare.’ His ‘up’ comes courtesy of GOP state committee. His successful vote whipping for Steve Welch showed that he is top dog in the party.

Joe Scarnati. The Senate Pro Tem had hoped to get a Marcellus deal in place in time for Governor Corbett’s budget address on Feb. 7. Well, that ship has pretty much sailed. Plus, 9 GOP state senators came out against a provision – prioritized by the industry – that state rules for drilling superceded local ones.
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By Danielle Ardner, Contributing Writer

The Q4 numbers are in. Who’s on track and who needs to catch up? We break down the 2011 fundraising of every incumbent member of Congress and challenger in Pa.

Winners:

Pat Meehan. A million dollars on hand and no serious challenger in sight. Not too shabby.

Allyson Schwartz. The ultimate team player for the DCCC, Schwartz continues to bring in the bucks.

Manan Trivedi. The challenger has big ground to cover against Jim Gerlach, but he has done very well thus far – thanks in large part on his cultivation of Indian American donors.

Tim Murphy. He’s never had a tough primary or general. If he maintains his million dollar edge, that trend will continue.

Losers:

Mark Critz. The incumbent has lots of new constituents to introduce himself too, but he’s off to a slow start in the cash department – he trails Jason Altmire by over $350K.

Tim Holden. All of a sudden he has a serious primary race. His campaign says its on track to win in April, but you better believe that fundraising is a top priority.

Evan Feinberg. He’s been getting tons of earned media, but he’s facing a yawning gap when it comes to fundraising. An uphill climb is a given when primarying an incumbent, but he’s at a million dollar disadvantage.

Mike Kelly. No freshman Republican, who rode the GOP tide of 2010, should end a quarter barely breaking even. Kelly barely avoided a net loss in Q4. He can expect a call from the NRCC.

Here’s the full list. Incumbents are ranked by total raised in 4th quarter. Challengers paired with incumbents. Note: challengers who declared since the new year did not file fundraising reports.

Allyson Schwartz (D-13, Montgomery) leads the way. In 2011, she raised $1,500,201.92. Schwartz’s cash on hand is $2,309,896.07. She raised a total of $385,124.99 in the 4th quarter.

Pat Meehan (R-7, Delaware) follows closely behind Schwartz with his total 2011 funds raised at $1,297,825.65. Meehan’s cash on hand comes out to $969,413.17. He managed to raise a total of $312,725.00 in the 4th quarter.

Jason Altmire (D-4/12, Allegheny) raised $1,138,136.83 in 2011. Altmire’s cash on hand is $852,292.22. From October through the end of December, Altmire raised $180,745.00.

Challenger: Keith Rothfus, R-Allegheny is the sole Republican in the race to face the winner of the Altmire-Critz primary. He raised $240,385.00 in 2011. $56,005.00 was raised in the 4th quarter. Rothfus holds $196,086.20 on hand.

Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8, Bucks) raised $1,099,692.91 in 2011. $248,040.00 of the total was raised in the 4th quarter. Fitzpatrick’s cash on hand is $678,482.94.

Jim Gerlach (R-6, Chester) raised a total of $1,057,184.57 in 2011. In the 4th quarter alone, Gerlach raised $278,182.00. His total cash on hand is $600,602.22.

Challenger: Gerlach’s Democratic opponent Manan Trivedi, D-Berks raised $214,984.20 in 2011. In the 4th quarter, $112,435.30 was raised. Trivedi has $212,731.64 currently in cash on hand.

Tim Murphy (R-18, Allegheny) brought in $940,587.90 in total fundraising in 2011. Murphy raised $263,525.00 in the 4th quarter. He has $1,044,683.82 at his fingertips.

Challenger: Murphy’s primary opponent Evan Feinberg, has raised $50,005.12 in 2011 (The same amount for the 4th quarter). Feinberg currently has $40,049.28 cash on hand.

Mark Critz (D-12, Cambria) raised $869,088.25 in 2011. $130,635.41 was raised in the 4th quarter. Critz has $465,496.14 at hand.

Charlie Dent (R-15, Lehigh) raised $705,666.04 in 2011. His 4th quarter funds totaled out to $186,290.00. Dent has $353,707.94 cash on hand.

Challenger: Dent’s Democratic opponent Jackson Eaton raised $94,569.84 in 2011 (the same amount for the 4th quarter). Eaton has $90,628.39 cash on hand.

Joe Pitts (R-16, Chester) raised $649,718.70 in 2011. $168,299.90 was raised in the 4th quarter. Pitts has $407,094.82 on hand.

Lou Barletta (R-11, Luzerne) raised $633,780.76 in 2011. In the 4th quarter, Barletta brought in $146,378.98. He has $269,498.39 cash on hand.

Challenger: Barletta’s prospective Democratic opponent Bill Vinsko, D-Luzerne raised $105,546.91 in 2011. $20,574.75 was raised in the 4th quarter. He has $52,786.21 on hand.

Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-5, Centre) raised a total of $622,063.61 in 2011. $118,970.77 was raised in the 4th quarter. Thompson has $160,266.64 on hand.

Bill Shuster (R-9, Blair) raised $617,270.27 in 2011. In the 4th quarter, $229,069.56 was raised. Shuster has $367,189.10 cash on hand.

Mike Kelly (R-3, Butler) raised $497,725.36 in 2011. $103,231.84 was raised in the 4th quarter. Kelly’s cash on hand is $226,619.96.

Tim Holden (D-17, Schuylkill) raised $480,190.73 in 2011. $99,885.68 was raised from October to the end of December. Holden holds $337,274.14 cash on hand.

Tom Marino (R-10, Lycoming) raised $377,758.57 in 2011. In the 4th quarter, Marino raised $68,717.76. Marino’s total cash on hand is $194,781.74.

Mike Doyle (D-14, Allegheny) raised $369,159.00 in 2011. $114,039.00 was raised in the 4th quarter. Doyle currently has $271,380.29 cash on hand.

