Written by Kelly Cernetich, Deputy Editor

Raja won a heated (and, at times, nasty) Republican primary in the race to replace retiring state Sen. John Pippy, a Republican who had represented the 37th district since 2003. But after his surprise upset victory, Raja now faces a new challenge: a new challenger.

Written by Kelly Cernetich, Deputy Editor

After a Wednesday announcement that Smith planned to contribute a “substantial” amount of his own cash to his campaign, other big-name supporters have come out to ask others for contributions, including Sen. Pat Toomey and the Tea Party Express.

Written by Daniel Gleason, Contributing Writer

Americans For Prosperity has released a new ad entitled “Not a Tax,” which is the first step in a massive plan of action against yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act.

Written by Patrick McAteer, Contributing Writer

On Thursday, the AFL-CIO announced their endorsements for Pennsylvania legislators, indicating their support for organized labor and government services that protect the middle class. Earlier this year, the AFL-CIO endorsed President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

Written by Sy Snyder

Much like the Pirates and Phillies, this week was a series split for the state parties. The GOP continues to be plagued by Turzai’s Voter ID comments as the Dems are edged out of a possible finalized budget. Here are this week’s Ups & Downs.

Written by Angela Vertucci, Contributing Writer

It looks like lawmakers are going to make it. The GOP-dominated House passed a $27.7 billion state budget, to the dismay of many minority Democrats who are dissatisfied with flat-lined education funding, social service spending cuts, and a massive business tax break.

Good morning politicos, here’s the buzz. The House passes a budget; PA politicos are buzzing over the Supreme Court’s Obamacare decision; Turzai gets roasted by Stephen Colbert; and Altmire and Critz break with the Dems and vote for contempt for Holder.

Written by Patrick McAteer, Contributing Writer

With an NRA endorsement on the line, Reps. Mark Critz (D-Cambria) and Jason Altmire (D-Allegheny) broke with their party and voted to hold U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for failure to release information regarding the Fast and Furious scandal.

Written by Patrick McAteer, Contributing Writer

Liberal super PAC Priorities USA Action released a new ad in Pennsylvania Thursday attacking Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The 30 second spot blasts him for profiting off the bankruptcy of companies owned by Bain Capital while he was CEO of the private equity firm. Watch the ad here

Written by Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor

Former state Rep, U.S. Senate hopeful and 2010 Gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer has found a new job: President of The Pennsylvania Pastors’ Network, a project of Let Freedom Ring, Inc., a 501(c)(4).