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4/5 Morning Buzz

Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz. Romney and Santorum are criss-crossing this state as the Pa. primary heats up, and a poll released last night shows Romney with an edge for the first time.

Poll: Romney Overtakes Santorum in PA: Mitt Romney leads Rick Santorum 42 to 37 percent, according to a survey by Public Policy Polling. It’s the first time Santorum has lagged in the state since he won the Iowa caucuses in January and the latest sign that momentum in Pa. favors Romney.

Warm Welcome for Romney in Broomall: Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney greeted an enthusiastic standing-room-only crowd at his campaign stop in Delaware County on Wednesday.

Santorum Rolls into PA: Rick Santorum returned home this week as the nation’s attention turns to the GOP primary in Pennsylvania. The former Senator is hoping to hold back a charge by Mitt Romney, and that starts with diners and bowling alleys.

Presidential Campaign Events Open Thread: Romney will be in Harrisburg this morning, Tunkhannock this afternoon, and the Franklin Co GOP announced that he will keynote their dinner on April 22. Santorum is off the trail for the Easter Triduum.

As GOP Battle Wages, Maggi Waits in the Wings: Most of the attention in the 18th district is on the primary between Evan Feinberg and Rep. Tim Murphy. But Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi figures to run competitively against the winner in either case, and Democrats are bullish about their recruit.

Holden Ad Blasts Cartwright Over ‘Kids for Cash’ (Watch Video): Tim Holden is in a tough primary battle, and today he threw the first punch. It’s a doozy. The Congressman’s latest ad blasts opponent Matt Cartwright for his campaign contributions to Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan, the infamous “Kids for Cash” judges.

Murphy Plays Up Prosecuting in New TV Ad (With Video): Patrick Murphy talks about a time he prosecuted a military officer for abusing a young girl in his latest TV ad, a 30 second spot that emphasizes his credentials.

After Initial Struggles, Pa.’s Gaming Industry Is Booming: The eleven casinos situated throughout Pennsylvania collectively accumulated more than $233.1 million in gross slot machine revenue during the month of March, reaching an all-time monthly high in the state, according to a report published by the Associated Press.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-29: Sen. Dave Argall picked up two endorsements Wednesday: the Political Action Committee of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association and the Palmerton Caucus of the Carbon County Republican Committee. “We applaud your commitment to the patients and nurses in our Commonwealth,” PSNA said in a release. “Your pursuit of nurse title protection is commendable and we are proud to have you as a friend to nurses. We look forward our continued relationship as we advocate for the 213,000 RNs in Pennsylvania.”

PS. We know we owe you a full run-down of the recent Argall/Rich back-and-forth. Don’t worry, it’s still coming.

SD-37: House Majority Leader Mike Turzai endorsed Mustio Wednesday. “As a leader in privatizing the liquor stores and mass transit, Mark has stood strong with me in fighting attacks from the unions,” Turzai said. “A true government reformer, Mark has fought for our taxpayers since the minute he arrived in Harrisburg.” Meanwhile, Mustio is keeping up his Raja/India line of attack, this time in a series of mailers. They even drew rebuke from Keystone Politics, a progressive blog: “Obviously I’m not a Raja fan, but this ad from Mark Mustio is wayyy too close to the racist line.”

HD-24: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorsed challenger Ed Gainey over Rep. Joe Preston (D-Allegheny), calling him “a sharp and thoughtful candidate who appears well-versed on the issues and committed to moving his legislative district forward.”

HD-47: Yesterday we said Shane Richardson was a candidate in HD-49. Oops. He is one of two Democrats running against Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) in HD-47. The other is Sarah Speed.

HD-153: Here’s the latest in the push poll saga in the special election to replace now Montco Commissioner Josh Shapiro. The poll reportedly contained negative info on Democrat Madeleine Dean as well as Republican Nick Mattiachi.

HD-182: Rep. Babette Josephs picked up the endorsement of the Pennsylvania’s Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT). “Pennsylvania students have endured deep, painful cuts to education under Governor Corbett,” said PSEA president Michael Crossey. Meanwhile, her primary opponent Brian Sims unveiled a jobs plan (PDF), the three keys of which are: “Green Policies for Green Jobs; Better Incentives and Funding for High Tech Jobs; and Fix the State’s Broken Corporate Tax System.”

