PoliticsPA has learned that State Sen. Kim Ward is being considered a potential challenger to Sen. Casey, the Tribune-Review is finding a luke warm response to the Obama tax deal among the Pa. Congressional delegation and Rep. Fattah was passed over for the top Dem. spot on the House Appropriations committee. Good Thursday morning and welcome to the Buzz.

PoliticsPA Reports

Exclusive: State Senator Kim Ward Emerges as Potential Challenger to Sen. Bob Casey

Today’s Headlines

The Hill: Santorum: Palin’s star power a challenge (h/t Early Returns)

Early Returns: Burn: “Buyer’s remorse” on the way

Tribune-Review: Tax-cut deal finds few fans in Pennsylvania

Politico: Rep. Dicks (D-WA) picked to be Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee

Rep. Dicks was picked over Rep. Chaka Fattah. Fattah did not get the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus, they instead endorsed Dicks citing the fact that Dicks was higher in seniority. The CBC did suggest, however, that Rep. Fattah should be considered for one of “the cardinals” positions (“the cardinals” are the subcommittee chairman on the appropriations committee). It was recommended that he would be a good candidate for the Defense subcommittee chairmanship, which Dicks could vacate as the full committee chairman.

Newsworks: What’s a billion among friends?

Post-Gazette: Perzel, co-defendants fight corruption charges

Commonwealth Confidential: Corbett inaugural to include gas drilling protest

Newsworks: Gas industry lobbyists advise Corbett on energy issues

PhillyClout: City Commission: Six State Reps. Owe Reports & Fines

PhillyClout: Tartaglione: “Call us corrupt and I’ll punch you out”

AP: PennDOT worker accused of driving drunk on job resigns

Capitol Ideas: Gov. Ed Rendell lights his last capitol Christmas tree

Today’s Opinions

Times-Tribune: Hoist glasses

Inquirer: Election chicanery