Two GOP candidates for Senate in 2012 met with Tea Party Activists in Bucks County last night. Marc Scaringi and Laureen Cummings, who said she would officially announce soon, dished out red meat policy proposals to 25 conservatives in Levittown. While GOP insiders look around for the perfect candidate, these two have been on the road meeting with grassroots activists across the state.

Butler Commissioners want the County to be consolidated into Rep. Mike Kelly’s district. During a hearing on Congressional redistricting, western PA local officials called on legislators to avoid dividing local entities as they redraw the map of congressional districts.

PoliticsPA is happy to bring you the third installment of our newest feature, Chief of Staff spotlight. Today we introduce you to Scott Miller, who leads the office of Rep. Todd Platts (R-York).

Mayor Nutter is looking strong, according to an internal poll released by the Nutter campaign. In a three way race with Karen Brown (GOP) and former Mayor John Street (rumored to be considering an independent bid), Nutter cleans up with 67 percent of the vote. A general rule of thumb is that campaigns never release an internal poll without a reason for doing so. In this case, the aim appears to be deterring Street from pursuing a bid.

President Obama has seen better days in PA. The President’s numbers seem linked to a pessimistic outlook on the economy, and are upside down. 48 percent of voters disapprove of the his job performance, and 50 percent think he does not deserve re-election according to the latest survey by Susquehanna Polling and Research.

Don’t forget to check PoliticsPA later for the Ups & Downs.

PoliticsPA Reports

2012 Senate Candidates Court Tea Party Votes in Bucks County
In small venues like the Dallas Diner, the Republican race for Senate has begun. Last night Marc Scaringi and Laureen Cummings offered red meat policy proposals to Tea Party activists in Levittown.

Poll Shows Mayor Nutter Strong Against Potential Rival
The Nutter Campaign released a poll today that shows Michael Nutter doing well against potential rival, Former Mayor John Street. Some wonder if the poll was released to discourage John Street from entering the race.

Poll: Obama’s Numbers Slip In Pa.
One in two Pennsylvania voters think that President Barack Obama does not deserve a second term, according to the latest poll from Susquehanna Polling and Research.

PoliticsPA’s Chiefs of Staff Spotlight: Scott Miller
This week we present the Chief of Staff for Rep. Todd Platts (R-York).

Santorum Signs ATR Pledge
Yesterday, in his first campaign stop in New Hampshire as an official candidate for President, Senator Rick Santorum joined Grover Norquist to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.

Rep. Mike Kelly, Independent?
When the freshman Republican said he would leave the GOP if the party resorted to “Mediscare” tactics, the DCCC dug up a 2010 Kelly campaign ad.

Dems, GOP, Each See Upper Hand in Voter ID Debate
It’s been put off for this week, but when lawmakers return from recess they’ll likely take up debate on a law requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls. Each party is digging in, and each sees itself with the upper hand in the battle for public opinion.

National
New York Times (Judge A. Richard Caputo): Matthew Nestor, Ex-Police Chief, is sentenced for cover-up in Mexicans death
Politico: Rick Santorum: Climate Change Is ‘Junk Science’
Politico (Rep. Allyson Schwartz): Anthony Weiner – No plans to resign
Politico (Rep. Allyson Schwartz): Anthony Weiner’s defenders – bloggers on the left
NY Times: It’s a scandal, sure, but hardly a reason to undermine the will of voters

Statewide
Post-Gazette: Redistricting discussion begins in western PA
AP via Inquirer: Cellphone Ban Moves To House
Tribune Review: Boockvar declared winner in Commonwealth Court primary
Patch: Congressional redistricting hearing in Cranberry
Inquirer: Two Senate Colleagues Square Off On Abortion
Forbes: PA union contract talks go down to wire
Patch: Talking, texting while driving may soon cost drivers in PA
Pittsburgh Post Gazette: PA Senate OKs ban on texting by drivers
Philly.com: PA senate passes distracted-driving measure
AP via Business Week: Pressure builds in PA for movement on a shale tax
Berks-Mont news: Hundreds at capitol rally for action on Marcellus drilling

