Good morning politicos, here’s the buzz. We hope you enjoyed your long weekend and you’re ready for the start of the summer campaign season.

New Super PAC Targets Corbett (Watch Video): A group called the American Working Families Action Fund is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to beat up Gov. Tom Corbett with a new television ad in Pennsylvania.

5/25 Ups & Downs: The presidential campaign continues to roll through PA producing winners and losers alike; a shakeup at casa de Corbett; and grades of congressional eloquence. Here are this week’s Ups & Downs!

Freed Has Wide Cash Lead in AG Race: Republican Dave Freed leads Democrat Kathleen Kane $440,000 to $2,000 according to the latest campaign finance reports in their Attorney General contest. Kane spent roughly $2 million – most of it in loans from her family – to clear a competitive primary; Freed was unopposed.

Poll: PA Voters <3 Pittsburgh; Split on Biden: This latest poll tests PA natives running for President or VP, and finds Joe Biden on top (with split approval, 44 to 44). Also surveyed: Pennsylvania opinions on PA cities. Pittsburgh comes out way ahead.

Legislative Election Updates

SD-13: Democrat Tom O’Brien, running against Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster), denounced GOP efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. “The health care provided by Planned Parenthood and other organizations in this state is important to the overall health of our community, and that’s why these services need to remain funded,” he told the Lancaster Co. Dems, according to a press release from his campaign (which for some reason did not mention the name of his opponent).

SD-40: Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley has called a special election for ex-Sen. Jane Orie’s North Hills seat on August 7. The Tribune-Review has a run down of candidates, including former U.S. Rep. (and former Sen.) Melissa Hart (R-) and Democratic attorney Dan DeMarco.

National
Inquirer: Romney, in West Philadelphia, dismisses value of small classes
AP: Obama tries to rekindle Iowa magic
AP: Obama honors fallen troops on Memorial Day
AP: Senator asks airlines to drop seat fee for kids
AP: Romney promises world’s strongest military
AP: Romney: Obama doesn’t get free enterprise system
AP: Obama birth certificate OK by Arizona official
AP: Obama strikes at Romney in Iowa, seeks 2008 energy
AP: FACT CHECK: Romney off on Obama’s love for unions
AP: Justice Dept.: Misconduct by 2 in Steven’s case
Washington Post: Senate rejects two bills to stop student-loan hikes
Fox Philadelphia: Gingrich doubts joining Romney Ticket
Fox Philadelphia: Can Romney ‘connect’? Poised to clinch nomination, GOP candidate faces test
KYW Newsradio: Mitt Romney visits West Philadelphia charter school
AP: Kofi Annan ‘horrified’ over weekend massacre in Syria
Politico: Mitt has huge lead with vets, poll says
Politico: Romney adviser: Obama’s birthplace not an issue in the race
Politico: Obamas visit Arlington National Cemetery
Politico: Philadelphia Federal Reserve’s Charles Plosser: Don’t ‘dither’ about economy
Politico: Obama touts path to peace at Arlington visit
Politico: Mitt Romney: U.S. strength deters war
Politico: Rudy trashes Mitt with faint praise, cites his own ‘ego’
Politico: Scott Brown-Elizabeth Warren senate race: Boston dailies duke it out
Politico: Murray: Vets’ benefits won’t be cut in sequestration
Politico: McCain blasts ‘feckless’ Obama foreign policy
Politico: Mitt Romney not into ‘vision thing’
Politico: Lugar: ‘Individualism’ trumps ‘community’ in GOP
Politico: Poverty advocates begin 2012 push
Politico: Stakes high in Wisconsin’s other recalls
Politico: Panetta answers Romney on Afghanistan drawdown
Politico: Cory Booker’s brand takes a hit
Politico: Schieffer: ‘Whatever happened to hope and change?’
Politico: Martin Dempsey: ‘Military option’ for Syria
Politico Playbook: Memorial Day edition
Politico Playbook: Romney calls on Obama to ‘take more assertive steps’ against Syria
Politico Playbook: AP’s new map: trouble for Obama in NC., Wisc.
Politico Playbook: Obama campaign has rocky debut
Roll Call (Paywall): Senators bring party messages to constituents
Roll Call (Paywall): Senators hope for productive stretch after recess
Roll Call (Paywall): John McCain: Obama ‘kicking the can’ on Syria
Roll Call (Paywall): Eric Cantor announces GOP summer agenda
Roll Call (Paywall): Liberals balk at Nancy Pelosi tax proposal
Roll Call (Paywall): Anti-union construction group targets vulnerable GOP freshman
National Journal: A ‘Military Vote’ that doesn’t really exist
National Journal: Giuliani praises Romney-but touts his ‘far superior’ record
National Journal: McCain says Obama’s Syria policy ‘abandons American leadership’
National Journal: Gas taxes remain steady in face of falling prices
National Journal: A week of warnings for Congress
National Journal: Gingrich optimistic about Romney’s chances with Latino voters
National Journal: Surrogates fight over Romney’s business record
National Journal: Activists: Veterans vote is a ‘jump ball’
National Journal Hotline: What we learned: back to school
National Journal Hotline: Allen’s Conservative-moderate balancing act
Five Thirty Eight: Signs of shift among African-Americans on same-sex marriage
Washington Post: Democratic leaders back Obama’s Bain strategy vs. Romney, acknowledge risks
Washington Post: Panetta says U.S. will have ‘enduring presence’ in Afghanistan after drawdown
Washington Post: State-based insurance marketplaces hang in balance of Supreme Court health-care ruling
Washington Post: Past Romney critics praise his job record on Sunday talk shows
Washington Post: Mitt Romney to officially clinch GOP nomination Tuesday
The Hill: Obama team struggles to find 2012 reelection campaign theme
The Hill: Fights over budget, gay marriage, missile sites loom on Defense bill
The Hill: Gridlock, on roads and in highway talks, marks Memorial Day travel weekend
The Hill: President Obama refines economic pitch by focusing on steady jobs growth
The Hill: Sen. Murray: Lawmakers ‘weren’t prepared’ to deal with veterans’ issues
The Hill: Romney uses lessons from bruising GOP primary to fight back against Obama
AP: Obama campaign goes on the defensive on spending, debt
New York Times: Obama finds campaigning rules clock
The Caucus: Romney backers explain past criticism of him
The Caucus: Romney faults Obama after Syria crackdown
The Caucus: Veterans stick with Republican nominee
The Caucus: Could Obama win the military vote?
New York Times: Billionaire finds new role in effort to defeat Obama
New York Times: With a bipartisan flurry, becoming a do-something senate
USA Today: Aide: Obama to keep up attacks on Romney business record
USA Today: AP: Obama leads Romney in electoral college
USA Today: Obama-Romney: African-American vs. Mormon
Wall Street Journal (Paywall): Obama to step up Bain ads
Wall Street Journal (Paywall): How Portman, the un-Palin, might help on the GOP ticket
Wall Street Journal (Paywall): Student Loans: two can play at this game
Wall Street Journal (Paywall): Cantor plans to vote on Bush Tax Cuts by August

