Good morning politicos, and welcome to the Buzz. Allow us to congratulate Rick Santorum and get right to the big story of the day: the budget.

Santorum Sweeps CO, MN & MO: What a night for former Pa. Senator Rick Santorum. He swept all three of Tuesday’s GOP primary contests in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri.

Budget Winners & Losers: The budget is a long way from settled, but based on Governor Corbett’s speech and some reactions, here are a few of the big winners and losers of the opening salvo in the budget battle.

Budget Reax: Reactions from across the political spectrum have come in the wake of Gov. Corbett’s Budget Address this morning in Harrisburg.

Have you hear the one about PennDOT? Senate hopeful Sam Rohrer in 2006 compared rules requiring drivers licenses (and vehicle registration) to slavery, saying both restrict liberty. He didn’t back away from that assertion in an interview with Borys Krawczeniuk.

Western Pa. Construction Organization Backs Feinberg: The Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Pennsylvania voted to endorse Evan Feinberg in the Republican primary versus incumbent Congressman Tim Murphy.

Amalgamated Transit Unions Split on Altmire/Critz: In the battle for the newly redrawn 12th Congressional district, Jason Altmire has won the endorsement of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85.  Update: Mark Critz won the support of a different ATU local.

Bucks Dems Endorse: The Bucks County Democratic Committee, with 201 members in attendance and anchored by Chairman John F. Cordisco, endorsed a slate of candidates that included Kathy Boockvar for Congress, and home town Attorney General hopeful Patrick Murphy.

National:
AP: Abortion, birth control grab political spotlight
AP: Komen official quits Planned Parenthood dispute
AP: Looking to reset campaign, Santorum hits 3 states
Newsworks.org: Casey offers bill to streamline medical-device approvals
Middle East North Africa Financial Network: Critz calls for immediate WTO action on China’s illegal duties on American Vehicle imports
LA Times: Likeable Rick Santorum attracts independents Romney is losing
WSJ: Front-Runner is targeting Santorum
phillyBurbs.com:Romney battles Santorum, Paul in GOP caucuses
AP: Court: CA gay marriage ban is unconstitutional
The Hill: The house committee approves keystone pipeline
The Hill: Republicans tell leadership to cool it on the tax rhetoric
The Caucus: Whats at stake in Tuesday’s contest(not delegates)
The Caucus: Updates from republican contests in Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri
Politico: Santorum may be headed for big night
Early Returns: Feinberg gets nod from anti-union group
Early Returns: Altimire gets transit union nod
WTAE-Lawrence County: Projection: Santorum wins Mo. primary

Statewide:
Inquirer: Corbett to propose 20 to 30 percent funding cuts for Pa. state universities
Inquirer: U.S. judge says he’ll rule “with dispatch” on Pennsylvania’s 2012 voting map
Scranton Times-News: Corbett budget slashes higher education spending, but taxes stay the same
LancasterOnline.com: Budget Analysis, Redistricting and Tax Assistance
CBS News: Politicians say they’ll fight Pa. base closure
Capitolwire: Corrections spending sees no increase for first time in more than a decade
Capitolwire: Costa says Corbett team lowballed business tax cut price tax, increasing revenue shortfall
Capitol Ideas: Unemployment extension set for final House vote Wednesday
PA Independent: Occupy protesters from across PA boo Corbett’s budget plan
State Impact: Political pressure led Philly Dems to back impact fee
Morning Call: Corbett’s no tax increase budget hikes public school funds, slashes higher ed spending
Morning Call: Senate approves shale impact fee
Reading Eagle: Corbett’s budget proposal slashes university funding
Reading Eagle: Casey hears plea for tax cut extension
Reading Eagle: Ex-speaker of state House convicted of corruption
Reading Eagle: Corbett appointee to oversee addiction programs
WFMZ: Pa. court ruling puts candidates’ campaigns on hold
Chambersburg Public Opinion: PA Gov. expected to call for more spending cuts
AP: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett’s 2012 budget speech
Patriot-News: Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget includes cuts in agriculture
Patriot-News: Pensylvania welfare safety net sees small overall cut and big changes in proposed Corbett budget
Patriot-News: Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget eases tax burden on businesses
Patriot-News: Harrisburg would get significant boost in Capitol fire protection funding in state budget proposal
Patriot-News: Pennsylvania budget process: Senate hearings start Monday
Patriot-News: Prisions level-funded for first time in a decade in state budget
Patriot-News: Gov. Tom Corbett proposes funding schools in 2012-13 at essentially this year’s level
Patriot-News: Arts funding dips a little in Gov. Corbett’s 2012-13 budget
Patriot-News: Gov. Tom Corbett seeks dismissal of federal lawsuit challenge Harrisburg receivership
Patriot-News: City receiver calls fiscal plan 1st step in solving Harrisburg’s debt crisis
Carlisle Sentinel: Senate approves proposed fee on PA shale drilling
AP: PA Senate approves natural-gas drilling fee proposal
York Daily Record: Pennsylvania universities face steep cuts in budget plan
Lancaster Era: PA welfare budget cuts draw mixed response

