For anyone who thought early 2011 was going to be a slow time for politics, think again.
Two big stories this Tuesday morning. First, today is the filing deadline for Democrats and Republicans across the state. Time to stack up and notarize those petitions and get them to the county courthouse (or DOS). For your reading pleasure, we present:
PoliticsPA’s What to Watch: Petition Edition
Of course the other big news today is Governor Corbett’s budget address. Politicos and analysist everywhere are asking the same questions: can he really do it all without raising taxes or fees? (Probably). Is he going to cut [XXXXX]? (Spoiler alert: yes. Yes he is). The mathematical dexterity of the administration will be on full display to a big, statewide audience.
PoliticsPA will be on the scene, and you can follow along on Twitter @PoliticsPA for the latest updates.
Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.
PoliticsPA Reports
Wagner Calls on Corbett to Revive adultBasic
Although adultBasic officially expired last Monday, Pennsylvania Auditor Jack Wagner is still urging Gov. Tom Corbett and lawmakers to reinstate funds from a 1998 settlement with cigarette manufacturers back into the program.
Gov. Corbett Overturns Some of Gov. Rendell’s Regulations, First Step in Regulation Reductions
Governor Corbett recently repealed one requirement for impact studies for drilling on state park land. It appears that the rescission of this executive order is the first step in reduction of Marcellus regulations.
Allegheny County Democrats Endorse Fitzgerald for County Executive In Nailbiter and Wagner for Controller
Allegheny County Democrats endorsed County Council President Rich Fitzgerald for County Exec, and State Rep. Chelsa Wagner for County Controller. They didn’t endorse a single one of the four current city council member up for re-election.
Headlines
Early Returns: Mike Huckabee is Coming to Pittsburgh for the NRA Convention
Times-News: Santorum back in Iowa, N.H., and S.C.
Penn Current: Q & A with Former Sen. Specter
Early Returns: Altmire Gets An Assist
Early Returns: GOP Taking Its Time on Redistricting
Early Returns: Ominous sign on education spending
Pennsylvania Ave.: Senate Dems warn of job loss in House GOP Spending Cuts
AP: State Sen. Jane Orie’s fate could fall in the hands of scientists
State House Sound Bites: DEP: Wastewater radioactivity ‘at or below normal naturally occurring background levels’
State House Sound Bites: More on DEP Testing: Hanger Downplays Radiation Threat
Capitol Ideas: Corbett’s Schools’ Chief Pick Headed for Confirmation Vote
Delaware County Times: Chesco State Sen. Dinniman’s Deal Advances School Voucher Bill
CBS Pittsburgh: State Rep. Introduces Bill To Curb Pension ‘Spiking’
Patriot-News: House passes bill to lift the controversial residential sprinkler mandate
AP: Pa. Officials hold hearing on gas infrastructure
Heard in the Hall: DA Gets New Dollars, Courtesy of Mayor Nutter
Fox Philadelphia: Why Taxpayers May Care About Tastykakes
Early Returns: What the Allegheny County Democratic Committee Vote Means (or doesn’t)
Early Returns: Council candidate loses job
Post-Gazette: County council’s President Burn adept at multi-tasking
Post-Gazette: 1st Republican Enters Washington County DA Race
Delaware County Times: Delaware County GOP Announces Candidates for County Council
Newsworks: State Rep. Jewell Williams running for Sheriff of Phila.
Times-Tribune: Washo, O’Brien Committees Split Campaign Cash
Times-Tribune: Luzerne DA to seek re-election
Tribune-Review: State Rep. Harhai will not run for Monessen District Court
Opinions
Stu Bykofsky, Daily News: Whatever DROP costs taxpayers, it’s too much.
John Baer, Daily News: This state budget will be different: the work is all done
Baer Growls, John Baer: Ya Need an MBA for this budget
Dick Polman, National Interest, Newsworks: Our collisions with error
Dave Davies, Off Mic, Newsworks: Not fixing what’s broke
Young Philly Politics: Why the Philadelphia Democratic Party Needs a Progressive Caucus
Times-Tribune: Day 2: Cut in state on gas boom heavily invested gas industry here to stay
Patriot-News, Commentary: Budget Proposal will test Pa. Gov. Corbett’s conservative credibility
Post-Gazette Editorial: Radioactive water? Now more than ever let’s scrutinize gas drilling