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3/23 Morning Buzz

Democrats have recruited a possible challenger to Congressman Pat Meehan, and the two are no strangers. Dem Jack Stollsteimer is most well known for his service as PA School Safety Advocate, but the part of his resume that stands out most in this matchup is his work as press spokesman for Meehan. Not once, but twice! In the Delco DA’s office and when Meehan was a U.S. attorney. PoliticsPA had the exclusive, and we’re tickled to say it was picked up by the National Journal, Politico, The Hill and The Fix.

Just because Mark Critz may not have a district in 2012 doens’t mean Republicans are giving him a free pass. The NRCC launched a series of robocalls today that hammer Critz and national Democrats for the recent spike in gas prices. You can read the entire call script here.

Budget battles continue on the Harrisburg front, and higher ed funding cuts remain the major sticking point. Student protests were held at the 14 state-owned schools yesterday, including this one at Shippensburg. APSCUF, the union that represents faculty at those 14 schools, has agreed to a one-year pay freeze. And Lt. Governor Cawley used a visit to Centre County to tweak Penn State faculty for their (relatively) large salaries.

To round it out, State Rep. (and front runner for “best looking” in PoliticsPA’s Harrisburg Superlatives feature) Tarah Toohil may have a challenger in Luzerne Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla. Marc Scaringi is pounding the pavement in his nascent Senate run. And former opponents Pat Toomey and Joe Sestak join together in their criticism of the U.S. action in Libya.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Exclusive: Democrats Recruiting Jack Stollsteimer to Challenge Meehan in the Seventh Congressional District
High-ranking Democrats are recruiting former Safe Schools Advocate Jack Stollsteimer to challenge freshman Congressman Pat Meehan, PoliticsPA has learned. Stollsteimer says he’s “seriously considering” the race.

Exclusive: NRCC Robocalls Slam Critz Over Gas Prices
The NRCC is slamming Rep. Mark Critz in a series of robocalls set to begin today. The hard-hitting message blames Critz and Washington Democrats for the recent surge in gas prices.

Petrilla to Challenge Toohil?
One of the best local political blogs in PA had an interesting story last week. Pittston Politics reported on buzz that Luzerne Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla may be gearing up for a challenge to freshman State Rep. Tarah Toohil in PA’s 116th district.

What’s Marc Scaringi Up To?
2012 Casey opponent and former Santorum aide Marc Scaringi slipped onto the radar this past weekend after making a stop in a western Pa. restaurant, where he laid out some issues he plans to tackle and took a few jabs at his senatorial opponent.

Headlines
Pennsylvania Ave.: On anniversary of enactment of health care legislation, Rep. Dent and Sen. Toomey join forces against medical device tax
Early Returns: Sen. Toomey Against Libya Strikes
State House Sound Bites: Sestak: Obama needs to lay out goals for Libya military campaign
StateCollege.com: In Centre Co, Lt. Gov Tweaks Penn State over faculty pay
Bloomberg: Rendell Praises Christie’s Push to Rein in New Jersey Pensions
Early Returns: Legion Honors Altmire
CBS Pittsburgh: Interview with Dan Onorato
State House Sound Bites: 14 State Schools to Protest Corbett’s budget
State House Sound Bites: AG Ryan Supports BIE Legislation – but says it would be costly
Capitol Ideas: State House Dems Release Analysis of Gov. Corbett’s Budget Proposal
Capitol Ideas: The Gorilla In the Room: PLCB Answers Questions About Privitization During Budget Hearing
Capitol Ideas: State Senate GOP Eyes Mandate Relief for School Districts
Heard in the Hall: DHS Loses $7.5 Million in Gov. Corbett’s Budget
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia lacks behind other major cities in job creation
Delaware County Times: Media nearing deal on ex-borough hall
ABC Pittsburgh: Company Liable for Fouling Local River
AP: Pa. Gaming Industry Could Soon Surpass Atlantic City, analyst says
Times-News: Erie City Council Incumbents to Announce Re-Election Bids
Times-Tribune: Scranton Democrats Announce Endorsements
Citizens’ Voice: Ex Duryea chief: Supreme Court case is about  rights of all law enforcement
Citizens’ Voice: Restitution applications being accepted from kids-for-cash victims
Citizens’ Voice: Dallas school district must close $896K funding gap
Citizens’ Voice: Second driller submits plans for meter station in Dallas Twp.
The Morning Call: Faculty open to wage freeze
Politico: The Dems steep climb for Sestak’s seat
The Hill: Dem recruit waits on ex-Rep. Sestak to decide on run
National Journal: Congressman challenged by his ex-press secretary
Daily News: City worker innocent in bribery case
Post-Gazette: LCB proposes changes to stave off privatization
Post-Gazette: Bill to reduce school mandates introduced
AP: Faculty at state-owned colleges rally against cuts
Post-Gazette: Toomey questions Obama’s Libya policy
Post-Gazette: Class action settlement approved with driller
AP: Judge says power company polluted Conemaugh River
Tribune-Review: State Sen. Kim Ward seeks limits on methadone treatment
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board wants more sales
Patriot-News: Hospitals brace for painful funding cuts
Patriot-News: Shippensburg students, professors protest against Gov. Corbett’s proposed budget cuts
AP: Sen. Pat Toomey questions President Barack Obama’s Libyan policy

Opinions
John Baer, Daily News: In dollars alone, war not worth it
Dick Polman, WHYY Newsworks: Candidate Obama vs. President Obama
Times-News: Let’s Build on Erie County’s Stable Population
Times-Tribune: Use state’s tobacco fund on health care
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Apathy on 814 can hurt
Glenn Garvin, Tribune Review: Get NPR off public dole
Post Gazette Editorial: Sharper cuts: Some transit drivers pledge to add to the pain
Post Gazette Editorial: Attack on Libya: U.S. leads an unclear mission of unknown duration
Patriot-News Op-Ed: Labor unions are not to blame for states’ fiscal woes
Patriot-News Editorial: ‘What If’ scenario: Nuclear waste issue must be addressed
Centre Daily Times: Are we back to business as usual?

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