Governor Corbett delivered his much-anticipated budget proposal yesterday, to not-surprising fanfare from the GOP, and criticism from Democrats.

The big loser of the day was the system of PA’s state-owned colleges, who saw their state funding cut in half. Over the course of the week, PoliticsPA will bring you further analysis of the budget and how it would affect various aspects of state government.

Additionally, we will take a look at the stakes of the budget debate for various key players in PA politics. First person up: Sam Rohrer. Yesterday we were the first to report that buzz is starting around a possible Rohrer for Senate campaign. He isn’t ruling out a challenge to Bob Casey.

Finally, candidates across the state filed their petitions yesterday, meaning that the campaign picture will get much clearer today (especially in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh).

PoliticsPA Reports

Sam Rohrer for Senate? (With Video)
In an interview today, the Tea Party hero told PoliticsPA that he knows his name is being talked about for the race, and that would not rule out a challenge to Bob Casey. That said, Rohrer emphasized that his focus at the moment is his role as PA State Director of Americans for Prosperity.

Republicans Yet to Stand Up to the Plate Against Sen. Casey
Despite his modest fundraising, no Pa. Republicans have announced taking on the challenge of running against Sen. Casey, Politico reports.

News from Gov. Corbett’s Budget Address

Here is a copy of the speech to the General Assembly (h/t State House Sound Bites/Capitol Ideas)
Capitol Ideas: An Overview of the Budget
Early Returns: Corbett Budget Cuts Schools, DCED
PhillyClout: Nutter: State Budget Will Have Negative Impact on Philly
Heard in the Hall: Katz says Nutter Should Have Waited to Comment on the Budget
Capitol Ideas: Reaction from Lawmakers
State House Sound Bites: Reaction from Advocacy Groups
Delaware County Times: Let’s Look at Privitizing Liquor Stores
AP: Penn State, Pitt upset with Corbett budget cuts
York Daily News: In York County, Corbett’s proposed education cuts prompt dismay
Patriot-News: Funding for Pennsylvania state parking increases, thanks to drilling
Inquirer: Corbett’s budget: No tax hike, lots of spending cuts
Post-Gazette: Corbett swings budget ax at schools, colleges
CBS Pittsburgh: Interview with Pa. Budget Secretary

Headlines
The Atlantic: Rick Santorum wins Iowa forum “in a rout”
Iowa Republican: Santorum shines at Iowa Faith and Freedom event
Early Returns: Casey takes on bullying
Pennsylvania Ave.: Toomey, Conservatives in GOP Introduce Anti-Union Legislation
State House Sound Bites: Corbett’s Shale panel packed with drilling execs
Early Returns: Orie juror: Reasonable Doubt
Delaware County Times: Montco mom goes to DC to fight for stricter teen driving laws
Delaware County Times: Pa. high court upholds casino at Valley Forge
Patriot-News: Pa. Senate Passes 2nd Castle Doctrine Bill
Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh councilman moves to protect workers’ rights
Times-News: Erie County Councilman Beeman indicted on charges of Social Security Fraud
Inquirer: DiCicco explains why he’s finally calling it quits
Newsworks: Philly is chock full of council candidates
Post-Gazette: No dangerous radiation found in Pa. water but EPA urges more radiation checks
Post-Gazette: All city school board members seek election
ABC Pittsburgh: Private Bus Company Looks to Capitalize on Port Authority Cuts

Opinions
Times-Tribune: Day 3: Unexpected arises again
Daily News Editorial: DROP: Two to go
Inquirer Editorial: New day for the PHA
Will Bunch, Daily News: How Corbett fracked Pa’s middle class