Happy Groundhog Day, Pennsylvania.

Both sides are treading lightly over the proposed House GOP rules changes, to the public attention detriment of the actual, substantive reform measures that passed this week. The State House is now set, 112 GOP – 91 Dems, with last night’s special election victory of Maria Donatucci for her late husband’s seat. Pennsylvania politicos get in on the Egypt action. And PA’s economy seems to be picking up. Unemployment is down in many parts of the state, while revenue exceeded expectations, again.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Donatucci wins in a rout
Maria Donatucci, wife of the late State Rep. Robert Donatucci, has won her late husband’s seat by an overwhelming margin. With 98% of precincts reporting, Donatucci leads her opponent, businessman and veteran GOP politico Lewis Harris Jr. 1,834 votes to 119.

Some Dems Declare Victory After Rules Change Debate, Others Wait and See
Harrisburg Democrats aren’t sure how to react to the House GOP’s decision not to proceed with a few controversial rules changes. Some party leaders are celebrating a political win in a tough year, while others are waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Curry Introduces Bill to Limit Gerrymandering in Redistricting
In an attempt to halt the practice of gerrymandering, State Representative Lawrence Curry of Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties has introduced legislation for the second time that would strive to ensure fairness in the process of redistricting municipalities and precincts.

Dems Eager, GOP Defiant Over DCCC Plans to Hit Barletta, Fitzpatrick and Meehan
News broke yesterday that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee plans to target 19 Republicans around the country, among them three Representatives from PA (more than any other state).

Iowa Republican: Santorum Posts Impressive Fundraising Numbers
Rick Santorum has some good ink today in the website of Iowa GOP fundraiser Craig Robinson. Santorum added to his political profile in January with high-profile comments re: abortion, race and Obama. That launched a veritable media tour across the US and in the early GOP primary states. It looks like he’s been hitting the phones, too.

Headlines
Capitol Ideas: Gov. Corbett names Ag secretary but cabinet vacancies remain
Newsworks: Statements by Corbett nominee not corroborated by colleagues
Early Returns: Santorum on Egypt and Terrorism
Pennsylvania Ave: Companies switching donations from Patrick Murphy to Mike Fitzpatrick
Morning Call: Corbett’s campaign $610,000 in the black, Onorato still about $250,000 in debt
Early Returns: Report: Corbett goes ‘ballistic’ over last-minute Turnpike hires
Detrow, PA Public Radio: Corbett hires Post-Gazette reporter Dennis Roddy for communications shop
Tribune Review: Economic upturn seen as making ‘dent’ in state deficit
Post-Gazette: State urged to tax online purchases
Post Gazette: In Pa. House, it’s calm before another storm
Newsworks: Shapiro continues fight on cell phone regulation, particularly driving and texting
The Patriot-News: Lebanon man accused of stealing $10,000 in valuables from Governor’s Residence
Post-Gazette: Congressional panel finds diesel fuel in fracking fluid
Newsworks: Rendell’s Agriculture Secretary finds job as Dean of Delaware Valley College
CBS Philly: Montco GOP reassesses tactics in wake of Hoeffel’s decision to retire
PhillyNow: Is State Sen. Anthony Williams silence any indication of his plans to run for Mayor of Philadelphia?
AP: Rendell to write sports column for Philly paper
AP: Critz, Casey ask Obama not to cut Pa.-based NDIC
AP: Rhode Island officials dispute boasts by Corbett pick for Public Welfare Secretary
PhillyClout: Nutter Kicks Off 2011 Fundraising in Style
PhillyClout: Former Mayor Street ‘almost offended’ by media on DROP
Early Returns: Family ties: both Dems for County Exec raised big money close to home
Citizens’ Voice: Lokuta attorneys cite complaints against judges in new motion
The Times Leader: Planned natural gas compressor station at issue
The Times Leader: Campaign committees end due to home rule

Opinions
Inquirer Editorial: Corbett’s No-Tax Pledge doesn’t count if it yields higher local taxes
Elmer Smith, Daily News Op-Ed: School voucher plans can’t be vouched for
The Patriot-News Editorial: Female lawmakers: In this state, they’re few and far between
Post-Gazette Editorial: No slow advance: Military integration of gays should come soon
Altoona Mirror Editorial: Obama can’t keep on taxing
Centre Daily Times Editorial: County should investigate CYS case