A Quinnipiac poll out this morning has tepid approval numbers Governor Corbett. His job rating is net positive by a 39 to 38 percent margin, similar to a Q-pac poll from April. Pennsylvanians also support drilling for gas in the Marcellus shale despite any environmental risks (63 to 30 percent), and support a tax on the drilling (69 to 24 percent).

The Republican Presidential hopefuls had their debate last night, and several PA political journalists were there to cover it. Here are Tom Fitzgerald’s report for the Inquirer, Jim O’Toole’s write up for the Post-Gazette, and Salena Zito’s piece for the Tribune Review.

And PoliticsPA wants to know what you think are the best political blogs in Pennsylvania. Click here to check out our latest feature and submit your nominations.

PoliticsPA Reports

More Tepid Poll Numbers for Corbett
The second Quinnipiac poll in a row shows Governor Corbett with lackluster approval numbers in PA, but not in negative territory.

GOP Presidential Debate: Santorum Spotlight
Tonight is the first Republican Presidential debate which will feature the heavyweight contenders former Governor Mitt Romney and former Speaker Newt Gingrich; the debate also features our own former Senator Rick Santorum.

Gerlach Doubles Down on GOP Medicare Reforms
Rep. Jim Gerlach isn’t backing down from Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget plan or its changes to Medicare. In an op-ed column to the Pottstown Mercury titled “Fix Medicare now to avoid breakdown,” the Congressman reiterated the GOP’s message that reform is necessary to protect Medicare from bankruptcy.

What are the Best Political Blogs in Pa.?
From elected officials and policymakers to activists and political junkies, people pay attention to what’s being written on political blogs. We want to know the best sites to find political news, insider info, and opinion in Pennsylvania.

National
Tribune Review: Republican hopefuls spar for first time in New Hampshire
Post-Gazette: Obama policies hold focus at GOP debate
Pennsylvania Ave.: Santorum Debates
AP Via Wayne Independent: U.S. Dept. of Energy  to hold meeting on PA fracking
Hazleton Standard Speaker: Nationally, immigration laws diverse

Statewide
Pennsylvania Independent: State House votes to ban synthetic marijuana, cocaine
Capitol Ideas: Some Quality Time With Rich Trumka.
State House Sound Bites: Bath salts ban passes House; will likely clear Senate, too
Capitol Ideas: Stricter Abortion Rules Up For Possible Senate Vote Today.
State House Sound Bites: Philly Mag profiles Rendell
Commonwealth Confidential: Pa. Lawmakers Not The Brightest, or Dimmest Bulbs Around
State House Sound Bites: Transportation Commission Working Toward Suggestions
AP via Lebanon Daily: Rep Deweese seeks to move trial to home county
AP via Lebanon Daily: Proposal released for Harrisburg city’s money woes
AP via Daily Times: Fee or Tax, shale extraction bill moving in Senate
Somerset Daily American: Debate heated on Sunday hunting
Observer Reporter: Marcellus protesters chant inside Olin Fine Arts building
State House Sound Bites: Trumka meets the PA press
CBS Philly: Republican Governor, Republican-Controlled Congress Makes For Busy June In Harrisburg
Citizens Voice: Senate panel to take up Marcellus Shale impact fee bill

Philly
PhillyClout: Council Continues to Debate Schools Funding, Soda Opponents Set To Rally Tomorrow
Heard in the Hall: Soda Rally at City Hall
The Inquirer: Pa. high court halts hearing on Philly teacher layoffs
The Inquirer: Romney Target in Republican Debate Today
The Inquirer: Council delays decision on how to aid Philly schools
Fox Philly: Councilman Green Talks School Funding
Fox Philly: Philly Shuts Down Alex’s Lemonade Stand
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia expands efforts to bridge ‘digital divide’
WHYY Newsworks: A more modest proposal for Philadelphia’s Delaware waterfront

Philly Suburbs
Philly Burbs: Quinnl seeks fee on gas drilling
Daily Times: Wallingford-Swarthmore OKs Tax Hike
Daily Times: Interactive look at state budget problems
Bucks Local News: State Rep. Steve Santarsiero introduces bi-partisan bill aimed at school funding, teachers strike

Pittsburgh
CBS: Marcellus Shale Industry Draws New Companies to Washinton Co.
Early Returns: WashCo GOP Flood Fracking Meeting
Early Returns: Trumka Headlines DeWeese Lunch
Post-Gazette: Dahlkemper is Weighing Another Run For Old Seat
Post-Gazette: State Senate to Consider Changes to Drilling Fees
Post-Gazette: From Fence-Mending to Town Hals, Candidates Prepare for Fall
Tribune-Review: Former Rep. LaGrotta Falls Ill During Drug Charge Sentencing

Southwest
Tribune Review: Former Rep. LaGrotta falls ill during drug charge sentencing
Tribune Review: Export of shale gas angers Western Pennsylvania landowners
The Beaver County Times: Wagner: Schools should benefit from Marcellus shale
Tribune Review: Saltlick limits public comment during meetings

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: PA issues rescue plan for indebted Harrisburg
Morning Call: Study questions Pa state charter school system
WFMZ: Pa. House passes Senate Synthetic Drug Ban
PR Newswire via WFMZ: Rep. Fattah Commends Bloom Energy
PR Newswire via WFMZ: Financial Recovery Plan for the City of Harrisburg Released

South Central
Evening Sun: House Oks ban on ‘bath salts,’ fake pot
Lancaster Era: Swatara gets update on Tenaska Energy project
Lancaster Era: Judge throws out Henderson’s lawsuit against Lancaster newspapers
Lancaster Era: Statehouse snippets- news from PA General Assembly
Lancaster Era:Pa judge: no expulsion for kindergarten touching
York Daily Record: York Area Council of Governments disbands
AP via Lancaster Era:US Department of Energy to hold meeting on fracking
Carlisle Sentinel: Reporter’s Notebook: County commissioners implement South Central Alert
Carlisle Sentinel:Cumberland County commissioners approve boost for energy efficiency projects

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Hazleton immigration law could get second look
Citizens Voice: Cordaro/Munchak trial — Magnotta takes the stand
Hazleton Standard Speaker: Carbon commissioners approve summer hires

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News- How U.S. senators voted in week ending June 10
Williamsport Sun Gazette– State ponders gas disclosure, cell phone use
The Daily Item -State Senate adopts bill to reform State Tax Equalization Board
The Daily Item– Fee or tax, natural gas extraction bill moving in state Senate

Opinions
Dave Davies, WHYY Newsworks Column: Will Philly Ever Cut Taxes Again?
Tribune Reviewe: GOP lawmakers take on task of unifying moderates, conservatives
Johnstown Tribune Democrat: State puts children, youth in vulnerable position
Pat Farnack, Bucks Local News: Making a life
Post-Gazette Editorial: Petition to Support: City voters should decide on help for the library
Post-Gazette Editorial: Menace at the wheel: A driver with 14 DUIs gets no lea deal
Erie Times-News– Cokie and Steve Roberts: If GOP wants victory, skip purity test