HD-186: Vandals left a racial slur on the campaign office of Damon Roberts, who is running to replace now Philadelphia Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. A campaign worker found red paint splashed all over the sign and the front of the campaign headquarters. “We found a note that said ‘we out for blood (n-word),’” Roberts said.

HD-187: The Pennsylvania Progressive has the details and video from the Kutztown Democratic debate between Bill Bispels and Joe Haas, the men seeking to oust Rep. Gary Day (R-Berks/Lehigh).

National:
NPR (feat. comments from Keegan): Will PA dash Santorum’s hopes again?
NBC: Santorum’s surprising ride; will he risk the redemption he’s achieved?
Forbes: Problems with the truth: confessions of a 22-year Santorum observer
Politico: Christian conservatives mull Rick Santorum support
Politico: Romney blasts Obama’s ‘hide and seek’ campaign
Politico: Romney, Obama get ready to rumble
Politico: Obama campaign rebuts Romney criticisms
Politico: Military pushes forward with 9/11 trial at Guantanamo
Politico: Casey to Santorum: Stay in the race
Politico: The Arena: Has Rick Santorum maxed out?
Politico: Esquire on Santorum: “Worst jeans”
National Journal: Santorum: “May looks very, very good”
National Journal: Can Obama echo Clinton’s ‘96 win?
Five Thirty Eight:  Romney’s Michigan win stands as climactic moment in campaign
Washington Post: New York could be a campaign-killer for Santorum
Washington Post: Can Pennsylvania save Santorum?
Washington Post: Rick Santorum has much to prove in Pennsylvania primary
Salon: The hint Santorum refuses to take
The Hill: White House insists attack on GOP budget wasn’t a campaign speech
The Hill: Dems intensify attack on oil speculators in effort to counter Republican attacks
The Hill: Obama, Romney see each other as vulnerable to charges of elitism
The Hill: Carney: Obama remark about Supreme Court was misunderstood
The Hill: Santorum: Pennsylvania is a must-win
The Hill: Santorum might drop out rather than lose home state of Pennsylvania
The HIll: Santorum on losses: We’re beginning the “second half”
NY Times: Santorum’s fight to stay relevant
NY Times: Pennsylvania lets Romney go straight for the jugular
NY Times/The Caucus: Santorum shrugs off criticism that his campaign is “Irrelevant”
USA Today: Romney not ceding Pennsylvania to Santorum
The Caucus: Obama signs bill banning insider trading by federal lawmakers
The Caucus: Santorum likens Obama and Romney on gun policies
WFMZ: With 3 victories Tuesday, Romney heads to Pa.
Patriot-News: GOP presidential candidates will have to woo women, experts say

Statewide:
Capitol Ideas: Corman: Santorum is a “realist” when it comes to White House chances
Capitol Ideas: Monroe County lawmaker says he’ll foot the bill for lawsuit challenging PA school funding formula
KDKA: Santorum campaigns in PA
Capitol Ideas: New Murphy TV ad punches up his prosecutorial experience
Capitol Ideas: Bill DeWeese’s valedictory address
PA Independent: Redistricting reform: PA voters should draw political lines
PA Independent: Hotel taxes could increase in three PA counties
StateImpactPA: Explaining Pennsylvania’s link to Ohio earthquakes
StateImpactPA: Lackawanna landfill will accept more drilling waste
StateImpactPA: “Liquid gold – Increased fracking creates a burgeoning water services industry”
StateImpactPA: U.S. Geological Survey links man-made earthquakes to gas drilling
Capitolwire: House OKs measure to reduce seats in the General Assembly
Capitolwire: Some lawmakers to seek repeal of provision in education funding formula
Capitolwire: Off the Floor: The Santorumization of the Pennsylvania GOP
Capitolwire: Off the Floor: Talking tough to voters, then redefining comments to reporters
Capitolwire: Delozier says GOP leaders will push to restore $100M in K-12 education block grants
Capitolwire: Corbett officials discuss proposal to privatize PA lottery management

