He speaks! Governor Corbett made headlines across the state yesterday when he said definitively that he would veto a state budget even a hair over $27.3 billion – even if it means passing the June 30th deadline. He also spoke skeptically about impact fee proposals. Tom Murse of the Lancaster newspapers had the story.

Some southwest PA conservatives are taking aim at Rep. Tim Murphy. That’s right, the Tim Murphy who some GOPers had courted to run for U.S. Senate this year. He’s moderate on labor issues, and several folks are looking to see who could take him on.

Speaking of taking aim, the PA Senate passed Castle Doctrine legislation 45-5 yesterday, and Governor Corbett is locked, loaded, and ready to sign it into law.

And finally, today is the last day to submit your nominations for PA’s Best Political Blogs! What is the best online news source for politics in your region? Best print-backed blog? Best blog of your ideological persuasion? Which lawmaker has the best blog? We want to know – before 5pm today!

PoliticsPA Reports

Wanted: Primary Challenger to Rep. Tim Murphy
Several conservative activists are sowing the seeds of a Tea Party challenge to Rep. Tim Murphy, PoliticsPA has learned. They’re interviewing candidates and highlighting Murphy’s moderate record on labor issues.

Murse: Corbett Says Veto Likely On Impact Fee
Speaking to a conference of county commissioners today in Lancaster, Governor Corbett said he would most likely veto any impact fee proposal. Tom Murse of the Lancaster newspapers has the story.

National
The Big Tent: Santorum Gaining In GOP Polls
Iowa Caucuses: Santorum Speaks Tonight In Ames, Today’s Other Events Scrapped
Roll Call: Casey Looks Strong as GOP Search Continues
Pennsylvania Ave.: Casey Makes Trade Assistance His Issue
Politico: Cuts Force Congress to Get Creative On Energy (Tim Murphy on New Oil and Gas Revenue)
AP via Fox Philly: 250 mayors in Baltimore pass resolution on war money
Post Gazette:  Nominees at Standstill as G.O.P. Flexes Its Muscle
Post Gazette:  Republicans facing wider rift over role in U.S. foreign policy
Post Gazette:  Supreme Court’s final two weeks filled with 14 cases

Statewide
Tribune Review:  Corbett will sign Castle Doctrine
Tribune Review:  Corbett would agree to scale back school voucher program
KDKA:  ‘Castle Doctrine’ Bill Moves Forward
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Pennsylvania’s helmet law may be reinstated
Carlisle Sentinel: Final ‘castle doctrine’ vote pending in Pa. Senate
Carlisle Sentinel: Pa. House takes up photo ID requirement for voters
York Daily News: Pa. Senate votes to limit civil lawsuit liability
York Dispatch: New legislation could put age restriction on tanning beds
Capitol Ideas: PennDOT Secretary Schoch: “We’ve Been Swimming Upstream For A Long Time” On Paying For Highway Repairs
The Morning Call-Pennsylvania Avenue: Casey makes trade assistance his issue
Montgomery News: Dems target area Republican state legislators
Philly Inquirer: Corbett vows to veto any budget that tops $27.3 billion
Philly Inquirer: Budget ceiling more vital than deadline, Corbett says

Philly
Heard in the Hall: NTSB To Issue Final Cause of Duck-Boat Accident Tuesday
Commonwealth Confidential: Why Sugar Rocks: Top Ten Reasons Not To Tax Soda
Philly Inquirer Is the new lobbying law too confusing?
Philadelphia Daily News: Lawmaker: City funding could help schools with state funding
AP via Philly Inquirer: Bill seeks in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
FOX Philly: How to contact council about DROP
FOX Phily: Anna Vern remains defiant about DROP
Philadelphia Weekly: Ben Waxman ponders indy run for City Council

Philly Suburbs
The Mercury: Chesco write-in candidates informed of their win today
The Mercury: State education secretary doesn’t trust districts’ evaluations
The Mercury: Final ‘castle doctrine’ vote pending in Pa. Senate
Philly Burbs: District Judges hold conference at Sheraton Bucks County
Philly Burbs: Democratic pair financially outpace GOP duo
Daily Times: House bills taking aim at teacher strikes
Daily Times: Pa. budget negotiations close to wrapping up

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review:  Mt. Lebanon chooses commissioner to fill Raja’s seat
Pittsburgh Post Gazette: County likely to float $48 million in bonds
Post Gazette: Tea party vs. T-Murph?
Post Gazette: Port Authority seeking $1 million for more cameras on light rail
Post Gazette:  Money concerns stall mayor’s transit plan
Post Gazette:  Corbett warns lawmakers not to exceed his budget limit
Post Gazette:  Report: Region’s jobs rebound to come before much of U.S

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: State may cut pre-K funds
WJAC: Elk Co. Township Considers Prohibiting ATV Traffic On Roadways
Tribune-Review: No burning allowed in municipalities with recycling like Connellsville
Beaver County Times: West Allegheny creates cyber option

Lehigh Valley
WFMZ – Senator Calls For Extension Of Program Helping Local Company
WFMZ – Pennsylvania Agriculture Department Urges Public to Help Save Pollinating Insects Critical to Farmers and Food Industry
Morning Call– Sen. Bob Casey wants help for U.S. workers, companies in trade deals

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle borough council president resigns position
York Daily Record: Dover votes tonight on closure of Kralltown Elementary
York Dispatch: Tax hike on the way for Easter York School District
Lancaster Era: Donegal adopts balanced budget
York Dispatch: Casey supports training program in visit to York area plant
Crop Life: House Again Rejects Steeper Cuts To Ag Programs

NEPA
The Times Tribune: Celebration Marks 125th Anniversary of first Scranton Trolley Ride
Bensalem News: Father’s Day: Surviving a major illness
Citizen’s Voice: Supreme Court rules against former Duryea Chief
Times-Leader: Griffin criticizes Hotel Sterling loan spending in new audit

North by Northwest
Tri-County Courier Express: Tax increase for school renovation
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Voting groups have busy week on varied items
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Citizen’s formula to grow economy: Cut pay of politicians
Association for Career and Technical Education: CTE Recognized on House Floor

Opinions
Baer Growls: Frankly It Stinks!
Philly Daily News Column: John Baer: Members leaving Council should duck out of voting on tax issue
Philadelphia Weekly Editorial: Mayor’s Report: Don’t worry only 2 more years of economic depression!
Philadelphia Weekly: Q&A with Action United’s Craig Robbins over paid sick leave fight, criticism
Post Gazette Editorial:  Critical need: Let’s keep an open mind on transportation funding
Tribune Review Editorial:  Junk in EPA’s trunk: Faux analysis
Tribune Review Editorial:  The right thing
Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post: An abortion pledge mess
Stuart Rothenberg, Roll Call: Will Governors Hurt GOP’s White House Prospects?
Lehigh Valley Independent Jaindl’s Fine Whine
George Robinson, Bucks Local News: Easy Does it
Daily Times Editorial: Postal Service struggles are a sign of the times
Lancaster Era: Who stays, and who goes?
Gettysburg Sun Gazette: Betting on small-games reform
Gettysburg Sun Gazette: Is there an identity problem?
Kathie Obradovich, Iowa Caucuses: Santorum: ‘We’re going to win Iowa’