Fundraising numbers are in for several candidates, Dems take their first look at the 2014 congressional map, and more. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.
Don’t forget to check back later for the Ups & Downs.
Hanger Boasts $200K for Guv Bid: John Hanger, the former PA. Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, announced that his campaign has raised $200,000 since he announced his bid in November.
Dem PAC Names Fitzpatrick, Not Rothfus, 1 of 10 Targets in 2014: The 2014 cycle is just a few weeks old, but a significant Democratic super PAC has already named Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick to its list of targets – and freshman Keith Rothfus isn’t.
Shuster Touches Down at Philly Airport: Rep. Bill Shuster held his inaugural press event at the Philadelphia airport, his first since winning the gavel of the House Transportation Committee.
Corbett’s Son-in-Law: The Philly Daily News has the story of Gerold Gibson, Gov. Corbett’s son-in-law and a Philly narcotics cop who yesterday was the target of a sting operation. He’s accused of pilfering cash from a suspect’s car.
Statewide
AP: PA Senate approves plan to keep Penn State fine in the commonwealth
State House Sound Bites: Corbett’s plan for liquor leaves sour taste in mouths of beer distributors
PA Independent: Cut taxpayer-funded lobbying, lawmaker says
PA Independent: PA locks down on unemployment benefits for inmates
PA Independent: WATCHBLOG: Indictments for corrupt Philly Traffic Court judges
PA Independent: WATCHBLOG: New Auditor General whacks General Assembly for starting pension fire
StateImpactPA: Anti-Fracking Ad Aimed at New Yorkers Features Pennsylvania Residents
Capitolwire: Corbett proposes using liquor privatization money to fund new education block grant
Philadelphia
Inquirer: Corbett’s new liquor privatization plan would benefit public schools
Daily News: Blue-collar union fails to accept Nutter’s ‘final offer’
Daily News: Will this shot of liquor privatization be easier to swallow?
Philly.com: Gov. Corbett’s man in Philly
Philly.com: Boy Scouts board earns merit badge for BS
Heard in the Hall: Brown’s Council leadership position in jeopardy
WHYY Newsworks: Six Philly judges among those indicted in Philadelphia Traffic Court ticket ‘fixing’ scandal
Phillynow.com: Corbett Wants to Sell Off State Booze Monopoly For Convenience, Schools
Phillynow.com: Dueling Ideas on Gun Control in Harrisburg
KYW Newsradio: Pa. Lawmakers Hear Stories of Philadelphia Election Day Chaos Caused by Voter ID Law
KYW Newsradio: Corbett Promises Liquor Privatization Proceeds To Schools
SEPA
Phillyburbs.com: Montco GOP leaders support Coggins, Giamporcaro for judge
Phillyburbs.com: Pa. moves to limit air emissions from gas industry
Delco Daily Times: State Rep. Vitali pushes renewable energy bills
Daily Local News: Dinniman to introduce Penn State Bill
Daily Local News: Jury to convene in campaign letter case
Daily Local News: County residents mixed on liquor privatization plan
Pittsburgh
AP: 9 Philadelphia judges charged with fixing tickets for friends, relatives
Tribune-Review: Republicans toast, Democrats pan Corbett’s idea change alcohol sales
Post-Gazette: Governor’s son-in-law said to be investigated by FBI
Post-Gazette: Former Jane Orie staffer to testify in Joan Orie Melvin trial
Post-Gazette: Pa. ex-Sen. Orie’s staffers testify at Justice Melvin’s trial
Post-Gazette: Corbett wants $1.9 billion from gas tax to fund Pa. transit
Post-Gazette: Corbett injects school aid into debate over state stores
Post-Gazette: Ravenstahl has nearly $1 million in campaign chest
Early Returns: Senator compares Toomey amendment to “Hunger Games”
Early Returns: Peduto: $261K in cash
Early Returns: Allegheny County holding up the whole state in voter records
Early Returns: Ravenstahl: $750K and counting
Early Returns: Ravenstahl nearing $1M mark
Early Returns: Lamb loans self $50K
Early Returns: County will consider pushing back assessment appeal deadline next week
KDKA: State Police suspend breathalyzer testing
KDKA: City out thousands in theft, city controller audit confirms
WTAE: Port Authority CEO Steve Bland could be ousted
Southwest
Altoona Mirror: Corbett unveils plans for liquor sales
Altoona Mirror: Pa. alcohol consumers could benefit
NEPA
Times-Tribune: North Pocono teachers indicate
Standard Speaker: City official: prepare for tax bill “sticker shock”
Standard Speaker: 5-year old girl suspended for mentioning “Hello Kitty” bubble gun returns to school
Times Leader: Ex-prison guard convict of 27 counts of assault
Times Leader: Dallas Twp. special, forward-looking committees meet
Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania Ave: Pat Toomey’s debt plan rejected by U.S. Senate
Pennsylvania Ave: State police suspend breath tests for DUI suspects
Pennsylvania Ave: Coplay mayor on streetlight rip-off: ‘This is really going to hurt us’
Morning Call: Think Harbaugh brothers are competitive? Meet Jody and Jeff Karam
Morning Call: City spent all $7.3 million in 2012 NIZ revenues
Reading Eagle: Corbett proposes overhaul to state liquor control system
Reading Eagle: 2 Berks lawmakers team up, target Social Security tax fraud
Reading Eagle: Gun control hot topic at Dent event in Hamburg
Express Times: Hackettstown school board’s strategic plan includes selling schools, upgrading security
Express Times: Gov. Tom Corbett helps break ground on Route 33 interchange
South Central
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: Middletown Council wants to seize 101-year old movie theater from preservation group through eminent domain
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: Lancaster Co. GOP holds straw poll for county judgeship
Lebanon Daily News: Palmyra mayor, council announce re-election plans
Patriot-News: Opponents claim move of polling place was partisan
Patriot-News: Governor’s son-in-law under federal investigation
Carlisle Sentinel: Refinancing bonds to save Cumberland Co. $1.3 million
Roxbury News: AG Kane: mortgage company “robo-signed” documents
York Dispatch: York announces $20 temporary parking passes
North by Northwest
Erie Times-News Campaign ‘13 Blog: Sambroak enters race for Erie County judge
Centre Daily Times: Judge John Cleland denies defense’s request for new Jerry Sandusky trial
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Legislator slams lottery privatization bid
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Changes to hotel tax advocated
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Governor promises liquor proceeds to schools
Opinions
Tribune-Review: Nefarious coziness: Justice & the SPLC
Post-Gazette: Transit talent: The Port Authority deserves a leader with integrity
Post-Gazette: Reform revived: An immigration revamp gets a bipartisan shift
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Just wondering
Shamokin News Item: The no-news news media
Blogs
Keystone Politics: Corbett Alcohol Reform Plan Barely Lays a Hand on the Cartels
Keystone Politics: Costa: Only $250 Million for Transit in Corbett Transpo Funding Plan
Jon Geeting: Fantasy Urbanist Agenda for Bethlehem’s 2014-2018 Mayoral Term
Keystone State Education Coalition: Pennsylvania Education Policy Roundup for January 31, 2013
Commonwealth Foundation: Liquor Liberty at Long Last?