Good morning politicos, and welcome to the Buzz. The tug-of-war continues over the Pa. Supreme Court’s redistricting decision. In a letter to Legislative Reapportionment Commissioner Chair Stephen McEwen, House Minority Leader Frank Dermody emphasized the need to take time and open the maps to public comment (which would make the 2001 lines more likely for 2012). Meanwhile, House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) sued the Dept. of State in federal court to force the state to use the not-yet-drafted maps for the 2012 elections.

Among Women, Obama Leads Romney: Barack Obama leads Mitt Romney 44 to 36 percent among Pennsylvania women, a Mercyhurst poll has found.

And on the federal level, fundraising reports have begun to pour in.

$1 Mil on Hand for Murphy: Rep. Tim Murphy will start 2012 with a serious war chest, his campaign announced Tuesday morning. The incumbent Republican boasts slightly over $1 million on hand and brought in $264,000 during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Dent’s Numbers: Charlie Dent, incumbent of the Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional district, released his FEC financial report for 2011 on Sunday, Jan. 29.

Holden’s numbers: U.S. Congressman Tim Holden, the incumbent representing Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional district, recently released his financial figures in a Federation Election Commission report, including contributions he received during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Charters Grow Despite Challenges: Since the charter school movement began in Pennsylvania nearly 15 years ago, most of the state’s charter schools continue to struggle to meet state standards. Yet, charters in Western Pennsylvania keep growing. More than 90,000 students are enrolled in 142 public charter schools, including 12 cyber charter schools, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. An estimated 30,000 students are on waiting lists.

Pa. Seeks Funding for Health Care Law: Gov. Tom Corbett believes the Obama administration’s health reform law is unconstitutional, but that’s not stopping the state from asking the federal government for money to implement it.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-37: State Rep. Mustio is now the front runner for the seat of retiring Sen. John Pippy. Allegheny County Councilman Vince Gastgeb dropped out and (all but) endorsed him.

HD-24: Video: Ed Gainey kicks off his primary campaign against Rep. Joe Preston.

HD-122: Democrat Ronald Rabenold, a 21-year teacher from Lehighton, has launched his bid for the former seat of House Speaker Keith McCall. The Carbon County based district is represented by freshman Republican Doyle Heffley.

HD-131: Kevin Deely, high school English teacher and former president of the Easton Area Education Association, will announce today his challenge to freshman State Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh).

HD-161: Delco Democrats endorsed XXX Larry DeMarco against freshman Republican Joseph Hackett.

HD-162: …and Eric Gunlefinger to face Republican Nick Miccarelli.

HD-163: …and Seamus Bonner to face off against 33-year Republican incumbent Nick Micozzie.