Philadelphia:
Daily News: Councilman pays a company $29K to tweet for him
Inquirer: Tax ruling may cost Philadelphia, schools $41M
Philly Clout: Civic groups raise concerns about AVI
CBS Philly: Vandals leave racial slur on politician’s campaign headquarters
WHYY Newsworks: City Council reassesses tools for Philadelphia property review

SEPA:
The Hill: Liberal PAC Targets Fitzpatrick
Pottstown Mercury: Report forecasts mixed economic future for Pottstown region
Pottstown Mercury: Perkiomen Valley may modify or cut 4 programs to save money
Philly Burbs: Hatboro mulling future of borough buildings
Delco Times: Delta Air Lines bids for Trainer refinery
Delco Times: Brookhaven OKs new ordinances
Delco Times: Presidential candidate to visit Marple business
Montgomery Media: Poll in Abington accused of detracting from the April 24th special election

Pittsburgh:
Tribune Review: State Supreme Court to hear oil, gas lease question
Tribune Review: Somerset County polling place named ‘Keystone of Democracy’
Tribune Review: Santorum steels self to extend campaign after primary losses
Tribune Review: DeWeese salutes family, humility in farewell speech
Post-Gazette: Planned cuts to public transit inspire protests
Post-Gazette: Santorum kicks off PA campaign in Carnegie
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvanians catching on to choosing low-price suppliers for electric power
Post-Gazette: Poll shows Santorum with edge over Romney in Pa.
Post-Gazette: State explores growing lottery through firm
Early Returns: DeWeese bids farewell to House
Early Returns: Obama camp previews Pa. Romney attack
Early Returns: Western Pa’s other nasty race contest
Early Returns: Daily Santorum: The Dangerfield Zone

Southwest:
Observer-Reporter: Plaintiffs push for law delay
Indiana Gazette: State redistricting panel may vote on new maps
Somerset Daily American: Despite grants, special education still underfunded in Shanksville
Altoona Mirror: State recommends city enter Distressed Municipalities Program
Altoona Mirror: County preps for Santorum visit
WJAC: Windber addresses budget issues with cutes and retirements

NEPA:
The Times Leader: County council eyes vacancies
The Times Leader: Munchak reports to prison to begin serving sentence
The Times Leader: Baker bills take aim at juvies, vets
The Times Leader: Hazleton transit wants to hit brakes on consolidation with LCTA
The Times Leader: Increased gang awareness stressed
Pocono Record: More lawmakers join Scavello, Brown in lawsuit over property taxes
Pocono Record: Sen. Argall supports property tax reform
Pocono Record: Northampton County cuts the music over royalties request
Times News: Argall sued by Ultra Clean Fuels
Times News: Carbon County tax collectors given good grades
News Item: Investigation prompted for illegal political ads
News Item: Senate panel approves legislation for emergency mortgage assistance

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Bethlehem may open police substation in downtown
Morning Call: Tobyhanna to cut 130 jobs
Morning Call: Duane Deitrich will fill vacant Catasauqua Area board seat
Morning Call: Pennsylvania justices will hear appeal in trooper shooting
Morning Call: More than 100 positions on chopping block at Easton Area
Morning Call: Eaton, Daugherty debate
Reading Eagle: County youth center closing
Reading Eagle: Democrats would add $1 billion to state budget
ESPN: Corbett at center of Penn State scandal
Reading Eagle: Health of county residents improves
WFMZ: Pa. now No. 2 gambling market in U.S.
Express Times: Northampton County pulls the plug on music after ASCAP threatens licensing fees
Express Times: Lopatcong Township attorney skips authorization to challenge asphalt ruling appeal

South Central:
Lancaster Intelligencer: Amish buggies ignoring stop signs at issue in Sadsbury Township
Lancaster Intelligencer: Lancaster County’s right-to-know policy may change
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Harrisburg City Council joins call for investigation into receiver Unkovic’s resignation
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Penn State students, alumni rally against proposed 30 percent cut in state support
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Experiences define GOP candidates seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Todd Platts
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Scott Perry, Chris Reilly even the scorecard on key endorsements in 4th Congressional district GOP race
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Gov. Corbett disappointed in receiver’s resignation
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Romney to stump in Harrisburg Thursday
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson sues city controller Dan Miller in artifacts auction battle
York Daily Record: Gov. Corbett endorses Scott Perry for 4th Congressional district seat
York Daily Record: York County takes step up in health ranking
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Gov. Corbett adamant with local business leaders: new taxes cannot fund budget shortfalls

