Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz. Just 5 days to the primary, and the negative campaigning has begun in earnest. Check out the latest here.

And if you’re in the Harrisburg area, don’t miss Keegan tonight at 8pm on WITF Smart Talk – part of a roundup of primary races in the midstate and around Pa.

US Senate

Anti-Smith IE Ad Hits Pa. Airwaves: A new Super PAC is on the air in Pa., taking aim at U.S. Senate front runner Tom Smith. The 30 second spot, from the Freedom Fund for America’s Future, hammers Smith on his Democratic past.

New Smith Ad Responds To Welch, IE: Tom Smith plays the Obama card, heavily, in his campaign’s latest ad. Responding to rival Steve Welch’s charge that Smith is a “Republican impersonator,” as well as a negative IE, Smith blasts him over his 2008 primary vote for Barack Obama.

Smith Poll: Smith Lead Grows: Tom Smith’s latest internal poll shows the U.S. Senate hopeful a heavy favorite to win the primary on Tuesday. His numbers give him 35 percent of the vote, compared to 16 percent for Sam Rohrer and 10 percent for Steve Welch.

Welch Endorsed By 27 County Commissioners: Republican US Senate candidate Steve Welch has received the endorsements of 27 county commissioners throughout the state of Pennsylvania, his campaign announced Wednesday.

Capitolwire: Worries for Welch: Some Republican party leaders and insiders are hedging their bets, according to Pete DeCoursey at Capitolwire. A number of them say the state party’s endorsement may not win the day for Steve Welch on April 24.

Congress

Campaign For Primary Accountability Launches Another Ad Against Holden: The Campaign for Primary Accountability (C4PA) attacked Tim Holden in a new television spot, portraying the PA-17 Congressman as a Blue Dog Democrat and politician under Wall Street’s control.

Altmire Defends BBA in New Ad: In his newest ad, Altmire defends his vote for the Balanced Budget Amendment and disputes claims from Critz that the BBA would result in massive cuts to Social Security and Medicare. It’s become the marquee issue in a race of two conservative Democrats.

DCCC Reserves $5 Million in Pa. Airtime: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has set aside more than $5 million in airtime in Pennsylvania for the general election – $3.57 million in the Philadelphia market, $2 million in Pittsburgh.

FreedomWorks Puts Up $26,000 For Feinberg: Evan Feinberg received some help this week from FreedomWorks, a conservative PAC that launched a new radio ad in southwestern Pa. to boost his primary challenge to Rep. Tim Murphy.

Fitzpatrick Member of Planned Parenthood “Toxic Ten”: In their continued effort to influence the 2012 primary season, the Planned Parenthood political action fund “Women are Watching” released a list of their “toxic ten” members of congress who have ardently supported legislature to cut federal family planning grants.

Dems To Make Corbett A Liability for Romney: When national Democrats hear Tom Corbett’s name, one thing springs to mind: “war on women.” The Guv endorsed Mitt Romney Tuesday, and the DNC wasted no time linking recent campaign messaging to Corbett’s recent comments on the mandatory ultrasound bill.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-9: The Independence Hall Tea Party backed Sen. Dominic Pileggi’s GOP challenger Roger Howard. “To say that we have been disappointed with the leadership of Senate Republican Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi would be an understatement,” said the group’s president Don Adams, citing school choice and the Obamacare opt-out. Meanwhile Rogers’ campaign complained that Pileggi featured uniformed sheriff’s officers in a mailer and new TV ad.

SD-15: Firearms Owners Against Crime endorsed Republican Josh First, and UFCW 1776 backed Democrat Rob Teplitz.

