In PA-6 Richards and Schwank are out while Parrish and Rozzi are in, our latest reader poll results are in and Wolf releases his government reform plan. Good morning politicos,

PA-6: MontCo Commissioner Richards & Sen. Schwank Are Out: Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards decides against a run for Congress.

PA-6: Rep. Rozzi Announces Exploratory Committee: Berks County Dem announces an exploratory committee for a run in Gerlach’s seat.

PA-6: Parrish Announces Candidacy, Releases New Video: The Democratic candidate formally declared his candidacy and created a biographical video to introduce himself to the electorate.

Reader Poll: Who Should Republicans Nominate in PA-6?: With a now wide open GOP field in PA-6, we ask readers who they think Republicans should nominate for the House seat.

Pittsburgh Councilwoman Rudiak Announces Open Data Law With Peduto Support: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto begins his term in office by backing a bill that will lead to more transparency in city government.

Rep. Miller To Seek Senator Waugh’s Vacant Seat: Rep. Ron Miller confirmed a weeks worth of rumors when he announced that he would seek the Republican nomination for Senator Mike Waugh’s seat.

Wolf Announces Government Reform Plan: Governor candidate releases a plan to increase transparency in state government.

Reader Poll: Democrats Should Nominate Smith in HD-164: Our latest reader poll shows you think the Democrats should chose Billy Smith over incumbent Margo Davidson in HD-164.

Politically Uncorrected: Be Careful What You Wish For: Republicans face a daunting challenge retaining the governor’s office while they must also defend their majorities in the General Assembly.

Legislative Elections Update:

HD-90: Rep. Todd Rock (R-Franklin) announced that he will not seek re-election in November. Rock was first elected to the 90th district House seat in November 2006.

Rock released a public statement on Tuesday:

“After months of reflection and looking to the future, I have decided to not seek a fifth term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the people of the 90th District in Harrisburg. I would like to thank my dedicated staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to this office over the years. I also thank the voters of the 90th District who entrusted me with this position.

HD-94: York County Commissioner Chris Reilly will introduce and endorse Kelly Henshaw for the 94th District seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Henshaw announced his candidacy in the Republican primary for this seat against incumbent Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York), the House Whip.

“Over the years I have gotten to know Chris Reilly, he has always been a public servant of the highest caliber,’ said Kelly Henshaw. “Chris has led the county Commission in cutting spending and reducing the size of government, and he has never wavered in his strong support for holding the line on taxes, empowering people at the grassroots, and making government truly representative. There is not a single issue on which Chris and I disagree. It is a distinct honor to have his support.”

Statewide
Huffington Post: How The ‘Ted Cruz Of Central Pennsylvania’ Could Screw Up America’s Transportation System
PA Independent: Lawmakers look to sharpen welfare oversight
State House Sound Bites: House Dems urge Corbett to propose hike in schools spending
StateImpactPA: Pa. DEP seeks input on overhaul of drilling regulations
StateImpactPA: Senate panel approves bill encouraging acid mine drainage use in fracking
Capitolwire: House takes baby steps toward addressing education funding
Capitolwire: House panel drops pollution controls, keeps reporting rules for certain emergency generators
Capitolwire: Senate panel approves changes to Environmental Good Samaritan law
Capitolwire: Senators to consider tacking Medicaid expansion to DPW renaming bill

Philadelphia
Commonwealth Confidential: Protecting paychecks?
Philly.com: Shell’s $4B Pa. ethane project more likely as rival works cancelled
Daily News: Bright Hope pastor to run for mayor in 2015
Daily News: Democratic candidates seeking gubernatorial nomination speak at Philadelphia forum
The Inquirer: Malvern Democrat to run for Gerlach seat
The Inquirer: New Pa. Turnpike IG says he seeks change, not scalps
CapitolInq: Two more names join Congressional mix
WHYY Newsworks: Rep. Dwight Evans calls for referendum on Pennsylvania education funding
PhillyNow: One Gov candidate vows fracking moratorium at sustainability debate
KYW Newsradio: Pa. Bill Would Outlaw Harassment By Posting X-Rated Photos of Ex

