PoliticsPA’s list of Best County Chairs is up, and so far readers have thoroughly enjoyed saying who they thought deserved to be on the list… and who didn’t.

A Quinnipiac poll out this morning has good news for both President Obama and Senator Casey. Obama’s numbers are their highest in PA since July 2009, and Casey’s approval rating jumped a net 10 points. Silver lining for the GOP? Obama is doing worse in SWPA and NEPA than he was in 2008, and a full 31% of voters don’t know enough about Casey (!) to form an opinion.

Yesterday’s poll showed Corbett with similarly positive numbers, even if most voters doubt he can balance the budget without raising taxes or fees.

Debate over the President’s budget continues, OFA reaches out to PA small businesses, lobbyist Super Bowl blowback continues, vouchers are the item of the day in Harrisburg, and the Allegheny Exec race heats up.

Finally, Tom Knox may indeed be challenging Nutter in the Democratic primary. Good thinking Tom, because Philly is famous for supporting losers. Just ask Donovan McNabb.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Pennsylvania’s Best County Chairs
See who made PoliticsPA’s list. These are the 14 men and women who make Pennsylvania politics happen at the most important level.

Obama back above 50 in latest poll
A fresh Quinnipiac poll shows President Obama’s approval ratings have gone up in Pennsylvania, giving the President his highest numbers since July 2009. Silver lining for the GOP? Obama not doing so well in SWPA or NEPA.

Casey’s Approval Rating Jumps; GOP 2012 Senate Picture Still Complicated
Casey sees a 10 point net increase in approval ratings in today’s Q-pac poll, while only 22% say he is too liberal. Meanwhile, the GOP still has a decent chance to define Casey (if not defeat him) if they start soon.

Obama’s 2012 Budget: Does it cut too much or too little?
President Obama’s 2012 proposed fiscal budget may be a good starting place for figuring out just how to help turn around the national debt, but only so much can be done in one year and if Republicans and Democrats hope to see change to the deficit, they are going to have to establish some middle ground when confronting the issue. Some say the budget doesn’t cut enough, others warn not to cut too much.

Poll Shows Good News Overall For Gov. Corbett; Most Doubt His No Tax Pledge
A new Quinnipiac poll shows a mixed bag for Tom Corbett, with half of voters not sure how he’s doing. However, the deeper one looks at the poll, the better the numbers appear for the Governor.

Organizing for America Launches Grassroots Effort to Engage Pa. Small Businesses
Organizing for America (OFA), a grassroots organizing project fueled by the Democratic National Committee and geared toward building support for President Obama’s legislative agenda, has announced an initiative aimed at reaching out to small businesses in Pennsylvania, PoliticsPA has learned.

Delaware County Times: Miccarelli Named Liquor Control Committee Secretary
The Delaware County Times is reporting that State Representative Nick Miccarelli (R-Ridley Park) has been appointed Secretary of the House Liquor Control Committee.

Headlines
Inquirer: Knox may challenge Nutter in Dem Primary
The Big Tent: Administration is “shrill” on debt limit issue, Toomey says
Newsworks: Feds subpoena Philadelphia’s sheriff office
Newsworks: The guy who told you so
Early Returns: Satirical text site hits Jason Altmire
State House Sound Bites: Will Gov. Corbett copy WI Governor’s playbook?
Post-Gazette: Federal judge dismisses most of Duquesne prof’s bias claims
ABC Pittsburgh: Sen. Orie corruption juror replaced for sleeping
State House Sound Bites: Marathon School Voucher Hearing Underway
State House Sound Bites: School Voucher Hearing Part 2
Fox Philadelphia: Does Mayor Nutter want $45 billion for Philadelphia?
Newsworks: Is Milton Street a viable mayoral candidate?
PhillyClout: Milton Street Challenges Mayor Nutter to a debate
Inquirer: Maintaining status quo a victory for Nutter
Newsworks: Is Brett Mandel considering a GOP mayoral run?
PhillyClout: How public is the Philadelphia budget process this year?
Fox Philadelphia: Milwaukee’s bad DROP experience
Tribune-Review: Onorato to veto factory’s ‘sweatshop’ designation
Early Returns: Fitzgerald taps campaign manager
Citizens’ Voice: Ciavarella admits to fraud, conspiracy (Luzerne corruption)
Times Leader: Jury deliberations begins Thursday (Luzerne corruption)
Times-Tribune: Corbett administration backs school vouchers
Post-Gazette: Consol paid for Super Bowl trip for Sen. Solobay
Patriot-News: Funeral Director to run for Lebanon County Commissioner
Daily Review: Corbett announces abortion clinic oversight changes
Citizens’ Voice: Interest swells for county council seats
Times Leader: Judge says he spent a lot to pay off debt

Opinions
John Baer, Daily News: Legislature shows healthy disrespect for the poor
Tribune Review Editorial: The budget: The fight ahead
Post Gazette Editorial: Steel City Batman? This is no time to end the state film tax incentive
Centre Daily Times Editorial: Taxing shale drillers makes sense
Patriot-News Editorial: Quite the privilege: Excursions to Super Bowl show weakness of Pennsylvania’s anemic ethic rules
Patriot-News Editorial: Passage of Castle Doctrine bills would glorify “shoot first” mentality
Inquirer Editorial: Still worth DROPping
Ruth Marcus, Washington Post: Mama Grizzly Palin swipes Neanderthal Santorum
Inquirer: Corbett taps PA pension critic for state pension board
Heather Long, Patriot News: Even if he rules out a tax, Corbett has a long to-do list to ensure Marcellus development is safe.