Bob Brady (D-1, Philadelphia) raised $276,525.00 in 2011. Brady raised $102,300.00 in the 4th quarter. His cash on hand is $758,355.26.

Challenger: Brady’s Democratic opponent Jimmie Moore raised $64,657.06 in 2011. In the 4th quarter, Moore was able to raise $27,937.06. Moore has a mere $3,977.89 cash on hand.

Finally, Chaka Fattah (D-2, Philadelphia), raised $261,345.84 in 2011. $69,775.00 was raised in the 4th quarter. Fattah’s total cash on hand is $120,714.57.

Keegan Gibson contributed to this report.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the Buzz. We’re all still waiting on the Pa. Supreme Court’s redistricting ruling. Will today be the day? How about a DeWeese verdict? Much to look forward to, on top of the Ups & Downs.

PS. Enjoy the Super Bowl this weekend. If only they could somehow both lose.

2011 Fundraising Winners and Losers: The Q4 numbers are in. Who’s on track and who needs to catch up? We break down the 2011 fundraising of every incumbent member of Congress and challenger in Pa.

Burns Exits Senate Race: Tim Burns has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race. He had defiantly pressed on in the immediate aftermath of GOP state committee’s decision to endorse rival Steve Welch, but ultimately decided against a run.

Is Raja Back? Check the Election updates below for more details, but sources indicate the Allegheny Exec candidate is running for office again.

Keegan on PCN: Did you miss PoliticsPA Managing Editor Keegan Gibson’s appearance on PCN on Tuesday? The topic: the 2012 presidential election as it affects Pa. Watch it here.

PA Dems Ding Romney: As Republicans choose their nominee, Democrats from DC to Pa. haven’t taken their eye off the ball: Mitt Romney. Pa. Dems organized a conference call Thursday afternoon to critique Romney’s health care and entitlement program policies.

Critz Endorsement: In the intensifying Democratic primary race for the new 12th congressional district, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare endorsed Rep. Mark Critz, his campaign announced Thursday.

Philly Dems Line Up Behind Murphy: It appears that Southeastern Pennsylvania is firmly in Patrick Murphy’s corner, after the Philadelphia Democratic Committee and its chairman Rep. Bob Brady announced their endorsement of him Wednesday.

$250K for Fitzpatrick in Q4: Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick begins 2012 with $678,000 on hand, according to his year-end report with the FEC.

Kelly’s Rough Q4: We initially reported that Kelly had a net loss of #13K in the fourth quarter, but his campaign said it finished Q4 in positive territory. A spokesperson cited a clerical error and said the campaign would file an amendment to its FEC report Friday.

Term Limits in Harrisburg? State Rep. Rick Saccone of Alleghney/Washington has announced the introduction of House Bill 2160, which proposes to impose 12-year term limits on members of the General Assembly.

Pitts Challenger: Aryanna Strader, the Democrat running against Joe Pitts lives a stone’s throw outside his district – a common theme so far in 2012.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-29: It looks like Dave Argall’s problems with the Schuylkill County GOP are coming home to roost. He will face a primary challenge from Reading Anthracite President Brian Rich. “There are too many career politicians in Harrisburg with no fiscal discipline and no understanding of how to create jobs,” he said in a release (which in 487 words didn’t name Argall). Rich says he would serve two terms max and won’t take a pension.

SD-37: Raja, the 2011 candidate for Allegheny County Executive, is circulating petitions for retiring Sen. John Pippy’s South Hills seat. That’s according to several GOP sources there. He’ll face Rep. Mark Mustio, gun rights advocate Kim Stolfer, and GOP state committeewoman Sue Means.

SD-49: Janet Anderson is officially in the running for Jane Earll’s seat. She held a meet-and-greet at the Erie Intermodal Center.

HD-39: Freshman Republican Rick Saccone, who announced a term limits bill this week, also announced his bid for re-election in the Allegheny/Washington Co. district.

HD-82: Jim Felmlee, Lewistown Boro President, has announced that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for the 82nd Legislative District, a reader reports. The seat is currently held by Adam Harris (R-Juniata).

HD-89: Susan Spicka, the Democratic former teacher from Shippensburg who had been running for State Senate, is officially in against Rep. Rob Kauffman.

HD-107: Freshman State Rep. Kurt Masser officially announced his bid for re-election in the Northumberland/Montour district.

HD-134: We’re going to start updating this one every day a Republican doesn’t jump into this race. Ryan E. Mackenzie is the latest to seek the seat of former Rep., now Judge, Doug Reichley.

National:
Mother Jones: Komen’s $7.5 Million Grant to Penn State Appears to Violate New Policy
Pennsylvania Ave.: Senate Shoots Down Effort By Sen. Toomey To End Earmarks; Sen. Casey Votes No
Early Returns: Casey to propose fuel tax credits
Early Returns: Burns drops from U.S. Senate race
Beaver County Times: Santorum says daughter Bella out of hospital
Beaver County Times: Santorum sharpens criticism as urgency peaks
Politico: Should GOP even have an agenda?
Politico: Why Obama should be worried
Politico: Presidential circus comes to the Nevada caucus
Politico: Influence
Pennsylvania Ave.: Romney plays Trump card in Las Vegas
Politico: Tim Geithner: ‘no credible evidence’ financial reform hurting
Roll Call: Senate passes STOCK act
Roll Call: Control of Senate may rest on money
Washington Post: Minor Senate bill transformed into broad reform package
Washington Post: Corporations are sending more contributions to Super PACs
Real Clear Politics: Can Newt Gingrich win GOP nomination without women
Real Clear Politics: Obamanomics vs. Reaganomics
Real Clear Politics: How GOP is re-segregating the South
The Hill: Romney gaffes alarm GOP
NY Times: Obama glad to debate Romney on Afghanistan pullout
NY Times:’Super PAC’ filings show power and secrecy
NY Times: Obama’s words hint at Romney as expected rival
USA Today: Romney super PAC supporter has ties to Freddie and Fannie
USA Today: Romney remark puts focus on safety net for very poor
Slate: Did Obama just declare victory in Afghanistan?

