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2-9 Morning Buzz

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz. It looks like the 2012 lines are back to the drawing board. Or, perhaps more aptly, back to the pre-drawing board.

Federal Judge: Use 2001 District Maps: “Under these unique circumstances, we are compelled to conclude that the election should proceed under the only existing plan, the 2001 Plan,” wrote Judge R. Barclay Surrick. He denied motions by Sen. Pileggi, Rep. Turzai, et al. Read the full opinion here.

Marcellus Bill: At long last, it’s on its way to the Governor’s desk.

Noted Democrat-Turned-Republican Endorses Democrat-Turned-Republican Over Democrat-Turned-Republican for U.S. Senate: Dick Morris, a conservative commentator who previously worked for the Clinton administration, has endorsed Tom Smith for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.

Welch Takes Flak: There has long been tension between movement conservatives and the party establishment about the practice of endorsements. Now, it looks like Steve Welch is going to have to deal with it.

Dems Call on DeWeese to Resign: Several prominent state House Democrats have gone public urging state Rep. Bill DeWeese to resign. State Rep. Bill DeWeese, the former Speaker of the House says he will not resign until after he is sentenced which is consistent with House rules.

NRCC Upgrades Rothfus to “Contender”:The NRCC announced on Tuesday that Allegheny County attorney Keith Rothfus has been upgraded to “Contender” in their “Young Guns” program, designed to help Republican candidates build a strong campaign.

Utility Workers UnionEndorses Critz: The Utility Workers Union endorsed Mark Critz Wednesday in the race for the recently reconfigured 12th Congressional District. It’s a subset of the AFL-CIO.

Boockvar Campaign Endorsed By Emily’s List: Congressional candidate Kathy Boockvar (PA-8) announced today that the influential women’s organization EMILY’s List has put her “on the list”. EMILY’s List, an acronym for “Early Money Is Like Yeast”, is the largest political resource for women in the country.

DePasquale Campaign Update: Eugene DePasquale, D-York County, is currently serving his third term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he has created or helped to pass policies such as the Alternative Energy Investment Act and bans on texting while driving. He is consistently noted for his low expenses and became the first legislator to post such information online.

PA Political $$: Obama Bundlers and GOP SuperPAC Donors: The FEC deadline to disclose financial contributions to SuperPACs and campaigns recently passed, and there was no shortage of donors from Pennsylvania. Here’s the rundown.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-35: Whether old or new maps prevail, Sen. John Wozniak is likely going to be among the top few incumbents targeted by the GOP. Tim Houser, a local funeral director and community activist from Ebensburg, has thrown his hat in the ring. “My candidacy for State Senate is about reducing the size and scope of government and moving our economy in the right direction,” he said in a statement. “The governor and the Republican leadership in the General Assembly have initiated that process; I plan to help continue it.”

HD-22: Perhaps no district is more impacted by the redistricting mess than Chelsa Wagner’s Brookline district, which was slated for a move to Allentown. Now, the Allegheny Dems are going to have to select a candidate for a (hypothetical?) special election on primary day to fill her seat. Brookline’s Rob Frank, Mt. Washington’s Erin Molchany, and Baldwin’s Marty Schmotzer are expected to seek the party nod.

HD-134: Meet one of the Republicans running for Doug Reichley’s seat: former school board member Rob Hamill. He wants to dismantle the pension system, but says he won’t seek a full term to the seat, which Reichley vacated to become a Lehigh County judge.

National:
AP: Santorum: I won and raised about $250 K Tuesday night
AP: After his huge night, big challenges await Santorum
AP: New questions dog Romney after stunning sweep by Santorum
AP: BWI, Philly airports to test less-invasive passenger screening program
AP: FDA looking into Plan B-dispensing vending machine at Shippensburg University
Pennsylvania Ave:Bob Casey opposes birth control mandate
Pennsylvania Ave: Santorum success brings on the cash
Pennsylvania Ave: Boockvar gets EMILY’s List backing
Five Thirty Eight: GOP race has hallmarks of prolonged battle
The Hill: Santorum takes fight into Romney’s backyard, Michigan
USA Today: After 3-state sweep, Santorum ready for Romney
The Caucus: In Colorado, a struggle between pragmatism a passion
International Business Times: Rick Santorum foreign policy:hawk on Iran
Detroit Free Press: Rick Santorum says his campaign is eyeing Michigan next
Politico: Lawmakers quarrel over payroll tax
The Republic: Pa. republican senate candidate wrote letter opposing driver licensing, auto registration
Tribune Review: Pa. GOP votes ditch Gingrich for Santorum

