State Rep. Chelsa Wagner says PA needs more women in politics. D. Raja announces for Allegheny Exec, which raises the question: can a guy with a name like Raja really win in Allegheny County? Former Rep. Chris Carney could be eyeing a rematch. Former Orie staffers continue to testify in the Senator’s trial. Corbett puts the kibosh on a jail planned for Fayette County. And more DROP in the Philly council races.

And don’t miss PoliticsPA’s Ups and Downs.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Awesome V-22 Osprey, Made in Delco, Avoids DOD Cuts
For those of you who say it’s hypocritical to advocate across-the-board spending cuts while protecting a program that many experts say is not worthwhile, you’ve obviously never seen one of these babies in action.

Miss Represented: We Need More Women to Run for 2011
In today’s guest commentary, State Rep. Chelsa Wagner argues the the relative absence of Pennsylvania women in Harrisburg and Washington is a detriment to the state, and calls for more women to get involved.

Former Staffers Continue to Testify Against Orie
Orie is being accused by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala of using public funding towards her campaign as well as that of her sister, Justice Joan Orie Melvin. She continues to face heat from her former employees concerning both her professional conduct as well as her job assignments.

Bob Casey, Populist
Senator Bob Casey is out in front of rumors of a federal shut down, with his message that lawmakers shouldn’t get paid if the government is off duty.

Obama back above 50% approval in PA, and Casey’s approval rating jumps 10 points
A Quinnipiac poll out yesterday had good news for President Obama and Senator Bob Casey. Both men saw a popularity boost.

Headlines
Politico: Former Rep. Carney meets with DCCC about rematch
ABC 27: Debate continues over per diem reform
KDKA: Raja announces for Allegheny Exec
Post-Gazette: Can a guy with a name like Raja really win in Allegheny County?
Delco Times: Ex-U.S. Attorney accused of violating Hatch act to raise $ for Specter, Meehan
Early Returns: Santorum to head to South Carolina for 10th time
Early Returns: Toomey vs. Geithner
Patriot-News: Gov. Tom Corbett cancels plans for Fayette County prison
Fox Philadelphia: L&I Official Demoted After FBI Probe
Fox Philadelphia: State buys shipyard for $42 million
Centre Daily Times: Pa. Senator wants bridge named after founder of Little League Baseball
Capitol Ideas: A Wisconsin replay in Pennsylvania?
State House Sound Bites: Miskin: Some Pa. Republicans siding with WI Gov. Walker
PhillyClout: Did someone beat Milton Street to Twitter?
Fox Philadelphia: Former Mayor John Street: Media does not understand DROP
Newsworks: Joe Grace takes aim at DROP money with anti-DiCicco website
It’s Our Money: Mayor Nutter comes to a dead stop to public engagement
Early Returns: Raja has web covered, at least
Early Returns: What’s in a name for the GOP
Tribune Review: Councilmen want state probe of authority insurance contract
Times-News: DA Daneri to announce election bid today
Patriot-News: Gary Eichelberger, Carlisle Mayor Kirk Wilson announce they will run for Cumberland County Commissioner
Post-Gazette: Mt. Lebanon commissioner enters Allegheny County Executive race
Post-Gazette: Corbett cancels new prison in Fayette County
Times-Tribune: Court: Former state senator Mellow target of extortion, money laundering probe
Citizens’ Voice: Ciavarella jury deliberations to continue Friday (Luzerne corruption)
Sun-Gazette: Fed law pushes school lunch prices up
Sun-Gazette: Rep. Mirabito: Transparency law could have been stronger
Daily News: Lawmaker eyes cap on superintendent salaries
Daily News: Mayoral hopefuls turn to poll stats, ex-cons
AP: Corbett approves tax dollars for use in private schools
Citizens’ Voice: Court: Mellow target of extortion, money laundering probe
Citizens’ Voice: Judgment day looms
Daily Review: Corbett nominee advocates broad school choice

Opinions
Michael Waldman, Inquirer: How to slay a gerrymander. Governors, get involved.
Newsworks: Is Harrisburg sleazier than Little Rock?
Dick Polman, Inquirer: The American Debate: Rick Santorum questions Palin – and pays for it
Times-Tribune Editorial: Magisterial mergers help shrink deficit
Patriot News Editorial: EPA, Coal and Natural Gas industries, have an interest in working together.
Post Gazette Editorial: Off the hook: An arbitrator upholds a medic’s poor service
Tribune Review Editorial: Fitzgerald’s vendetta against W&K Steel is shameful
Tribune Review Editorial: It doesn’t matter if it’s legal, Scarnati’s (and Solobay’s) lobbyist-funded trip was wrong