SD-29: Lots of news here today.  1. The Independence Hall TP endorsed Argall. “State Senator Dave Argall, one of our endorsed 2010 Congressional candidates, has earned continued backing due to his support of the recently enacted Voter ID bill, the EITC education scholarship program [HB 1330], and other conservative initiatives being considered in Harrisburg,” said Adams. 2. The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Builders and Contractors backed Argall’s challenger Brian Rich, “on account of his extensive business experience and support of free enterprise.  Business experience is a commodity that is sorely needed in Harrisburg and we look forward to having another businessman in the PA legislature,” said President Geoffrey Zeh. 3. Finally, Argall’s complained about a professional-looking mailer that landed in the district without a paid-for-by stamp, which compares the Senator to Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi.

SD-37: The Washington County Observer-Reporter endorsed Raja in his race against Mark Mustio and Sue Means.

SD-49: Yesterday, Democrat Sean Wiley launched his campaign ad for State Senate, highlighting his commitment to the community of Erie. Tomorrow night, WQLN will host the Democratic debate live at 8:00pm. The debate will air again on Saturday, April 21st at 7:00pm on WJET-TV 24. And the Pa. Supreme Court upheld a ruling kicking former Senator and Dem Buzz Andrezeski off the ballot.

HD-1: Unopposed, Rep. Pat Harkins (D-Erie) is seeking his 4th term.

HD-2: Likewise unopposed, Rep. Flo Fabrizio (D-Erie) is seeking his 6th term.

HD-20: It is getting ugly between Adam Ravenstahl and Mark Purcell with each side accusing each other of sending misleading mailers.

HD-22: The Post-Gazette doesn’t recommend Marty Schmotzer. In an editorial today, they endorsed long shot Republican Chris Cratsley in the special election, and Dem Erin Molchany in the primary. “In this high-contrast political pairing, Mr. Schmotzer reminded us of legislators of yesteryear while Ms. Molchany, who has endorsements from some of the city’s younger council members, struck us as the kind of Democrat the party should be encouraging for the future.” In other HD-22 news, Early Returns and the City Paper get into the nitty gritty details of how Chelsa Wagner’s father, the political boss in the South Hills will have his influence diluted by legislative redistricting.

HD-25: Meet Mike Doyle, the Plum Councilman seeking the GOP nomination to challenge Rep. Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), in this Q&A. The other is pharmacist Joe Yakim.

HD-31: The Bucks Local News takes a look at the GOP primary between party-backed Helen Bosley and grassroots-backed Anne Chapman. The winner will face Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks).

HD-50: The Washington Co Observer-Reporter takes a look at the GOP primary in Bill DeWeese’s district, between Mark Fischer and George Toothman.

HD-79: The PennPatriot blog says Rep. Rick Geist (R-Blair) may be in trouble. Read a recap of the race by someone who supports Geist’s GOP challenger Joe McGinnis.

HD-104: The Patriot News takes a look at the three candidates in the race – Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin) being challenged by Jenna Lewis, and Democrat Chris Deitz – and their positions on issues including education funding.

HD-134: The Allentown Morning Call presents this feature on the increasingly heated special election. In other news, Arlene Dabrow was the only candidate to show up at the candidates forum and the Democrat in the race is getting sued for defamation dating back to 2011. Plus Slattery responded to a questionnaire about regional development.

HD-182: Philly Weekly’s Tara Murtha has a long look at the race between Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Phila) and LGBT challenger Brian Sims.

HD-188: Wednesday Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity President Reverend Terrence Griffith joined Bill Mahoney, Chair of The Guardian Civic League PAC, to announce each organization’s endorsement of Fatimah Muhammad over Rep. James Roebuck. “It is time for a change in West Philadelphia,” said Reverend Griffith. “We are tired of having an absentee landlord as State Representative in this District.”

HD-197: Philly Weekly columnist Michael Alan Goldberg  takes a look this primary, where former Rep. now Philly Sheriff Jewell Williams’ daughter Jewel is running.

Don’t see your news here? Email it to press@politicspa.com.

