Rendell eyes a spot at MSNBC as he rejoins the law firm of Ballard Spahr. It’s starting to look like southwestern PA will bear the brunt of redistricting. Battles over abortion are brewing in PA and DC. Toomey defends Pennsylvania’s honor in a Super Bowl prop bet with Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI). In SD-11 Special election news, Judy Schwank is now officially the Democratic candidate. And Santorum continues to get mileage out of his abortion/race/Obama non-gaffe.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

At official Schwank nomination, Democrats focus on O’Pake
Democrats today officially nominated former Berks County Commissioner Judy Schwank as their candidate for the special election to replace the late State Senator Mike O’Pake (D-11).

Rendell joins Ballard Spahr, nears signing deal with MSNBC
If our now-former Governor plans to take a day off before starting his next endeavor, there’s no evidence that PoliticsPA can see.

Early Returns: Southwest PA is likely target of redistricting
Our friends over at the Post-Gazette’s Early Returns have the skinny on a redistricting presentation by Eric Kratz, political director of the Pennsylvania Business Council, and political consultant (and PoliticsPA top operative) Christopher Nicholas.

Toomey, Wisconsin Senator Johnson Wager Over Super Bowl
Nothing like a little softball, prop-bet press. Newly elected PA Senator Pat Toomey announced yesterday that he and Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin are betting over the Super Bowl.

Headlines

Capitol Ideas: Gov. Corbett declares “School Choice Week” in Pa.
Former Pa2010 reporter Dan Hirshhorn, Politco: Santorum & Sharpton duel over abortion
PhillyNow: State Sen. Anthony Williams to introduce another school choice proposal
PhillyNow: Was Rendell given a pass by the media regarding the Philly Abortion case?
Patriot News: Midstaters went to DC for the March for Life
Pennsylvania Ave.: Santorum raises money off abortion/Obama comments
Early Returns: Santorum in middle of NH pack
Politico: Santorum to deliver keynote speeches in NH in coming weeks
AP: Pa. seeks federal help for people who need health insurance
Times-Tribune: DEP losing staff to gas drilling industry
Early Returns: Constitutional Convention in Harrisburg?
Post-Gazette: Maj. Leader Turzai lays out agenda at Pa. Press Club
Inquirer: Delaware County’s Rep. Davidson blazed a trial of firsts
PhillyClout: Philadelphia City Council President Anna Verna is not running for re-election
Post-Gazette: Another candidate running for judge in Washington County
Intelligencer: Montco Commissioner Matthews ‘unshackled’
Citizens’ Voice: House considers state store sale study
Times Leader: Gov. acts to prop up health insurance for working poor

Opinions

John Baer, Daily News: Corbett had us expecting a promising first week
John Baer also smells a conspiracy between Keith Olbermann and Ed Rendell
Dave Davies, Newsworks: Fair elections, crazy judges
Inquirer Editorial: Life is the better choice
Post-Gazette Editorial: State of competition: A good budget outcome could lure work to PA
Tribune Review Editorial: The PSEA’s bias is on full display
Patriot News Editorial: Appointed attorney general should agree not to run for job