Statewide:
AP: Jury set to get case against ex-PA House Speaker DeWeese
Capitolwire (Paywall): Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castille Has More Swing Votes To Cast
WHYY Newsworks: A less strict asset test for PA food assistance program
Tribune Review: Heavier trucks could roll by Congress
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania welfare secretary: Limits on food stamps relaxed
Post-Gazette: Pa. bill would provide help to struggling schools
Post-Gazette: Corbett reasserts position on drilling consistency
Early Returns: Social Security group backs Critz
Early Returns: Controversial food stamps test a go
Observer-Reporter: First-term lawmaker announces re-election bid
Altoona Mirror: Corbett backs off limits on asset test
Republican Herald: Casey supports tax cut extension; move would save average Schuylkill County worker $448
Call Washington Bureau: Senate votes down Toomey effort to ban earmarks

Philadelphia:
Fox: Teachers’ Union: Layoffs endanger kids
ABC: Former Pa. judge’s wife charged with perjury, obstruction of justice
CBS: Petitioners to Corbett: Fund Chester-Upland’s foundering school district
Inquirer: Philly lost highest number of construction jobs in US last year
Philly Weekly: City Council introduces “Land Bank” bill; advocates see hard work ahead
Philly Weekly: Philly City Council says no deal for mortgage lenders

SEPA:
Philly Burbs: Fox hunting suspended in Bucks County public parks
Delco Times: “Ellen Degeneres Show” pledges $100,000 grant to Chester-Upland school district
Daily Local: SAP adding 500 jobs in Newtown Square
Montgomery News: Ambler residents voice opposition to billboards with online petition

Pittsburgh:
Tribune Review: DeWeese jury: No verdict after deliberating for a day
Tribune Review: Lawyer: Allegheny County property figures askew
Tribune Review: Judge gives Occupy 3 days to leave
Tribune Review: Feds laud region’s business model
Early Returns: A.M. heds: 6 more weeks, says Phil
Early Returns: Social security group backs Critz
Post-Gazette: Ravenstahl, Peduto vie for LED spotlight

Southwest:
WJAC: PA Supreme Court lifts the emergency stay on Horner murder trial
Daily Courier: Legal action weighed against Uniontown school district

South Central:
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Taxaide program kicks off in Chambersburg
Carlisle Sentinel: Shippensburg Township polling place to move to SU foundation building
York Daily Record: York city school district faces $8 million deficit for this year
York Daily Record: Hatch Act forces Kyle king, DePasquale challenger, to drop out
York Daily Record: Santorum sharpens criticism as urgency peaks

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Allentown Council elects new board for special tax zone
Morning Call: Upper Nazareth upset over earned income taxes staying in Allentown to fund hockey arena
Morning Call: Cunningham vetoes Lehigh County reassessment bill
Reading Eagle: Lehigh County man seeks House seat in the 134th
Reading Eagle: City Council appoints Corcoran new member
Reading Eagle: Spencer repackages request for special assistants
WFMZ: Allentown Diocese fight new birth control rules
WFMZ: City creates authority to oversee NIZ
WFMZ: St. Luke’s, Warren Hospital formalize deal
WFMZ: Lopatcong residents upset with asphalt plant plans
WFMZ: Former Hunterdon prosecutor sues state over firing
Express Times: Oxford Township Committee seeks long-term debt solution
Express Times: Allentown city council creates hockey arena district authority, appoints 9 members
Express Times: Robert Pinel, new Nazareth Area School Board member, discusses his goals for the board
Express Times: South Whitehall Township adopts ordinance governing alternative energy projects
Express Times: Union leaders protest Easton Hospital’s hiring of Lancaster County-based construction group
Express Times: Allentown city councilman to propose regional council seats
Express Times: Locals join environmentalists in legal battle against the Portland Generating Station

NEPA:
The Times Leader: Republican Tim Burns drops out of Pa. Senate race
The Times Leader: Judges will not sue to block cuts
The Times Leader: Governor backs away from low asset limits for food stamps
The Times-Tribune: New Lackawanna County positions given nod
The Times-Tribune: Redistricting, lack of cash conspire against congressional hopefuls
Citizens’ Voice: Judiciary, country reach tentative deal on funding
Wayne Independent: Controversial Josh Fox arrested at U.S. Capitol
Standard Speaker: Streetlights company subject of probe
The Daily Review: John Johnson appointed Ridgebury supervisor
Pocono Record: Two Pa. Primaries would face cost, practical hurdles

North by Northwest:
Erie Times-News: Burns drops out of U.S. Senate race
Sharon Herald: Bond Payment savings will exceed $1M
Centre Daily Times: PSU professor hopes to be on ballot
Centre Daily Times: Driller’s $2.2M to pay for hazardous PA. dam fixes
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Jobless rate for area drops for 4th month

Opinion:
John Brenner, York Daily Record: I’m not running for Congress.
Roll Call: Don’t Bet on Gingrich showing up in Tampa
Lancaster Era: Follow the money
York Dispatch: Ideas worth more than money around here
Courier Express: Can schools hold the line on higher taxes? We doubt it
Pottstown Mercury: What is Pa. Supreme Court’s real motive?
The Times-Tribune: Opinion: Taking STOCK of Congress
The Times-Tribune: Opinion: Investigate false charge
Burlington County Times: “Elite Media” thrilled to have Newt in race
Daily Local: Gingrich is right to shoot for the moon
Burlington County Times: “Ghost voting” a naked assault on voters’ rights
Citizens’ Voice: Opinion: Congressional info should not be sued to pad portfolios
Citizens’ Voice: Opinion: Sentences may be short, but impact of crimes is long
Standard Speaker: Opinion: Stunting growth no way for Pa. to fight recession
The Daily Review: Opinion: Funding needed for redevelopment
The Daily Review: Opinion: Paying more with reputation that jail time
York Daily Record: Brenner: I’m not running for Congress

