Kane challenges the charges against her, we grade the Gov candidates on their social media presence and an exclusive interview with PA-8 Democratic candidate Kevin Strouse. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

Kane: “We Could Not Prosecute This Case”: Attorney General Kathleen Kane explained the reasons her office could not prosecute the public corruption case.

Social Media Report Card: Gubernatorial Candidates: PoliticsPA scores PA-Gov candidates on their website and social media presence.

PA-Gov: McGinty Releases Redevelopment Video (Watch): In the latest installment of “Katie Direct,” McGinty discusses her work in the Bakery Square area of Pittsburgh.

PA-Gov: The Great War of Cabinets: Who knew cabinets could become contentious?

Pennsylvania Earns D- In Gender Equality: A Smart Politics study gave the Commonwealth a near failing grade.

Green Party Officially Nominates For Lt. Gov.: Their nominee will join their gubernatorial candidate in the race.

PA-12: McClelland Wins Endorsement of Allegheny State Reps.: McClelland’s campaign received the backing of all four Democratic State Representatives from Allegheny County.

PA-8: Exclusive Interview with Kevin Strouse: We talk with the Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District.

Rep. Harris: Uncontested Philly Freshman: In a city known for contentious primaries, one freshman Rep. will sail to reelection.

Larry Kane: Blockbuster Invades Pa. Democratic Governor’s Race: The claim in the story is dramatic: that Pennsylvania’s number one law enforcer dropped the investigation, begun by one of the most respected corruption prosecutors in the state’s history, because she says it was aimed at African American lawmakers

Kane Halts Sting Operation: The Attorney General stopped a three year sting investigation that examined politicians who were allegedly accepting bribes in Philadelphia.

Legislative Elections Update:

SD-28: The special election between Republican Ron Miller (R-York), Democrat Linda Small and write-in conservative Scott Wagner will be held today.

HD-164: Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania PAC announced its endorsement of Billy Smith in the race for House District 164. The Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania PAC is the electoral arm of Planned Parenthood in Pennsylvania. Smith is running against incumbent Rep. Margo Davidson in the Democratic primary.

HD-172: Military veteran candidate Jeffrey Voice, challenging Kevin Boyle in PA’s 172 state legislative district primary, called upon Boyle to come clean on the $2000 contributions his campaign committee received but failed to report in 2013.

HD-182: Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) on Monday announced her support for State Representative Brian Sims’ re-election bid.

Statewide
PA Independent: GOP showdown offers Dems a chance to grab state Senate seat
StateImpactPA: House panel approves bill to limit gas royalty deductions
State House Sound Bites: Bill would end PA background check system for guns
Capitolwire: Former high-level PLCB employees pay restitution for ethics violations

Philadelphia
Daily News: The Philly sting that stung no one
Inquirer: A.G. Kane assails critics of decision to halt Philly politicians sting
Inquirer: Charges against ex-GOP chair Kerns are dropped
Heard in the Hall: Clarks Plan Calls for More Affordable Housing
WHYY Newsworks: Little opposition at polls for Philly lawmakers in shelved state probe
WHYY Newsworks: Accepting cash from lobbyists: Legal in Pa
PhillyNow: What Pornhub teaches us about Pennsylvanians and LGBT equality

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Grant coming to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County
The Intelligencer: Bucks congressman honored for pro-business votes
The Intelligencer: Montco hiring for prison, 911 system
Delco Daily Times: College’s plans for Town Center West mean big changes in Swarthmore
Montgomery Media: Upper Southampton board places restrictions on proposed trauma facility
Pottstown Mercury: Chesco sets meeting on future of affordable housing, homelessness assistance
AP: Biden comes to NE Pa. for St. Patrick’s Day event

Pittsburgh
Early Returns: Democratic real estate
Early Returns: Monday’s endorsement roundup
Early Returns: Reps. back McClelland
Early Returns: Paterno petitions challenged
Early Returns: Kane defends Phila. case call
Early Returns: Peduto fills boards, commissions
Post-Gazette: Legislators debate Pa. block grant expansion
Post-Gazette: 65 employees take Pittsburgh’s buyout offer
Tribune Review: Report: 3 LCB executives violated ethics rules
Tribune Review: Attorney General says taxpayer money in state sting operation long gone
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto defends his trips to capital, D.C.
KDKA: Can Pa. Rep. Adam Ravenstahl Survive Primary Challenge Without His Brother?

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Supervisor has passion for community development
AP: Kane defends handling of Philly politicians probe

NEPA
Times-Tribune: ‘Scranton marked a turning point’ in RFK’s life
Times-Tribune: Federal shutdown gouged Steamtown visitor numbers
Times-Tribune: Vice President Biden visits Moosic diner
Citizens Voice: Lawmakers should consider interests of gas leaseholders
Citizens Voice: House bill could shed some light on executive sessions
Citizens Voice: Hazleton Public Transit sees increase in ridership

South Central
Patriot-News: Kane’s decision to not prosecute corruption case troubling to some
Patriot-News: Dauphin County DA Ed Marsico’s decision to pass on corruption probe pre-dated son’s arrest on assault charges
Patriot-News: Pa. School Employees’ Retirement System names James Grossman as its chief investment officer
Patriot-News: Harrisburg attorney seeks to oust Dauphin Co. Democratic chairwoman
York Daily Record: Suburban picks new superintendent; Dover demurs
York Daily Record: Spring Grove school bus drivers negotiate contracts

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Surge in Lehigh Valley gun sales subsiding
Morning Call: Bethlehem vies to land Stone Brewing Co. at old Steel plant
Morning Call: Meet the new GM of Allentown’s arena
Morning Call: State finds Hickory Hills propane system violates regulations
Express-Times: FedEx megahub proposal will cost significantly more than originally planned, manager says
Express-Times: Lehigh Valley communities fight for tenant rights

North by Northwest
Sun-Gazette: Gas leaseholders may send copies to Yaw’s office for review by AG
Sun-Gazette: Pa. Senators vote to scale back flood law
Sun-Gazette: Israel Bonds dinner to honor 2 local bankers
Daily Times: Graham Spanier, Centre County officials sign Jay Paterno’s election petition
Daily Times: Possible new buyer comes forward for College Heights school site

Opinion
Post-Gazette: State of control: Pittsburgh can keep its discipline under Act 47
The Times Leader: COMMENTARY: SUSAN SCHWARTZ Lawmakers keeping you in dark?
Inquirer: Inquirer Editorial: Is this a stickup?
Delco Daily Times: Guest Column: A primary for lieutenant governor that actually matters
Patriot-Times: Facing criticism about minister’s arrest, Papenfuse lets questions linger: Editorial

Blogs
Watchdog Wire: Further evidence shows 28th SD special election to be invalid
Keystone Politics: Monopolies Breed Corruption: State Liquor Stores Edition
Keystone Politics: #HD164: Planned Parenthood PAC Endorses Billy Smith
Keystone Politics: Conspicuous Natural Gas Product Placement on Meet the Press
Keystone Politics: House Republicans Basically Vote the Same Regardless of Their Districts
PA Budget and Policy Center: Education Advocates Make A Case For Philly School Funding
Lu-Lac Political Letter: Biden’s Boiler Plate
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Should Public Funds Be Spent on Public Relations Consultants?