Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz. The campaigns cooling for the holiday weekend (we hope you enjoy your Easter or Passover, too). But as they prepared for the weekend, some continued to fire a few shots – including in the PA-17 race between Holden and Cartwright

Don’t forget to check back later for the Ups & Downs.

Gloves Off in Argall/Rich Race (With Videos): Dave Argall has a legitimate opponent in Brian Rich, an energy company executive challenging the state Senator in the GOP primary. The campaign has taken a turn for the nasty; PoliticsPA takes a look at ads and the charges being made.

Thanks to Dems, Senate Debate Heats Up: The gloves finally came off in the U.S. Senate race. In a debate at the Union League in Philadelphia, several candidates took shots at several others – particularly Steve Welch at Tom Smith. Most of them can be traced to an unlikely source: the Pennsylvania Democratic party.

Super PAC Launches Anti-Holden Ad (Watch Video): Shots fired. The Campaign for Primary Accountability, a super PAC that targets incumbents of both parties, launched a $70,000 ad buy today against PA-17 Rep. Tim Holden. The ad accuses him of cozying to Wall Street interests.

New Cartwright Ad Rebuts ‘Kids for Cash’ Attack (Watch Video): Tim Holden’s hard-hitting ad, blasting Matt Cartwright for contributing to the campaigns of the ‘Kids for Cash’ judges, has the PA-17 challenger playing defense. In a new commercial released today, Cartwright fights back against the implication of a connection between him and the scandal.

Poll: Santorum 42, Romney 38: Rasmussen has a new set of numbers in the GOP presidential primary in Pennsylvania. While they show Rick Santorum in the lead, 42 to 38 percent, they echo other findings that indicate Mitt Romney is catching up.

Romney Rallies Supporters on Harrisburg Rooftop: Mitt Romney kept his eyes on the prize – a general election matchup with President Barack Obama – during a campaign stop in the state capital Thursday morning.

Legislative Election Updates:

SD-29: The primary between Sen. Dave Argall and Brian Rich is getting messy. Here are the latest attack ads, mailers, and a quick fact check on some of the claims.

HD-22: LGBT advocacy group Equality PA has backed Erin Molchany in the race to replace former Rep. Chelsa Wagner. “We need people like Erin in Harrisburg who believe in fairness and equality for all Pennsylvanians” said Adrian Shanker, President of Equality Pennsylvania, “Erin Molchany is clearly the best choice for LGBT voters in South Pittsburgh.”

HD-31: Anne Chapman, if she wins the primary will take on state Rep. Santarsiero. Today, she received the endorsement of physicians, merit shop contractors and pro-business groups. Chapman also gained the support of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Political Action Committee as she has publicly expressed her commitment to improving the legal climate for physicians in PA.

HD-153: Madeleine Dean, the Democrat running to replace Rep. Josh Shapiro, boasted her endorsement by the PA AFL-CIO. “I am proud to have the backing of the more than 900,000 members of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO,” said Dean. “I will be a tireless advocate for working families in Harrisburg.

HD-172: The Philly Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5, backed Rep. Kevin Boyle’s Democratic challenger, school teacher Dan Collins. “We need someone who is going to lead the fight for our neighborhoods in Harrisburg. That man is Dan Collins. Dan’s an active member of our Northeast community and he will serve us well as State Representative” said John McNesby, F.O.P. Lodge 5 President.

HD-186: Here’s more on the problems facing Damon Roberts. His campaign office was vandalized earlier this week, and Thursday someone broke in.