National:
Roll Call: Shira Toeplitz takes a look at unions and Murtha’s legacy in PA-12
The Hill: National Dems complain about Altmire ads
Early Returns: Romney Hates Cookies; Internet Responds
Lebanon Daily News: Pa’s GOP Senate Hopefuls May Struggle With Appeal
AP: Obama campaign releases first Spanish TV ads
USA Today: Romney says Obama is ‘in over his head’
USA Today: Obama: Republicans ‘wrong’ to favor rich
USA Today: Both parties reaching out to Hispanics
USA Today: GOP targets demographic groups that backed Obama in 2008
The Caucus: Campaigns partner with social media companies
Five Thirty Eight: Do Romney’s favorability ratings matter?
NY Times: Doubt on economy may give Romney an opening, poll finds
Washington Post: The incredibly shrinking swing vote
The Hill: Santorum will discuss Romney endorsement ‘in next month or so,’ says former staffer
The Hill: Romney says ‘vast left-wing conspiracy’ in media is attacking him
The Hill: GOP Rep. Tim Murphy scares off big-spending foe ahead of primary
Politico: DCCC preps $32M ad blitz
Politico: Poll: 70% of Americans back voter ID laws
Politico: Donors take sides in member-on-member fights
Politico: Rights of spring: The political calendar heats up
Roll Call: Bill Clinton backs loyalists
National Journal: Tom Smith sporting double-digit lead in own poll

Statewide:
Patriot News: In the Dems’ AG primary, an investigation of the claims by each candidate
WFMJ: Unions Write Big Checks for Murphy in Dem AG Race
Legal Intelligencer: Freed, Kane Diverge on Health Care, Sandusky Investigation
Capitol Ideas: Official: Even with new Voter ID law, no one will be turned away at the polls
PA Independent: Former Senate staffer looks to unseat Murphy in PA’s District 18
State House Sound Bites: Democrats call on Romney to release tax returns
State House Sound Bites: Romney courts conservatives in Lancaster County
State House Sound Bites: Meet the candidate: David Freed
State House Sound Bites: Meet the candidate: Diana Irey Vaughn
State House Sound Bites: Meet the candidate Rob McCord

Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Daily News: Survey says: Mitt’s ahead
Commonwealth Confidential: Elections chief announces “simplified” voter ID process
Philadelphia Weekly: Ron Paul to rally at Independence Mall
Philadelphia Weekly: Obama rips Corbett’s anti-women legislation after Romney endorsement
Philadelphia Weekly: Why you should care about these primary challenges
Philadelphia Weekly: Attorney General candidates Patrick Murphy and Kathleen Kane battle in the Democratic primary
WHYY Newsworks: In last week of Pa. attorney general race, Murphy launches negative ad at Kane
WHYY Newsworks: Republican Senate candidates duke it out for one more week
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. State Representative Rohrer sets sight on U.S. Senate
NBC 10 Philadelphia: Sorting out 5-way GOP Senate race

SEPA:
phillyBurbs.com: Unions write big checks for Murphy in Dem AG race
phillyBurbs.com: PA’s Holden facing tough primary challenge -Elyse
Delco Daily Times: Sen. Casey drafts letter supporting refining business in Trainer
Bucks Local News: Republican candidates battle it out for nomination in 31st legislative district
Bucks Local News: Nonpartisan League of Women Voters Guide -Elyse

Pittsburgh:
Tribune Review: Altmire ahead of Critz in 12th District poll
Tribune Review: Romney tests voter mood in Western Pennsylvania
Tribune Review: First lady is lobbied to keep 911th Airlift Wing open
Post-Gazette: Bethel Bakery runs ‘CookieGate’ special after Romney diss
Post-Gazette: Mrs Obama pays visit to Pittsburgh
Early Returns: Romney hates cookies; internet responds
Early Returns: More ads in Senate race
Early Returns: Altmire & Critz still fighting over entitlements
Early Returns: Outside group drops Murphy challenge
Early Returns: Ronnie Paul’s delegate hunt comes home to Pitt

