Good morning politicos, and welcome to the Buzz.

Will Altmire Be Booted Off the Ballot? PoliticsPA talked with an expert on Pennsylvania election law to find out just how much Jason Altmire should worry about his ballot challenge from Mark Critz.

Westmoreland Dems Endorse Altmire: By a vote of 27 to 15, the Westmoreland County Democratic Committee voted to endorse Rep. Jason Altmire over Rep. Mark Critz. It’s a noteworthy win, as much of the county in the newly drawn 12th is currently in Critz’s district.

2/24 Ups & Downs: Redistricting news, petition challenges, and a Pa. angle on the presidential contest.

Primary Colors: Voting Record Rankings: A new list released by the National Journal rates House members based on how liberal or conservative their votes were in 2011. We highlight incumbents facing primary challenges.

Who Won the Lottery? Pa Ballot Positions: Who won the coveted top spots? See where the candidates landed on the ballot in the biggest primary contests in Pa.

SEIU Endorses Murphy: SEIU-PA, one of the most politically active unions in the state, officially backed Patrick Murphy in the race for Attorney General, the organization announced Thursday. Kathleen Kane’s camp says Murphy is out of step with SEIU’s position on the Arizona immigration law.

The Path to 270: OFA v. RNC: Jim Messina, Barack Obama’s campaign manager, believes the President has 5 different paths to 270 electoral votes and re-election. The GOP says not so fast, in part because 4 of those 5 paths require a win in Pa.

Corbett “Doing A Good Job” According to Governing Magazine: Governing Magazine has declared Tom Corbett as one of six freshmen overnors who is “doing well,” in a report published February 15th.

Holden on Contraception Debate: Before the Obama administration reversed its controversial contraception decision, Congressman Holden pushed back against the initial policy. Meanwhile, Matt Cartwright and Laureen Cummings are building their campaign infrastructure to take on the incumbent Congressman.

Legislative Election Updates. Now that the GOP seems resigned to the 2001 lines and petitions are in, expect these to heat up.

HD-14: State Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver) is challenging the petitions of his Democratic opponent, Midland Councilman Sam Rosatone Jr. The Democrat turned in between 400 and 500 signatures, meaning he’s well in range of a successful challenge.

HD-50: The GOP is challenging Bill DeWeese’s nominating petitions on the grounds that he is a convicted felon and thus ineligible to make the ballot. No other Democrat is on the ballot in the Greene County district.

HD-66: Meet Carl Dush, the Brookville man challenging House Speaker Sam Smith in the Republican primary.

HD-94: Meet Kelly Henshaw, the man challenging House Whip Stan Saylor in the Republican primary.

HD-103: Charges of racism in the crowded primary to replace Harrisburg state Rep. Ron Buxton. Someone created a fake twitter account – featuring former Korean leader Kim Jong Il – to mock Councilwoman Patty Kim. Another candidate, Roy Christ, was the target of a facebook page targeting his sexual orientation.

HD-113: State Rep. Kevin Murphy knocked primary opponents off the ballot two cycles in a row, but not this year. Marty Flynn left his job at the Lackawanna County Prison to end a Hatch Act challenge and will contest Murphy for the Democratic nod. Writer Borys Krawczeniuk penned this column.

HD-156: Bret Binder, who faces councilwoman Cassandra Jones for the Democratic nod to take on vulnerable freshman Rep. Dan Truitt, blasted the incumbent over the mandatory ultrasound bill he sponsors. Bret said, “We should not let Harrisburg politicians mandate this type of medical intrusion into women’s lives and bodies.”

HD-170: In case the HRCC was preparing to pour money into the race against HDCC chairman State Rep. Brendan Boyle, they’d better think twice. A Boyle internal poll shows him leading GOP opponent George Weiss 64 to 18 percent in the Philadelphia district.

Have news or a tip about a state Senate or House race? Email it to press@politicspa.com. Wondering why your opponent’s statement got on the list and not yours? Add us to your press list!