National:
Times Tribune: In Tunkhannock, Romney brands Obama an anti-energy president
Post Gazette: Romney calls Obama “an anti-energy president”
The Daily: As Santorum heads for a loss in home state, conservatives want him to bow out
AP: Obama says 2012 will be a ‘fun debate’
The Hill: On the Hill, loyalties lie with Critz
Tribune Review: Romney confident he’ll win Pennsylvania in fall election
Politico: Santorum’s Pennsylvania problem
Politico: Rick Santorum huddles with conservatives about future
Politico: Mitt Romney Pennsylvania primary: Playing the expectations game
Politico: Santorum camp: Change Texas rules
Politico: Romney: Santorum should win Pennsylvania
Politico: Christian conservatives weight Rick Santorum’s chances
Politico: PPP: Mitt overtakes Santorum in PA
Politico: Pennsylvania primary: Romney heads to Keystone state
Public Policy Polling: Romney takes the lead in Pennsylvania
Washington Post: Rick Santorum huddles with conservative leaders, ponders future in race
Bloomberg: Romney goes for PA knockout while blasting Obama
The Hill: Santorum and conservative leaders meet to discuss next steps for campaign
The Hill: Pro-Santorum super-PAC stays quiet ahead of Pennsylvania primary
The Hill: Obama and Cantor are all smiles as JOBS Act is signed into law
The Hill: Energy Department prepares to approve more green loans
The Hill: McConnell: Obama ‘crossed a dangerous line’ with rhetoric on Supreme Court case
The Hill: Focused on presidential bid, Ron Paul has missed 92 percent of votes in 2012
The Hill: Justice Dept. responds to judicial query, defends Obama comments on high court
NY Times: Santorum sees long campaign road ahead, but many see dead end
The Caucus: Obama and Romney enter debate over Augusta’s all-male policy
The Caucus: Former Gingrich consultancy files for bankruptcy
The Caucus: Voters’ anger may hinder, not help Republicans this year
The Caucus: Conservatives meet Santorum to pressure Gingrich to exit
The Caucus: Romney says Santorum should win his home state
Slate: High noon at the Keystone Corral
Slate: Santorum trails in New York and… Um, well, in Pennsylvania
Slate: Santorum’s weak Pennsylvania polling could mean the end of his campaign

Statewide:
Inquirer: PA wins big ‘Obamacare’ grant, but don’t expect to hear about it from Corbett admin
AP: Pa. high court takes up shale gas leases dispute
AP: State hearing board recommends Altoona for Act 47
Capitol Ideas: The State House votes to shrink itself
State House Sound Bites: Romney, Obama take their marks in central PA headquarters
State House Sound Bites: Links: Romney’s lead, Corbett responds to ESPN article, House approves downsizing bill
State House Sound Bites: Santorum opts to bowl, Romney leads latest PA poll
State House Sound Bites: House lawmakers plan to sue over education funding formula
PA Independent: Audit of PA lawmakers’ cash drawer still not available to public
PA Independent: Romney brings general election tone to PA primary race
PA Independent: Santorum rolls into PA to gear up for April 24 primary
PA Independent: Corrected: Hotel taxes could increase in three PA counties
StateImpactPA: Drilling boom still stressing housing market
StateImpactPA: Next Thursday & Friday are critical for Pennsylvania’s Impact Fee
StateImpactPA: “Natural gas dips after U.S. supplies grow”
StateImpactPA: Romney criticizes Obama’s energy policy at a Northeast Pa. campaign stop
StateImpactPA: Romney calls Obama an “anti-energy President”
The Inquirer: Commonwealth Confidential: Romney opens Harrisburg headquarters, Obama campaign responds
CNN: Romney promises to win Pennsylvania in November

Philadelphia:
The Inquirer: Norcross’ new role as newspaper owner has some worried
Inquirer: Grand jury says Perkasie Borough county violated sunshine law
Daily News: Senate candidates spar over conservative values
Daily News: Occupy takes on Wells Fargo with Dr. Seuss
Philly Now: Committee of 70 holding training session for voter id education
Philly Tribune: Gentrified areas could see soaring taxes
City Paper: Damon Roberts campaign reports more threats
WHYY Newsworks: Santorum campaigns in Pa., hits the lanes
Heard in the Hall: Democrats love women
Heard in the Hall: A light moment in City Council
Philly Clout: Another neighborhood budget hearing coming this month
PhillyClout: More questions about who should pay for advisors to possible PGW sale
PhillyClout: Hey GOP, where’s the love?

