Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

Poll: Will DeWeese Dodge Conviction?: It’s the question everyone in Harrisburg is asking. So what do you think? Will Bill DeWeese be convicted or acquitted?

New Tim Burns Web Ad: Which Way Welch: GOP Senatorial candidate Tim Burns released a new web ad taking on Steve Welch for switching parties and admitting to having voted for President Obama in 2008.

Obama’s Third Pa. Campaign Office Opens in Erie: The subzero temperatures didn’t deter a crowd of supporters from coming together in support of President Obama on Thursday evening. The Erie Democrats hosted the opening of his campaign’s third office in Pennsylvania.

Marino Sticks With/Distances Himself from SOPA: In light of Rep. Holden’s withdrawing his support for SOPA and Sen. Toomey’s concerns about the bill, Rep. Tom Marino released a statement of his own. The congressman will remain a co-sponsor of the legislation but would not commit to voting in favor of the bill in committee or on the floor.

Mike Kelly Draws a Challenger: Democrat Missa Eaton has jumped into the race against freshman Rep. Mike Kelly. The assistant professor of psychology at Penn State Shenango has been considering a bid for a few weeks, and made it official Thursday morning.

Marino Sticks With/Distances Himself from SOPA: In light of Rep. Holden’s withdrawing his support for SOPA and Sen. Toomey’s concerns about the bill, Rep. Tom Marino released a statement of his own. The congressman will remain a co-sponsor of the legislation but would not commit to voting in favor of the bill in committee or on the floor.

GOPers Whack Casey On PIPA: Sen. Casey’s opponents jumped at the opportunity to criticize the incumbent Senator over his support of PIPA or the Protect IP Act.

Brenner for Congress? Want to know if Democrats are planning to seriously contest Rep. Todd Platts’ soon-to-be-open seat? Watch former York Mayor John Brenner, who tells the York Dispatch that he’s considering a run. He’s got far and away the best profile of any Democrat, especially in the non-Harrisburg part of the district.

Senate Hopefuls Debate in Doylestown. Five Senate hopefuls pitched conservative tax policies and other ideas at last night’s event with the Kitchen Table Patriots; Sam Rohrer won the proceeding straw poll vote. There’s another debate scheduled tonight in Murrysville, right outside of Pittsburgh, which will feature all the major candidates and 450 (!) attendees.

And don’t forget to check PoliticsPA later today for our Ups & Downs.

Legislative Election Updates

HD-20: Former congressional candidate Melissa Halusczchak officially announced her bid against Rep. Adam Ravenstahl in an email to supporters. This Pittsburgh-based district was stretched to include Coraopolis.

HD-60: A source reports that Don Tylinkski has decided not to challenge Rep. Jeff Pyle in the GOP primary.

HD-70: Some post-SEPA caucus buzz – Rep. Matt Bradford dodged a challenge from Montgomery County Young Republicans leader Joe Gale, an employee of the Recorder of Deeds office. Gale decided not to get in.

HD-95: Republican Kyle King, 33, who works as chief administrator for the York County DA’s, announced a bid for State Rep. The handsome fellow is seeking the Dem-leaning seat of Eugene DePasquale, who appears poised to seek re-election at the same time as he runs for Auditor General.

HD-105: Democrat Kelly McEntee will challenge Rep. Ron Marsico for the GOP-leaning seat in the Harrisburg suburbs. A quality engineer in manufacturing, McEntee says, “If elected, I will work from day one to improve the economy of Dauphin County and provide family-sustaining jobs, reform government, and ensure the state provides adequate funding to our public schools.” She also supports term limits.

HD-119: Rick Arnold is one of two Luzerne GOP candidates announcing bids on Saturday. A home builder from Rice Township, he will take on Rep. Gerald Mullery. It’s a rematch.

HD-120: Aaron Kaufer, 23, will announced on Tuesday a bid against Rep. Phyllis Mundy. The perennial volunteer says he is unemployed and is focusing all of his time and efforts on the campaign.

HD-121: Pete Mailloux will officially announce his candidacy for the 121st District, currently represented by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski on Saturday. Mailloux, of Fairview Township, owns PM Medical Products in Mountain Top.