Philly
PhillyNow: Ed Rendell: If Philadelphia Can’t Afford DROP, Then It Has To Go
Fox Philadelphia: Philadelphia Schools Agree To Become More Transparent
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia City Council Reluctant To Hike Taxes Even To Help Schools
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia City Council Moves To Revise Sick Days Bill
WHYY Newsworks: Students, Lawmakers Try To Preserve Philadelphia’s ‘Accelerated Schools’

Philly Suburbs
The Mercury:  Tolls on Route 422? Readers say NO
Delaware County Times: Ordinance calling for salary reduction fails in Chester
Montgomery Media: Commissioners divided on 422 tolling plan (video)
Bucks Local News: State Rep. Steve Santarsiero introduces bi-partisan bill aimed at school funding, teachers strikes

Pittsburgh
Post Gazette: ExxonMobil buys local Marcellus firm for $1.69 billion
Tribune Review: Bucks County Republican looks for sponsor on shale fee
Post-Gazette: Report says Pa. ranks low in getting young people to vote
Post-Gazette: Pa. Senate OKs ban on texting by drivers

Southwest
WJACTV: New laws aim to stop texting and driving
WJACTV: Postal workers to collect food Saturday for “stamp out” hunger

Lehigh Valley
Reading Eagle: School board begins search for new superintendent
Reading Eagle: Council president resigns from board
Reading Eagle: Hearing on charter school to continue next week
The Morning Call: County inks deal to keep compost site open
The Morning Call: Crying theft of water, councilwoman sinks opening of Slatington pool
The Morning Call: Lehigh County OKs new union contracts
The Morning Call: Pennridge to consider arbitration award to teachers
The Morning Call:Former Northampton County councilman files suit against loan agency
Lehigh Valley Live: Hackettstown School Board begins search for new business administrator
Lehigh Valley Live: White Township Committee to vote on road improvements tonight
Lehigh Valley Live: Lehigh Valley LGBT group reschedules awards ceremony, urges members to attend Bethlehem vote

South Central
The Sentinel: Recession not over for Cumberland County
The Lebanon Daily News: ‘It’s like the Wild West’
York Dispatch: Wortham up for vote next week for York City Schools chief
Patriot News: Harrisburg’s Act 47 plan set for Monday release
Patriot News: Northern Lebanon School District teachers vote on contract change to save money
Chambersburg Public Opinion: U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster discusses House GOP’s Medicare proposal in Chambersburg
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Franklin County pension plan’s earnings jump

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Marino criticizes monitoring
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Board joins opposition to tank site
Williamsport Sun Gazette: House freshman to US: Cut the debt, support entrepreneurship
Centre Daily: Philipsburg to consider leasing land for gas drilling
Centre Daily: State College committee to talk green initiatives

NEPA
Daily Review: Yaw’s Oil and Gas Invoice Itemization Bill Passes Senate
Times Leader: Elimination of Office Not a Violation
Times Leader: Cordaro Not Seen Taking Money
Pocono Record: Ban on Driving While Phoning Passes PA Senate
Standard Speaker: City Senior Center to Stay Open
Standard Speaker: Former County Court Administrator Gets 10 Months in Prison
Standard Speaker: HCA Meeting: Cameras, Loans and Accusations
Wayne Independent: Recount: Boockvar Wins PA Court Dem Primary
Wayne Independent: Corruption Trail Resumes for NE PA. Officials

Opinions
PhillyNow Editorial: Is Santorum Crazy On Paper?
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Proposed gas drilling regs deserve a look
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Casey brings sobering drug, violence news
Stu Bykofsky, Daily News Column: When Did DROP Become An Entitlement?
Dave Davies, WHYY Newsworks Column: Nutter’s Shotgun Wedding With The School District
Baer Growls: More Free Lunch For Politicians
Lehigh Valley Independent: Yes, All Downtown Property Owners Will Benefit From the Easton NID Plan
Aaron Blake & Chris Cillizzia, Washington Post: The American Public’s great depression
Keith Laing, The Hill: Lawmakers debate Amtrak privatization plan
Tribune Review: Santorum’s run: It won’t last long
Daily Review, Editorial: Senate should get tough on reform
Ron Gower, Times News: Landlord rules