Southwest:
Observer-Reporter: Maher in race for Pa. position
Observer-Reporter: Republicans eye seat in 50th
Observer-Reporter: Small meeting, big thinking
Altoona Mirror: Tea party marks tax day with rally
Indiana Gazette: Readers favor Romney over Obama for election
Plum-OakmontPatch: Q&A with PA legislative District 25 candidate Mike Doyle

NEPA:
Citizens Voice: Vinsko prioritizes job creation, economic growth
Times Tribune: Campaign 2012
Standard Speaker: Congressional candidates talk job creation

Lehigh Valley:
WFMZ: Veteran congressman faces deep-pocketed challenger
WFMZ: GOP auditor gen. race: Accountant turned state Rep. vs. small business owner
Morning Call: League of Conservation Voters targets Congressman Tim Holden
Morning Call: Romney tries to win over GOP conservative Republicans in Lancaster
Morning Call: League of Conservation Voters targets Tim Holden
Morning Call: Two with business backgrounds vying for Reichley’s state house seat
Morning Call: Obama launches appeal to Pennsylvania Latinos
Express Times: Long-expired Pa. driver’s licenses OK to get state ID for voting
South Whitehall Patch: Lawsuit shakes up 134th House race

South Central:
Harrisburg Patriot News: Rick Santorum mailer says Mitt Romney ‘frightens me’; campaign says it was ordered before he left race
Harrisburg Patriot News: Pennsylvania’s 15th U.S. Congressional District candidates Jackson Eaton and Rick Daughtery test waters in midstate
Lancaster Intelligencer: Pa’s GOP Senate hopefuls may struggle with appeal
Lancaster Intelligencer: Ad watch: Spot claims Romney win is voters’ loss
Lancaster Intelligencer: Pa.’s Holden facing tough primary challenge
Lebanon Daily News: Romney rips Obama during speech in Lancaster
York Daily Record: Emotions flare over immigration during 4th Congressional debate

North by Northwest:
Lewistown Sentinel: Corman meets with constituents
Courier Express: Few changes to area’s state House, Senate districts
Campaign ’12 Blog: Dumas talks in Erie about bid for Congress
Campaign ’12 Blog: Fabrizio seeking sixth term in Pa. House
Campaign ’12 Blog: Erie’s Harkins seeking fourth term in Harrisburg
Erie Times-News: State Supreme Court upholds ruling that keeps Andrezeski off ballot

Opinions:
Jennifer Stefano, AFP Pennsylvania: What I Want People To Take Away From My Exchange With Bob Beckel
Harrisburg Patriot News: Snyder family backs Summers for Congress
Harrisburg Patriot News: McNally has the backing and is committed to area
Harrisburg Patriot News: Rohrer is a clear choice for Senate seat
Harrisburg Patriot News: Op/Ed: Congress candidate Bill Vinsko: We need government to work for citizens
York Daily Record: Our take: Stop playing the blame game on school costs
Philadelphia Daily News: Marc Lamont Hill: Womney, Romney and his “outrageous dishonesty”
Philly Tribune: Romney’s tin ear turns women off
Courier Express: Who did you will you vote for?
Delco Daily Times: Opinion: Friendly Fire: Corbett’s Senate candidate is an albatross around his neck
The Reporter: Opinion: Rohrer will get my vote
Morning Call: the 2012 primary battle taught us six things
Daily Item: Statement to the governor is fine, but make one at the polls, too
The Daily Review: Keeping the voters from voting

Blogs:
Keystone Politics: In new ad, Altmire defends balanced budget amendment vote
Keystone Politics: Critz within 4 points of Altmire
Keystone Politics: PA AFL-CIO weighs in on new poll in PA-12
Philadelphia Magazine:  PBGP honors Patrick Murphy
Lehigh Valley Independent: 134th District House race heating up
Lehigh Valley Independent: Everything’s coming up Cartwright
NEPartisan: Corbett falls in line endorsing Romney
North Pittsburgh Politics: Positive Mail From Congressman Mike Doyle
North Pittsburgh Politics: Anti Critz mailers
Penn Patriot: Geist’s campaign in serious trouble