Statewide:
PA Independent: Corbett budget calls for new school district block grant program
Capitol Ideas: House sends unemployment extension bill to Gov. Corbett’s desk
State House Sound Bites Counties on board with Corbett’s block grant plan
PA Independent: No guidance on transportation from Corbett’s budget address
State Impact PA Legislators pass Marcellus Shale impact fee; what’s next?
Capitolwire: Turzai says that without truncating waiting period, April 24 primaries in peril
PA Independent: PA shale fee bill may violate Corbett’s “no tax” pledge
Inquirer: Court rejects appeal in redistricting case
AP: Sandusky argues for local jurors, suggests delay
AP: Rep. DeWeese says he’ll resign when sentenced
AP: PA House debates gas-drilling for 2nd day
Carlisle Sentinel: PA, Michigan put limits on families seeking food aid
Carlisle Sentinel: PA House sends major gas-drilling bill to Corbett
Patriot-News: Budget proposal: Who gets thumbs up, thumbs down?
Patriot-News: Corbett’s budget plan would give more money to schools, but most would go to pensions
Patriot-News: Middletown reduces electric rates for residents
Patriot-News: Military base closings are possible in central Pennsylvania
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Lean budget will cause some pain
Inquirer: Corbett budget seeks spending cuts, plans no tax hike
Newsworks: Pa. Democrats find fault with what Corbett didn’t say, too

Philadelphia:
Inquirer: Christie to teachers’ union: QUIT
Daily News: Congress approval hits all time low
Daily News: Santorum, the real anti-Mitt?
Inquirer: Deal near on keeping Philly school buildings open on weekends
Inquirer: Budget cut a hard blow to extracurricular activities
PhillyNow.com Philly’s presence known at capitol budget protests
PhillyNow.com Can PA recall Gov. Corbett?
PhillyNow.com Daily Grinder: On Rick Santorum and Tom Corbett
Philadelphia Weekly: Pushing the limit: Examining the legislative battle over the statute of limitations in child abuse cases
Fox Philadelphia: Union Chief under fire for comments on school voucher debate
WHYY Newsworks: County officials see slight lining in Pa. budget plan

SEPA:
Pottstown Mercury: Ex-Montco commissoner’s perjury hearing postponed
Pottstown Mercury: Perkiomen Valley board questions Montco IU budget
phillyBurbs.com: District to hold open house in wake of Catholic school closings
Delco Daily Times: Angry refinery workers take message to Harrisburg
Delco Daily Times: Chester Community Charter supporters appeal to Corbett for funding
Delco Daily Times: Hook mayor vows: It’s a whole new ballgame in battle with Sunoco
Delco Daily Times: Delco school districts get more say in spending under Corbett plan
Montgomery Media: MCCC President to lead creative MontCo Initiative
Montgomery Media: Telford cuts more than $100K from planned spending

Pittsburgh:
Early Returns Allegheny Dems to pick for Wagner seat
Tribune Review: Occupy Pittsburgh officially over, Mellon Green cleared
Tribune Review: Shale gas rules bill heads to Gov. Corbett
Tribune Review: State can still use district maps from 2001 says judge
Tribune Review: Right flexes its might in capital gathering
Tribune Review: Drilling company leases space in Washington Co. park
Post-Gazette: Pa. House votes to extend unemployment benefits
Post-Gazette: Occupy Pittsburgh clears out of campsite
Early Returns: Shortened redistricting timeline proposed for April primary
Early Returns: Sen. Bob Casey walks a fine line on contraception
KDKA: Governor not backing off from tough budget talk

Southwest:
Tribune-Democrat: In Brief: Commissioners plan to meet at schools
Beaver County Times: Leetsdale council passed budget without increase in taxes
Beaver County Times: 28 more airports to test lower-hassle screening
Observer-Reporter: Already convicted, DeWeese says he’ll seek re-election
Indiana Gazette: United Way of Indiana County reaches goal of $700,000
Indiana Gazette: State universities facing step budget cuts
Altoona Mirror: Tab for Horner increases
Daily American: More than 11,000 acres committed to oil and gas leases
Daily American: Allegheny Co. Republican enters race for 12th Congressional district
Daily American: Proposed funding cut would compound problems for local libraries
WTAE-Lawrence County: Fitzgerald elected Allegheny County executive

South Central:
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Local library system stands to lose a lot in Governor’s budget
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Overall impact of Corbett’s proposed budget on Franklin County
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Corbett’s budget: Slight increase, no cuts for school districts proposed
Carlisle Sentinel: Area prepares for funding cuts after state budget details released
Patriot-News: PA Department of Environmental Protection fines Avian & Feline Hospital in Lower Allen Township for violating radiation rules
Patriot-News: Middletown council says flood victims won’t have to pay utility bills
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Turzai calls for new controls on state borrowing
York Dispatch: York’s mayor urges council to be open to possible fire merger
York Dispatch: York City, unions look ahead to contract talks
Lancaster Era: Educators criticize proposed AP schools funding
Lebanon Daily News: North Cornwall supervisors clash on filling vacant seats
Lebanon Daily News: GOP heads grab for control
Record Herald: From the Capital Rep. Todd Rock and Congressman Bill Shuster

