A number of challengers could be lining up to take on Sen. Casey in 2 years, Harrisburg has officially been declared a “financially distressed” city, Rep. Murphy’s DADT repeal is heading to the senate and Rep. Sestak is on a thank-you tour around the state. Good Thursday morning and welcome to the Buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

PoliticsPA: Is PA’s GOP Wave Enough to Topple Casey?

PoliticsPA: Senate Passes Tax Cut Deal; Toomey Has Serious Reservations

PoliticsPA: Luzerne Commissioner Switches to Dem; GOP Swings Back

Today’s Headlines

Patriot-News: Pennsylvania declares Harrisburg ‘financially distressed’

Patriot-News: Act 47 Designation a first step for Harrisburg, says Mayor Linda Thompson

CBS News: Murphy’s DADT Repeal goes to the Senate

Post-Gazette: Quinnipiac: Pa. voters approve of Casey’s work; back Obama tax deal

Politico: Younger Dems Jockey For Power (incl. Rep. Schwartz)

Times-Tribune: Former State Sen. Musto pleads not guilty

Post-Gazette: Judge allows district attorney’s office to prosecute Orie sisters

Fox News: Murtha’s $10 mil posthumous earmark

Newsworks: Toomey checks in with Pa.’s largest employers

AP: Pa. Auditor General Jack Wagner says gaming board violated Sunshine Act 19 times

Tribune-Review: State House Republicans propose to trim perks, ban state fleet cars

Times-News: Plans for high speed rail in Pennsylvania take a hit

Heard in City Hall: Rep. Bob Brady calls duck vehicles unsafe

Times-Tribune: Munchak won’t run for new term

Times-News: Sestak’s thank you tour

Times-News: State PUC could vote to split 814 area code

Today’s Opinions

Patriot-News: Legislative surplus sends the wrong message