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Morrisville could reopen 2014 budget, raise taxes again
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. Democrats eye US House seat Gerlach’s leaving
Daily Local News: Oxford council not happy with tax hikes
Daily Local News: Candidate says local GOP let him down
Daily Local News: Local lawyer named chairman of Pa. State Athletic Commission

Pittsburgh
Urban Media Today: Wheatley, Evans seek voters’ input on education funding lawmakers introduce measure calling for nonbinding resolution
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh councilwoman Deb Gross proposes land bank
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh councilwoman Rudiak introduces open data bill
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh police union president attempted to back out of moonlighting rules
Tribune Review: In-person tax appeals may change in Allegheny County
KDKA: Mayor Peduto Orders 72-Hour “Pothole Blitz”
WPXI: Pa. senators advance bill to punish ‘revenge porn’

Southwest
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Feds: Repak bribed with roof replacement, Steelers tickets and more
Beaver County Times: School spending database passes House
AP: Affordable housing complex for gay seniors opens in Pa.

NEPA
Standard Speaker: 16 nominated for city posts
Citizens Voice: Councilman asks Laflin mayor to step down
Citizens Voice: W-B Area board: Tax increase no higher than 2.9 percent
Times-Tribune: Financial consultant for Scranton to reach out to city ‘stakeholders’
The Times Leader: State aims to prevent overdoses through new program

South Central
Patriot-News: Pensions, booze and bowling: Midstate legislators talk plans for the spring session
Patriot-News: Rep. Todd Rock becomes the latest Pa. House member to announce plans to leave at end of his term
Patriot-News: Guv candidate John Hanger says this isn’t your father’s Pa. anymore
Patriot-News: Rep. Ron Miller’s candidacy for Senate seat strikes opponent Scott Wagner as dirty pool
Carlisle Sentinel: Board to hold hearing on proposed oil and gas regulations
Carlisle Sentinel: TRICARE administrative walk-in services dropped

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: East Penn School District anticipates tax hike this year
Morning Call: Congressman Charlie Dent offers plan to extend unemployment benefits — with conditions
Morning Call: Job seekers pack fair looking for new opportunities
Morning Call: East Penn hopes to save $200,000 by refinancing bonds
Express-Times: Bethlehem Area begins school budget process with $16.9-million deficit
Express-Times: Upper Mount Bethel Township supervisor resigns over sludge plan

North by Northwest
Sun-Gazette: Shallow well producers decry DEP’s proposed new rules
Sun-Gazette: Tax hike likely in the offing for Montoursville residents
Sun-Gazette: Tire burner project shelved
Daily Times: Democrats slam Corbett on cuts to Penn State funding
Daily Times: House passes bill to name road after Sgt. Adam Hartswick

Opinion
Patriot-News: Pa. learns there’s no peace in the war against Big Tobacco
Delco Daily Times: Editorial: Whistling airs by Snowden and the Media Five
Daily Local News: State should boost wage to keep pace
Beaver County Times: It’s time to make radar guns more accessible

Blogs
Keystone Progress: Keystone Progress Announces Participants in Lieutenant Governor Debate
Keystone Politics: #PA6: Mark Rozzi Steps Closer to Getting In
Keystone Politics: Why Oh Why Can’t We Have Better Environmental Advocacy Organizations?
CasablancaPA: Sandusky Slow-Walk, Son Of Bonusgate
Commonwealth Foundation: How Government Union Leaders Hurt Average Pennsylvanians
Pennsylvania Progressive: Rozzi Explores PA-6 Run
Above Average Jane: Philly Campaign Training
John Hanger: WVA Republican Says Right Before Chemical Spill: “We Are Regulated To Death.”
Citizens’ Call: King Day Event to Explore ‘Mass Incarceration’ of People of Color
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Cartwright Gets 1% COLA For 1,809 Blue Collar Tobyhanna Workers
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Can Parsons Beat Scavello?