Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz. T-minus 4 days until the primary! See who’s throwing the final punches, who’s staying positive, and which Pa. elected official plans to endorse Ron Paul. Paul is in Pittsburgh today, Philly on Sunday.

Also, tune in at 7pm to see Keegan on PCN for a detailed look at the crowded 4th Congressional district primary – the 10 person race to replace Rep. Todd Platts.

Kane Poll: Kane Leads Murphy 42 to 33 Percent: Kathleen Kane leads the Democratic race for Attorney General 42 to 33, according to a poll conducted for her campaign. Both she and Patrick Murphy have strongly net favorable ratings.

Holden and Cartwright Agree to Ceasefire: His request follows weeks of blistering TV attacks against him by outside groups. Not to mention, weeks of negative ads by Holden – which he acknowledges – against opponent Matt Cartwright. Cartwright agreed to the ceasefire.

Welch Video: Smith Not Articulate Enough to Take on Casey: What does ‘Billy Madison’ have to do with the U.S. Senate primary? Steve Welch’s latest web video asks, “Can we afford Tom Smith as our nominee?” and showcases some unflattering clips of Smith speaking at debates and forums.

Mustio, Raja Air Closing Ads: The race to replace retiring Sen. John Pippy has been one of the nastiest campaigns in the state this primary cycle, with Raja smacking Rep. Mark Mustio over his 2005 vote for the pay raise, and Mustio blasting Raja for outsourcing. These are their closing ads.

A Recipe for CookieGate: As Romney toured the Keystone state last week, he managed to break the hearts of bakers in the Pittsburgh area. Now “CookieGate” has gone viral.

Murphy and Kane Trade Western Pennsylvania Endorsements: Auditor General Jack Wagner, whose home turf is in western Pennsylvania where the Attorney General primary will likely be won or lost, endorsed Kathleen Kane this afternoon. Patrick Murphy picked up the endorsement of Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi and Sheriff Larry Crawford. Murphy also announced a rally hosted by Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto. The two main Philadelphia newspapers endorsed Kane while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorsed Murphy.

Why not? Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) is poised to become Ron Paul’s highest-ranking Pa. endorsement. “Ron Paul is as consistent today as he was four years ago and as I know he will be four years from now,” Folmer said in the release. “No matter who Ron Paul is meeting with, no matter where, and no matter what the issue, Ron Paul stays true to his beliefs – the same ones that led me to run for office.”

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-15: The Josh First for Senate campaign issued a press release Friday on the occasion of its campaign mailer beginning to arrive. “  “Our campaign mailers are filled with policy substance, our exact positions on the issues.  Nothing is misleading or general about them, and one of our mailers even turns the phrase that Barack Hussein Obama made famous in 2008, where he ridiculed Pennsylvanians for ‘clinging to their guns and religion,’” said First.

SD-37: Check out PoliticsPA’s story. Mustio, Raja air their closing TV ads (watch videos) – which given the negative tenor of the campaigns do not disappoint. Plus, the latest Mustio mailer helpfully spells out D. Raja’s first name, “Dakshinamurthy.” The Post-Gazette also takes a look at this interesting race, and the Observer-Reporter previews the race between Mustio, Raja and Means

SD-49: Look for the State Senate Democratic Debate on WJET-TV 24 tomorrow, April 21st, at 7:00pm.

HD-03: The Times-News says that each candidate in the race has a connection to retiring state Rep. Hornaman

HD-20: North Pittsburgh Politics goes after a mailer from Mark Purcell.

HD-22: Progressive group Democracy for America, the remnants of the Howard Dean for President campaign, has endorsed Erin Molchany. “When a candidate believes in the importance of investing in human capital, you know you’ve got the real deal,” said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America.  “Erin Molchany supports her community and has what it takes to keep Pennsylvania moving in the right direction”

HD-31: Yardley News previews the Republican primary between Anne Chapman and Helen Bosley.

HD-56: Keystone Politics highlights the endorsements earned by Marybeth Kuznik in the Democratic primary against Raymond “Bud” Geissler.

HD-79: Pa. Independent checks in on the primary challenge to incumbent state Rep. Rick Geist by John McGinnis. The race is particularly important because the district is based in the city of Altoona which is on the verge of a state takeover.

