Good morning politicos, here’s the buzz. The RNC picks Bob Casey as its messenger; Larry Maggi has raised more than any other Murphy challenger ever in PA-18; Barletta and Stilp battle it out over Obamacare repeal; and Smith officially jumps into the race against Raja.

It’s Friday the 13th; who was unlucky enough to make our ‘down’ list? You’ll have to check back later for this week’s Ups & Downs.

Politically Uncorrected: Thinking About Voter ID: Guest commentary from Drs. Madonna and Young suggests what critics of Voter ID have said all along: that the law is seemingly politically motivated, is duplicative of an existing law and has yet to be fully vetted or tested and, therefore, should not be implemented this cycle.

Maggi: Best-Funded Challenger Ever to Tim Murphy: Fortunes appear to be looking up for Larry Maggi in the race for Congress in PA-18. The Washington County Commissioner reports having raised $203,000 in the second quarter and $405,000 cash on hand, each the largest amount ever for a challenger to Rep. Tim Murphy.

RNC Chooses Unlikely Messenger: Bob Casey: In an effort to strengthen the characterization of Obama as “Outsourcer-in-Chief” the RNC has turned to comments made by Bob Casey and his fellow Dem senators who criticized portions of the 2009 stimulus for sending stimulus money, and jobs, overseas.

New Romney Ad Calls Obama Campaign “Dishonest” (Watch Video): Romney’s new television ad, “No Evidence,” dismisses Obama’s outsourcing attacks against Romney as untrue and questions the veracity of Obama’s campaign. While the spot will not be airing in Pennsylvania, it did play during Thursday’s episode of The Today Show.

Smith Officially Jumps Into SD-37 Race: After weeks and even months of rumors, State Rep. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny) has thrown his hat in the ring for the race to replace recently retired Sen. John Pippy.

Barletta, Stilp Clash Over Health Care: Without much hope of success, the House GOP moved Wednesday (in its 33rd vote) to repeal Obamacare in its entirety. At the moment, this move is largely a symbolic gesture, but Rep. Lou Barletta called it an important step forward. his opponent Gene Stilp called the vote a distraction.

Legislative Election Updates

HD-89: Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) and his Democratic challenger Susan Spicka engaged in a heated debate Wednesday morning on a radio talk show, answering eight questions submitted by listeners. “You can be sure I don’t represent her liberal values she brought with her when she moved here,” Kauffman said. “I didn’t come here to try to change your values. I’m going to represent your values (in Harrisburg).” Spicka took the chance during the debate to bring up the state budget for next year, in which she claims Kauffman voted to give himself a pay raise included in the budget’s language. Kauffman accused her of lying, and also said afterward in an email that the debate showed a clear difference between them “that negates the need for any future debates.”

SD-49: Sen Vincent Hughes (D-Phila) will campaign today in Erie on behalf of Dem Senate candidate Sean Wiley, where Highes is expected to discuss the recently passed state budget. Wiley is running against Republican Janet Anderson for the seat of retiring Sen. Jane Earll (R-Erie).

National
Politico: Obama camp wages war over Bain ‘cloud’
Roll Call: Gop blocks Senate small-business tax cut bill
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley parent and educator testify at U.S. Senate education hearing
Morning Call: Casey joins chorus of lawmakers angry over China-made U.S. Olympic outfits
ABC News: Obama has problems with Independent voters
Five Thirty Eight: Why Obama May Be Stronger Than His Approval Ratings
The Caucus: Fund-Raiser at Cheney Home Signals Resolve to Elect Romney
The Caucus: Biden Defends Health Care Reform and Decries Voter ID Laws
The Caucus: Ad Watch: Romney Ad Hits Obama on Truth Issue
USA Today: Obama: Communication was my biggest mistake

Statewide
Politico: Corbett fumes over Sandusky question
PA Independent: Scranton – out of money and running out of time
Capitolwire: Natural gas industry – financed film screened at the Capitol to rebut anti-gas drilling documentary
Capitolwire: Corbett issues slightly higher revenue estimate than IFO
Capitolwire: Angry Gov ensures questions about his Sandusky decisions will persist

