Good afternoon politicos, and welcome to the Buzz. We know we said there wouldn’t be an email today, but we just can’t keep away. There have been some interesting developments this morning, plus we wanted you to know that this week’s Ups & Downs are posted.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and have a good weekend. We’d say we’ll be on a limited schedule between now and the New Year, but you’d know better than to believe us.

Redistricting provides yet more fodder for this week’s Ups & Downs.

Casey & Schwartz Named Conferees
This morning, the United States Congress unanimously passed an extension of the payroll tax cut for another 2 months. Sen. Bob Casey and Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Montgomery) will be two of the conferees charged with making up the difference.

Serious Primary Challenger Emerges for Holden
The new congressional map is bringing to an end years of campaigning in a GOP-leaning district for Rep. Tim Holden (D-Schuylkill). It appears the Congressman is about to get a serious primary challenge from Matt Cartwright, a prominent attorney from Moosic.

Updated: Mike Fitzpatrick: Dems’ Newest Villain
Updated with more video, and Fitzpatrick responds to Democratic criticism of his gavel.

Dem AG Hopefuls Oppose Obama Mortgage Settlement Plan
The three Democrats running for Pa. Attorney General have come out against a plan – supported by President Obama’s administration – to pursue a cash settlement with some of the largest U.S. banks.

DCCC Sees Silver Lining in New Pa Map
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued a memo today outlining the innate swingy-ness of several Pa. congressional districts – despite successful efforts by Republican lawmakers to shore up incumbents via redistricting this year.