Philadelphia:
PhillyClout: Tuesday’s DN: A review of select greater Philadelphia
PhillyClout: Updated: Company responds to Blatstein statement
PhillyNow.com: Daily Grinder: SEPTA police may strike
PhillyNow.com: Welfare drug testing rolls out in Pennsylvania
PhillyNow.com: Invasive abortion ‘ultrasound’ bill passes House committee
Philadelphia Weekly: The city controller, a councilman, and the PPA all use the same consultant. Is it a conflict?
Fox Philadelphia: NewsCore Report: Fisker took $193M in U.S. loans, laid of 26 in Del.
Fox Philadelphia: Parents concerned about school districts cutbacks
ABC Philadelphia: Poll: NJ Gov. Christie remains popular at home
ABC Philadelphia: 2 charged in $800K Pa. streetlight plan fraud
KYW Newsradio: Analysis: Rick Santorum needs another win to stay in the game
KYW Newsradio: Mayor Nutter to release results of study on whether city should sell PGW
KYW Newsradio: Drilling bill poised for vote today in Pa. Legislature
KYW Newsradio: Key GOP Senator expects ‘drastic’ budget proposal from Corbett
KYW Newsradio: Phila. Chamber of Commerce CEO will head Penna. higher education study panel
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. lawmakers anxious over school district numbers in budget plan
WHYY Newsworks: Four key things to watch in Gov. Corbett’s budget address
Philadelphia Inquirer: Corps to spend $16.9M to deepen the Delaware
Philly.com: Deal keeps city schools open on weekends, councilman says
Inquirer: Steep cuts, no tax hikes in Corbett’s $27.1B budget
Inquirer: PA state colleges face major funding cuts

SEPA:
phillyBurbs.com: Local Catholics displeased about new federal health mandate
phillyBurbs.com: Assembly panel moves forward with key component of health care reform
AP: Judge rules earlier abuse cases OK for Philly church trial
Delco Daily Times: Bank teller charged with stealing $80K from Citizens Bank customers
phillyburbs.com: GOP senate candidates create few sparks
Warminster Patch: Bucks Country Dems endorse candidates
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown school board hears recommendation to close Edgewood
Pottstown Mercury: Montco college chief ‘disappointed’ in Corbett budget cuts
Pottstown Mercury: Pottsgrove gets more money under Corbett budget

Pittsburgh:
Capitolwire: House passes Allegheny County pension reform
Tribune Review: State $21.7 billion budget unveiled by Corbett
Tribune Review: Eviction signs posted for Occupy Pittsburgh members
Tribune Review: Lawyers want Allegheny County eliminated from suit
Post-Gazette: State Senate passes Marcellus Shale legislation
Post-Gazette: DeWeese vows to appeal conviction
Post-Gazette: Transit supporters continue push for additional state aid
Early Returns: Another union for Mar Critz
Early Returns: Delaying primary would weaken Pennsylvania voice
Early Returns: Daily Santorum: Good news day
Early Returns: Allegheny Democrats to pick for Wagner seat
Early Returns: Documents for Corbett’s state budget

Southwest:
Beaver County Times: DA wants to bar Sen. Orie’s ‘claims’ from retrial
Beaver County Times: Senate approves proposed fee on state shale drilling
Observer-Reporter: Proposed Cecil Township ordinance prompts backlash
Altoona Mirror: Judge dismiesses jurors in Horner case
Altoona Mirror: Pensions and jobs take priority in Corbett budget
Altoona Mirror: Altoona readies vote for ‘distressed’ status
WJAC: Local school administrators react to Corbett budget
Daily Courier: Colleges prepped for painful budget news
Daily Courer: Scottdale church building’s tax-exempt status challenged

South Central:
ShipNewsNow: FDA investigating SU vending machine that dispenses Plan B
Chambersburg Public Opinion: County, correctional officers’ union in contract arbitration process
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Raw milk sales to resume Tuesday morning
Patriot-News: Central Pennsylvania could be gearing up to fight rounds of military closures
Carlisle Sentinel: Erie Co. Councilman files new returns in IRS beef
York Daily Record: York officials unveil schedule for move to new city hall
York Daily Record: EPA errors on environmental hazards map send York County man- and government- on a quest
York Dispatch: York mayor to serve on national committee
York Dispatch: Newberry Twp. man joins race for 92nd House District
Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon County leaders react to governor’s budget

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Bill authorizing new gas bill charge to pay to replace old pipes headed to Gov. Corbett’s desk
Morning Call: Men surrender on charges of alleged streetlight fraud
Morning Call: Macungie adopts amended budget with larger tax hike
Reading Eagle: Brandywine says no to Kutztown merger talks
Reading Eagle: Spencer asks council for $115,600 for aides
Reading Eagle: Schwank backs grants for struggling schools
WFMZ: Businessmen accused of defrauding taxpayers freed on bail