Philadelphia
Daily News: Thousands of poor Philly residents learn they’re losing state cash assistance
Daily News: Pols block high-speed rail that Americans want, U.S. transportation secretary says
Inquirer: Lower Merion panel approves town manager’s pay package
Inquirer: Federal agency asking about the sharp drop in Pa.’s Medicaid rolls
Philly Clout: Unions: August rally in Philly “no slap at” Dem convention
Phillynow.com: Report Shows Natural-Gas Industry Gave $23 Million to PA Legislators
Phillynow.com: DAILY GRINDER: Sen. Casey Wants to Ban Robotripping
WHYY Newsworks: Romney wins cheap points for ‘courage’
WHYY Newsworks: Tentative deal cut between Philadelphia School District and union
Philly Tribune: Biden tells NAACP Obama stands by his convictions
Fox Philadelphia: Pa. AG says Freeh report won’t hinder jury’s work
ABC News: Board accepting applications for 2nd Philly casino

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Delinquent payments collected by municipal authority in Aston
Delco Daily Times: Tinicum petition against airport expansion denied by courts
Delco Daily Times: Fewer auto closings reduce US unemployment claims
Delco Daily Times: 7th District candidate slams Meehan on health care vote (With Video)
Pottstown Mercury: Why Phoenixville council members disagree
Pottstown Mercury: Republicans defend new legislative redistricting plan
Pottstown Mercury: Pa. funds could help renovate downtown historic buildings
Daily Local: Committee to discuss smoking in public parks
Daily Local: Philly warehouse fire affects transit service
Phillyburbs.com: County was justified in employee firing, jury rules

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Sources: Pa. GOP senators in clear
Tribune Review: County health department to go back to the drawing board
Post Gazette: House votes to repeal President Obama’s health care law
Post Gazette: Push for higher ed assistance hopes to lift graduation rate
Early Returns: More on Beaver Bakery
Early Returns: Smith confirms state Sen bid
Early Returns: Romney as hits back on Obama outsourcing claims
KDKA: Grilling Ban In Bellevue Prompts Protest

Southwest
AP: Gas industry gives less to politicians, spends more on lobbying
Observer-Reporter: No special vote for Pippy’s seat

Lehigh Valley
NPR: Cycle of poverty hard to break in Reading, America’s poorest city
WFMZ: Lehigh County commissioners give big green light to accepting federal grants

NEPA
AP: Insurer: No coverage for fracking exposures
Times-Tribune: DCED offers Scranton $2.25M aid if recovery plan is adopted by Aug. 15
Pocono Record: Scavello-sponsored bill becomes law

South Central
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Franklin County’s growth will be aided by new plan
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Sen. Casey announces $65,430 grant to Chambersburg Fire Dept. for operations
Patriot News: $6.4 million in federal flood aid slated for housing, business repairs in Dauphin County
Patriot News: New group will plan for Middletown Public Library’s future
Patriot News: Ex-DEP official who says he was fired for being a whistle-blower appeals jury’s rejection of his claim
Patriot News: Harrisburg social service grant money still held up
Patriot News: Harrisburg receiver William Lynch says recovery plan calls for shared pain among city’s creditors, stakeholders

North by Northwest
Sharon Herald: Robbins, Longietti near top on perk list
Erie Times-News Campaign ‘12 Blog: Philly-area senator supports Wiley
Erie Times-News Campaign ‘12 Blog: Pa.’s new voter ID law takes a hit

Opinion
Inquirer: It’s better to feed the homeless indoors
Inquirer: Political donors hiding their IDs
Daily News: City will get second casino; who really wins?
Pottstown Mercury: Thursday’s Sound off
Washington Post: Did Republicans forget to vet Mitt Romney?
Times-Tribune Editorial: Speaking of transparency…
Tribune Review: We are at a turning point
Post Gazette: Political deceit: Big donors use the tax code as campaign cover
Post Gazette: Some like it hot? People know climate change, but politicians chill
Patriot News: Let city receiver make the call
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: Voter ID law viewed as a ‘repulsive act’

Blogs
Keystone Politics: PA-18: Strong Fundraising Quarter for Dem Larry Maggi
Keystone Politics: With Negative Yields, The Deficit Earns a Profit
Keystone Politics: Delay Voter ID Implementation
Lu Lac Political Letter: The Scranton Situation
2 Political Junkies: Hey, Tea Partiers! Guess what?
Keystone State Education Coalition: The “public’s” role in the Upper Darby budget process – something to be lost if schools privatized
Pennsylvania Progressive: Romney lied about Bain tenure