HD-83: At least he’s getting his name out there. GOP write-in candidate Chris Bain, seeking to overcome Harry Rogers (whose name is on the primary) to face Rep. Rick Mirabito (R-Lycoming), is facing a search warrant over charges he forged signatures during his attempt to make the ballot.

HD-103: It’s a seat no Republican could win, but Harrisburg Authority Board of Directors member Bill Cluck plans to give it a shot. 5 days away from the primary, he launched a write-in campaign for the Republican nomination. There’s currently a 4-way Democratic primary battle.

HD-122: The Morning Call previews the race between Republicans Rob Rabenold and Gerald Strubinger. The winner will face Democrat state Rep. Heffley in the fall.

HD-134: The South Whitehall Patch asked Republicans Ryan Mackenzie, Arlene Dabrow and Democrat Patrick Slattery about open space, policing, and public education funding.

HD-182: The Fox station in Phila. previews the Sims/Josephs race. Philadelphia Weekly talks about how LGBT issues will affect the race. Meanwhile, Josephs rolled out her complete list of labor endorsements, including the AFL-CIO, APSCUF, PSEA, SIUE and more.

HD-187: The Morning Call previews the Democratic primary between William Bispels and Joseph Haas

National:
Patriot-News: Scott Perry says he is not a criminal after 2002 case
York Daily Record: Rep. Platts praises four candidates, leaves out three candidates
USA Today: Rick Perry leaning toward another run in 2016
USA Today: Ohio Gov. Kasich backs Romney
USA Today: Stronger Michigan economy could hurt Romney’s chances
The Caucus: After endorsing, Indiana Governor criticizes Romney
The Caucus: RNC rejects changes to nominating contests for 2016
The Caucus: Christie, Santorum among favored VP picks, polls find
NY Times: Obama and Romney both face hurdles in Ohio
Pennsylvania Ave: Brabender: Santorum and Romney to meet in Philly
National Journal: Is Obama in trouble with young voters?
National Journal: Foreign policy experience could figure heavily in VP ruminations
Washington Post: Rank-and-file still unsure of Romney
Washington Post: Bill Clinton’s endorsements: Loyalty or payback?
Politico: Rubio’s DREAM puts Romney in a bind
Politico: Blue Dogs move to protect Tim Holden
Wall Street Journal: Anti-Incumbent Super PAC drops challenge to GOP Rep. Murphy

Statewide:
Capitol Ideas: New poll paid for by Kathleen Kane shows Kathleen Kane winning Attorney General primary
State House Sound Bites: Meet the candidate: Frank Pinto
State House Sound Bites: Accounting cred becomes issue in auditor general race
State House Sound Bites: Outside groups ramp up ad spending
PA Independent: Fight for Altoona: Bitter battle rages in GOP House primary
PA Independent: PA commission fines lobbyists for not disclosing expenses
Capitolwire: Off the floor: Mystery group joins Welch-Smith fray. How much gain for Rohrer?
The Hill: Altmire ads unfair, says Dem colleagues
Roll Call: 12th District race illustrates changes in Pennsylvania
AP: Wagner to endorse Kane for Dem nod for AG

Philadelphia:
Inquirer: Romney tosses Pitt cookies; Dems pounce
Inquirer: John Baer: GOP cannibalism
Philadelphia Weekly: Santorum and Romney to meet up in Philly?
Philadelphia Weekly: Nutter to help launch “Latinos for Obama”
WHYY Newsworks: GOP Senate candidates visit Philadelphia to court city voters
WHYY Newsworks: Northwest Philly ward backs Kane for AG
Essential Public Radio: Attorney General candidate profile: Kathleen Kane

SEPA:
AP: Murphy camp questions Kane’s experience claims
AP: Would-be Casey opponents struggle to get noticed

Pittsburgh:
Roll Call: 12th District race illustrates changes in Pennsylvania
Early Returns: Wagner: Time for a female AG candidate
Early Returns: Cookiegate: 7-Eleven responds
Early Returns: Pgh endorsement duel in AG race
Post-Gazette: Campaign 2012/North: Three from GOP in 37th District primary
Post-Gazette: Poll workers study, train, practice for upcoming elections
Post-Gazette: The primary election … by the numbers
Post-Gazette: No seats left for Ron Paul town hall
Post-Gazette: Cookies take bite out of Romney campaign

