Rep. Barletta made his re-election effort official this week, and Democrats showed that they’re ready to fight what is likely to be one of the biggest battles in 2012 (even after redistricting).

Protests have followed Senator Toomey and several GOP Congressmen during recent event – and at their offices – around the state. Liberal groups from PA and DC are organizing handfuls of protesters, including many unemployed workers, against the freshmen Republicans.

The state’s top election official came out today in support of a GOP-backed effort to require voters to show photo identification every time they cast a ballot in Pennsylvania.

Keith Rothfus took a step toward joining Republicans’ top cadre of congressional challengers today. The NRCC officially reclassified him as ‘On the Radar,’ the second step in the committee’s “Young Guns” program for promising recruits.

This afternoon, the Legislative Reapportionment Commission launched the official website for the body that will draw the boundaries for the General Assembly and Pa Senate districts.

Accountability PA, the independent group operated by two former Bryan Lentz campaign staffers, has elicited a cease and desist letter from the Meehan campaign over a Medicare themed ad airing the Philadelphia area.

A week after targeting U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire for his vote against the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, the National Republican Campaign Committee will launch a robocall critical of U.S. Rep. Mark Critz’s support for economic policies the NRCC believes are “punishing middle class families,” PoliticsPA has learned.

Yesterday, Accountability PA announced that it would air a television ad criticizing Rep. Pat Meehan for his vote in favor of Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget. It appears the ad buy will be relatively light, according to a Meehan aide.

Former 12th District Congressional candidate Tim Burns has met with the National Republican Senatorial Committee as he considers mounting a challenge to U.S. Senator Bob Casey, according to a report published by National Journal staff writer (and former PoliticsPA editor) Alex Roarty.

Call it the first television ad of the 2012 cycle in Pennsylvania. An independent group called Accountability PA will be airing a 30 second ad criticizing Pat Meehan’s vote in favor of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget.