Former Berks Commissioner Judy Schwank looks like the front runner for the late Senator O’Pake’s seat. Pro-life are groups targeting Casey in 2012, despite his pro-life identity – an ironic turn of fate given the pro-choice flak he received during the 2006 primary. In Montco, the Commissioner drama continues. And  Allegheny Comptroller Flaherty will run for County Executive, no matter what Onorato decides to do. Good Thursday morning, and welcome to the buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports:

PoliticsPA: EXCLUSIVE: Schwank Likely Front Runner in Special for O’Pake Seat
PoliticsPA: Tucker Carlson says Michael Vick should have been executed.

Wednesday’s Headlines:

Roll Call: Pro-life groups are targeting Senator Casey.
Post-Gazette: Allegheny Controller Flaherty to run for County Executive, even if Onorato runs too.
PPP: Specter leaves office with 29-60 approval-to-disapproval ratings.
Tribune Review: Rendell doles out last-minute grants before leaving office.
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council approves plan to buoy pension fund with parking revenue.
Washington Post: Profiles Rep-elect Mike Kelly, who seems genuinely put off by the beltway status quo.
Intelligencer: Strange bedfellows Matthews and Hoeffel may soon share the same fate.
Fox Philly 29: Corbett emphasizes education reform, “accountability.”
Inquirer: $1 million fund for victim restitution to be established soon.
Patriot News: New EPA pollution limits target farmers and urban runoff.
Patriot News: PETA activists don condom costumes in Harrisburg to encourage spaying and neutering.
Patriot News: Harrisburg-Carlisle metro area outperforms state and national employment stats.
Times Tribune: Scranton City Council overrides Mayor Doherty’s budget veto.
Times Leader: Marino and Barletta still choosing office space and office staff.
Lancaster Era: Retiring State Rep. Katie True leaves with no regrets.
Reading Eagle: Berks County transit will run shuttle service to O’Pake viewing and funeral.

Wednesday’s Opinions:

John Baer: Owing up to my 2010 goofs
Inquirer Editorial: Renew federal bond that helps local governments fund building projects.
Inquirer Op-Ed: Virginia ruling could backfire for health care reform opponents.
Daily News Editorial: Arlen – Darlin’ or Snarlin’?
Daily News Editorial: Who cares if it was tough? Postponing the Eagles games was the smart decision.
Patriot News Editorial: PA will lose a congressional seat, but not its pivotal role in national politics.
Patriot News Op-Ed: The struggle to end domestic abuse continues.
Altoona Mirror Editorial: US needs to go on a fiscal diet.
York Dispatch Editorial: PA needs a nonpartisan redistricting commission.
Lancaster Era: Keep the law as-is – don’t allow same-sex marriage.
Lebanon Daily News Editorial: Don’t delay – end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell as soon as possible.
Delco Daily Times Editorial: VA spending habits are cause for concern.