NEPA:
The Times Leader:: Rohrer says he’s best choice for conservatives
The Times Leader: Budget Amendment Forwarded
Citizen’s Voice: Council’s county budget inches closer to final vote
Citizen’s Voice: Deputy sheriff charged with terrorist threats
Citizen’s Voice: Take politics out of redistricting
Citizen’s Voice: Dallas students uneasy about new security measures
Citizen’s Voice: Hospitals serve as examples of regionalization
Standard Speaker: Tamaqua businessman to challenge Knowles for state representative
Standard Speaker: Business developer drops out of U.S. Senate race
Standard Speaker: County taxes to increase 2 percent
The Daily Review: Two join GVEMS Board of Directors
The Daily Review: Planning commission reviews hotel plans
The Daily Review: Congressional candidate John Moran visits Towanda

North by Northwest:
Erie Times News: Erie City Council agrees to sell bed licenses as part of Pleasant Ridge consolidation
Erie Times News: Court reporting group leader warns Erie County officials to “do homework” on audio system
Erie Times News: Erie school director John Harkins to run for state Senate
Sharon Herald: School budget predictions improve
Centre Daily: Organic waste collection set for 2013 start
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Blossburg schools building project may be revisited by board

Opinion:
Post-Gazette: Opinion: Start the engines: A military argument is needed to save the 911th
Observer-Reporter: Op-Ed: Government in no hurry to release records
Tribune Review: Opinion: Mauling the military
Tribune Review: Op-Ed: DeWeese is convicted: ‘A common thief’
Morning Call: Opinion: Gov. Corbett budget moves state in the wrong direction
Morning Call: Opinion: Abortion is a woman’s choice, not Santorum’s
Morning Call: Opinion: Budget is a starting point, but legislators must act
Morning Call: Opinion: Obama again gives hope for the future
Morning Call: Opinion: State House wastes time on Bible resolution
Morning Call: Opinion: Are all the trips by the President really official business?
Erie Times-News: Opinion: Romney shows indifference to poor, lack of understanding
Times-Tribune Editorial: Amanda Holt Is Not Just A Piano Player
Times-Tribune Editorial: Fee Goes Easy On Gas Drillers
Mary Isenhour, Patriot News: Equal pay legislation evens playing field – Keegan
Inquirer: Editorial: Drilling down into fee details
Philadelphia Daily News: DN Editorial: Vampires in Pa.: The DeWeese conviction and the budget address
Inquirer: Editorial: Tax cut shouldn’t harm low-income families
Pottstown Mercury: Editorial: Phoenixville foundation helping military, veterans get help they need
Pottstown Mercury: Opinion: Can Mitt Romney really relate to the poor?
Pottstown Mercury: Opinion: Pennsylvania needs to curb food stamp abuse
Pottstown Mercury: Opinion: Domestic violence: Help is available
Pottstown Mercury: Opinion: Will local schools again bear the brunt of Corbett budget plan?
Delco Daily Times: Opinion: The Heron’s Nest: Budget blues continue in Pa.
Delco Daily Times: Opinion: The problem with Ed Rendell as as media mogul
Daily Local: Opinion/Letter: The ‘is too, is not’ climate change debate continues
Centre Daily: How much each Pennsylvania school district stands to gain or lose under Gov. Corbett’s budget proposal
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Letter to the Editor – Republicans are the real big spenders
Patriot-News: Lessons not learned: Marcellus Shale drillers get their way with watered-down, flawed legislation
Patriot-News: End of the road for corruption? Let’s hope

Blogs:
Politico: Santorum: ‘Romneycare’ a dis-qualifier
Commonwealth Foundation: Budget cuts do not equal tuition hikes
Commonwealth Foundation: Stop the fiscal inferno!
Commonwealth Foundation: Stop the job-killing Marcellus tax
PA Budget and Policy Center: Governor’s budget moves state in wrong direction
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Two Scranton area men accused of bilking Bethlehem township for $832,460 in streetlight scam
Lehigh Valley Independent: Pawlowski: UGI pipe replacement favoring suburban areas
Lehigh Valley Independent: The real power of party endorsements
Lehigh Valley Independent: Panto and Hozza making sense on Allentown NIZ
Lehigh Valley Independent: LV democratic mayors praise jobs report
Young Philly Politics: Will Michael Nutter be the deciding vote on the shale bill
2 Political Junkies: Zito and the Trib, helping out when they can
Lu-Lac Political Letter: DeWeese goes down
Above Average Jane: PA students at President’s science fair
Keystone Progress: PSEA President says students need state support, not accounting tricks
Keystone Progress: Education voters statement on proposed education budget
Keystone Progress: PA House passes appalling legislation to shield nursing homes from liability for misconduct and neglect
Keystone Politics: Why oh why can’t we have a better PA democratic party?
Keystone Politics: Nutter lobbying Philly dems to pass weak GOP impact fee?
Keystone Politics: GOP Marcellus regulations weaken DEP’s enforcement tools
Keystone Politics: Is Governor Norquist about to veto GOP impact fee?
Keystone Politics: So far so good: Conference committee dems reject impact fee on party lines
CasablancaPA: Cowardice
Keystone State Education Coalition: Education Voters PA: Statement on proposed education budget
Erie Times News: Increasing the drop out age – good or bad?