Statewide
The Inquirer: Corbett replaces his chief of staff
Tribune Review: Cawley sets Aug. 7 for special election for Orie’s seat
Morning Call: Politics as usual
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett gets bill aimed at protecting student-athletes
WFMZ: Opposition continues to mount against ‘Act 13’ state drilling laws
WFMZ: Both Pa. AG candidates face potential conflicts on interest
Tribune Review: Hopefuls lining up to run for seat vacated by Jane Orie
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania takes a look at Port Authority’s power
Early Returns: Keystone Progress lauds lawmakers for leaving right-wing ALEC. Some are puzzled by the praise
The Morning Call: Pennsylvania natural gas interests spent $1.3 million on lobbying
The Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett gets bill aimed at protecting student-athletes
Post-Gazette: Proposed legislation would end property tax funding for schools in Pa.
PA Independent: PA lawmakers hold budget spending to TABOR cap
PA Independent: Week in Review: House positions budget for final passage
Patriot News: Is Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration due for a big shake up?
AP: Ex-Pennsylvania Sen. Jane Orie’s attorney argues against repaying GOP bill
Centre Daily Times: Casey bill aims to aid vets seeking work
Inquirer: Corbett’s top staffer to leave
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau: Corbett replaces his chief of staff
KYW Newsradio: State Senate Leader: If Pennsylvania liquor stores aren’t privatized, they should be modernised
KYW Newsradio: Former Sec. of State Powell sidesteps politics during Philadelphia book swing

Philadelphia
Inquirer: Green, Goode, square off over planned property-tax overhaul
Inquirer: Philadelphia school funding crisis not high enough on Harrisburg’s agenda
Philly Clout: Council offers AVI back-up plan, Inspector General to go after tax evaders?
Philly Clout: Council approves bill to fight parking tickets online, mail
Philadelphia Daily News: Rouge COP ward leaders pick a leader
Philly Now: Mayor Nutter Keeps Up Blistering Mitt Romney Attacks
Philly Now: Philly GOP Elects a New Chairman – Maybe
KYW Newsradio: Mayor Nutter, DA Williams join anti-Romney protest in West Philadelphia

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick attends Upper Bucks Healthy Communities Healthy Youth Coalition town hall meeting

Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Twentysomethings entering tight job market lean toward unpaid internships, but employers walk a tightrope in labor law
Post-Gazette: Special election set Aug. 7 to replace Orie in state Senate
Post-Gazette: Keystone Oaks hires North Allegheny administrator as superintendent
Early Returns: Keystone Progress lauds lawmakers for leaving right-wing ALEC. Some are puzzled by the praise.
Early Returns: Special election set Aug. 7 to replace Orie in state Senate
KDKA: Special Election To Fill Orie’s Senate Seat Set For August
KDKA: Catholic Diocese Files Lawsuit Over Birth Control Mandate

Southwest
Observer-Reporter: Alleged Sandusky victim awaits judge’s decision
Observer-Reporter: Human service providers decry cuts to lawmakers
Observer-Reporter: Empty promises? Audit criticizes Cal U.’s plan for using parking spots as revenue source
Valley News Dispatch: Pennsylvania takes look at Port Authority’s power
Tribune-Review: Connellsville sign starts gay marriage demonstration
Indiana Gazette: HOMER-CENTER: Budget calls for 3 mill tax increase
Indiana Gazette: Government in Action
Indiana Gazette: IASD superintendent search down to three
Indiana Gazette: IRMC shows financial gains amid economic downturn
WJAC: Cambria Co. hires part-time finance director
WJAC: Former Portage Township treasurer charged with felony counts of forgery
WJAC: State’s 19th scenic byway designated in Clearfield Co.
Johnstown Tribune Democrat: Geistown beginning crime watch program
WTAE: CYS accused of failing to protect children
Daily Courier : Connellsville sign starts gay marriage demonstration
Daily Courier: Southmoreland school board splits decision on proposed budget

NEPA
Pittston Politics: Breaking News: Former WP GOP Chair Gary “Baldi” Delserra passes away
Pittston Politics: Kelly a stand up guy, Guariglia to be put in the corner
Pittston Politics: Creating a “Shab” acle
Pittston Politics: WA Board at odds over Cross Country Coach
Pocono Record: Monroe County says state funding falling behind needs for seniors

South Central
The Sentinel: Pa. lawmakers say rotunda rallies unpersuasive
The Sentinel: AG candidates Freed, Kane face potential conflicts of interest
Harrisburg Patriot News: Lower Allen Township commissioners expected to consider development plan for a Walmart store
Harrisburg Patriot News: Your comments: What are your solutions to the state’s budget issues?
Harrisburg Patriot News: Is Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration due for big shakeup?
Harrisburg Patriot News: Former Harrisburg Receiver David Unkovic stands by court statement that he felt his firing was imminent
Harrisburg Patriot News: Ex-Pennsylvania Sen. Jane Orie’s attorney argues against repaying GOP bill
Harrisburg Patriot News: Pensions, health care costs force school officials to consider staff furloughs, eliminating programs
Harrisburg Patriot News: Pennsylvania school districts find ‘a perfect storm’ of financial challenges
Harrisburg Patriot News: What’s next for Pennsylvania’s public schools?
York Daily Record: Community forum to detail the impact of proposed human service cuts
York Daily Record: State lawmakers dispute study from Keystone Research Center regarding alcohol privatization

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Bill would use taxes to push drillers to hire Pennsylvanians
Williamsport Sun Gazette: County gets $1.3 million for buy-outs

Opinion
Times-News: Ed Matthews: Bob Casey holds 16 point lead
Courier Express: If Obama-Romney race ends in dead heat, is Pennsylvania prepared?
Inquirer: Cutting spending isn’t enough for schools
Philadelphia Tribune: Laying out the unofficial agenda
Pottstown Mercury: Monday’s Sound Off
Politico Op-ed: Barack Obama’s misguided message
Politico Op-ed: Are we all big government conservatives now?
Politico Op-ed: Time again for Obama to lead from behind
New  York Times Op-ed: Big Fiscal Phonies
New York Times Op-ed: Political Dividends
New York Times Editorial: The Politics of Religion
New York Times Editorial: Cleaner Energy
New York Times Editorial: The Lesson of Bain Capital
New York Times Op-ed: Obama should seize the high ground
USA Today Op-ed: Romney stubs toe in flawed education pitch
Slate Op-Ed: Give it up and embrace Keynes already
Slate Op-ed: The Cowardice of Colin Powell
Wall Street Journal Op-ed (Paywall): Mitt Romney’s moment
Wall Street Journal Op-ed (Paywall): Vulture Capitalism? Try Obama’s version
Wall Street Journal Op-ed: The Dumbing down of Joe Biden

Blogs
Keystone Liberty: Pennsylvania’s fork in the road on transportation spending
NEPArtisan: Scrantonians: you’re screwed!
2 Political Junkies: P-G columnist a birther
Keystone Progress: All Democratic PA legislators flee from ALEC
John Hanger: Goldman To Invest $40 Billion in Renewables: Another Fact Showing Shale Gas Won’t Kill Renewables