Governor Corbett says he doesn’t care what the polls say, he’s going to continue to push for steep cuts to funding for higher education. Meanwhile, Republicans who have to run for re-election in 2012 aren’t so sure.

The Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, sometimes called PA’s CPAC, has picked up an interesting name as their keynote speaker in April. Herman Cain, a Tea Party-affiliated, African American businessman is one of the more interesting prospective GOP candidates in 2012. He’ll be coming to town to give PA reporters the chance to see what all the buzz is about.

The Senate adopted Senator Casey’s small business amendment, Reps. Altmire and Thompson want to discard the Medicare bidding system, and the Marcellus shale commission is drawing fire.

And don’t forget to check out this week’s Ups and Downs.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

PoliticsPA’s Ups & Downs: 3/18
We look at the winners and losers of this week’s special election, week 2 of the budget debate, and ballot position drawings.

New Legislation Seeks to Discard Medicare Bidding System
Reps. Thompson and Altmire announced new legislation this week entitled the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act, or H.R. 1041 in front of a standing-room-only crowd. This would serve to repeal the current bidding program which was created in 2003, and which Thompson says limits the choices of seniors in obtaining quality medical products.

Marcellus Shale Commission: Dismay Outweighs Approval
Since announcing the formation of the Marcellus Shale Commission during his 2011-12 budget address last week, Gov. Corbett is hearing plenty of criticism about the group’s composition.

GOP Presidential Candidate Herman Cain to Keynote 2011 PA Leadership Conference
The PA Leadership Conference announced today that presidential candidate Herman Cain would keynote their annual event known as Pennsylvania’s CPAC.

Headlines
Pennsylvania Ave: Senate adopts Casey small biz amendments
Reading Eagle: Schwank’s work as Senator begins now
Citizens’ Voice: Poll: Pennsylvanians support drilling tax, cash for education
Citizens’ Voice: Higher education cuts hit private colleges in Northeast Pennsylvania
Citizens’ Voice: Corbett project review continues; stadium money’s fate unclear
Citizens’ Voice: Department of State sets ballot position for judicial candidates
Times Leader: Congress panel to meet in W-B
Times-Tribune: United Way panel: Budget pits social service providers against each other
Times-Tribune: Corbett to address Friendly Sons
Times-Tribune: Dunmore school directors blast governor’s budget
Patriot-News: Corbett administration studies ways to reduce size, cost of state vehicle fleet
Patriot-News:  “Gasland” property owner cited for violations
WHYY Newsworks: 47 criminals running for office in Philly (kidding)
AP: Pa.  jobless rate drops to lowest in almost two years
AP: Pa. man, company accused of dumping gas wastewater
WFMZ: Kutztown students protest proposed cuts
Pocono Record: East Stroudsburg students hear about impact of budget cuts
Post-Gazette: Legislators offer hope to universities
Post-Gazette: Most oppose Corbett on drilling tax, school cuts
Inquirer: City businesses blast proposed sick leave law
Inquirer: Philadelphia City Council panel OKs bill to help former offenders find jobs
Heard in the Hall: O’Donnell withdraws from 8th district race
Daily News: Poll: Don’t make health, education cuts-tax drilling, voters say
Delco Times: Governor’s education funding cuts could hit universities hard
Fox Philly: Rizzo ballot challenge going to court
Post-Gazette: Man accused of deceit, massive pollution
Post-Gazette: Corbett ignores opinion polls
Tribune-Review: High gas could over crowd transit
Tribune-Review: Flags at half staff for ex-Pa. first lady
Tribune-Review: Corbett’s budget ideas end honeymoon
Tribune-Review: Legislators vow to end planned higher ed cuts

Opinions
Citizens’ Voice: Message of census in the demographics
Patriot-News: Liquor privatization can be done right in Pennsylvania
Post Gazette Editorial: Tobacco revenue should not be used to fund business loans
Sun Gazette: Non-resident tax fits municipal services
Inquirer Editorial: In the hands of judges
Tribune-Review Editorial: LCB illogic