Those of you who miss the non-stop coverage of Egypt got a treat yesterday as protesters rose up against Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson. Check out this priceless photo of Thompson doing her best Mubarak impression.

Speaking of, freshman member of the House Foreign Relations Committee Rep. Tom Marino tossed in his two cents re: Mubarak’s decision, even including some kind words for the President.

Meanwhile PA’s President (Pro Tem) Joe Scarnati will be suspended for 6 games after being found in violation of league rules prohibiting lobbyist gifts (in this case a perk-filled Super Bowl trip). The tip came courtesy of Marcellus company Consol Energy. From the ‘things politicians say when in trouble’ file, Scarnati now says he had always planned on paying Consol back. In related news, former President Clinton maintains that he never inhaled.

To round it up, there was a packed Senate hearing about the pros and cons of liquor store privatization, the PA delegation responded to Obama’s budget (spoiler alert: Republicans thought it was too big, Democrats worried it might be too small), and everyone in Philly is reluctantly acknowledging that Mayor Michael Nutter is a sure thing for re-election.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

State Sen. Scarnati in Hot Water After Super Bowl Perks From Marcellus Company
As Senator Joe Scarnati enjoyed a free Super Bowl Trip from Marcellus Shale firm Consol Energy Inc, some have called his ethics and political sense into question, especially considering Scarnati’s key role in drafting rules for Marcellus companies in PA.

Rep. Marino: Obama’s Egypt Approach “Paid Off”
U.S. Representative Tom Marino, a member of the House Foreign Relations Committee, told PoliticsPA in an interview that he thinks President Barack Obama’s approach to Egypt has “paid off,” and he anticipates the departure of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will yield greater stability in the country.

Headlines
Patriot News: 250 rally against Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson
Pennsylvania Ave.: Sen. Toomey Comes Out Opposed to President Obama’s Budget, says ‘it represents a failure of leadership’
ICYMI… Washington Post: President Obama Courts Key GOP Lawmakers with Social Invites to the White House (h/t Early Returns)
NBC Pittsburgh: Pa. State Senator to Repay Consol Energy for Price of Superbowl Package
Fox Philadelphia: Philly L&I Official Part of FBI Probe
Tribune-Review: Former Staffer Says Orie had her make fake campaign calls
CBS Pittsburgh: Pa. Schools to Lose Federal Stimulus Funding
Fox Philadelphia: LCB Privatization Unlikely This Year
Capitol Ideas: Pa. Senate Committee Votes on Pipeline Safety Bill
Early Returns: Scaringi to Address Beaver County GOP
Post-Gazette: 200 Rally Against Harrisburg’s Mayor
State House Sound Bites: Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson taunts protestors
Times-Tribune: Marcellus Shale Royalties Help Fund State Agency
Newsworks: State Sen. Anthony Williams Endorses Mayor Nutter for Re-Election
Newsworks: Danny Savage looking for rematch in Philly City Council race
Newsworks: Corbett pledges drastic budget cuts in Harrisburg
Citizens’ Voice: Prosecution rests (Luzerne Corruption)
Citizens’ Voice: Marcellus royalties helping Game Commission
Citizens’ Voice: Luzerne Dems Chairman announces judicial candidacy
Times Leader: Casey criticizes LIHEAP cuts
Delco Times: Demonstrators gather outside Radnor Planned Parenthood office
Post-Gazette: Mayor unveils vision for Allegheny Riverfront
Early Returns: To the victor goes the Primanti’s
International Business Times: Fmr. Judge Ciavarella trial resumes on fraud, tax evasion charges
Tribune-Review: PA Senate committee to review state liquor stores
PR Newswire: Edward Mann reappointed as State Fire Commissioner
Times-Tribune: O’Brien’s pick shores up re-election chances

Opinions
Larry Platt, Daily News: Inspriration deficit – I wish Mayor Nutter would think big
Post-Gazette Editorial: Happier hour: A House alcohol bill steps toward the modern era
Post-Gazette Editorial: The public deserves more data on city police work
Patriot News Editorial: Gaming Board shouldn’t be a retirement destination for lawmakers
Inquirer Editorial: Rethink the Patriot Act
Lancaster Era Editorial: GOP Budget cuts aimed at politics, not progress
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Congress should cut its own cost by more than a measly 2%
Patriot-News Editorial: We should brush up on traffic safety laws
Patriot-News Editorial: Sen. Vance is correct about Medicaid payments
U.S. News & World Report: Nutter: Congress should ban high-volume ammo clips