Blogs:
The Caucus: Fact Check: Romney on the recession
The Inquirer: Grant a win for fire, EMS paging
NY Times: Romney is a clear favorite in Nevada, Arizona and Michigan; Ohio is a tossup
Keystone Politics: Frackers pressuring media to stop using the word “fracking”
Keystone Politics: Eugene DePasquale making sense on prison waste
Keystone Politics: Corbett finds a way to make the sales tax more regressive
Keystone Politics: 4,000 will lose food stamps under Corbett asset test
Keystone Politics: Activists put “land bank” bill on the agenda in Philly
John Hanger: Large 80 year old coal plant closes
John Hanger: American Municipal Power goes hydro
NEPArtisan: Various Observations
Water Cooler PA: Gingrich is right to shoot for the moon
Water Cooler PA: Saccone: Twelve and you’re out
Pennsylvania Progressive: Obama seeks to reassure angry homeowners
Pennsylvania Progressive: Mitt Romney announces “I’m not concerned about the very poor”
Above Average Jane: Delco Dems make endorsements
Above Average Jane: Bob Casey on OutFront with Erin Burnett
Above Average Jane: Altmire on extension of FMLA
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: NIZ board rubber stamped by Allentown City Council
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Lehigh & Northampton tax collectors to discuss Allentown’s EIT tax grab
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Cynthia Mota sworn in by man she replaces
2 Political Junkies: Mitt Romney’s foot-in-mouth & tin-ear disease
2 Political Junkies: The Trib goes with Mitt
Lu-Lac Political Letter: Edition #1928, Feb. 2nd 2012
Keystone State Education Coalition: Some dates to remember so that this year’s PA budget is not a Ground Hog Day repeat of last year’s budget

By Tara Jerry, Contributing Writer

It may not mean much in the way of contributions or grassroots muscle, but it’s sure to look good on campaign literature and ads.

In the intensifying Democratic primary race for the new 12th congressional district, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) endorsed Rep. Mark Critz, his campaign announced Thursday.

Rep. Critz is battling Rep. Jason Altmire in the upcoming primary after their districts were combined following redistricting last year.  The 12th district includes the two counties – Beaver and Westmoreland – with the highest enrollment in Medicare Advantage in the nation.

“Protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare has been a top priority for me in Congress and this endorsement demonstrates that I am the only candidate in this race who is fully committed to protecting these benefits for seniors and future generations,” Critz said in a statement. “I will continue to stand up to those in Congress who would destroy these vital programs through risky schemes like privatization and gimmicky constitutional amendments.”

The statement released by the Critz campaign also notes that he “opposed the Republican Balanced Budget Amendment that would have led to massive cuts in Social Security and Medicare” while his opponent, Rep. Altmire, voted for the amendment.

The endorsement comes just a few weeks after Critz picked up huge endorsements from the United Steelworkers Union, United Mine Workers, and the Laborers District Council of Western PA.

These endorsements are a major boost for the Critz campaign following the recent release of fourth quarter fundraising numbers for 2011:  Rep. Altmire reported $386,796 more cash on hand at the end of the year than Rep. Critz.  In addition, internal polling a few weeks ago from the Altmire campaign showed a 16-point advantage over Rep. Critz.

By Ben Griffiths and Keegan Gibson

Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick begins 2012 with $678,000 on hand, according to his year-end report with the FEC.

With the deadline to submit the financial report looming, Fitzpatrick disclosed that his campaign took in a sizable $248K in the fourth quarter of the 2011 election cycle. All told, the incumbent representing Bucks County took in $1,100,000 last year.

“We will raise sufficient resources to securely win this seat,” Fitzpatrick told PoliticsPA.

Kathryn Boockvar, a Democratic attorney who ran for Pa. Commonwealth Court in 2011, announced she would be challenging Fitzpatrick. Having just filed her candidacy, she did not file an FEC report.

“There would be a robust discussion on how to get people back to work,” Fitzpatrick said of Boockvar. “And what appears to be a very clear distinction between my pro-growth economic policy and her lack of record, lack of leadership, and lack of experience on job creation.”

He also boasted of his independent record; he’s voted with the Republican party 81 percent of the time so far in the 112th Congress, according to the Washington Post Votes Database. It’s the lowest of any Pa. Republican, and the sixth-lowest of the 244 Republicans in the U.S. House.

Fitzpatrick has term limited himself through 2016.

By Elyse Clonan, Contributing Writer

State Rep. Rick Saccone of Alleghney/Washington has announced the introduction of House Bill 2160, which proposes to impose term limits on members of the General Assembly.

“Term limits have been and will remain a major priority of my reform agenda,” said Saccone, a freshman.

House Bill 2160 would limit elected Representatives to the Pennsylvania General Assembly to a combined total of 12 years in office, including combined House and Senate service.

Correction: Due to a typo, the original version of this story cited a 21 year term limit, rather than 12.

“This legislation…will help to ensure that Pennsylvania’s legislature is always refreshed..” Saccone said in a press release issued Wednesday.  “Out founders intended for public service in any legislative body to be temporary, limited, and never a permanent career.  House Bill 2160 will ensure that these great intentions are finally realized.”

By Danielle Ardner, Contributing Writer

Update: The Kelly campaign says it finished Q4 in positive territory. A spokesperson cited a clerical error and said the campaign would file an amendment to its FEC report Friday.

Erie – U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of Butler County released his fourth quarter fundraising numbers Tuesday. In October 2011, Kelly’s cash on hand was $239,847.27. At the end of December, Kelly reportedly had $226,610.96, a $13,236.31 net loss.

Kelly’s total fourth quarter haul was slightly above $100,000. His biggest contributor was the International Union of Operating Engineers, located in Pittsburgh.

The total disbursements, including operating expenditures, transfers to other authorized committees, loan repayments, and refunds of contributions to individuals and political party committees, added up to $117,189.47.

