The House officially votes to repeal health care reform; the entire PA delegation votes along party lines. Both parties sought to score political points over the issue. PoliticsPA has the exclusive on a poll showing Mayor Nutter in a strong position for re-election. Pat Toomey gives intellectual heft to the GOP argument against raising the debt ceiling. Everyone is still getting used to having a new Governor. And the GOP side of the Montco Commissioners race just got a lot less complicated.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Exclusive: New poll shows good news for Mayor Nutter
A new survey from Municipoll shows Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in good shape heading into the May Democratic primary.

House votes to repeal Health Care bill
The House officially voted today to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care act more commonly known as Obamacare. The official vote tally was 245-189 in favor of repeal mostly along party lines. Tim Holden and Jason Altmire both voted against repealing the bill.

Sen. Toomey writes conservatives playbook on debt ceiling vote
Democrats who think that the GOP will blink first on the debt ceiling issue had better proceed with caution. Senator Pat Toomey is on a full court press today with a rebuttal to the argument that refusing to raise the debt ceiling will result in catastrophe.

Gov. Corbett comments on unemployment recall campaign controversy
“Pennsylvania is known for hard workers, but today they must search too hard for work,” Governor Corbett said in his inauguration address yesterday. The comment recalled a campaign controversy that perhaps Corbett was trying to put to rest once and for all.

Mike Barley promoted to PA GOP Executive Director
With the departure of Executive Director Luke Bernstein for Governor Corbett’s staff, the PA GOP has named long-time Communications Director Mike Barley to the post.

High school pol gets press for PoliticsPA Award
Omeed Firouzi, who we recognized as PA’s top high school politico in our 30 under 30 list, has gotten some good local press for the award. Firouzi has been accepted to several colleges, but is waiting to hear back from a few more to make his decision.

Headlines
Philadelphia Weekly: Jared Loughner could just have easily gotten his gun under PA gun laws
Early Returns: Santorum staffs up in NH
AP: Gov. Corbett says cabinet positions come before AG pick
Daily News: Did Corbett, while AG, bury Meehan forgery case?
Bucks County Courier Times: Rally meant to send message to Rep. Fitzpatrick
Patriot News: Maine battles PA over whoopie pies
Pennsylvania Ave: Rep. Barletta’s first floor speech
Post-Gazette: Liquor clerks to fight privatiziation
Centre Daily Times: PSU to hold forum on civil discourse
Intelligencer: Cawley urges bold action to solve state’s problems
Inquirer: PICA chairman steps down
Patriot News: Moody’s downgrades Harrisburg’s credit rating
Scott Detrow, Newsworks: Pa. lawmakers promise to be legislative ‘conscience’
Newsworks: Pa. House Democratic caucus elects Southeast Delegation leadership team
Fox Philadelphia: What’s next for pension reform?
Scott Detrow, WITF: Vouchers opponents hone their message
Early Returns: State Sen. Ferlo: Lower drink tax
Times-Tribune: Lone NE Pa. lawmaker on State House environment committee
Tribune-Review: Legislators seek uniform system for updating property values
Tribune-Review: The impressive tenure of GOP Chairman Rob Gleason
Early Returns: Waiting for assessment fight
AP: Funding is a hurdle for crowded I-81
ABC Pittsburgh: First candidate publicly declared for Allegheny County Executive
Post-Gazette: Three from GOP may seek to run for Allegheny County Executive
Early Returns: Corey O’Connor seeks Dad’s seat
Inquirer: PHA chief set to meet with federal investigators Feb. 1
Newsworks: Philadelphia city employees get more freedom for political expression
Delco Daily Times: Andy Lewis will not run for re-election to Delaware County Council
Post-Gazette: National Park Service to assist Ohio river trail study
Inquirer: Montco Commissioner Matthews will step down if not endorsed by GOP
Patriot News: Re-cap of Corbett’s speech with reactions from lawmakers

Opinions
John Baer, Daily News: Gov. Corbett, Day one: Optimism… and that deficit
Dave Davies, WHYY: My take on Ed Rendell
Laura Vecsey, Patriot News: Corbett was remiss not to address Marcellus in Inaugural Address
Patriot News Editorial: Corbett pushes theme of accountability
Tribune Review Editorial: PHEAA excesses are appalling