5/6 Morning Buzz

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

Pennsylvania’s delegation to Congress mostly supported H.R. 3, which set new limits on abortion funding. All PA Republicans along with blue dog Democrats Reps. Altmire, Critz and Holden voted for the bill that makes permanent the no-federal-funding-for-abortion compromise of the Hyde amendment. Critics say its a back-door effort to ban abortions.

Don’t miss PoliticsPA’s look at the major endorsements in the Philly City Council primaries. We created a scorecard of the citywide elected officials, labor unions and newspapers who’ve endorsed in races across Philly, and we humbly submit them to you.

Rick Santorum and other lesser-known presidential hopefuls squared off last night in a South Carolina debate. The Fix’s Chris Cillizza says Santorum’s experience showed – he and Ron Paul were “by far, the most at ease during the debate.”

Senator Toomey is set to release his own version of the FY2012 budget next week, an event keenly awaited by fiscal hawks and Democratic operatives alike. Will Toomey follow Rep. Paul Ryan into Medicare-altering territory, or will he keep hands off?

In Allegheny County, the fireworks have finally begun in the race for County Exec. Both Democratic candidates are firing shots at one another, with Rich Fitzgerald accusing Mark Flaherty of a “Republican”-style plan to start gad drilling in Allegheny County. Flaherty says Fitzgerald routinely overspent his office’s budget and can’t claim to be a spending watchdog.

Politico says Pennsylvania’s 2012 Senate race is one of the top ten most competitive in the country. Specifically, the 10th most competitive. Though there is no obvious GOP front runner, the Senator’s approval numbers are tepid enough to declare him possibly vulnerable.

And don’t forget to check back later today for the Ups & Downs.

PoliticsPA Reports

Pa. Delegation Mostly Supports New Limits On Abortion Funding
A bipartisan majority of Pennsylvania’s delegation in Congress voted for a bill that adds new limits on abortion and its funding. Proponents say it will formalize funding limits that most Americans support. Opponents argue that this bill goes beyond existing compromises and seeks to ban abortion indirectly.

Philly Council Endorsement Scorecard
As primary day fast approaches, PoliticsPA brings you the list of endorsements by city-wide players for the open district City Council seats and the most competitive district races involving an incumbent.

Headlines
Times-News: Santorum Featured on NPR
Inquirer: Possible GOP contenders square off in SC debate
Tribune Review: Democrats step up attacks in fierce County Exec campaign
Politico: Casey, PA have 10th most competitive Senate race in 2012
Pennsylvania Ave.: Toomey to Unveil His Budget Proposal Next Week
Capitol Ideas: Toll Hike At Odds With Gov. Corbett No Tax-Hike Policy?
The Fix: What we learned from last night’s 2012 debate
Pennsylvania Ave.: U.S. Senate Panel Endorses Pipeline Safety
Fox News: Santorum makes a play for South Carolina pro-life leader
AP: Harrisburg gets another offer to pay off its incinerator debt
AP: Pa. Environmental Group Wants Stronger Limits On Natural Gas Drilling
Early Returns: Attack ads start in Executive race
WHYY Newsworks: Tibetan Protesters Stop In Philadelphia On Way To Washington D.C.
WHYY Newsworks: Bill Reforming Philadelphia’s DROP Retirement Incentive To Be Introduced By End of May
PhillyClout: Homeless man charged with steno theft
York Daily Record: Commissioners Unhappy With Arbitrator’s Contract Decision
ABC Philadelphia: Suburban Philly School Districts Consider 4 Day School Week
Patriot-News: Mayor Thompson says Harrisburg Is Working Swiftly To Address Permit Issues
Citizens’ Voice: Congressmen speak out against I-80 tolls
Citizens’ Voice: Barletta, in new job, tackles illegal immigration again
Citizens’ Voice: Continuing education for teachers will be put on hold
Times-Tribune: Skeptics question bin Laden death

Opinions
Dick Polman, WHYY Newsworks: Photo Finish
Post-Gazette Endorsement: Valerie McDonald Roberts for Controller
Tribune Review Endorsement: Heather Heidelbaugh for County Council
Times-Tribune: State has cash for insurance
Baer Growls: Tension Between Gov. Corbett and State Rep. DeWeese
PhillyNow: Not Helping: Liquor Prices Going Up
Standard Speaker: Two bills offer ways to widen school choice
Times-Tribune: State has cash for insurance

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  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


    • No. I've already decided on how to cast my vote. (81%)
    • Yes. Anxious to hear from both candidates (19%)

    Total Voters: 27

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