Happy Tax Day!

Are you feeling lucky? Fayette County is. Their resort, the Nemacolin Woodlands, won the coveted final PA casino license. Many folks around Gettysburg are feeling lucky as well. The strong disagreements about putting a casino near the battlefield had set brother against brother in Adams County – tension not seen there since, well, you know.

Senator Casey proved that he is no fundraising slouch yesterday. Reports indicate that the he raised $1.1 million in Q1 2011, putting his cash on hand at $2.3 million. It’s not record-breaking, but it sends the signal that he’s not going to be easy to beat.

State Rep. Margo Davidson is explaining (though not retracting) her “blow his brains out” comments from this week. She says her strong views on the issue stems from a deeply personal experience with gun violence: her brother was shot in cold blood.

Pat Toomey may be planning to pull a Paul Ryan. Our freshman Senator is preparing to introduce a budget on behalf of the Senate Republican caucus (pretty big stuff for a newbie), that reportedly makes significant cuts but avoids the controversial cuts to Medicare that currently dog Rep. Ryan. We can’t wait to see it.

And make sure you check PoliticsPA later today for this week’s Ups & Downs.

PoliticsPA Reports

Sen. Casey Has $2.1 Million Cash On Hand
Senator Casey has a solid $2.1 million cash-on-hand, the result of an impressive $1.1 million fundraising haul in the first quarter of 2011.

O’Brien Throws Water on Congressional Rumors, Rules Out Challenge to Holden
Lackawanna Commissioner Corey O’Brien has all but ruled out a congressional run in 2012, citing his desire to continue his work in the County and to stay near his family.

Davidson Explains ‘Blows his Brains Out’ Comment
Stopping short of an apology, Davidson says she used graphic language because of her deeply personal background with gun violence. Her brother was shot by a robber at point-blank range.

PA Dems Raising $$ Over Metcalfe Birther Bill
Yesterday State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) has introduced a bill to require candidates for President and VP to prove their “constitutional eligibility” to run for office in PA. Today, PA Dems sent out a fund appeal hoping to capitalize.

Casey Camp Hits Back Against NRSC, WSJ Editorial
Republican attacks against Senator Bob Casey’s record on energy are inaccurate and misleading, according to a spokesman for the Senator. Deputy Chief of Staff Larry Smar told PoliticsPA, “Senator Casey thinks that greenhouse gas emissions pose threats to public health and the environment, but he wants to be sure that the concerns of manufacturing states like Pennsylvania are addressed — especially during an economic recovery.”

Rep. Barletta’s 100th Day in Office
Today marks PA Rep. Lou Barletta’s 100th day in office. The congressman has spent his time actively supporting efforts to cut federal spending to help alleviate the national debt. “My goal is to change the culture of Washington,” Barletta, R-Hazleton, said.

Headlines
State House Sound Bites: Gettysburg Out, Nemacolin In As Spot Of Gaming Resort License
The Fix: The Case for Rick Santorum
KDKA: Jon Delano Interviews Rick Santorum
Pennsylvania Ave.: Sen. Toomey To Unveil Budget Proposal Soon
Times-Tribune: Casey: Voluntary Fracking Chemical Registry Not Enough
Early Returns: Rep. Doyle a “No” on FY2011 Funding Bill
Times-News: Top Billing for “Scaringi & Scaringi”
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. Senate Democrats Offer Alternative Budget Plan
State House Sound Bites: Unemployment Below 8%
Times-Tribune: Senate Confirms Noonan As Police Commissioner
State House Sound Bites: DPW Cuts To Follow Welfare Reform
Post-Gazette: Juror Also Denies Motion By Orie’s Sister
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. House Passes Sprinkler Law Repeal
Inquirer: Senate Amendment Stalls Repeal of Sprinkler Law
Inquirer: A Lawmaker’s Rising Profile: State Rep. Curt Schroder
Inquirer: Philly law ends flaw on PAC rule
Inquirer: Electricians union donations to Philly Council candidates exceed limit
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. Democratic Senators Call For Modernization of State Liquor Store Operations
York Daily Record: Education summit focuses on problems facing schools
Times-Leader: State’s treatment of fracking water controversial
Times-Leader: Bill Would Make Some Sexting Illegal
Times-Tribune: State Fire Commissioner: Drilling Impact Strains Volunteer Ranks
Inquirer: Corbett’s choice for Montgomery County Sheriff Rankles Democrats
Fox Philadelphia: Day in the life of Superintendent Ackerman
Heard in the Hall: Milton’s on top; Judge Candidates Dwindle; A New Rep. Brady Challenger?
Daily News: Council Hard of Hearing on DROP Issue
WHYY Newsworks: City Council Approves Billiards Parlor for Center City
WHYY Newsworks: Bass Campaign Has Two Staffers Who Are Familiar With Political Corruption
CBS Pittsburgh: City Council Debates Felony Box Issue on Job Applications
Patriot-News: Constable Jack Garner Convicted of Official Oppression, Impersonating A Police Officer
WHYY Newsworks: Lackawanna County Bans Bath Salts
Times Leader: Barletta, Marino pile up election cash as 2012 campaign nears
Times Leader: Board looks for budget solutions
Times Leader: Fundraising has Casey camp upbeat about re-election
Citizens’ Voice: Commissioners dole out $72,541 to settle union grievances
Post-Gazette: LCB privatization foes unleash new tool in debate
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania law makers can live with six month spending deal

Opinions
John Baer, Daily News: A Vote For A Popular Vote For President
Stu Bykofsky, Daily News: GOP The Ringleaders In Upcoming Election Circus
Philly Weekly: City Council Makes Ethics Law More Ethical
Patriot-News Op-ed: Corporations should pay the taxes they owe, too
Patriot-News Op-ed: Setting the record straight on Pa. lawmaker work and pay
Citizens’ Voice: Right track for rail service Integrity panel needed
Post-Gazette: A line drawn: Obama’s speech on deficits defines the debate
Tribune-Review Editorial: Harrisburg’s spending, tin ears