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Brabender: Santorum and Romney to meet in Philadelphia
Reading Eagle: Holden facing tough primary challenge
WFMZ: 17th Congressional Democrats battle for votes in new geographies
WFMZ: Two Democrats duke it out for Congressman Dent’s seat
WFMZ: Dems, latinos reaching out to Latinos
WFMZ: Casey hoping to deliver for postal service
South Whitehall Patch: Six questions for 134th House Seat Candidates
South Whitehall Patch: Mackenzie says why he missed debate
AP: Holden facing tough primary challenge
Republican Herald: Holden: No more negative ads
WNEP: Holden, Cartwright campaigns

NEPA:
The Times Leader: Welch touts business sense
Times Tribune: Cartwright: Holden ad goes ‘over the line’
Times Tribune: Holden: No more negative ads
Times Tribune:Casey proposal could save post office jobs locally
Citizens’ Voice: Challenger for Casey seat criticizes GOP opponent
Pittston Politics: Yudchak, Carroll to host rally for Holden this Sunday
Standard Speaker: Voter ID policy to help seniors
Pocono Record: Romney’s remarks about bakery’s cookies spark ‘Cookiegate’

South Central:
AP: Mitt Romney – Barack Obama presidential race is very close, polls show
Chambersburg Public Opinion: NAACP gives Shuster a failing grade
Harrisburg Patriot News: Harrisburg Authority board of director member Bill Cluck considers last minute write-in campaign in 103rd state House race
Harrisburg Patriot News: Pennsylvania attorney general hopefuls put focus on experience
AP: Obama hauls in $1 million for campaign and party
Lancaster Intelligencer: Campaign commercials give hint of ad war to come
Lebanon Daily News: Folmer poised to endorse Ron Paul
York Dispatch: Platts: Four candidates ‘most qualified’
York Daily Record: Platts praises four candidates in the 4th Congressional race, ignores three others

North by Northwest:
Sun Gazette: Search warrant hits write-in candidate
Campaign ’12 Blog: Erie Republican Party dinner sold out
Campaign ’12 Blog: Sonney faces no competition in state race

Opinion:
Courier Express: Voter photo ID law? Yes, it really is needed
Centre Daily Times: Though flawed, Romney has a chance
Centre Daily Times: Letters: Dedicated to enforcing the law
Lewistown Sentinel: Initiative needed to ensure voters have photo ID
Sharon Herald: Rep. Kelley’s outrage over Vegas money spree merits kudos
Erie Times-News: Don’t skip Pa.’s primary
Morning Call: Mackenzie deserves vote in 134th District race
Harrisburg Patriot News: Where’s the love? We don’t give moms enough support
Harrisburg Patriot News: Congress candidate Jackson Eaton: Dysfunctional government is biggest obstacle
Harrisburg Patriot News: Congress candidate Rick Daugherty: We need to assist seniors
AP: PO Editorial: Stalled ultrasound bill still exerts influence
Inquirer: GOP cannibalism
Philly Tribune: The dignity of hypocrisy
Pottstown Mercury: Obama loves to play political games
The Times Herald: Letter: Ideally, Tom Smith goes to Washington
Pocono Record: Letter: Support GOP candidates this year
Post-Gazette: 22nd House District: Molchany for Dems; Cratsley in the special election

Blogs:
Keystone Politics: Internal poll: Kathleen Kane up by 9 in AG primary
Keystone Politics: PA-17: Cartwright hits Holden on foreclosures
Keystone Politics: Tax Day protestors ask: Whose side is Mike Fitzpatrick on?
Pennsylvania Progressive: Desperate Holden pulls deceptive ad
Pennsylvania Progressive: CD 17 endorsement
Pennsylvania Progressive: CD 12 endorsement
Pennsylvania Progressive: CD 15 endorsement
Pennsylvania Progressive: State House district 202 endorsement: Mark Cohen
Keystone Politics: Whose side is Mike Fitzpatrick on?
North Pittsburgh Politics: Unfair and absurd negative mailer from Mark Purcell