HD-132: Allentown City Councilman Mike Schlossberg officially kicked off his bid for state Rep. He’s running for the seat of retiring Rep. Jennifer Mann.

Have an update or tip about a state House or Senate race? Email it to press@politicspa.com.

National
USA Today: A fierce debate caps a rollercoaster day in GOP presidential race
USA Today: Republicans confident they’ll hang onto the House
CNN: Santorum tries to shoulder past Romney, Gingrich in debate
Politico: Mitt gets some boos over George Romney-linked tax question
BBC: South Carolina debate: Gingrich furious at media
Washington Post: 2012 South Carolina GOP debate live blog
Politico: Newt on top in SC
CNN Live Blog: CNN Southern Republican debate
CNN: What doomed Rick Perry’s campaign
NPR: Iowa Republicans to the GOP: Please don’t ask us who won
AP: Gingrich downplays Santorum taking lead in Iowa
AP: Michelle Obama plans health event in Des Moines
AP: GOP campaign turns bizarre in SC; debate is next
AP: AFL-CIO launches new ad campaign
AP: Ed Dept. seeks public input on cheating
AP: Unemployment claims at 352,000, fewest since 2008
AP: Report: Santorum tax plan swells deficit by $900 B
New York Times/The Caucus: Perry ends bid for presidency
New York Times/The Caucus: For Santorum, Perry endorsement dulls Iowa news
New York Times/The Caucus: Santorum ahead of Romney in Iowa
New York Times/Five Thirty Eight: Gingrich tied with Romney in South Carolina forecast
NPR: After a day of fireworks, Gingrich comes out firing
BBC: SOPA and PIPA protest not over, says Wikipedia  
Philadelphia Inquirer: Congress considers ending horse slaughter for meat
Philadelphia Inquirer: Evangelical vote key in South Carolina
PhillyDeals: How Harrisburg lost $300 million
FOX 29: On roller-coaster day, Gingrich braces for ex-wife interview while picking up Perry endorsement
Delco Times: Rep. Pat Meehan looks to rein in horse slaughter biz
Pennsylvania Ave.: Final tally shows Santorum beat Romney in Iowa
Pennsylvania Ave.: As parties lose voters, Republicans chip away at Democrats’ advantage
Pennsylvania Ave.: South Carolina debate critical for Romney as Gingrich looms
Pennsylvania Ave.: Santorum campaign urges Romney to concede on Iowa results
Pennsylvania Ave.: Santorum touts Iowa “win”, blasts Gingrich ahead of debate
Pennsylvania Ave.: Rick Santorum: GOP shouldn’t nominate ‘Tweedledum and Tweedledee’
Politico: Rick Santorum: I won Iowa!
Politico: Tough Mitt at South Carolina debate
Politico: Romney on Iowa: ‘Virtual tie’
Politico: Santorum pokes Newt ‘grandiosity’
Politico: Santorum blitzes on health care
Roll Call: Santorum sticks with trusted strategist
Five Thirty Eight: The semantics and statistics of Santorum’s win in Iowa
Five Thirty Eight: Perry’s voters may not flock to Gingrich
Washington Post: Republicans with a one-track mind
Washington Post: Santorum’s erroneous marriage attack on Obama
Washington Post: Santorum finished 34 votes ahead of Romney in new Iowa tally; votes from 8 precincts missing
Real Clear Politics: Heartened by Iowa win, Santorum calls out Gingrich
The Hill: Santorum accuses Romney, Gingrich of ‘playing footsie with left’
The Hill: GOP debate: Santorum blasts Gingrich
The Caucus: For Santorum, Perry endorsement dulls Iowa news
The Caucus: Debate caps big day on trail
USA Today: Virtual tie, glitch gives Iowa caucuses ‘black eye’
USA Today: Santorum claims Iowa victory with new vote totals