Lehigh Valley:
Lehigh Vally Live: Lehigh valley international airport pitched to airlines by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
Morning Call: Lehigh County commissioners override reassessment veto
Morning Call: District Attorney to call new cold-case grand jury
Morning Call: Easton mayor: Intermodal project costs rise by $5.8 million
Morning Call: Allentown Council recommends $25M waste-to-energy plant
Morning Call: William DeWeese conviction won’t curb rank-and-file vampires  
Reading Eagle: Mayor placards building as illegal rental  
Reading Eagle: Judge rejects challenge to redistricting ruling  
WFMZ: Commissioners override County executive’s veto
Express Times: Nazareth mayor bars police chief, department from speaking to TV news reporter

NEPA:
Times-Tribune: Federal Money headed toward foreclosure prevention agency
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County Council edges Toward Final Vote On Budget
Wayne Independent: Zoning Officer Locked Out Of His Office By Mayor

North by Northwest:
Erie Times News: IRS still wants to sell Beeman’s property
Erie Times News: Erie County officials unsure about proposed state budget’s local impact
Erie Times News: Erie County projects earn Growing Greener grants
Courier Express: Commissioners increase liquid fuels allocation
Centre Daily: PSU funds slashed, school districts escape cuts in budget proposal
Williamsport Sun Gazette: County deeds and documents to go online this year

Opinions:
Tribune Review: Opinion: GOP’s murky defense rhetoric
Tribune Review: Opinion: Economic chaos ahead
Tribune Review: Opinion: Duquesne schools run out of time, cash, ideas
Beaver County Times: Opinion: Welfare and subsidies should be treated the same
Times-Tribune Editorial: Rep. Barletta Brakes Bigger Trucks
Times-Tribune Editorial: Students Bear Unfair Burden
Inquirer: Editorial: Corbett again targets colleges
Daily News: Editorial: War on contraception heats up health-reform debate
Philly.com: Opinion: The trouble with democracy
WHYY Newsworks: Opinion: Will the arts suffer under new Corbett budget
Pottstown Mercury: Opinion: Pa. politicians parade to prison
phillyBurbs.com: Opinion: Life isn’t fair, Mr. President
phillyBurbs.com: Opinion: Divorcing politics from charity
Patriot-News: No-frills budget: Corbett holds line on taxes, but education and transportation remain big concerns
Patriot-News: Delaware tax loophole hurts PA small businesses
Lebanon Daily News Editorial: Budget time
Courier Express: Hold our noses as we await new Marcellus Shale law and tax…oops, fee
Williamsport Sun Gazette: DeWeese reaction to conviction says a lot
Early Returns: Casey walks fine line on contraception
Washington Post: How Rick Santorum revived his campaign and what is next

Blogs:
Keystone Liberty: Governor Corbett’s budget address
Young Philly Politics: Abandoning Pennsylvanians
Keystone State Education Coalition: Governor Corbett’s budget
Keystone State Education Coalition: Budget
Commonwealth Foundation: Senate votes on natural gas tax
Commonwealth Foundation: Don’t feed the sharks!
Commonwealth Foundation: Will these House members honor their pledge?
Commonwealth Foundation: 5 facts about Gov. Corbett’s budget proposal
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Democratic campaigns bankrolled with $ stolen from Bethlehem Township
Lehigh Valley Independent: Where does Charlie Dent stand on contraception coverage?
Lehigh Valley Independent: In which I support a Tea Party bill for school funding
Lehigh Valley Independent: Business tax cuts vs. higher ed funding
Lehigh Valley Independent: House Republicans getting ready to kill Medicare again
Pennsylvania Progressive: Sam Rohrer: Driver’s licenses are like slavery
Keystone Progress: Mitt Romney is financially invested in the birth control he now opposes
Keystone Politics: Are House dems going to muddle the party’s message on fracking?
Keystone Politics: Why Hughes and Williams abandoned Senate dems on the impact fee
Keystone Politics: Corbett budget leaves $4.8 billion of waste off the table to stick it to college kids

One Response

  1. You stated a complete untruth in saying I won’t run for the full term of Doug Reichley seat. Where did you get your information? Will you print a correction?
    Sincerely, Rob Hamill, candidate for PA 134th

Email:
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    • Yes. It's a national security risk. (60%)
    • No. It's an app used by millions and poses no threat. (40%)
    • What's ByteDance? (0%)

    Total Voters: 30

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