North by Northwest:
Go Erie Campaign ’12 Blog: Harkins says he will attend today’s (Wednesday’s) state Senate debate
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council tables vote to close streets for EMTA project
Erie Times-News: Highmark, UPMC to offer restrictive plans in Erie
Erie Times-News: Erie casino helps Pennsylvania break monthly slot-revenue record
Erie Times-News: Erie gas prices among most expensive in western Pa.
Courier Express: Jefferson County enacts gas fee, will monitor disposal wells
Courier Express: Clarion County debates Marcellus impact fee
Centre Daily: Centre County Commissioners OK impact fee
Sun Gazette: Lycoming County set to adopt impact fee ordinance
Sun Gazette: Gas work having impact on area streams

Opinion:
Express Times: Letter to the Editor: Photo ID requirement not new; Forks family grateful to firefighters
Express Times: Editorial: Problem gamblers need more help
Tribune Review: The race for president: Santorum’s charades
Post-Gazette: Gender rating in health insurance
Post-Gazette: Gainey in the 24th: It’s time to replace a veteran but tired incumbent
Post-Gazette: Warm up to the idea of climate change, Rick
Post-Gazette: Longing for a bygone era: Does the GOP want to return to the past or tackle our problems?
Altoona Mirror: Deep pockets?
Daily Courier: Apply Margaret Thatcher’s solution
Inquirer: Young adults can’t pay bills without jobs
Daily News: Race-horse industry whinnies and nays
Pottstown Mercury: Wednesday’s sound off
Delco Times: Marcellus shale could prove boon for Delco
Lancaster Intelligencer: GOP: A party with only 1 song
Lancaster Intelligencer: Santorum and the pollster
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Racial tensions still an issue in 2012
Chambersburg Public Opinion: It’s time to revisit Pennsylvania’s shoot first law
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Chipping away at local gun control regulations?
The Times Leader: Council should stick to intentions
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Don’t reduce the size of Pa. House
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Health care law and Social Security are similar
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Slippery slope of euthanasia progresses
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Who pays for those without health insurance?
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Revenue diverted from important uses
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Cigarette tax benefits private developers
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Not much benefit

Blogs:
Speaking Freely (ACLU-PA): What federal civil rights data says about Philadelphia schools
Keystone State Education Coalition: Federal Education Policy
Commonwealth Foundation: Lottery contract could make everyone a winner
Commonwealth Foundation: Schools get property tax referendum exemptions for pension costs
Commonwealth Foundation: Marcellus Shale: Pennsylvania’s Manna from heaven
Lehigh Valley Independent: The only problem with the Allentown NIZ is too many local governments
Lehigh Valley Independent: Hellertown joins moocher governments’ lawsuit against NIZ
Lehigh Valley Independent: Obama: “What has changed is the center of the Republican party “
NEPArtisan: Romney’s coming! Romney’s coming! (Republican) voters finally matter
The Lu Lac Political Letter: Hat trick puts Mitt 1/2 way home
Pennsylvania Progressive: Legislative caucuses present dueling tax plans
Pennsylvania Progressive: PA-15 congressional debate Eaton and Daugherty
Pennsylvania Progressive: Bispels-Haas debate in Democratic primary for the House 187
Keystone Progress Blog: Progressive movement compels Coca-Cola to pull support from ALEC over voter suppression efforts
Keystone Progress Blog: Corporations in PA asked to disclose state taxes
Keystone Progress Blog: Survey: New EPA rules offer breath of fresh air to PA
Keystone Politics: Philly land bank getting bogged down with bad ideas
Keystone Politics: Stay classy, Mark Mustio
Keystone Politics: Voter ID law could cost you $13.50 or potentially $1,000 and 2 years in prison
Keystone Politics: Mark Price killing it on prevailing wage
Keystone Politics: School funding formula should reward areas that want more population growth
Keystone Politics: Gene Stilp sets the electronic record straight

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