We present our list of Top Political Operatives: 2012 edition, the Gov 2014 conversation heats up, and we prepare for Pa. Society. Good morning politicos, we hope your Thanksgiving went well and your deer hunting is successful. Here’s the Buzz.

PoliticsPA’s Top Operatives: 2012: Pa. has a lot of political talent – some of the best in the country. These are the 20 men and women who stand out.

National
New York Times, FiveThirtyEight: Pennsylvania could be a path forward for the GOP

Statewide
PA Independant: Lottery privatization pursuit turns up one bidder after two drop out
StateImpactPA: Drill Bits: Shell Cracker Prospects, New Disposal Wells for Ohio, and Gas Leak in Wyoming County

Philadelphia
WHYY NewsWorks: Marco Rubio’s creationism – are his critics battling myths with myths?
WHYY NewsWorks: Corbett prepares to confront Pa. pension predicament
CBS Philly: Analysis: Pennsylvania Governor’s Race in 2014

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Should the U.S. loosen the Cuban embargo
Pottstown Mercury: Senator Saxby Chambliss latest Republican to break with anti-tax policy
Pottstown Mercury: Colorado marijuana: White House Petition would protect law
Delco Daily Times: Jesse Jackson junior resignation: jockeying underway for replacement

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Turnpike critics say patronage will be lessened by switch to all-electronic toll collection
Tribune Review: Corbett, other in top Pa. posts to decline raises
AP: Conservation groups debate gas drilling ties in Pa.
Post-Gazette: 2013 special election must be held to fill District 42 House seat
Post-Gazette: Harrisburg braces for cutoff of funds
Post-Gazette: Learning curve for lawmakers, constituents
Early Returns: Dueling NYC parties for Ravenstahl, Peduto

Southwest
AP: Potential Corbett challenges line up for 2014
Observer-Reporter: Morgantown council drops voting by mail

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: Scott Perry one of 9 Iraq, Afghan war Veterans Joining Congress
Harrisburg Patriot News: Middletown’s government and newspaper battle over what’s best for the community
Harrisburg Patriot News: Lower Allen Township proposes 2013 budget with 20% tax increase
Harrisburg Patriot News: With President Obama’s re-election, environmentalists are again upbeat about green energy
Harrisburg Patriot News: Lower Swatara Twp. 2013 budget proposal includes 35%  real estate tax increase
Harrisburg Patriot News: Is Privatizing Pennsylvania Lottery a smart bet? Lawmakers offer mixed opinions
York Daily Record: York businessman Tom Wolf among those considering running for governor in 2014
York Daily Record: Todd Platts retires
York Daily Record: Stan Saylor re-elected as state House majority whip
York Dispatch: Election over, campaign continues for D.C. lobbyists
Lancaster Intelligencer/Era: Governor faces deadline on health insurance exchange; others debate

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Audit says county should return $6M for failed Hotel Sterling project
The Daily Item: Health care, raises boost budget $2M 11% tax increase set to keep county in black

Lehigh Valley
The Morning Call: Callahan Takes On Trash in Bethlehem
WFMZ: Allentown Mayor Considering Governor Run
Express Times: Kevin Deely rules out recount, concedes 131st District race to state Rep. Justin Simmons – UPDATE

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mayor anticipates tax hike as 2013 budget work-sessions begin this week
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Bridge building
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Communities to share grant funds for rec projects
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County planning commission OKs Cogan House gas facility
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Foundation accepting applications for Mini Grant Fund

Opinions
Pottstown Mercury: Legislators still play favorites with taxpayer money
Pottstown Mercury: Pa. budget priorities are enough to make you sick
Erie Times-News: Guest voice: Erie can’t fall behind in educational attainment
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Corbett faces tough final two years of first term
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Seeking fairness for all in mine industry
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County’s fiscal standing remains sound
The Times-Tribune: Dust off plan for museums
The Times-Tribune: Casey’s healthy win anemic by 2006 standard
The Times-Tribune: Feds sequestering cash, trust
Citizens Voice: Repeal legislative pay raise law

Blogs
Keystone Conservative: Chester County Officials Hold Press Conference on the Romney-Ryan Campaign in PA
Keystone Politics: Video: Myron Orfield on Inequality, Segregation and Balkanized Local Government in PA
Keystone Politics: PA Working Families: We Want a Black Friday Bargain from Rep. Fitzpatrick
Keystone Politics: Thanksgiving Open Thread
Pittston Politics: With no Wal-Mart Exeter may double taxes
Pittston Politics: Changes could be on horizon for WP Council
Pittston Politics: PA meeting refreshing, no politics
Young Philly Politics: 11-22-12
Pennsylvania Progressive: Truckin’ to Treason: The Hot Air of Secession
Pennsylvania Progressive: University Governance Doesn’t Represent the People
Pennsylvania Progressive: Pecos National Historic Site