His disbursements were standard for the most part, but included a $12,000 check to Kelly himself to repay loans he’d made to the campaign in 2010. It also included a $16,000 bonus to the Bellwether Consulting Group as a, “Fundraising Bonus for Meeting Goal.”

He may not need too big of a war chest. In addition to a more reliably Republican district which he acquired as a result of redistricting, Kelly will enjoy the benefits of a crowded Democratic primary field.

Democrat Missa Eaton, an assistant professor of psychology at Penn State Shenango announced her bid for Kelly’s seat January 19th.

“I will be an independent voice for Western Pennsylvania, standing up to those who would end Medicare as we know it or block middle class tax breaks while fighting to protect tax cuts for Big Oil and billionaires,” Eaton said.

On the 26th, Lawyer George Schroeck announced his intention to displace Kelly from Congress. Schroeck has been practicing law in Erie for 40 years and, according to the Erie Times-News, Schroeck plans to “help the United States of America get back on its feet.”

“As a Democrat in the House, I would be a voice for the people,” Schroeck said. “I would help the president make the changes our country needs.”

February 1st brought yet another Dem who plans to extract Kelly from his seat: Mel Marin. An Erie native, Marin has been in the headlines for suing local government officials, police departments, and for running against Kathy Dahlkemper in 2010, earning 27 percent of the vote in that race.

Marin holds some stridently conservative views. The Harold of Sharon, PA quoted his flier which states that Americans have killed 40 million people “by legalizing genocide, calling it abortion” and “Republicans forced Medicare to kill 20 million by pushing seniors into ‘hospice.’”

“An entire generation will die of AIDS if we do not stop the same-sex campaign in adoptions and schools,” Marin said.

Big promises come from both Eaton and Schroeck, in hopes to uproot the Republican freshman incumbent. Marin, on the other hand, seeks to impose strict traditionalistic views. The 3rd District is heating up.

Keegan Gibson contributed to this report.

By Elyse Clonan, Contributing Writer

As Republicans choose their nominee, Democrats from DC to Pa. haven’t taken their eye off the ball: Mitt Romney. Pa. Dems organized a conference call Thursday afternoon to critique Romney’s health care and entitlement program policies.

Pennsylvania seniors need to be fully aware of the threat Mitt Romney’s policies could pose to the American health care system, Pennsylvania Democratic Chairman Jim Burn argued in a press conference call on Monday afternoon.

The call also featured Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-Montgomery), who has worked on a number of health care issues in Washington.

“Given that Pennsylvania is home to the second-largest senior population behind Florida,” Burns said, “the Congresswoman and I were both disturbed by Mitt Romney’s pandering in Florida in this week as he campaigned for President, telling seniors that he would protect Medicare while we all know that his policies would dismantle the program and turn it into a voucher system.”

Burn asserted that Romney “is saying anything he can to get elected” by “promising that America will always take care of its senior citizens.” He didn’t hesitate to point out Romney’s affiliation with Damon Corporation, a company which plead guilty to $25 million in Medicare fraud (an offense which took place while Romney sat on the company’s board of directors) and was ultimately ordered to pay a fine of $119 million.

Schwartz, a member of the Budget committee, argued that Romney’s proposed changes to the Medicare system would “end Medicare as we know it for seniors in Pennsylvania and across this country” by ending guaranteed benefits in favor of a voucher system, which would in turn mandate senior citizens to look for medical coverage on their own.

“We should be working to protect and strengthen Medicare now and into the future,” Schwartz said.

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Tim Burns has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race, his campaign announced Thursday afternoon. The Washington County businessman had defiantly pressed on in the immediate aftermath of Republican State Committee’s decision to endorse rival Steve Welch, but ultimately decided against a run.

After weeks of beating Welch, Burns struck an accepting note in his withdrawal.

“I thought it was important and have always supported the party’s right to make an endorsement.  That’s why I went to meet with so many leaders across the Commonwealth,” he said.  “Those leaders spoke on Saturday, and while it may not have been the outcome I hoped for, I have always known it would be difficult to carry on without their support.”

But he stopped short of echoing Governor Corbett’s endorsement of Welch.

“Governor Corbett made a choice in this primary, and the State Committee has confirmed his choice.  I know the Governor wants what is best for Pennsylvania and this country.  And he deserves our full support in that effort.”

His full statement is below.

Without support from state committee, Burns face an uphill climb. He would have had to invest a significant amount of his own money just to clear the primary.

Ironically, his departure probably hurts Welch. As the strongest southeast Pa. candidate, Welch stood to benefit from the presence of two contenders in western Pa: Burns, and former coal company owner Tom Smith of Armstrong County.

Smith currently leads the money race, with $4.4 million cash on hand – most of it from personal loans. Welch, an entrepreneur from Chester County, has $1 million on hand.

Former state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County has about $70,000 on hand; none of the remaining candidates has more than $100,000.

However, Burns may not be finished running for office. Prior to state committee, he was offered the support of several stakeholders for a bid for Congress in the newly-drawn 12th district (despite the fact that he lives well outside the district).

Here is Burns’ full statement:

Tim Burns To Exit U.S. Senate Race

HARRISBURG, PA – Former small business owner and candidate for U.S. Senate, Tim Burns, released the following statement this morning:

“As I said after Saturday’s State Committee Meeting, the vote was the first battle in a long process to end the Casey/Obama agenda.  It is a battle that I am committed to pursuing, but not one that I will be doing as a candidate for the United States Senate.”

“When I began this process I put a premium on getting the endorsement of the Republican Party.  I thought it was important and have always supported the party’s right to make an endorsement.  That’s why I went to meet with so many leaders across the Commonwealth.  Those leaders spoke on Saturday, and while it may not have been the outcome I hoped for, I have always known it would be difficult to carry on without their support.  To those who supported me, I thank you.  I won’t ever be able to express my gratitude.”

“Governor Corbett made a choice in this primary, and the State Committee has confirmed his choice.  I know the Governor wants what is best for Pennsylvania and this country.  And he deserves our full support in that effort.   I look forward to working with him in the future to advance our party and our country.”