SEPA:
Pottstown Mercury: Daniel Boone considers cutting teachers to trim budget
Delco Times: GOP officials express new optimism about refineries
Montgomery Media: Limerick to challenge DEP moratorium on development
Delco Times: Romney campaign marches into Delco
Delco Times: No decision reached in CUSD funding talk
Daily Local: House committee considers tougher road restrictions in during flooding

Pittsburgh:
Tribune Review: Santorum won’t give up on himself
Tribune Review: Early hearing schedule on state’s oil, gas law
Post-Gazette: Rick Santorum makes a stand in Pennsylvania
Post-Gazette: House OKs bill to shrink state legislature
Post-Gazette: Scores protest to stop transit service cuts
Post-Gazette: Pentagon says no Flight 93 remains dumped at landfill
Early Returns: Obama team appeals to Pennsylvania base
Early Returns: Santorum stops in Pgh, pre Easter break
Early Returns: Romney opens five-point Pennsylvania lead in PPP poll
Early Returns: GOP Senate candidates still battling
Early Returns: Daily Santorum: A weekend off

Southwest:
Beaver County Times: Growth of suburbs falls to historic low
Beaver County Times: Industry police are gone, but not forgotten
Observer-Reporter: Property tax moratorium passes House, heads to Senate
Valley News Dispatch: Romney confident he’ll win Pennsylvania and fall election
Valley News Dispatch: NiSource announces partner, details on 70-mile gas pipeline
Somerset Daily American: Ceremony at longtime polling place draws crowd
Somerset Daily American: Meyersdale focuses on contracts during budget discussion
Altoona Mirror: Santorum vows to fight
Altoona Mirror: PSU students protest funding
Altoona Mirror: Jobless rate drops
Johnstown Tribune Democrat: Toomey: Flight 93 remains not in landfill
Daily Courier: Southmoreland teachers, board approve 4-year pact

NEPA:
Times Tribune: Marino faces kidney surgery
Times Tribune: Romney finishes speech in Tunkhannock Twp.
Times Tribune: Activist wants Mellow order made public
Times Tribune: State Rep. to host voter ID  law hearing
Times Tribune: DEP: Williams restarted damaged compressor without state OK
Times Tribune: Scranton Council president defends additional $4,848 bill submitted by council solicitor
Times News: Schuylkill Commissioners adopt gas well ordinance
Times News: Nesquehoning council discusses changes to chief’s contract
News Item: Clarification on wind turbine lease
Citizens Voice: Candidate wants Mellow order made public
Citizens Voice: Barletta challengers to debate at Wyoming Seminary
Citizens Voice: Leaders in support of Obama to hold press conference
Citizens Voice: PennDot asks for meeting with Luzerne County, Hazleton officials on bus merger
The Times Leader: Skrepenack listed as “in transit” from prison
The Times Leader: Ethics panel issues Mellow order
The Times Leader: Hazleton OKs ‘quality’ law
The Times Leader: Nanticoke mayor fills 3 authority  posts

Lehigh Valley:
Morning Call: Grand Jury recommends Sunshine Act tweaks
Morning Call: Forks Township picks up new manager
Reading Eagle: Legislature mum on its cash reserve
Reading Eagle: School board discusses budget cutting proposals
Reading Eagle: Board reviews updated budget
WFMZ: Allentown awarded $120K for childhood obesity prevention
WFMZ: Emergency vote taken to remove mold from Montgomery Co. courthouse
Express Times: Oxford Township Committee votes in 5.5 percent tax increase
Express Times: Northampton County Council approves purchase of Forks Township building for archives

