GOP hits back at Dem Supreme Court nominees, McGinty wins another labor endorsement and Dent says he won’t retire. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz!

GOP Strikes Back at Dem Supreme Court Candidates (VIDEO): Republicans accuse the Democratic nominees of being for sale.

Kasich Assembles Pennsylvania Team: Bob Walker, John Fox, Earl Baker and more announce their endorsement of Ohio Governor John Kasich for President.

Jacobson: PA AG Race is a Toss-Up: The Governing Magazine columnist looks ahead to 2016.

PA-Sen: McGinty Earns New Labor Endorsement: The Senate candidate is being backed by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85.

PA-15: Dent States That He Will Not Retire: Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent walks back remarks that he is considering retirement.

PEG PAC Backs Donohue for Supreme Court: The PBC’s political action committee is endorsing the Democratic nominee for one of the open seats on the State’s Supreme Court.

Statewide
PLSReporter: Veteran lawmakers goes it alone with compromise budget proposal
PA Independent: Disparate use of civil asset forfeiture troubles reform advocates
PA Independent: Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce a bill to bust ‘ghost teachers’
Capitolwire: Vulakovich, Bartolotta seek tax breaks for disabled vets
Capitolwire: Freeman proposes legislative package, methods to resolve budget impasse
Capitolwire: Mayor John Fetterman stands up for sanctuary cities

Philadelphia
FactCheck.org: Clinton claims economy better under Democrats
Inquirer: Did Nutter just endorse himself out as ward leader?
Philly420: Gallup poll: Support for marijuana is growing
KYW Newsradio: U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle on Biden announcement: ‘Clearly something changed’
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania Senators mull civil forfeiture reforms
Philadelphia Business Journal: Pa. Senate votes to close loophole on union intimidation
WHYY Newsworks: UPDATE: VP Joe Biden will not run, says he’s ‘out of time’
WHYY Newsworks: Philly’s LGBT office could become permanent through ballot question

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Seven seek spots on Pennridge School Board
Pottstown Mercury: Incumbent supervisor faces challenger in Upper Providence
Pottstown Mercury: Montgomery County DA candidate Steele attacks Castor for not arresting Bill Cosby in 2005
Bucks County Courier Times: A candidates forum in Council Rock, minus the Democrats

Pittsburgh
WESA: Analyzing Growth In Pennsylvania’s Rural Counties
KDKA: Biden Says He Won’t Run For President, A Boost For Clinton
Tribune Review: Lawrence County racino plan gets key racetrack approval
Tribune Review: ‘Little will change’ with Kane’s law license suspension, aide says
Tribune Review: State overseer rejects Pittsburgh’s new budget – and its old one
Tribune Review: Richard Sprague demands recall of attack ad against Supreme Court candidate Covey
Tribune Review: Pa. Gov. Wolf got alert from Planned Parenthood, video talking points
Post-Gazette: Vice President Joe Biden will not run for president in 2016
Post-Gazette: City’s fight with ICA over release of gaming funds devolves yet again
Post-Gazette: State treasurer to withhold payment of gambling revenues from charter schools
Pittsburgh Business Times: Small retailers complain to Congress about cost of credit card chip technology
Pittsburgh Business Times: Bill would ban Bayer’s Essure contraceptive

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Mayoral candidates discuss job growth
Altoona Mirror: Board stalls on bus monitors
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown lands $10.9 million sewer grant, will reduce overall costs
Beaver County Times: Ambridge Area High School interim assistant principal resigns

NEPA
Standard Speaker: Changing rules bring additional change to council
Pocono Record: Sen. Casey rails at GOP as default looms
Times Leader: Candidates for mayor of Wilkes-Barre keep it brief at forum
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County capital budget targets bridges

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Audit reveals troubles in Harrisburg schools
Carlisle Sentinel: Harrisburg to begin parking grace period
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland 9/12 project up for vote
York Daily Record: Rep. Perry on joining Freedom House Caucus
York Daily Record: York County commissioners called to resign

Lehigh Valley
Capitol Ideas: Rep. Simmons backs out of term-limit pledge
Capitol Ideas: Rep. Dent considering run for Speaker
Morning Call: Judge William E. Ford resigns
Morning Call: Charter school payments to stop until budget is passed

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Sen. Casey pushing bipartisan budget agreement
Centre Daily Times: Bomb threat in P-O school
Williamsport Sun Gazette: New program to reintegrate criminal offenders
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Council offers new development plans

Opinion
Tribune Review: Paycheck protection: Its time has come
Daily News: Say it ain’t so, Joe
Inquirer: Haverford Township voters need to hear candidates’ views
Inquirer: No hoverboard? Blame big government
Post-Gazette: Canada’s surprise: Another Trudeau will lead the country
Post-Gazette: Abuse preventative: Stiffer penalties would curb harm to animals
Post-Gazette: 2015 General Election: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial board endorsements
Altoona Mirror: High court candidates avoid fight
Beaver County Times: Pot meets the kettle
Pocono Record: Landfill planning is a cost of consumerism
Times Leader: Pennsylvania Turnpike should leave its emergency call boxes intact
Times-Tribune: Merit selection best option
Times-Tribune: No chemistry in toxicity bill

Blogs
WHYY Newsworks: Paul Ryan ponders worst job in politics
Commonwealth Foundation: Time to send “ghost teachers” back to the future
Keystone Crossroads: What your city can learn from the cost of water in Coatesville, Pa.