“As I told many people during this process, I am not a politician.  I know that there are other ways to serve the country than simply putting your name on a ballot.  I stand ready to help our party and our country prosper in the coming months and years.”

By Elyse Clonan, Contributing Writer

Aryanna Strader, a Chester County Democrat, has announced her bid to challenge incumbent Congressman Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania’s 16th District.  Perhaps the most interesting thing about her candidacy: under Pennsylvania’s new Congressional District map, she is actually a resident of the state’s 7th Congressional District.

Although the U.S. Constitution requires House members to reside in the state which they represent, it does not sanction that they live in the district they represent.

Strader is a resident of Kennet Township, which had been a part of the 16th District prior to the redistricting process in December.  The area in which she resides is now part of the 7th District which is represented by Republican Congressman Pat Meehan.

Speaking to Lancaster Online, Strader said that she is running for a seat in the 16th District because she considers the Kennet Square community her home.

“I live three-quarters of a mile outside the district,” she said. “And prior to December, I was in the 16th. It’s my community. My kids go to school in the district. It’s where my life is, essentially. I feel I’m a true representation of the people who live there.”

It’s a common theme so far in 2012: Democrats Bill Vinsko and Manan Trivedi were drawn a stones throw from the districts they had been running for (the 11th against Lou Barletta and 6th against Jim Gerlach, respectively). And Keith Rothfus, a Republican from Allegheny County, was drawn ever so slightly out of the 12th.

Prior to moving to Chester County in July, Strader lived in Chambersburg and Albany, NY.

An army veteran who now owns a consulting firm, Strader has already been endorsed by both the Chester County Democratic Committee and the Lancaster County Democratic Committee.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management from DeVry University and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management.  Strader plans to campaign on a platform advocating strong support for returning US troops, improving funding for public education and providing tax breaks to small businesses.

At no point before or after redistricting was the 16th district a likely pickup for Democrats.

By Ben Griffiths, Contributing Writer

It appears that Southeastern Pennsylvania is firmly in Patrick Murphy’s corner, after the Philadelphia Democratic Committee and its chairman Rep. Bob Brady announced their endorsement of him Wednesday.

The endorsement comes a week after Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and District Attorney Seth Williams also threw their support behind Murphy’s bid for Attorney General – giving the candidate a huge endorsement edge in a city that accounts for around 17 percent of the statewide democratic vote.

“The Philadelphia Democratic City Committee is going to do everything we can to make sure Patrick Murphy is our next Attorney General,” said Brady in a statement. “Patrick took on terrorists in Baghdad courtrooms, so he’s clearly shown that he’s tough enough to take on criminals here in Pennsylvania.”

Murphy released a statement thanking Brady and the committee for their support.

“I’m honored to earn the support of Congressman Brady and the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee,” said Murphy. “Over the years, I’ve worked closely with Congressman Brady, and I can honestly say there is no one more dedicated to the people and city he represents than the Congressman.”

With Pennsylvania’s largest Democratic committee now backing him along with Democratic organizations in Delaware and Chester counties, Murphy has seized control of the southeastern part of the state.

This is bad news for Kathleen Kane, a former Lackawanna County prosecutor, who stood to benefit from a divided southeast part of the state.

No candidate mustered the sufficient two thirds for an endorsement by Democratic state committee in mid-January – in large part because the southeast Pa. vote was split between Murphy and former Philadelphia prosecutor Dan McCaffery. McCaffery dropped out of the race last week.

That said, Kane has a significant ($1 million) advantage over Murphy. Her family has contributed or loaned more than 2.25 million into her campaign thus far – plenty of cash to increase her name ID.

In a statement to PoliticsPA, Kane spokesman Daniel McElhatton dismissed the Brady endorsement.

“In light of today’s report that Congressman Murphy is trailing Kathleen Kane in cash on hand by over a million dollars and that he trails her by 16% once voters are given a short summary of their backgrounds, it is likely Congressman Murphy appreciated the news that he was endorsed by one of his former colleagues.”

Good morning politicos, Happy Groundhog Day, and welcome to the Buzz.

Good morning politicos, Happy Groundhog Day, and welcome to the Buzz.

The word on the street is that the Pa. Supreme Court may issue its much-anticipated redistricting ruling today. And in the mean time, Republicans have an interesting ally in their fight against keeping the 2001 lines: Latinos. The Latino Lines Redistricting Coalition says it would sue to block such a move, citing the boost in Latino-majority districts from 1 to 4 under the plan rejected by the Supremes.

Rep. Thompson Endorses Rohrer: Sam Rohrer picked up the first congressional endorsement in the GOP Senate primary, plus the support of 15 of his former State House colleagues.

Good morning politicos, Happy Groundhog Day, and welcome to the Buzz.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-29: Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) officially announced his bid for re-election. “Since my election to the Senate three years ago, I have fought hard for the 250,000 residents of this district, from Maidencreek to McAdoo,” said Argall in a statement.  “We have written and passed some important legislation to improve our local job climate, but there is still much work to do for the people of this district.”

SD-31: Pat Vance (R-Cumberland) has drawn a primary challenger in Carlisle attorney Andrew Shaw. “I respect her many years of public service, but her votes represent a major departure from conservative, Republican principles,” he said. He’ll officially launch his bid today at the charming Middlesex Diner at 3pm.

HD-79: Rep. Rick Geist (R-Altoona) has drawn a primary challenge from Republican John McGinnis.
Geist is the chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

HD-83: Correction – this was mislabeled yesterday. Larry Stout (R) has announced his intent to run for the 83rd state house seat against Democrat Rick Mirabito of Williamsport (not a primary challenge against Franklin County Rep. Rob Kauffman.

