The Orie ordeal has been declared a mistrial.  The proceedings took a dramatic twist yesterday when it came to light that Orie’s defense likely forged key documents entered into evidence. The documents in question, had they stood, would make Orie’s chief of staff appear far more responsible for any misconduct. Suffice it to say, things aren’t looking good for State Senator Orie.

Auditor General Jack Wagner says tobacco revenue should be used to support adultBasic. Corbett doesn’t expect or want a Wisconsin-style showdown here in PA.

And some good news – unemployment has continued its decline here in PA, dropping to 8.2 percent from 8.5 last quarter.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Mistrial Declared in Trial of State Sen. Orie
The trial for former state Sen. Jane Orie takes another unbelievable turn.

Corbett: No Wisconsin Style Showdown in Pa.
The current upsets in Wisconsin and now in Ohio have Pennsylvanians, along with the rest of the U.S., banding together in protest to fight against measures like that of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. When asked about duplicating any of Gov. Walker’s plans for unions, Gov. Corbett said that he’s not considering it for his budget.

Inquirer: Corbett Attends First DRPA Meeting as Chairman
Gov. Corbett got down to business as Delaware River Port Authority chairman yesterday, maintaining he would attend meetings regularly, work closely with New Jersey Gov. Christie, and place commuters as a top concern.

SD-11 Candidates Medaglia & Schwank Attend Dominican Celebration in Reading
Not your typical pancake breakfast. Democrat Judy Schwank and Republican Larry Medaglia, candidates in the special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake, donned a different kind of red, white and blue this week in an effort to reach out to Reading’s sizable Latino population.

Headlines
CBS Pittsburgh: Westmoreland County Airman Injured in Frankfurt Attack
Pennsylvania Ave.: Nearly Half of All Voters Believe Sen. Casey Deserves Re-Election
DCCC Announces Rep. Critz Will Be Part of Democrats ‘Frontline’ Program (h/t Early Returns)
Pennsylvania Ave.: Toomey Promotes Balanced Budget Amendment
Times-News: Sen. Casey Introduces Bill to Help Invest in Early Learning
ICYMI… Tribune-Review: Projected state revenue a guesstimate at best
Commonwealth Confidential: Jack Wagner eyes tobacco fund for adultBasic
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania’s broken prison system and how to fix it
Delaware County Times: Senator: Plastic bag tax aims to reduce pollution
AP: Frackwater to get new radiation checks
Times-News: Table games cheating not a big problem, state regulators say
Tribune-Review: State Rep. Harhai mulling run for enemy’s district court post
Fox Philadelphia: Mayor Nutter Delivers Slimmed Down Budget
Early Returns: The committee time machine
Early Returns: Chelsa Wagner Gets Labor Endorsements
Citizens’ Voice: Supreme Court upholds right to protest soldier funerals
Citizens’ Voice: Union workers protest proposed budget cuts
Times Leader: Casey calls for more inspections of PA water
Times Leader: PA’s senators disappointed
Times Leader: Driller to try luck nearby
Inquirer, Thomas Fitzgerald: Santorum on CNN: ‘Conservatism when it wasn’t cool’
Inquirer: Bucks County Republicans choose candidates
Inquirer: Nutter: City needs 80 new property assessors

Opinions
Baer Growls: Why does the Pa. Legislature have a doctor on duty?
Attywood: Corbett’s clueless new DEP commissioner
Times-Tribune: Test water; upgrade water
Newsworks: This is the Republican Candidate for Mayor of Philadelphia?
Times-Tribune: Air Al-Jazeera
PhillyNow: The Unfortunate Pa. ‘Apology’ Law
Citizens’ Voice: Embarrassing process for defense projects
Inquirer Editorial: Bad for their health
Zachary Stalberg, Inquirer: The budget Philadelphians need