This weekend’s Pennsylvania Leadership Conference – sometimes called PA’s CPAC – didn’t disappoint. Conservative activists from around PA came to talk political strategy, celebrate their 2010 victories, and catch up with friends.

The meeting showcased the tension and cooperation in relationship between Tea Party activists and establishment Republicans.  “It’s like Republican State Committee,” remarked one attendee. “Except no hacks.”

The Pennsylvania Independent reported the discussion about school choice at the conference (of which there was much). And John Micek of the Morning Call looked at State Sen. (and prospective 2012 Casey challenger) Jake Corman’s speech.

In other PLC coverage, Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty won the first ballot of the PLC straw poll, while businessman Herman Cain won the most votes in the combined first and second ballots. Check back later for details on which statewide candidates were there and how they were received.

Rick Santorum had a fine weekend. He stood head and shoulders above every prospective GOP Presidential contender in a straw poll among Republicans in South Carolina’s largest county. Santorumentum?

And finally, almost every member of Congress breathed a sigh of relief this weekend as the government narrowly avoided a shutdown. It’s much easier determining who won in the compromise than who would have been blamed for a shutdown, everyone decided.

Good morning politicos, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

PLC: The Evolving Relationship Between Tea Party, GOP
A meeting of PA conservatives this weekend showcased the tension and cooperation that define the relationship between Tea Party activists and establishment Republicans. Each side knows they need to other to win elections. “It’s like Republican State Committee,” remarked one attendee. “Except no hacks.”

Pawlenty Wins Straw Poll at PLC Conference; Santorum Finishes 9th
Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty won the straw poll vote of conservative activists at this year’s Pennsylvania Leadership conference.

WaPo: No Government Shutdown; Deal in the 11th Hour
Congressional leaders agreed late Friday to a compromise that will keep the federal government funded for the remainder of the fiscal year — averting a government shutdown less than an hour before it was set to start.

Headlines
CNN: Santorum takes big South Carolina straw poll
Lancaster Era: Marc Scaringi rallies ACTION
Morning Call: Dent and Toomey say deal was as good as they could get
ABC Philadelphia: Local reaction to government deal to avoid shutdown
Delaware County Times: Meehan, Casey Offer Statements On Budget Deal
Politico: Rick Santorum: Wet spot? Soldier on!
Fox Philadelphia: Counter-terrorism Center Coming to Philadelphia
PA Independent: School choice bill could pass Senate next week
Inquirer: In Census, Some Pa. Towns Left At A Loss
Inquirer: Marcellus Just The Start of Pa. Natural Resources
Patriot-News: Harrisburg-Area Think Tank Influences Politics
Tribune-Review: Orie appeal to delay 2nd trial
AP: Pa. Legislative Staff Size Makes for Budget Target
Capitol Ideas: Corman Motivates the Base
Daily News: Two endorsements later, Street is having a good week
Inquirer: From Rigali, Ramsey got a little intervention
PhillyClout: DROP Lawsuit Appeals Heading to State Supreme Court
Fox Philadelphia: Councilman Questioned on DROP
Early Returns: Pittsburgh’s CAPA is a Finalist for Obama Commencement Speech
Erie Reader: Grossman vs. Wikipedia: Gross Misrepresentation
Times-Leader: Union-Endorsed Candidates Meet Public
Post-Gazette: Once again a Republican governor seeks to privatize Liquor Control Board
Post-Gazette: Leaders of local GOP are at odds over approach to coming elections
Post-Gazette: County executive candidates discuss issues at forum
Altoona Mirror: Legislature size makes for budget target

Opinions
PhillyNow: Anonymous GOP Aide Proven Correct As Sen. Casey Joins Effort To Weaken EPA
Post-Gazette: Gov. Corbett’s cuts look a little lopsided
Times-Tribune: State Senate Joins Attack On Education
Tribune-Review: Did President Obama’s Latin Trip Matter?
CBS Pittsburgh: Congress Could Raise Money By Reversing Tax Give-Aways