National:
Reuters: U.S. House sets date to discuss Northeastern refinery closures
Times-News: Will Santorum’s Surge Last?
Los Angeles Times: Santorum calls Romney’s conservative attack ‘absolutely laughable’
Washington Post: Santorum victory Tuesday in Michigan would commit Romney to long haul he said he’s ready for
Huffington Post: Santorum vows to cut taxes, spending within first 100 days in office if elected president
Times-News: Congressman Kelly Says The Pace Of DC Politics Can Be Frustrating
The Hill: Protecting the Homeland, safeguarding privacy
Pennsylvania Ave: Santorum win in Michigan could be chaos for GOP
Politico: Republican governors dodge 2012 race
Politico: Republicans returning to ‘dark ages’
Politico: Energy friends snub Rick Santorum
AP: Santorum: Romney isn’t conservative enough for GOP
AP: Santorum: No apology needed for Quran burning
AP: Christie says contested GOP convention is possible
Roll Call: Race ratings: Democrats likely to lose edge in New Jersey delegation
Roll Call: K Street wrestles with conventions
Five Thirty Eight: The G.O.P.’s fuzzy delegate math
Washington Post: Daniels on possible new contender in GOP presidential race: ‘It ain’t me’
Washington Post: With rising stocks can go political fortunes
Real Clear Politics: Never met a tax he didn’t like
Real Clear Politics: Republican race’s volatility is historic
The Hill: Democrats targeting House GOP committee charimen in 2012
The Hill: Congress is older, more experienced; demographics do not match the nation
The Hill: Romney and Obama super-PAC backers also spent big dollars on lobbying
NY Times: Republicans stampede to the right ahead of 2012 election
NY Times: Focus on Social issues could shape battle for women
USA Today: GOP bashes Obama over Afghan apology
USA Today:  Obama’s new mantra: Five more years
Wall Street Journal: Santorum says he “almost threw up” reading JFK speech on separation of church, state
Slate: Mitt Romney and the empty field

Statewide:
AP: GOP eyes Pa. tax provisions after blocking Dems
Carbondale News: Gov. Corbett announces state investment in 16 rail projects
Pottstown Mercy: Corbett’s budget foreshadows surge in PA pension costs
PA Independent: PA’s public pension debacle raises fears of higher taxes
Centre Daily Times: Federal Subpoena Seeks Information From Penn State
Montgomery News: State General Assembly considers bill requiring ultrasounds before abortions
Bucks Local News: PA Attorney General Kelly raises concerns over new Google privacy policy
Capitol Ideas: Friday Morning Coffee: The Weekend Warm-Up
State House Sound Bites: AG to Google: Let’s Talk
State House Sound Bites: For cost-cutting, state Judiciary looks to minor courts justices
State House Sound Bites: Links: Corbett tsk-tsks Rendell’s meddling in Philly media, PSU will keep looking at drilling & crime
Standard Speaker: Barletta: Washington “out of touch”
PA Independent: PA DOC: Early release of prisoners could save money
PA Independent: PA’s pension debacle raises fears of higher taxes
PA Independent: Week in review: Election date set; PA colleges face transparency
Daily Review: Congress should not abdicate its financial responsibilities
StateImpactPA: Property owners lobby to lift drilling ban on the Delaware River
StateImpactPA : Public health research funds cut from impact fee
Capitolwire: Labor secretary talks about on-the-job training proposal
Capitolwire: State pensions report ‘negative cash flow’, more conservative strategies
Capitolwire: Castille doesn’t fear budget revenge for redistricting decision

Philadelphia:
AP: 4 Catholic high schools in Philly avoid closure
Chestnut Hill Patch: PA Primary: Parker, Youngblood being challenged
WHYY Newsworks: Corbett clarifies Pa. budget outlays
Citizens’ Call: Occupiers make camp in Jenkintown and the Borough officers cordial welcome
Philly.com: Henon targeting bad neighbors in Northeast Philadelphia
Inquirer: Same-sex gains too late for some
Daily News: The sheriff wants an SUV. Wanna chip in?
Inquirer: Vote postponed on Lower Merion manager’s contract
PhillyClout: Specter says Santorum not telling truth about 2004 race
PhillyNow: Gov. Corbett on approving Specter Library funds: ‘I felt I had to’
PhillyNow: Election 2012: Rick Santorum vs. Arlen Specter
PhillyNow: Archbishop Chaput uses Catholic school savings to push school vouchers
Philadelphia Weekly: Iraq veterans turn to marijuana for managing PTSD symptoms
Fox Philadelphia: White powder in envelope sent to Sen. Toomey
Fox Philadelphia: Universities ask Pa. House to reject cuts
Fox Philadelphia: You decide: Religion and politics
ABC Philadelphia: Obama: Drilling alone is not an energy plan
City Paper: Could we actually get rid of I-95 downtown?

SEPA:
Pottstown Mercy: Social Security Administration: Medicare Part B deadline approaching
AP: Residents of decimated PA coal town lose appeal
Pottstown Mercy: Philly Archdiocese names new CFO
AP: Sonoco, SE PA officials huddle on refinery use
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County Council Oks $728 to cover costs
Delco Daily Times: Bethel tax bills set
Bucks Local News: Santarsiero votes against bill creating public-private partnerships for state roads and bridges
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Democrats endorse Kathy Boockvar for US Congress in the 8th District
Daily Local: US Sen. Pat Toomey discusses the deficit

Pittsburgh:
Post-Gazette: Federal tax credits should bring projects to region
Tribune-Review: Low-value areas hit hardest by property revaluations
Tribune-Review: Altmire defends nominating petitions against Critz’s challenge
Tribune-Review: Hundreds plan to testify at Port Authority hearing on cuts, fare hikes
Tribune-Review: City schools eye more layoffs, fewer sports programs
Post Gazette: Fitzgerald finding it difficult to hire a county manager