National:
Pennsylvania Ave: Dent, Holden end of the year fundraising
Pennsylvania Ave: Santorum super PAC ad in Missouri
Politico: Florida primary: Rick Santorum says Newt Gingrich “had his opportunity”
Politico: Rush Limbaugh shows Rick Santorum some love
Real Clear Politics: Latest election polls
New York Times: Still battling GOP foes, Romney turns to face Obama
The Big Tent: Santorum Sees An Opening
Pennsylvania Ave.: Super PAC Backing Santorum Airs Ad In Missouri
Capitolwire (Paywall): Romney May Need To Hone Narrative To Make In-Roads With State’s Women Voters, Consultants Say
Beaver County Times: Santorum picks up Tancredo endorsement
Morning Call: Allentown Catholic Diocese joins outcry against Obamacare mandate on contraception coverage
Las Vegas Sun: Santorum arrives in Las Vegas like most anyone else- with the odds stacked against him
Los Angeles Times: Komen decision triggering petitions, donations

Statewide:
Capitol Ideas: Pa’s 2011-2012 Deficit Holding Steady At Around $500 Million
Capitolwire (Paywall): Bill DeWeese Takes The Stand. Jury Starts Pondering Tommorrow
Capitol Ideas: Latino Group Says It Will Sue If 2001 District Lines Are Left In Place For 2012
Capitolwire (Paywall): Senate Democrats To Defend Supreme Court Against Speaker’s Federal Lawsuit
Capitolwire (Paywall): New Grant Program Would Rely On Marcellus Shale Tax Or Corrections Cuts, Proponent Says
Capitolwire (Paywall): DPW Announces Food Stamp Asset Test Limits That Will Be Used Starting May 1
Tribune Review: Welfare secretary: Pennsylvania will raise asset limit for food stamp recipients
Post-Gazette: Toomey co-sponsors earmark ban
Post-Gazette: Democrats urge governor to fix state roads, bridges
Post-Gazette: Experts disagree on impact of gambling revenue on school tax bills
Post-Gazette: DeWeese: “I didn’t do anything wrong”
Post-Gazette: DePasquale wantes $30 million for struggling school districts
Morning Call: PA food stamp face asset test

Philadelphia:
CBS: Philly Teachers’ Union charges school district mishandling student medications
CBS: Head of Philly Fed sees brighter economic skies for the region
NBC: Pa. denies unemployment claim for former Philly superintendent
Philly Now: Philly City Council introduces resolution denouncing Anti-Foreign (Sharia) Law Bill
Heard in the Hall: Philly school buses: Your ad here!
Philly Clout: Obama has a dozen donation bundlers in Pa., most from Philly

SEPA:
Pottstown Mercury: DEP seeks origin of radioactive medical kit found in Chester County
The Intelligencer: Representatives hauling in campaign cash
Courier Times News: Bucks County expects legal battle with courthouse builder
PhillyBurbs: Representatives hauling in campaign cash

Pittsburgh:
Tribune Review: DeWeese trial set to go to jury Thursday
Tribune Review: Mayor, Pittsburgh council agree on plan to help city residents appeal new assessments
Tribune Review: Corbett urges legislative leaders to limit what towns can require of gas drillers
Tribune Review: Orie wants jurors sequestered in trial
Tribune Review: DeWeese jury hears muddled testimony
Post-Gazette: Judge WPAHS may withhold half of information UPMC seeks
Post-Gazette: City Council approves bond issue for improvements
Early Returns: DeWeese takes the witness stand
KDKA: Commerce Secretary excited about economic growth in Pittsburgh
Essential Public Radio: U.S commerce secretary applauds Pittsburgh progress

Southwest:
Beaver County Times: DeWeese takes stand at public corruption trial
Valley News Dispatch: West Allegheny, support staff reach agreement
Indiana Gazette: Marion Center: School board approves new appraisals of schools
Altoona Mirror: AG: Centre residents should not be jurors
WJAC: Gov. to visit Punxsutawney for Groundhog’s Day festivities

NEPA:
The Times Leader: Tax hike of 2 percent reduces layoffs
The Times Leader: Bill to allow home-schooled kids to play sports moves forward
The Times Leader: Three incumbent congressmen in strong fiscal shape for campaign
The Times Leader: Casey pushes for payroll tax cut
The Times Leader: Urban may take on Holden
The Times-Tribune: Corbett eases Pa. plan for food stamp asset test
The Times-Tribune: No new restrictions for Munchak
The Times-Tribune: Cabot raises new questions about EPA data
The Times-Tribune: Tax cut extension would save NEPA worker $410 or more
The Times-Tribune: Cummings mulls congressional bid
Citizens’ Voice: Nurses, Geisinger ratify new contract
Citizens’ Voice: $120.7M plan increases tax rates, calls for fewer layoffs
Standard Speaker: County’s ‘Plan B’: Judiciary funding cuts
The Daily Review: Redistricting mess focuses attention on reform bills
GoLackawanna: Chris Carney will not run for Congress this year

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Nazareth Area School District names new school board member
Morning Call: PPL to move ahead with Bucks power line project
Morning Call: Allentown selects a new city council member
Reading Eagle: Thousands lose state health care
WFMZ: Health officials confirm student has bacterial meningitis
WFMZ: New police officers help beef up ranks of diminished forces
Express Times: Washington manager leaves for Clinton without much explanation

North by Northwest:
Erie Times-News: Lord Corp.’s Erie plant cleanup, redevelopment could cost $7.9M, take until 2015
Erie Times- News: PennDOT to present Linesville area bridge replacement plans
Erie Times-News: Casey asks Obama  administration for help fighting Asian Carp
Sharon Hearld: Marin 3rd democrat to plan Kelly challenge
Courier Express: Plan adds territory for New Bethlehem district court
Centre Daily Times: Centre County commissioners approve tentative budget
AP: Westward, Ho: Romney, GOP rivals now spreading out
Williamsport Sun Gazette: New loan program will help small businesses
Williamsport Sun gazette: Commissioners to vote on grant

