The Steelers are in! More importantly, they’ll have the chance in two weeks to add to their lead over Dallas in Super Bowl wins – in the Cowboy’s stadium. That’s something every Pennsylvanian, even spiteful, jealous Eagles fans, can get behind.

The big news came out of Reading this weekend and PoliticsPA was on the scene. Each party selected its candidate for the special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake: Democrats rallied behind former Commissioner Judy Schwank (as PoliticsPA predicted on Dec. 29), and Republicans picked Register of Wills Larry Medaglia. The Berks County-based special will be the first test of GOP momentum after big wins in 2010.

In other news, team Corbett unveiled its reform plan after several days of Democrats’ poking fun. Casey and Toomey will sit together at the State of the Union. More committee assignments and un-assignments were announced. Santorum gets some good (?) national press and 3% in the NH straw poll. And GOP elected officials in Harrisburg rush to respond to the abortion clinic scandal.

And don’t forget PoliticsPA’s politico/celebrity look-alikes. We’re still looking for your submissions.

PoliticsPA Reports:

Dems pick Schwank; Berks County now at center of PA politics
The Berks County Democrats unanimously recommended former County Commissioner Judy Schwank as their candidate for the March 15 special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake.

Berks GOP selects Larry Medaglia, Register of Wills, for 11th district special election
Berks County Republicans nominated Register of Wills Larry Medaglia as their candidate for the March 15th special election to replace State Senator Mike O’Pake.

Eyeing 2012 challenge to Casey, Corman bolsters social conservative credibility
Although Gov. Tom Corbett and former Gov. Ed Rendell have both commented on the West Philadelphia abortion facility, dubbed the “House of Horrors,” state Sen. Jake Corman decided to do something.

Casey and Toomey to sit together at the SOTU
PA’s Senators have each said that they’re looking forward to working with one another. Now it turns out that their spirit of civility will get its national debut during President Obama’s State of the Union address.

PoliticsPA was right – Santorum deserved an up arrow
Some folks have questioned why PoliticsPA gave former Senator Rick Santorum an up arrow in this week’s Ups and Downs. Well, we told you so.

Philadelphia Freedom Center awards “potential 2012 Presidential candidate” John Bolton
The Philadelphia Freedom Center, a conservative foreign policy and education think tank, is welcoming former Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton to the city.

Headlines
Post-Gazette: Steelers go!
Washington Post: Steelers abruptly shut the Jets up
Tribune-Review: Corbett’s reform bills will begin moving forward in the PA House Monday
Inquirer: Big donors paid for Corbett’s inaugural bash
Tribune-Review: It’s full steam ahead on Corbett’s reform pledge
AP: Expect to see the proposal on Tuesday
Jon Delano, KDKA: Arizona victim Judge John Roll never forgot his Pittsburgh roots
Scott Detrow, WITF: Legislators in Harrisburg respond to Philadelphia abortion case
Newsworks: Pursuing an elusive prize: valid school choice
Capitol Ideas: Corbetts host Governor’s Mansion open house
Commonwealth Confidential: Rendell still seeking TV show; accepts fellowship at Brookings Institute
Salena Zito: Remembering Aldo Santorum
Early Returns: Rep. Mike Kelly added to the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Early Returns: Rep. Altmire drops the Education and Labor Committee
Tribune-Review: Former Congressman Gallatin to be celebrated with events and exhibits
Early Returns: Pennsylvania Bar Association highly recommends David Wecht for the State Superior Court
PhillyClout: Threats to city council candidate garners attention in DC
Early Returns: David Calfo is challenging Patrick Dowd for Pittsburgh city council
Fox Philadelphia: Mayor Nutter challenges the city to serve
Newsworks: Scally to run for Philadelphia City Council At-Large
Pennsylvania Independent: Leaders pledge to make redistricting open, fair
Morning Call/Pennsylvania Ave: Casey, Toomey to sit together for State of the Union
Post-Gazette: Controller Lamb will run again
Post-Gazette: Difficulty of changing PA tax structure
Post-Gazette: Corbett orders review of oversight of abortion clinic
Politico: Romney wins GOP straw poll in New Hampshire, Santorum gets 3%
Citizens’ Voice: Corbett promises new direction for Pa.
Times Leader: Legislators for NE Pa. set up shop
Morning Call: Is Pennsylvania ready for vouchers?
Wayne Independent: Pa. GOP plan reform, Dems say it’s about time
Wayne Independent: Marino picks district offices, leaves northeast in the cold
Tribune-Review: State judges could be appointed in near future
Tribune-Review: Mixed reviews on Onorato’s job in dealing with Pittsburgh airport
Tribune-Review: Pro-life activists are more optimistic than ever in PA

Opinions
Newsworks: Drawing a new line on Philly city employees involvement in political expression
Nancy Eshelman, Patriot news: Gov. Corbett, I ask you to think before you act
Centre Daily: Corbett should sell liquor stores
Inquirer Editorial: Remove the Politics, end gerrymandering
Inquirer Editorial: Not the same Council
Mercury Editorial: Corbett pushes positive theme of accountability
Post-Gazette Editorial: Health care repeal vote was political theater by Republicans
Post-Gazette Editorial: Advice for legislators
Morning Call Editorial: Toomey’s Afghan help is personal