Steelers fans across the state mourned their team’s loss last night, as Pittsburgh fell to Green Bay 31-25. Eagles fans everywhere know how they feel – that feeling of dread lingers deep in our guts during every game. The Trib runs down Super Bowl prop bets.

Meanwhile, PoliticsPA covered this weekend’s Democratic State committee meeting where Allegheny Judge David Wecht won a contested endorsement for Superior Court, and Bucks County attorney Kathryn Boockvar won the nod for Commonwealth Court.

As usual at these things, rumors swirled about everyone and everything (including potential 2014 Gubernatorial candidacies for Rob McCord and Joe Sestak). PoliticsPA will follow up on that and more in the coming days. And Senator Casey alked briefly about Obama and 2012.

In other news, the caucuses made their picks for the PA Gaming Board. Rendell catches flack for a conflict of interest.  Interest groups gear up for fights over school choice/vouchers, abortion, Marcellus shale, and liquor store privatization.

And don’t Forget about our County Chairs Feature, feel free to send suggestions for who you feel are the best County Chairs for either party to our Twitter feed, Facebook profile or contact Sy by e-mail.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Wecht wins Dems’ Nod for Superior Court, Colville withdraws from race (with video)
Democratic State Committee members endorsed David Wecht today as their nominee for Superior Court, ultimately defeating colleague and Allegheny native Robert Colville by acclamation.

Boockvar wins Democratic Endorsement for Commonwealth Court (with video)
By a second ballot vote of 221-43,  Bucks County attorney Kathryn Bockvar won the Democratic State Committee’s endorsement for the open seat on PA Commonwealth Court.

Casey talks Obama, 2012 Campaign
Senator Bob Casey hosted a “Brewskis with Bob” event for Democrats this evening at their state committee meeting. In a brief conversation with PoliticsPA, Casey spoke a little to his 2012 campaign.

State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson to Announce Candidacy for Phila. City Council
PoliticsPA has learned that State Representative Kenyatta Johnson will announce his candidacy to replace Anna Verna in Philadelphia City Council at an event on South Broad Street tomorrow.

Former Speaker McCall, Cameron County Commissioner Moscato Appointed to Gaming Control Board
The Times-Tribune reports that former state House Speaker Keith McCall has been appointed to the Gaming Control Board by current House Democratic leader Frank Dermody.

Crossroads GPS to Counter DCCC hits on Barletta, Fitzpatrick, Meehan
After word that that the Democratic Congressional Committee would run ads targeting 19 districts nationwide— with PA in the lead with three—Republicans have struck back in defense. Crossroads GPS, a conservative group, plans to air radio ads in the same 19 districts, according to The Fix.

Com Director’s Corner: Mark Nicastre on Democratic State Committee
Pennsylvania Democrats are ready to get out and fight, starting this weekend at their State Committee meeting in Hershey. PA Dems Communications Director Mark Nicastre gives tells you what to expect this weekend and this year. This is the first of a regular feature with guest commentary from the Democratic and Republican Communications Directors.

Rundown of the Dems’ Judicial Races
From Friday: There is one open seat each for Superior and Commonwealth Court, and the politics have already begun. PoliticsPA takes a look at each of the candidates and gives you the buzz going into this weekend’s Democratic State Committee meetings.

Politics PA’s Democratic State Committee Preview
From Friday: Tonight and tomorrow, Democrats from around PA will meet in the Hershey Lodge to catch up on party business and endorse their candidates for the statewide judicial races. PoliticsPA gives you the rundown of where the major players will be and who is hosting the best events this weekend.

Video: U.S. Rep. Thompson Reacts to Obama Speech
Centre County native Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-5) attended President Barack Obama’s speech at Penn State yesterday and said he was glad that President Barack Obama chose State College to unveil his ‘Better Building Initiative.’

Headlines:
Post-Gazette: Steelers comeback falls short, fall to Packers 31-26
Tribune-Review: Steelers fans sullen, subdued, but still proud in defeat.
Whispers at the Tribune-Review recaps the Super Bowl prop bets which, unfortunately, PA will have to pay up
Tribune-Review: Docs show Army’s disservice to vets
Intelligencer: Rep. Fitzpatrick to create panel on job creation
AP: Former Pennsylvania judge to go on trial in kickbacks case
AP: School voucher debate heats up in the legislature
Post-Gazette: Gov. Corbett funding plan for schools worries educators
Inquirer: Interview with State Sen. Anthony Williams
Inquirer: Rendell inspires grant backlash in Pa.
Patriot-News: Both sides gear up for fight over proposed PA abortion laws
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania Turnpike toll worker’s kindness gets nod from Oprah
Tribune-Review: Pennsylvania’s Megan Law loophole called ‘scary’
York Sunday News: State Sen. Pileggi wants to amend the Right-to-Know law
Delaware County Times: State Rep. Vitali will introduce legislation to tax Marcellus Shale drilling
Delaware County Times: Grandson of ex-U.S. Rep. from Chester County accused of sex tourism
Post-Gazette: Game for learning? Not if you live in Pittsburgh this morning
Inquirer: Three Philly Post Offices to close in April
Inquirer: PHA names new General Counsel
Inquirer: In a probe, PHA suspends four top employees
Newsworks: Councilman Jones running for re-election in Philly
Fox Philadelphia: Could Philly be closing schools?
Tribune-Review: Proposed law in Pittsburgh targets electronic billboards
Times-News: In Erie, Mayor Sinnott considers bond issue for capital projects
Times-Tribune: Commercial confirms O’Brien’s running mate
Times-Tribune: McGoff could be lonely on city campaign trail
Intelligencer: Fracking process raises concerns in Doylestown
Tribune-Review: Penn State to study water near gas wells
Post-Gazette: Landowners unite to deal with drilling companies
Post-Gazette: Advocates line up money, ads, support for school choice bill
Post-Gazette: Nation needs to get back in step with Reagan values, Palin says
Post-Gazette: Tea Party leader Weaver to run for county executive
Politico: Obama balances Egypt, economy
Post-Gazette: DA asks judge to reject Sen. Orie’s pretrial argument
Tribune-Review: Ridge: Gas wells mean jobs
Tribune-Review: Former House speaker appointed to Pennsylvania gaming board
Tribune-Review: Obama touts energy efficiency
Tribune-Review: Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law loophole called scary
Centre Daily Times: Marcellus Shale: Workers finding a future in gas drilling
Times Leader: Jury picking begins Monday in Ciavarella trial
Sun-Gazette: Budgets crunched
Citizens’ Voice: No tax-hike promise will be put to the test
The Hill: Rep. Fitzpatrick $129,000 in debt from campaign
Post-Gazette: Retired doctor seeks GOP nod for Butler County Commissioner
Newsworks: Councilwoman wants city contractors to offer equal benefits in Philadelphia

Opinions:
Times-Tribune: Capital doors sill revolve
Tribune-Review: Ed gets his (again)
Post-Gazette Editorial: Ill wind in Harrisburg: Meet the new boss, same as the old boss
Tribune-Review Editorial: Media hated Reagan
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Americans must stop legalizing abortion
Centre Daily Times Editorial: Boating DUI should be serious offense
Centre Daily Times Editorial: Prioritize immigration
Inquirer Editorial: Head Strong: Coming of age politically, clicking with Reagan
Inquirer Editorial: Must cut, but with care
Inquirer Editorial: Wanted: Ex-gov with skills
Patriot Editorial: All for one… Region needs to help city, not fight it
SunGazette Editorial: School district funding: sea change is at hand
Morning Call Editorial: Rendell and Santorum, a study in contrasts