PoliticsPA is taking a look at the biggest races in Pennsylvania in 2011. In an ongoing series, we will introduce you to the candidates, the campaigns and the messaging that is defining the state this year. And to kick off the series, we present the Montgomery County Commissioner race.

We check with our readers and some of PA’s top political insiders, and to a person all of the are watching this race. Check out our preview, and interviews with the candidates.

If you were within 100 miles of cable news during the past month, you know that Casey Anthony was found not guilty and that sparked outrage (mostly by people who weren’t in the courtroom). The “do something!” reaction is kicking in, and in PA lawmakers are considering a version of “Caylee’s Law,” which would penalize parents who fail to report missing children.

If conservative Dems like Rep. Mark Critz have a wheelhouse, this is it. Critz is leading the push for congressional action in response to China’s alleged currency manipulation – he’s circulating a discharge petition to bring to the floor a bill that passed by a wide margin last session, but has been stuck in committee for months.

And Politico’s Dan Hirschhorn reports that Rick Santorum has picked up a significant endorsement in Iowa. An RNC National Committeewoman – with a rich background in pro-life politics – has become the first RNC member in any early primary state to endorse a 2012 candidate.

PoliticsPA Reports

Fattah Debt Bill Gets Presidential Treatment, Sort Of
President Obama took a question about his position on Rep. Chaka Fattah’s proposed Debt Free America Act. It would create a 1 percent transaction tax and supposedly pay off the national debt faster than Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan.

“Caylee’s Law” May Be Coming To Pa.
Within days of the not guilty verdict for Casey Anthony, PA Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Phila) said he plans to introduce a bill to increase penalties against parents and guardians who neglect to report a missing child.

Critz Leads Push For Congressional Action On Currency Manipulation
Representative Mark Critz (D-Cambria) is leading the push for currency manipulation legislation that he believes will protect US jobs. For a conservative, union-backed Democrat like Critz, trade issues are a sort of policy wheelhouse.

National
Politico: Santorum pick up big Iowa endorsement
Daily Caller (Rep. Allyson Schwartz): Eighth Democrat signs on to Obamacare Medicare board repeal legislation
U.S. Newswire: Governor Corbett Says Pennsylvania is Committed to Protecting Chesapeake Bay’s Health
The Hill (Pat Meehan R-Pa.): Six months in, handful of House freshman haven’t offered a bill
Attorney General Florida: Sam Rohrer challenges Tom Corbett’s Statements on the Constitution
Delco Times: Chester One of Six Cities for New Federal Initiative
NY Times: Freshmen Republicans Push House Toward Right
Morning Call: DeMint recalls telling Specter he’d back Toomey

Statewide
AP: Report: 3-year wage freeze to remain in place for thousands of Pa. state employees
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local Officials Share With House Democrats Effect Of State Budget Cuts
AP: Gov. Corbett Won’t Say How Liquor Stores Should Be Sold
AP, via PhillyBurbs: Corbett Defends His Health Secretary
NBC Pittsburgh: Department of Education Looks Into Possible Cheating On The PSSA
Post-Gazette: State Ready To Intervene In Highmark Dispute With UPMC
Lancaster Era: Brubaker Proposes Bill Regulating Use Of Fertilizer On Lawns, Athletic Fields
Lancaster Era: State Expands Program That Educates Farmers About Bay Cleanup
State House Sound Bites: Drilling puts a strain on county 911 centers
Daily Review: Shale Commission Faces Votes
Citizens Voice: Shale Commission Faces Votes On Future Of Drilling
Times Leader: Casey: Federal Resources Needed For Plymouth Recovery
Philly
AP via Mercury: Pa. health czar makes badge, buys official jackets
CBS Philadelphia: City Expanding Efforts To Embarrass Deadbeats
State Impact: Western PA couple says Water Poisoned by Gas Drilling
State Impact: Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission: What Happens Next?
State Impact: Drilling Boom’s Strain on County Resources Leads to Calls for Impact Fee
Morning Call: Corbett: Avila “Doing A Great Job” As Health Secretary
Morning Call: Tuesday Morning Coffee: To the Victor Goes the Spoil

Philly Suburbs
Delco Times: House Clears Way for V-22 Osprey Funding
Bucks Local News: Rep. Santarsiero Holds Public Meeting

Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Doyle town hall monday
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Council Considers Money For Vacant Lots, Paving
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Transportation Study Moves Ahead

Southwest
Altoona Mirror: County Raises Totaling $50,000 Proposed
Daily American: Federal Debt Talks Continue, Local Lawmakers React
Observer-Reporter: Judge Asks For More Info Before Ruling On Reassessment
Post-Gazette: New Operator OK’d For Lawrence County Harness Track
Times Online via Newsbreak: Lawrence County Track Is Back On… Track

Lehigh Valley
Bucks Local News: Congressman Fitzpatrick to vote in favor of BULB Act, shares thoughts on debt ceiling debate
Morning Call: Crystal ball insight will give us gas
Morning Call: Corbett: Suffering school districts have themselves to blame
Morning Call: Marcellus Shale panel winding up
Reading Eagle: PennDOT funding sought for Muhlenberg Rail Trail
WFMZ: Woman Who Sued Borough Authority Loses Re-Election Bid
The Express Times: Warren County freeholders, others oppose Assembly bill targeting contract costs

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Former Union Leader Charged With Embezzling More Than $200,00
Go Lackawanna: State Land Set For Gas Leases
Pocono Record: Pa. Looking Into Possible Cheating On State Tests
Times-Tribune: Shale commission faces votes
WNEP: County Worker Pleads Guilty to Theft, County Takes Action

North By Northwest
Erie Times-News: House passes military appropriations bill
Erie Times-News: City Councilman Beeman rejects traffic citations as parasitic
Sun Gazette: Local officials share with House Democrats the effects of state budget cuts
Centre Daily Times: State College Borough Council turns down salary idea

Opinions
Mercury Opinion: New law puts teeth into state sunshine laws
Bucks County Courier Times: RIP LCB, Get It Done!
Sharon Ward, Patriot-News: Gov. Corbett’s first budget deserves a D
Philadelphia Daily News: DN Editorial: Measuring the value of summer school
Lancaster Era Editorial: Leasing The Turnpike Might Not Prevent Toll Increase
Philadelphia Inquirer: The miseducation of America’s legislators
Phillynow.com: In Light of Jackson Slurs, Phillies Encouraged to Make ‘It Gets Better’ Video
Phillynow.com: WATCH: Nutter Goes on Rachel Maddow Show to Talk Debt Ceiling
Nancy George, Indiana Gazette: Tired of higher taxes at Homer-Center
Times Online, Editorial: Politicians need to speed up the healthcare process
Standard Speaker, Editorial: Property tax system remains convoluted