Rick Santorum was in the news a lot yesterday as we crawl closer to a decision on the former Senator’s future political plans. We report that he had a solid weekend in Iowa but Rep. Bachmann stole a lot of the thunder.

Gov. Rendell explained to us all why politicos should never throw out the first pitch at a baseball game.

Up in NW Pa., there is talk that Kathy Dahlkemper might run for her old congressional seat.

Good morning and welcome to Thursday’s edition of the Buzz. If you have not seen it yet, check out PoliticsPA’s Harrisburg Superlatives. We would love to hear your comments; comment on our website, via Twitter or Facebook.

PoliticsPA Reports

Redistrcting in the news
PoliticsPA gives you the run down on what local newspapers throughout Pennsylvania are saying about the upcoming redistricting process.

Santorum Helped in Iowa By Absence of Palin and Huckabee But Hurt by Bachmann Announcement
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann’s (R-MN) declaration over the weekend that she is forming an exploratory committee for the Presidency was not good news for former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. Bachmann is one of the most conservative members in the House (ranked 19th by National Journal) and a favorite of the tea party who gave its response to President Obama’s State of the Union in January.

Former Gov. Rendell Answers the Age-Old Question: Why Should Politicians Just Say No to First Pitch Invitations?
In a Daily News column that compares throwing the first ball on Opening Day to having the FBI show up to your office, former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell explores the reasons why public officials should never don pitching duties.

Times-News: Former Rep. Dahlkemper Considering Run for Former Congressional Seat
Kathy Dahlkemper served two years as the congresswoman representing the 3rd Congressional District. Now the Erie Democrat is mulling over whether she should try in 2012 to retake the seat she lost to Republican Mike Kelly in the 2010 election.

Headlines

AP: Rick Santorum says he’ll take sick daughter into consideration when deciding whether to run for President
Politico: Rick Santorum: Barack Obama a U.N Puppet On Libya
Pennsylvania Ave.: Toomey’s Balanced Budget Amendment Tops GOP Agenda
Pennsylvania Ave.: Dent joins war on bath salts
Early Returns: New ads hit Casey on EPA
Pennsylvania Ave.: Role Reversal: Dent to testify at Congressional Hearing
Newsworks: Pa. has most deficient bridges in the country
Early Returns: Next Corbett target: tour bus
State House Sound Bites: Tomalis Defends Corbett’s Education Cuts
AP: Pa. Welfare Chief Says He’ll Root Out Fraud, Encourage Work
Capitol Ideas: Senate Dem, Republican Push Severance Tax Bill
Post-Gazette: Pa. Study Begins on Privatizing Liquor Sale
Early Returns: Flaherty’s missing measures
Fox Philadelphia: Sports, Music Face School Budget Ax
Post-Gazette: DA Responds to Orie’s attempt to prevent retrial
Inquirer: Operator backs down on blocking Pa. funds to Aker shipyard
Daily News: Local stimulus project creates few jobs at high cost to taxpayers
Inquirer: Nutter, Council pull off tax-hike switcheroo
Philadelphia Weekly: 2 Pa. Bills Aim to Make Teen Think Twice Before Cyberbullying
Patriot-News: New DEP policy: no violations against drillers without approval from the top
Politico: Collective bargain for GOP frosh?
PhillyClout: Dan McCaffery to run for state attorney general
Inquirer: Philly students rally against school violence, budget cuts
Daily News: Ramsey, Rahm chat on Chicago department
Early Returns: Allegheny County GOP Snubs Heidelbaugh

Opinions

Baer Growls: Play it, Sam
North Pittsburgh Politics: Analysis of Politico’s Altmire/Critz Redistricting Scenario
John Baer, Daily News: Best GOP Bet: Keep their own promises
Patriot News Editorial: Public enemy No.1? Teachers deserve better, so do taxpayers
Courier Express: School cuts are coming, but it’s up to you to help decide what gets axed