Statewide
AP: Corbett backs SE PA entrepreneur for US Senate
Philadelphia Inquirer: PA officials will not release other aids’ resumes
WHYY Newsworks: “Walking with Justice” focuse on exemplary PA jurist
PA Independent: Educational choice in PA expands, but vouchers remain out of reach
Ambler Gazette: State Rep. Stephens recomments measure to combat rising turnpike tolls
Capitolwire (Paywall): Pa. Chamber Says Bill To Extend Access To Unemployment Benefits Needs To Address Debt
Capitolwire (Paywall): Legal Brief Filed In Support of House, Senate Redistricting
Capitolwire (Paywall): Pa. Has Tough Economic Road Ahead, Says State Independent Fiscal Office report
Capitolwire (Paywall): Voter ID Bill Could Get A Bump From New Poll
Patriot-News: Free for all seat in Congress because of Rep. Platts’ retirement
Daily Record: Platts on SOPA: In current form, no
Philly Burbs: Sen. Casey discusses international trade pact at Bensalem business
Republican Herald: Rep. Holden speaks against SOPA, but Rep. Marino remains a co-sponser, while Sen. Casey remains co-sponser for PIPA
NY Daily News: Candidate Guide: Santorum’s background and where he stands on the issues
The Daily Beast: Dirty tricks played on Santorum by Ron Paul backers
AP:  Santorum’s plan would cut taxes for most families, according to an independent study
Reading Eagle: State plans to develop health insurance exchange

Philly
Philadelphia Inquirer: In grave fiscal trouble, SRC introduces big changes
Philadelphia Inquirer: Study on Philadelphia Fire Department urges bold action to meet goals
Philadelphia City Paper: The rise of Darrell Clarke
Philadelphia City Paper-CityScape: Can the Lower Schulykill emerge from industrial no man’s land to vibrant mixed-use hub?
PhillyClout: City Council president brings in familiar faces
Heard in the Hall: Paramedics and firefighters can bargain together
FOX 29: Bonner, Prendie will appeal closing
FOX 29: Study: Philadelphia Fire Department needs overhaul
CBS 3: No action yet from Philadelphia City Council
CBS 3: Protest against large banks draws dozens to a Philadelphia street corner
CBS 3: EPA holds Philadelphia hearing on new fuel efficiency standards for US cars
CBS 3: Delaware River dredging opponents try again to halt project
CBS 3: Study says reorganization of Philadelphia’s employment efforts was sorely needed
WHYY Newsworks: Environmental, health advocates support new EPA fuel standards

SEPA
Philadelphia Inquirer: Neshaminy suspends coaches who honored picket lines
StateImpact PA: EPA to send water to Dimock households
StateImpact PA: EPA finds arsenic and barium in Dimock households
The Mercury: PA officials clear some districts in cheat probe
The Intelligencer: Former Montco controller drops lawsuit against county
Delco Times: Rose Valley mayor hails State of the Borough in speech
Delco Times: Chester Upland school district still facing long-term problems
Spring-Ford Reporter: Limerick nuke plant’s need for $100 M may lead to rate hike
Bucks Local News: Aria health attorney: “RAFR is rehashing old testimony” in Lower Makefield zoning board hearing
Bucks Local News: Yardley Borough opts to keep police department
Bucks Local News: Upper Makefield reaches four-year contract agreement with its police union
Daily Local: Supporters of former prosecutor cry foul over termination
Daily Local: Downington mayor running for state House seat

Pittsburgh
Trib Live: Tom Smith of Plumcreek, running for U.S. Senatem will hold petition signing event
Tribune Review: DeWeese jury seated; trial to begin Monday
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh expects to save millions with upgrade on debt rating
Tribune Review: Next round of reassessment notices to go out next week
Post Gazette: Reformers say Corbett’s 1st year falls short of promises
Post-Gazette: State announces recipients of learning grants
Post Gazette: Democrats push Corbett for more money for Port Authority
Post-Gazette: Public decries potential transit cutbacks
Post-Gazette States ready their health exchanges
Post-Gazette: Auction of mayor’s jersey benefits Pittsburgh Promise
Early Returns: Corbett for Welch/resumes denied
Early Returns: Sharon Dem joins race
KDKA: Gov. Corbett talks about assessments, Port Authority and more

Southwest
Observer-Reporter: Legislation would remove costly gas regulation
Observer-Reporter: Corbett will sign drilling emergency response bill
Observer-Reporter: Go-ahead expected for pipe easement
Observer-Reporter: N. Strabane mulls refinancing balance of $10M bond issue
Daily Courier (Fayette County): Connellsville continues to upgrade parks,recreation
Altoona Mirror: City learns about Act 47
Tribune Review: Rep. Murphy Meets with Norwin-area residents

