Union-funded pro-Casey radio ads air in the state. Santorum gets a little press for a spat with Politico. PA Republicans celebrate Reagan’s legacy as they prepare for this weekend’s state committee meeting. Allegheny GOPers have a potential self-funding candidate for County Exec. The cash-for-kids trial moves forward.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Exclusive: Raja leaning toward GOP run for Allegheny County Executive
Mt. Lebanon Township Commissioner and businessman D. Raja is actively leaning toward a run for Allegheny County Executive. He confirmed to PoliticsPA that he is considering a campaign.

Video: Pa. GOP celebrates Ronald Reagan
This week saw the 100th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s birthday, and the PA Republican Party is joining the festivities. In a a new web video, PA GOP Chairman Rob Gleason calls Reagan an American icon and a great president.

Headlines
Tribune-Review: Gov. Corbett signs off on 2 executions
Early Returns: Santorum hiring more staff in NH
Early Returns: Santorum vs. Politico
Early Returns: Campaign style ads for Casey
Pennsylvania Ave.: Conservatives give Casey, Specter zero percent rating
Early Returns: Pete Sessions, head of the NRCC as well as Gov. Corbett to headline GOP’s Lincoln Dinner on Friday
ICYMI… Pennsylvania Ave.: Rep. Fitzpatrick breaks ranks and votes against Patriot Act Extension; helps kill the bill (that is until they re-vote next week)
Newsworks: Be Gov. Corbett’s valentine?
NPR: A closer look at Gov. Corbett’s agenda (h/t State House Sound Bites)
Early Returns: Specter getting legal ethics training
Patriot-News: Some legislators want the legislative reserve fund to pay for their own health plan
Tribune Review: State House approves website to increase transparency in state government
Patriot-News: State House amends Megan’s law
Patriot-News: Legislator wants to give bars more flexibility on happy hours
Inquirer: Rendells shine light on love and true marriage
Fox Philadelphia: Arlen Specter on dealing with Iran
Patriot-News: Dauphin County expects to get $8 million in gaming revenue
Early Returns: Flaherty names reporter as spokesperson
Times-Tribune: Mericle, former commissioner to take stand at Ciavarella trial
AP: Santorum weighs 2012 presidential bid
Times Leader: Cliffhanger as juror’s cell phone interrupts Powell testimony (Luzerne Corruption)
Citizens’ Voice: Mericle: Ciavarella wanted me to destroy documents (Luzerne Corruption)
Citizens’ Voice: Wilkes-Barre Mayor Leighton to seek 3rd term

Opinions
Inquirer: Calling it quits – the Rendell story
Patriot-News: Positive Sign: Integrity Commission would help reform efforts
Post-Gazette: Bitter pill: Republicans vote against better health coverage