It’s Al Sharpton vs. Mike Kelly. The infamous liberal personality slammed the PA Congressman last night on MSNBC over his ties to oil companies ($6 mil in personal investments, etc). Watch the video, and PoliticsPA has Kelly’s response.

Nothing says “thank you” like several hundred jobs, or so the thinking goes at Amazon.com. They’re thankful that the state budget did not include a sales tax for online transactions – and so the company announced yesterday that it will expand its operations in the Lehigh Valley (and hire hundreds of full time workers, with benefits). They singled out Gov. Corbett for big ups.

Are you smarter than a state legislator? Good question, and I’m sure if readers of PoliticsPA answered it we’re sure your answers would be as varied as they were hilarious. Sen. Anthony Williams is really asking though – he’s hosting a contest for regular Joes to suggest their own laws. He’ll sponsor the “winning” law in the Senate. And if you have something funny or snark to say about the contest or its sponsor, John Baer beat you to it.

And finally, Tom Ferrick’s column about Tom Corbett’s agenda vis-a-vis the City of Philadelphia made the rounds yesterday. It’s an interesting piece about an interesting relationship, which can also be summarized as </3.

PoliticsPA Reports

Sharpton Slams Rep. Kelly Re: Big Oil (With Video)
Rev. Al Sharpton slammed freshman Rep. Mike Kelly an a segment last night on MSNBC, suggesting that the Congressman of acting unethically regarding his financial ties to the energy industry.

Mayor Pawlowski criticizes Romney, defends Obama on MSNBC’s The Ed Show
On July 1st, Romney for President released a video profiling the decline of the Allentown Metal Works factory as a result of President Obama’s failed economic policies. Yesterday, in a direct rebuttal of the video and Romney’s recent visit to the city, Allentown mayor, Ed Pawloswki, strongly refuted Romney’s statements during an appearance on MSNBC’s The Ed Show.

Amazon.com Sends Corbett A “Thank-You” For Pa. Budget
In response to a PA budget that doesn’t tax online retailers, Amazon.com is expanding a Lehigh Valley facility and hiring hundreds of full time employees (with benefits). In a statement, the company thanked Governor Corbett.

Are You Smarter Than A State Legislator?
Senator Anthony Williams announced a contest wherein citizens can pitch their own ideas for laws. Williams has agreed to sponsor the winning legislation in the PA Senate.

National
Early Returns: Rep. Tim Murphy Is Bringing The Head of the NRCC To Pittsburgh
Washington Post: Pennsylvania family in Palin stalker case alleges harassment by state trooper
Early Returns: Sen. Casey Pushes Hiring Tax Credit
Early Returns: MSNBC Hits Rep. Kelly
On Top Magazine: Rick Santorum Troubled By Gay Marriage, Civil Unions

Statewide
Capitol Ideas: Fraud Czar Named At Welfare Department
Early Returns: Onorato May Challenge Assessments, Again, After General Assembly Legislated The Assessments
Daily Review: Welfare overhaul under way
AP via Daily Item: State gaming revenues total $1.3 billion, up 8 percent in 2010-11
Pottstown Mercury: Analysis: Budget season brought mix of wins, losses for Corbett
Capitol Ideas: Easton’s Goldsmith On The Way Out At State Liquor Control Board
AP via York Daily Record: Bill blocking Harrisburg bankruptcy goes to Gov
Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Casey’s war chest reported at $3.1 million

Philly
CBS: City Allows Public To Track Progress In City Hall
Daily News: Bob Brady Honors Sheriff
Philly.com: Nutter Showcases a Retooled PhillyStat
Philly.com: Philadelphia Doesn’t Engage Corbett
Philly.com: Video Blast From Past. Mayor Rizzo Tangles with KYW’s Stan Bohrman
Philly.com: Report: Sen. Orie Documents Were Forged
Philadelphia Weekly: Look at State Rep. Tony Payton, Jr Version of DREAM Act

Philly Suburbs
Plymouth-Whitemarsh Patch: State Rep. Gerber Weighs in On Budget
The Intelligencer: Online chat with Fitzpatrick tomorrow
Daily Times: Gruop: Property tax reforms still leave big loopholes for school district
Bucks County Times: Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick promotes local land conservation bill at meeting in Doylestown
Philly burbs: Commissioners back “blighted” designation for hospital property

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Civic Arena preservation group files federal lawsuit
Tribune Review: Forgery of Orie papers confirmed
Tribune Review: Private session set on waste-site plan
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Council moves ahead with two clean air bills
Post-Gazette: Council gives initial nod to transportation plan
Post-Gazette: Butler commissioners settle lawsuit with ex-employee
Early Returns:  Murphy brings NRCC head to Pgh
Early Returns: Who will run against Bob Casey?
Early Returns:  Onorato may challenge assessments, again
Early Returns: Fitz hits Raja on property taxes
Post Gazette: Council may weigh transportation funds
Early Returns: Altmire’s streak

Southwest
Tribune-Review (Fayette County)– Shared services deemed success between Monongahela, New Eagle
Tribune-Review (Fayette County)- Corbett succeeds on fiscal priorities
Johnstown Tribune Democrat– County supporting three-way deal for Bakersville water
Johnstown Tribune Democrat– Did Gov. Corbett change or adopt Capitol’s culture?
Altoona Mirror– Casey reports $3M on hand for ’12 Senate campaign
Altoona Mirror– Altoona Regional, union OK contract

Lehigh Valley
Express Times: Upper Nazareth municipal departments cut operating budgets up to 14 percent
Express Times: Lopatcong Twp passes solar and pawn shop ordinances
Express Times: Upper Nazareth Township officials agree to stormwater basin for Spring Brook Terrace
WFMZ: Thousands Gather For Solemn Salute To Fallen Sheriff’s Deputy

South Central
Chambersburg Public Opinion: PennDOT’s Live Free Ride Alive campaign seeks riders’ stories
Lebanon Daily News: PA ends year 3 percent above revenue projection
York Daily Record: Pa. lawmakers give gov. more power in welfare law
York Daily Record:Bill could give firefighters workers’ compensation for cancer

NEPA
Times Leader: Controller Griffith hires new deputy
Times Leader: Munchak wants new trial or verdict tossed
Times Leader: Plymouth, Plymouth Twp. leaders look to aid affected residents
Times Leader: Dallas Township gas meter deal with Williams not finished
Citizens Voice: Drilling industry denies fracking potential was over-estimated
Citizens Voice: Statement: Leighton rubber stamped family jobs
Citizens Voice: Richards’ filing offers closer look at scope of corruption
Standard Speaker: Big water plans in works
Standard Speaker: Documents: Ex-county officials received gifts from ex-NYC officers

North by Northwest
Erie-Times News: Erie City Council gives final approval to $2.5M paving loan
Centre Daily Times:  PSU, others battle cuts
Sun Gazette: Council committee supports $948,000 ‘Pathways’ contract
Sun Gazette: County plans to collect taxes in Jordan, Clinton townships

Opinions
Baer Growls: John Baer Pokes Fun At State Sen. Williams “Oughta Be A Law” Contest
Inquirer, Editorial: Put politics aside
Daily News Editorial: No ID no vote, no way to run a democracy
Bucks Local News Editorial: Drill baby drill.. but pay for it!
Tribune Review Editorial: Nuclear nonsense: Obama’s weakness
Early Returns: Daily Santorum: Math Class
Salon.com: The GOP field narrows quickly
FOX: The Streak
Philly Post Editorial: Michael Nutter: The Mayor Who Cried Wolf
York Daily Record: YDR Opinion: State budget roses & thorns