Harrisburg gears up for budget hearings as the battle over cuts to higher ed funding continues.

Redistricting consensus points are emerging between Republicans from DC to Harrisburg on the new Congressional map. We reported (with map) on Friday that the GOP is likely to stretch Rep. Tim Holden’s district to include Scranton, and that a combined Altmire/Critz district is nearly a sure bet.

Various ballot challenges in the state begin, including the quixotic challenge by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter of snowball’s chance opponent Milton Street.

Editorial boards in a few different parts of the state criticize Corbett’s pick for Turnpike CEO.

And GOP analyst Tony Phyrillas tells Dems to hold their horses, arguing that Schwank’s win last week is no big deal (to the contrary of our take on the election, that it was).

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Pa. Political Operatives Named to DC ‘Dream Team’
Pennsylvania is a swing state, pure and simple. A large number of political offices here can switch parties any given year. It’s no surprise then, that three of our state’s own political operatives made a national “Dream Team” during the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) annual conference in Washington.

Gov. Corbett’s Tax Promise Does Not Apply to Local Governments
Governor Corbett released his budget last week and as he promised, no taxes of any kind were raised. However, because of the dramatic cuts to aid to school districts throughout Pennsylvania, local governments may be forced to raise taxes on their citizens to avoid significant cuts to their local schools.

Redistricting Watch: DC Republicans Working Toward Consensus
This is the run down of various points of GOP consensus so far. Republicans are growing closer to consensus on plans for Congressional redistricting and the map that they’re describing sounds very similar to that published last week by the Cook Political Report.

Protesters: No Lucky Charms in Corbett’s Budget
Gov. Corbett made his first trip to the Scranton area Thursday morning since announcing his not-so-popular budget plan, and protesters had a few St. Patrick’s Day messages to deliver. His budget? “Blarney.” His plan to tap into the state’s natural gas resource? “No fracking way.”

Headlines
CBS Pittsburgh: Sit-Down Interview with Pres. Obama
The Big Tent: VP Biden: Clone Rep. Brady, Rule World
Inquirer: In lean budget times, lawmakers purchase exercise bikes and PR pros
State House Sound Bites: Sestak Emerging as Libya Skeptic
York Sunday News: Whenever There Is A Nuclear Crisis, You Can Bet That The Residents Near Three Mile Island Will Get Asked Lots Of Questions
Post-Gazette: The Marcellus story: a professor, a gas driller and Wall Street
Tribune-Review: Pa. Jobless Rate Drops to Lowest in Two Years
Tribune-Review: Fayette GOP Opens Arms to Santorum
State House Sound Bites: Gov. Corbett is not fazed by opposition to education cuts
Delaware County Times: Group: Poorer Schools Hurt Most By Education Budget Cuts
Capitol Ideas: Gov. Corbett’s Missteps in the Early Days of the Budget Battle
Post-Gazette: New DEP pick says he will ‘apply the law’
ABC Pittsburgh: State Lawmakers Working Up Sweat At Taxpayers Expense
Morning Call: Penn State Freezes Construction Projects In Anticipation of Budget Cuts
Morning Call: Gov. Corbett eyes human services flex fund
Baer Growls: Let them eat…nothing!
Tribune-Review: Murrysville Mayor Voices Concerns Over Marcellus Shale Drilling
PhillyClout: Hearing Begins in Nutter Effort to Remove Milton Street From The Ballot
Heard in the Hall: Will Candidates have to DROP out?
PhillyClout: Need GOP Petition Signed? Head to PPA
Inquirer: A bequest clears race for Donatucci
Newsworks: Rick Mariano Adjusting to Life After Prison
Patriot-News: Democratic Cumberland County commissioner hopefuls highlight property assessment issues
Patriot-News: Former Susquehanna Township commissioners president seeks seat
The Tribune-Democrat: Area schools brace for state funding cuts
Times-Tribune: Poorer school districts have most to lose in governor’s budget proposal
Times Leader: China expert Mulloy to speak about trade
Citizens’ Voice: Health-care reform turns one, though future is uncertain
Times-Tribune: While Corbett takes ax to budget, legislators tackle big issues of Michael Jackson’s honor
Times-Tribune: Gandhi’s grandson to give peace lecture

Opinions
Tony Phyrillas, Pottstown Mercury: Don’t read too much into Schwank win
Times-Tribune: No Change At This Toll Booth
Dave Davies, Off Mic: New Commish and Other Philly Matters
Dave Davies, Off Mic: The new mayoral wildcard
Times-Tribune: Timing is not a strong-suit of the General Assembly; Exhibit A is the resolution they passed in the wake of Gov. Corbett’s Budget Address
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Turnpike CEO ties unsettling
The Pittsburgh Comet: Sunday politics: jump ball
Centre Daily Times Editorial: Are we back to business as usual?
Post-Gazette Editorial: Road Masters: Political connections still surface at the turnpike
Patriot News Editorial: Does Harrisburg have a trump card to use?
Patriot News Editorial: The state we’re in: Voters common-sense approach could teach legislators a few things
Times-Tribune Editorial: Spread call for sacrifice to gas drillers
Sun Gazette Editorial: Public Education’s turn to make sacrifices