National:
Pennsylvania Ave: No “cruise control” for Romney campaign after Florida
Pennsylvania Ave: Back on campaign trail, Santorum says daughter improving
Pennsylvania Ave: Obama defends “judicious” use of drone strikes during online Q&A
Pennsylvania Ave: Protesters in capital pledge to stay despite ban
Pennsylvania Ave: Cost high, interest low in Missouri presidential primary
National Journal: Republicans endorse Casey challenger
Politico: Florida primary: Mitt Romney confident as vote nears
Politico: Newt Gingrich’s vow to “go all the way to the convention” divides House GOP
Politico: Santorum sets sights on Missouri
Politico: Newt expressed support for Obama health care plan in ‘09
Politico: Death of bipartisanship has killed the Washington deal
Roll Call: Super PACs supporting Gingrich find limits
Roll Call: Muslims struggle to find suitable candidate
The New York Times: Romney suggests he will prevail in Florida vote
The New York Times: A Florida Bush stays silent, and to many, that says a lot
The New York Times/Five Thirty Eight: The incredible shrinking primary bounce
The New York Times/Five Thirty Eight: Polls diverge, but all point to a Romney win
The New York Times/Five Thirty Eight: Gingrich upset chances dwindle in new Florida polls
The New York Times/The Caucus: Energized Gingrich goes after Wall Street and Washington
The New York Times/The Caucus: Romney keeps the heat on Gingrich
The Washington Post: Gingrich vows to ban embryonic stem-cell research, questions in vitro processes
The Washington Post: Daughter’s illness is quandary for Santorum
The Washington Post: Gingrich camp: if Santorum weren’t running, we’d be winning Florida
The Los Angeles Times: Would Romney wins this week signal end to GOP race?
American Spectator: Romney explains why he can’t beat Obama
The Hill: Embattled Gingrich goes populist in last-ditch, anti-establishment effort in Florida
The Hill: Romney exultant in closing pitch
USA Today: Santorums bring genetic disorder out in the open
USA Today: Poll: Voters not enthusiastic about GOP field
USA Today: Trump keeps options open for third party bid
USA Today: Romney, allies outspend Gingrich by millions in Florida
Slate: Romney opens up 20-point lead in Florida
Slate: Sarah Palin: vote for Newt Gingrich, annoy a liberal
Tribune Review: GOP presidential candidate Santorum sidelined by daughter’s illness
Early Returns: Daily Santorum: All aboard the Little Engine
KDKA: Santorum reflects on decision to run for President
KDKA: Congressman Tim Murphy talks ‘Obamacare’ and the Catholic Church
Beaver County Times: Santorum denounces ‘gutter politics’ of opponents
WFMZ: Research suggests president’s plan won’t impact education
Christian Science Monitor: Santorum says 3-year-old daughter recovering and he’s back to campaigning

Statewide:
Early Returns: PA women have words for Obama, Romney
Capitolwire (Paywall): Castille Served Notice A Decade Ago That This Was Coming
Capitolwire (Paywall): DeWeese, Defense Team Have To Recast Tough First Week of Trial
Capitolwire (Paywall): On Cross-Examination, Chadwick Says Deputy AG said DeWeese Not In Charge
Capitolwire (Paywall): Gov. Corbett Shows Clout in Welch Endorsement. Critics Hear Echoes Of Haabestad
Tribune Review: Mustio’s in, Gastgeb’s out in Moon senate race
Tribune Review: Former state Rep. Terry Van Horne dies
Tribune Review: Rep. Bill DeWeese plans to run again if acquitted at trial
Early Returns: Mustio to run for Pippy seat
Early Returns: Pileggi: 2001 lines unconstitutional
WJAC: State Rep. Conklin to hold town hall meeting Monday
WJAC: Gov.’s proposed budget could include funding cuts for schools
NewsMax: PA GOP makes choice to oppose Sen. Casey
Philadelphia:
CBS: City Councilman wants to strengthen civilian panel that oversees alleged police misconduct
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. Senate backs plan to protect bicyclists
Inquirer: Two Occupy protesters arrested
Inquirer: Bills mount as Philly deal to sell HQ to Boy Scouts falls through
Inquirer: Broke school district imperils Chester charter school
Inquirer: Invalidated redistricting map throws PA race into turmoil
Daily News: Occupier doesn’t  have time to chill
PhillyNow: Daily Grinder: Best Quotes from Occupy Philly Rally and more

SEPA:
Pottstown Mercury: Amity Township supervisor sentenced to jail for DUI
Burlington County Times: Burlington County labor market ended 2011 on a down note
Delco Daily TImes: County Dems back candidates for primary elections; no mention of Sestak
Bucks Local News: Bucks County raises fees to generate more revenue
Bucks Local News: Bucks County allocates funds for further agricultural land preservation
Daily Local: Fire companies announce “strategic partnership”

Pittsburgh:
Tribune Review: Hinder Sewickley constable’s appointment not a civil rights violation, judge says
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh agrees to sell $80 million in bonds pending council OK
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh councilmen want to help homeowners appeal assessments
Post-Gazette: DNA connects councilman to 1979 Monaca killing
Post-Gazette: Redevelopment authority OKs about $1M in grants
Post-Gazette: County council tries to shore up its staff
Early Returns: Pa. women have words for Obama, Romney
Early Returns: Doyle: $271K
Early Returns: Battle lines drawn on reapportionment
Early Returns: Gastgeb drops Sen bid; stays on Grant Street
Essential Public Radio: Garden theater center of north side development

