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PoliticsPA broke the story that Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald will bring $750,000 into his campaign for County Exec. President Obama is coming to central PA on Feb. 2, further details to be announced. PA’s Senators get their committee assignments, including a plum chairmanship for Bob Casey. And the state parties each try to spin Wednesday’s State House antics.

PoliticsPA Reports

Fitzgerald to announce $750,000 cash on hand for Allegheny County Executive race
PoliticsPA has learned that Fitzegerald will report more than $750,000 cash on hand when he files his campaign finance report next week, according to a source close to the campaign. This was later confirmed by another campaign source.

Casey to Chair Joint Economic Committee
It was announced this afternoon that the Senator will chair the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), which is charged with overseeing economic conditions and economic policy.  The Committee is also bicameral, including of ten members from each the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Toomey Committee Assignments Play to His Strength: Crunching Numbers
Senator Toomey announced his committee assignments this afternoon, and there were few surprises.

Profile of Valerie Caras, PA GOP Communications Director
Valerie Caras was hired this week as Director of the Communications and Technology Departments for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania.

Detrow: President Obama coming to central Pa. on Wednesday
President Obama is coming to central Pennsylvania. The White House Press office just put out a statement saying the president will visit on Wednesday, February 2nd. The exact location hasn’t been announced yet.

Headlines
AP: Rick Santorum to headline Catholic group event in Massachusetts
Pennsylvania Ave.: Sen. Toomey addresses Tea Party Caucus
Pennsylvania Ave.: Texas Rep. implicated in ‘oathgate’ to address Pa. GOP
Capitol Ideas: State parties get involved in House Rules fight
Tribune-Review: Lawyer announces run for South Side’s city council district
Times-News: Erie City Council to vote on new AFSCME contract
Citizens’ Voice: Mellow lawyer wants records supporting summer raid unsealed
Times Leader: A spirited dispute
Times Leader: Two lawmakers want rules for transition
Times Leader: Mixed verdict in immigrant beating cover up case
Morning Call: Senators to be players on economic policy
PAWaterCooler: Montoco GOP endorses Castor, Lower Merion Commissioner Jenny Brown
Inquirer: Council sets Marcellus Shale vote
Patriot News: Pa. State Democratic Chairman Jim Burn calls on House Majority leader Mike Turzai to step down
Jon Delano, KDKA: Obama still rooting for the Steelers

Opinions
Bob Casey writing in the Patriot News: 5 ways to change the U.S. Senate
Rick Santorum writing in the Union-Leader: From Obama, the same old liberalism as always
Newsworks: Running from DROP
Times Leader Editorial: Chances slim for county’s dim reputation
Inquirer Editorial: Nutter’s new reforms
DailyNews Editorial: Council has big issues to grapple with, and re-election shouldn’t be one of them
Patriot News Editorial: Community trust is crucial in Harrisburg’s Act 47 plan
Morning Call Editorial: What is impact of Gosnell case?
Times-Tribune Editorial: Baby steps toward reform