The NRCC launches an anti-Parrish website, lots of local officials make endorsements and we’ve got the full schedule for the PA Dems state committee meeting. Check back later for this week’s Ups and Downs. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

PA Dems State Committee Winter Meeting Preview: The Pennsylvania Democrats are gathering for what promises to be an eventful weekend, including an endorsement meeting between their 7 candidates for Governor and 6 for Lieutenant Governor.

PAGov: Bucks County Dems Back Schwartz: Schwartz adds more names to her list of endorsements from elected officials.

PA-6: NRCC Launches Mock Parrish Site: The National Republican Campaign Committee targets Mike Parrish in new fake website.

PA-10: Scott Brion To Run Against Rep. Marino: Says that Rep. Marino is out of touch with rural Pennsylvanians.

Sen. Costa Endorses Sen. Stack for Lt. Gov.: Senator Mike Stack got an endorsement today from a colleague.

Biden Visits Philly, Touts Amtrak Improvements: The Vice President was in town to celebrate the launch of the ACS-64 locomotives.

PA-8: 40 Local Officials Back Naughton: Shaughnessy Naughton picked up endorsements wholesale in her bid for the Democratic nomination in PA-8

PA-13: MoveOn.Org Endorses Leach: The petition website for liberal causes endorsed Leach for PA-13.

McCord Hires Cameron Kline As Press Secretary: Kline formerly worked for State Senator Larry Farnese.

Sen. Kasunic to Retire, Triggering Swing District Battle: A seat was already a GOP target in 2014 turned into a major pickup opportunity.

Fleck Consulting Merges With WS Group: The Allentown and Harrisburg consulting firms merge to form Seven Points.

Legislative Elections Update

HD-37: Veteran Brian Kresge announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination in HD-37. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Mindy Fee, who is seeking reelection.

HD-163: Upper Darby Township Councilman At Large James Santora (R) announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 163rd Legislative District, which includes portions of Drexel Hill, Havertown, Clifton Heights, and Aldan. Santora was surrounded by the Delco Republican establishment at his announcement, so although their endorsement isn’t official yet, it’s likely coming. This seat was vacated by Rep. Micozzie’s retirement. Democrat Vince Rongione is also running.

HD-202: State Representative Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia) endorsed Jared Solomon for State Representative in Pennsylvania’s 202nd District. Solomon is running in the Democratic primary against Rep. Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia), a colleague of Sims’.

SD-32: Sen. Rich Kasunic (D-Fayette) announced his retirement yesterday, spurring a tough battle for an open seat. Before Kasunic’s retirement, it was the most conservative district held by a Democrat. Republicans have lined up a challenger for the seat, but Democrats haven’t named their contender yet.

Statewide
Capitolwire: A look at some notable Democratic gubernatorial donors
Capitolwire: McGinty returned campaign check from mine operator tied to West Virginia spill
StateImpactPA: Can the Marcellus keep up its massive production?
State House Sound Bites: Attorney General Kane warns of winter storm price gouging and scams
State House Sound Bites: Bell and Evans expansion could create 380 midstate jobs
AP: Despite PA critics, U.S. Senate approves Justice nomination
PA Independent: Three more important details from Corbett’s budget address

Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Gov. Corbett Tours Storm-ravaged Montgomery County
KYW Newsradio: In Philadelphia, VP Biden Touts Investment in America’s Railroad Infrastructure
KYW Newsradio: Dom Giordano Has Heated Discussion With Pa. Governor Tom Corbett
The Inquirer: Phila. City Council passes tougher demolition rules
The Inquirer: Charters to cost Philadelphia School District $25 million more than anticipated
The Inquirer: New law will punish “aggravated arson”
The Inquirer: Why is a Phila. legislator’s PAC spending $ in Montco?
Daily Times: Schwartz votes for farm bill supported by Gov. Corbett and GOP majority
PhillyClout: Who will take over Finance Committee?
PhillyNow: Brian Sims makes surprise endorsement in Northeast Philly
PhillyNow: Daylin Leach’s awesome week in fight for Northeast Philly seat

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: U.D. councilman Santora will seek GOP nod for Micozzie’s 163rd state House seat
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro discusses two-year plan
Pottstown Mercury: Limerick board discusses open space, Linfield master plan
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown council gets first look at plans for new borough garage
The Intelligencer: Pennridge to vote on tech school financing
Burlington County Times: Lonegan: “It’s time to reignite the Reagan revolution”
Bucks County Courier Times: Towns credited for water department’s billing errors
Daily Local News: Chester County to chart its economic future

Pittsburgh
Urban Media Today: Burgess Hosts Public Discussion of Potential City Land Bank Legislation
Early Returns: Kasunic to retire from Senate 32
Early Returns: Wagner’s still thinking
Early Returns: Toomey gives Buzzfeed readers a Pennsylvania-centered Capitol tour
Post-Gazette: Adam Ravenstahl faces challenge in Democratic primary
Post-Gazette: Allegheny Energy found not liable for alleged Clean Air Act violations
Post-Gazette: Peduto makes pitch for new housing in Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Peduto defends choice to head new budget office

Southwest
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Judges OK tax for Franklin Boro
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Area education officials leery of Corbett budget
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Candidate opposes right-to-work step
Altoona Mirror: Union files unfair labor charges
Observer-Reporter: U.S. Senate panel OKs nomination despite Pa. critics
Beaver County Times: New 511PA website unveiled

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Senate unanimously passes bill to reduce child suicides
News Item: Beyond thruway, $65M to be spent on Northumberland County roads, bridges
Standard Speaker: Luzerne County Council set for budget battle
Citizens Voice: Corbett eyes keno as latest way to raise lottery revenues
Citizens Voice: Corbett’s education grants aren’t enough, NE Pa. superintendents
Pocono Record: Monroe County homeless initiative gets $512K grant

South Central
Patriot News: Corbett plans to increase drilling worries has advocates worried
Lancaster Intelligencer: Veteran wants to fight for Democrats in HD-37
Roxbury News: Harrisburg City Councilman upset

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: ACLU opposes Easton Area School District
WFMZ: Obama and Corbett declare state of emergency in PA
WFMZ: Northampton County names public defender
Express Times: Northampton County hopes to outsource rental assistance to Lehigh County

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Time consuming challenges slow Sandusky investigation

Opinion
Daily Local News: Tough criticism for Pennsylvania senator
Bucks County Courier Times: Burning desire: Seats for all
Express Times: Gambling no cure for state’s budget troubles
Lebanon Daily Record: Corbett pension plan will increase payment from taxpayers
Centre Daily: Farm bill is not a success

Blogs
Media Trackers: Berks County Commissioners Pass Motion Supporting Paycheck Protection
Media Trackers: Activist: PA’s Open Records Chief Destroying Right To Know Law
Keystone Politics: Tax Base Segregation Is PA’s Most Secret and Evil Problem
Keystone Politics: #PA13: MoveOn Endorses Daylin Leach for Congress
Keystone State Education Coalition: PA Ed Policy Roundup for February 6, 2014
Commonwealth Foundation: Sen. Alloway Talks Paycheck Protection on the Lincoln Radio Journal
Commonwealth Foundation: 5 Facts About the State Budget Proposal
2 Political Junkies: Um, No…
Lu-Lac Political Letter: The LuLac Edition #2596, February 6th, 2014
Pennsylvania Progressive: PA-13 Endorsement: Daylin Leach