Southwest:
Beaver County Times: Accused murderer was “a good councilman”
Altoona Mirror: Chamber issues a ‘buy here’ challenge

South Central:
Harrisburg Patriot News: Red Lion businessman runs for fourth congressional seat

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Catasauqua school board hears more of plans for medical charter school
Morning Call: Natural gas filling station fuels questions
WFMZ: Court ruling forces candidates to suspend campaigns
WFMZ: Mayor to deliver first State of the City
WFMZ: Pep Boys agrees to takeover by investment firm
WFMZ: City gets state grants for renovations
Express Times: Environmental group to sue EPA over delayed coal ash regulations

NEPA:
The Times Leader: Petrilla to return to Butler Township managerial post
The Times-Tribune: Ex-County Commissioners Cordado, Munchak sentenced
The Times-Tribune: Build revenue and fairness bills seek to close tax-evasion loophole
Citizens’ Voice: Broad redistricting plan changes foreseen
Citizens’ Voice: Butler Township supervisor announces run for 116th district seat
Citizens’ Voice: Republicans kick off state campaigns
Standard Speaker: Overhaul of remapping plan looks likely
Standard Speaker: Defense its case in state corruption trial
GoLackawanna: Munchak sentenced to 84 months, Cordaro sentenced to 132 months

North by Northwest:
Erie Times-News: Inland Port project, plan to revamp Lord Corp. property receive $3M in state loans
Erie Times-News: Poll shows Romney could win easily in Florida
Erie Times-News: Senate refuses to block boost in debt ceiling
Sharon Herald: Casey, Longietti all in
Centre Daily Times: Longtime Pa. lawmaker Bud George to retire
Centre Daily Times: Pa. senator hopes for gas-drilling bill in a week
Centre Daily Times: Pa. Councilman charged with killing lover in 1979
Williamsport Sun Gazette: City OKs health care cooperative

Opinion:
Centre Daily Times: Someone’s watching you
Erie Times-News: Grants will boost academic achievement for Erie students
Standard Speaker: Op-Ed: Legislators back down, give Web thieves a win
Standard Speaker: Op-Ed: Politics ground airport program
Citizens’ Voice: Guaranteed turnover on Supreme court makes sense
The Times-Leader: Op-Ed: Restore state jobs with transportation funding
The Times-Leader: Opinion: School board forgets whose money is at stake
Philly.com: Editorial:  It’s time to address the wealth gap
Burlington County Times: Opinion: Good Newt, bad Newt
Morning Call: Opinion: Voting on weekends can increase turnout
Morning Call: Opinion: Gov. Tom Corbett administration wants to shred safety net

Blogs:
FM blog: Some foes of the Republic revealed themselves by sponsoring the Enemy Expatriotion  Act
Keystone State Education Coalition: Erie SD to open online charter school/Easton area SD considers charging charter, cyber schools pay a fee for sports participation
Lu-Lac Political Letter: Munchak/Cordaro: The finale
Pennsylvania Progressive: Corbett, GOP endorse Welch
Above Average Jane: Background on photo ID laws
Keystone Politics: Taxing fracking is better than taking everything else
Keystone Politics: PBPC puts a human face on budget cuts
Keystone Politics: State GOP thumbs its nose at the base, endorses Steve Welch
Keystone Politics: Corbett administration applies for federal funds to create Obamacare insurance exchanges
Keystone Politics: PA College Dems begin 2012 with a bang
Keystone Conservative: PennDOT must reform spending before revenues
John Hanger: Romney outspends Gingrich by $12M in FL to win primary
John Hanger: CBS news botches Dimock story, despite my effort
Women Are Watching: Double dose: Weekly chump and champ