Opinions:
Slate: Romney is Kerry, or maybe Gore
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Redistricting do over may be a good thing
Courier Express: Why pay for primary elections if they’re foregone conclusions
Courier Express: A good first step toward a smaller Legislature
Erie Times-news: Court should have elaborated on redistricting opinion
Standard Speaker: Opinion: Jail a deterrence against corruption
Standard Speaker: Opinion: Headlines tell a scary story for area
The Times-Tribune: Op-Ed: Pass legislation to keep patients ‘in network’
The Times-Tribune: Op-Ed: State role vital to economic development
The Times Leader: Op-Ed: Place pressure on pay-to-play
WHYY Newsworks: Yogi Berra Politics
Philly Inquirer: Minimize drilling’s threat to clean air
Daily Local: Editorial:  State redistricting reversal confusing for candidates
York Daily Record: Hatch Act needs a few revisions

Blogs:
Young Philly Politics: The Regulatory Accountability Act is a dangerous bill that threatens the health of our children
Young Philly Politics: PA loses $300M to gas drilling tax impasse
Keystone Liberty: Senate Democrats: Corbett’s “criminal” education cuts
Keystone State Education Coalition: Submit your questions about the state’s education budget
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Pawlowski: 40,900 reasons to like the NIZ
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Who’s worse, lobbyist or blogger?
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Reibman out, Dowd in, at DRJTBC
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: ET: Allentown NIZ losing public support
2 Political Junkies: Komen defunds Planned Parenthood breast exams
2 Political Junkies: Another logical fallacy at the Trib
2 Political Junkies: Santorum captivates Christian kids
Lu-Lac Political Letter: Write on Wednesday, and the rockets red glare
Above Average Jane: Susan G. Komen Foundation stops funding for planned parenthood
PennPatriot: Rick Geist’s challenger John McGinnis’ campaign announcement for 79th Legislative District
Keystone Politics: Without a fracking tax, PA could lose over $24B over the next 20 years
Keystone Politics: State school students call for an end to budget cuts
Keystone Politics: DePasquale: Severance tax should fund more state aid to poor school districts
Keystone Conservative: Prevailing wage reform possible in 2012
John Hanger: More than just Marcellus
John Hanger: Homeowners betting on natural gas

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Sam Rohrer took the lead in the endorsement race in the Republican Senate primary Wednesday, including the first congressional endorsement of the race. GT Thompson, who represents much of central and northwestern Pennsylvania, threw his weight behind Rohrer Wednesday evening.

“The time has come to find a conservative candidate to win the United States Senate seat in 2012,” Thompson said in a statement. “My choice is Sam Rohrer. I am proud to support Sam for U.S. Senate. He is proven and consistent on the principles that made this country strong. Sam’s leadership will protect hardworking American taxpayers! For the sake of America’s future generations I am encouraging all voters to support Rohrer for Senate.”

Rohrer, who spent 18 years in the state House representing part of Berks County, also picked up the support of 15 of his former colleagues:

Kerry Benninghoff, 171st District, Centre County
Jim Cox, 129th District, Berks County
Tom Creighton, 37th District, Lancaster County
Gordon Denlinger, 99th District, Lancaster County
Mark Gillen, 128th District, Berks County
Fred Keller, 85th District, Snyder/Union Counties
Jerry Knowles, 124th District, Schuykill/Berks County
Dave Maloney, 130th District, Berks County
Dan Moul, 91st District, Adams/Franklin Counties
Kathy Rapp, 65th District, Forest/McKean/Warren Counties
Todd Rock, 90th District, Franklin County
Curt Schroder,  155th District, Chester County
Jerry Stern, 80th District, Blair County
Rosemarie Swanger, 102nd District, Lebanon County
Will Tallman, 193rd District, Adams/York Counties

By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Kathleen Kane may not have Patrick Murphy’s statewide name ID, but she’s betting that she can catch up. Her family has wagered $2.25 million on it so far.

Kane’s husband helps to run his family’s business, Kane Trucking in Scranton. He loaned $1.75 million to his wife’s campaign, reports PhillyClout, and contributed $500,000. The former Lackawanna County assistant District Attorney currently has $2,009,911 on hand.

Murphy, meanwhile, did it the old fashioned way. He raised around $1.4 million in 2011 and begins 2012 with $1,043,016 on hand. He boasts over 2,500 individual donors.

And Murphy, a former Congressman from Bucks County, has an early lead in name ID among likely Democratic voters. It’s partly why, when his campaign released the results of an internal poll, he enjoyed a double-digit lead.

A source on the Kane campaign passed along Wednesday morning the results of an internal poll from their camp. The numbers corroborate Murphy’s name ID, but team Kane says it also shows a viable path to victory – for a candidate with a significant edge in cash on hand.

The initial results of the poll show that 45 percent of likely Dem primary voters know Murphy, whereas only 19 percent know Kane. 47 percent of voters don’t know either.

On the first ask, Murphy enjoys a 40 to 24 lead. After respondents hear only positive information about each candidate, the numbers flip, and Kane takes a 51 to 35 lead. According to the Kane campaign source, the two were tied among voters familiar with both.

They’re confident that they will have sufficient financial resources to tell Kane’s story.

This is an internal campaign poll, and as such should be taken with a grain of salt. It is standard practice for campaigns to release partial data. Polls are typically released for one of two reasons: 1. to boost fundraising (likely not an issue here); and 2. to show that a candidate is serious).

The poll was taken before Dan McCaffery dropped out of the race (though the head-to-head questions were asked as such – they didn’t simply remove McCaffery’s numbers). It pre-dates headlines about Murphy and the Pa. Bar.

The pollster is Pete Brodnitz of the Benson Strategy Group.

Update: Nat Binns, spokesman for Murphy, responded:

“This poll confirms what we already knew, which is that Patrick Murphy holds a commanding lead in this race and that Kathleen Kane is unknown in Pennsylvania. We appreciate the Kane campaign acknowledging just how tough this race will be for them. It’s also pretty telling that they needed to dust off a months old poll to avoid talking about how she and her company are trying to buy the Attorney General’s office.”