Southwest:
Beaver County Times: Altmire the prodigal Democrat returns…with attitude
Altoona Mirror: East Broad Top Railroad receives $2M grant
Canon-McMillan Patch: Peters resident challenges nominating petition
Altoona Mirror: City sends distress petition to state
Altoona Mirror: Logan, Altoona merger unlikely
WJAC: Democrats step up attacks in 12th Congressional district race
Beaver County Times: Marshall challenges Rosatone nominating petition
Indiana Gazette: Brookville man runs for seat in 66th

NEPA:
Times Tribune: Tentative agreement reached; strike cancelled
Citizen’s Voice: Toomey tours Fell Twp. Gentex plant
Citizen’s Voice: Santorum’s national gains reflected in PA
Citizen’s Voice: Redistricting, lack of cash conspire against congressional hopefuls
Daily Review: State bill complicates Ulster zoning plans
Times News: Campaign promise of open door fulfilled
Go Lackawanna: County approves judge’s office
Pocono Record: Pocono Township supervisors want sewer mistake fixed
AP: Scranton Teachers, District Reach Tentative Agreement

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Politics as usual
Morning Call: Gun bill could put Allentown on defensive
Morning Call: Exclusive: Voters say Santorum can’t beat Obama
WFMZ: Gov. Corbett announces recent nominations, appointments
WFMZ: Pa. DCNR helps dedicate newly restored Schuylkill River trail
Express Times: Sen. Toomey won’t endorse in GOP presidential race
Express Times: Pa. House Democrats want special elections to fill vacant seats

South Central:
Carlisle Sentinel: Sunoco, SE Pa. officials huddle on refinery use
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County magisterial district judge berated over case dismissal
Carlisle Sentinel: Santorum: no apology needed for Quran burning
Harrisburg Patriot News: Despite cutting teachers in Pennsylvania, classes retain healthy student-to-teacher ratios
York Daily Record: Schools districts juggle proposed changes to Keystone exams, possible PSSA replacement
York Dispatch: Republican challenger in 94th campaigns on tax shift

North by Northwest:
Times-News: Erie County Court Recommends Closing Three District Courts

Opinion:
Patriot News: Editorial: Primary reasons: In the wake of confusion over districts, it was right move to keep same date
Salena Zito, Tribune-Review: Opinion: ‘Signature’ battle in new 12th
Pottstown Mercury: Opinion/Letter to the Editor: Corbett turns his back on education
Morning Call: Opinion: Climate change education is necessary
Morning Call: Opinion: Textbook presents global warming as fact, not hypothesis
Morning Call: Opinion: Gov. Corbett budget moves state in wrong direction
Express Times: Op-Ed: Keep corporate tax reform on the front burner
Pottstown Mercy: New businesss see potential in Pottstown
Pottstown Mercy: 2012 the “Year of the Bible” in Pennsylvania
Pottstown Mercy: Two miscast candidates for the GOP
Courier Times: Supreme Court and the oil industry destroy democracy
Inquirer: Back Channels: The hard truths of newspapering
Daily News: John Baer: To draw election maps, pols should have crayons
Times-News: Food-Stamp Cuts Come At The Wrong Time
Altoona Mirror: Will Corbett take lead on transportation?
Tribune-Democrat: Voting remaps for 2012 a lost cause
Delco Daily Times: Letter to the Editor: PA legislature, governor clueless about fiscal spending
Delco Daily Times: PA should join with Ohio, Ill. to bring KO’d pipeline to Philly
Bucks Local News: Do you agree with the President’s $1.9 trillion budget increase?
Daily Local: Our politicians fiddle around while a fiscal crisis looms
Daily Local: Corbett, lawmakers were wrong to take a “no-tax” pledge
Politico: The enduring fallacy of the CEO president
Roll Call: When do political rules no longer apply?
WSJ: Halftime in Detroit
Citizen’s Voice: State must help struggling cities
Citizen’s Voice: One more strike against gerrymandered district
NY Times: Getting Arctic Drilling right
USA Today: As Santorum rises, so does scrutiny

Blogs:
Keystone Politics: A legal look at the Critz petition challenge
Speaking Freely (ACLU-PA): Yes, Virginia there is a state more demeaning to women then you
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Local ballot challenges in state House races
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Hearings in March for Scranton men accused in the streetlight scam
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Atiyeh’s proposed rehab spawns website
Lehigh Valley Independent: Bethlehem’s awful food vender ordinance may get worse somehow
Citizens Call: Occupiers make camp in Jenkingtown  and the borough offers cordial welcome
Keystone Politics: The Altimire endorsement hat trick
Keystone Politics: Jason Altimire is the most right -wing democrat
Keystone Politics: Critz continues  assualt on Altimire
Keystone Politics: Don’t discourage Corbett  from embracing democratic  positions
Keystone Politics: Did Miss Pennsylvania just endorse Mark Critz?
Keystone Politics: Critz petition could be “very serious”