South Central:
Carlisle Sentinel: Violent crimes drop in Carlisle Borough
Carlisle Sentinel: South Middleton, Dickinson township residents react to boundary changes
Harrisburg Patriot-News: U.S. Rep. Tom Marino to have tumors removed from kidney
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Romney’s Harrisburg appearance draws scores of onlookers
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Mitt Romney opens Harrisburg office, says he’ll win Pennsylvania election
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Corbett denies Harrisburg receiver Unkovic was pressured to quit
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Romney to speak in Greencastle April 22
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Chambersburg teachers get contract extension
York Daily Record: Democratic Congressional candidates talk backgrounds, Iran, and health care
York Daily Record: Ted Waga’s campaign to host bowling fundraiser Saturday

North by Northwest:
Erie Times-News: Erie County Council lawyer: DA should take lead in removing Beeman from office
Erie Times-News: Erie officials to reveal school-closing options April 11
Erie Times-News: Aichele visits Erie to promote state’s new voter ID law
Sun Gazette: Impact fee added to arsenal to battle local housing crisis
Sun Gazette: Auditor general candidate touts leadership skills

Opinions:
Daily News: Editorial: Still tinkering: Despite 2 commission reports on taxes, no coherent policy
Inquirer: Opinion: Pick up the pace to right-size school district
Inquirer: Opinion: Is public option the last one?
Inquirer: Editorial: Strip-search ruling is baffling
Post-Gazette: In Rebuttal: Bogus pollution report
Post-Gazette: Weak hand: The Rivers Casino should live up to its promises
Post-Gazette: Letter: Campaign dignity
Post-Gazette: Letter: Higher ed here
Post-Gazette: Letter: Wary of Santorum
Express Times: Opinion: Easton Area School board should cut superintendent’s salary in half & then reopen teachers contract
Express Times: Letter to the Editor: Will President Romney allow offshore tax havens for all Americans?; Easton school board misses point on ‘Nickel and Dimed’
Morning Call: Letter to the Editor: Republicans have double standard on free market
Morning Call: Opinion: Liberal justices should be open-minded on health care
Observer-Reporter: Editorial: Dalliance leads to his downfall
Harrisburg Patriot-News: Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale fee revenues are now in doubt
Lancaster Intelligencer: Why Santorum might exit sooner rather than later
Lancaster Intelligencer: An embarrassing farewell speech
Erie Times-News: Pa.’s welfare cuts hit most vulnerable
Centre Daily: Compromise only option for fixing Medicare

Blogs:
Keystone State Education Coalition: Close Delaware loophole and use funds for everyone
Commonwealth Foundation: Welfare Sec. Alexander discusses mending the safety net on the BOX
Commonwealth Foundation: I’m bringing some gumbo to the state capitol
Lehigh Valley Independent: Forget the arena: It’s the next 28 years of the NIZ that matter
Lehigh Valley Independent: Feed purge
Lehigh Valley Independent: Why not cash?
Lehigh Valley Independent: Video: 15th district democrats debate
Lehigh Valley Independent: The NIMBY scourge, Cont’d
2 Political Junkies: How will they unweave this one
The Lu Lac Political Letter: Romney comes a callin’
Above Average Jane: STOCK Act fact sheet
Above Average Jane: Prez O on the STOCK Act
The Inquirer: DNC chair partners with PA opponents of ‘Obamacare’ provision
Keystone Politics: Racial discrepancies in banks’ maintenance of Philly foreclosures
Keystone Politics: PA-17: Matt Cartwright hits back on “Kids for Cash” smear
Keystone Politics: CHART: How to balance the budget entirely by closing loopholes and giveaways
Keystone Politics: Local property taxes are a regressive way to fund education
Keystone Politics: ESPN making Tom Corbett look ugly in Sandusky affair
Keystone Conservative: Skyrocketing pension contributions
North Pittsburgh Politics: Background checks
North Pittsburgh Politics: Another Altmire mailer about Planned Parenthood