Lehigh Valley
WFMZ: Drug testing of some welfare recipients sparking controversy
WFMZ: Landlords sue Allentown over rental regulation
Reading Eagle: Bern Township man seeks GOP nod for state House seat
Morning Call: Hellertown limits handicapped parking spaces to one per household
Morning Call: South Whitehall OKs residential chicken-raising in limited areas
Express Times: Allentown School District taxes could go up as much as 7.37 percent
Express Times: Allentown EMS director abruptly resigns one month after pushing for controversial squad overhaul

NEPA
Times Leader: Hopefuls make public pitch
Times Leader: Holden now against piracy bill
Times Leader: Rep. Marino concerned over online piracy bill; won’t drop co-sponsorhsip
Times Leader: Santorum edges Romney in final Iowa GOP count
Times Leader: 3 from Luzerne County GOP to seek bids for state House
Times Leader: Harveys Lake OKs letters opposing Pa. drilling bill
Times Tribune: Sen. Bob Casey asks for investigation into new synthetic drug
Citizens Voice: Bobeck: Council could pick permanent manager
Citizens Voice: Senate approves juvenile reform bill
Citizens Voice: Former rivals to face off again in state representative race
Wayne Independent: Baker: Cuts are going to be tough
Standard Speaker: Lawmakers sending COLA checks back
Standard Speaker: Senate Democratic caucus files appeal of Monroe Senate seat
Standard Speaker: Region’s federal lawmakers react to controversial bills
Standard Speaker: Bill proposes water well construction standards
Daily Review: Yaw to seek another term
Pocono Record: Tug-of-war over unemployment money

South Central
York Dispatch: Former York mayor John Brenner considers run for Congress

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Sharon resident Eaton to run for Congress in 3rd district
Courier Express: Prison employee to stand trial

Opinion and Blogs
Tim McCann, PhillyBurbs: Why voters should not have to show ID
Philadelphia City Paper: How Wall Street took $331 million from Philly and its schools
Philadelphia Daily News: DN Editorial: City’s worker gap
Philadelphia Inquirer: GOP field makes sorry showing on foreign policy
Philadelphia Inquirer: Is “Obamacare” receding as a GOP cause?
PhillyClout: Thursday’s DN: A half-billion dollars to nowhere?
PhillyNow: Election 2012: Rick Perry endorses open relationships
PhillyNow: New report says Philly Fire Department sucks
philly.com-Its Our Money: Workforce training in Philly is really, really expensive
FOX 29: The truth about SOPA
The Mercury: PA needs state standards for natural gas wells
Keystone Liberty: Scrap solar subsidies
Young Philly Politics: Bank swap deals cost Philadelphia, school district $331 million
Young Philly Politics: Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office debuts
Keystone State Education Coalition: Chester-Upland school district public meetings
Commonwealth Foundation: Impact fee: Compromise on details, not on principles
Commonwealth Foundation: Want to help Pennsylvania’s students?
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Congressmen Charlie Dent, Tim Holden agree SOPA too broad
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Dent fumes of Pennsylvania’s pipeline rejection
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: What John Stoffa is doing about asbestos
Jon Geeting: Don’t encourage people to live where they’ll make less money
Jon Geeting: Lowest weekly unemployment claims since 2008
Jon Geeting: House GOP rep complains about Keystone XL pipeline rather than working on pipeline
NEPArtisan: PoliticsPA cites NEPArtisan’s Holden criticism, Holden caves
NEPArtisan: NJ Governor Christie doesn’t like people talking about him
2 Political Junkies: Mitt Romney: Man of the people!
2 Political Junkies: More anti-science at the Tribune-Review
The Lu-Lac Political Letter: Perry out; Santorum wins Iowa
Above Average Jane: Sheamus Bonner’s rescue mission on Bosnia
Keystone Politics: Why does PA chamber think unemployment insurance needs reform
Keystone Politics: Obama faces tough challenges with Pennsylvania voters
John Hanger: Robbing Rick Santorum: The Iowa GOP heist