Former Congressman Paul Kanjo is considering throwing his hat into the ring for the seat he lost to Lou Barletta last year.

Vowing to “lead the fight against the right-wing extremists we currently have in Congress,” Wilkes-Barre attorney Bill Vinsko announced on Wednesday that he would seek the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional district. Barletta camp: We’re “focused on the future of our country, not politics.”

Though Democratic Wilkes-Barre attorney William Vinsko has not committed to challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta in 2012, he’s already got the usual campaign line down pat.

PoliticsPA takes a look at the Bucks County Commissioner Race, Rep. Meehan introduced his first bill (after criticism from the DCCC), and there is a lot of local reaction to the Cut, Cap and Balance legislation passed in the U.S. House.

The House of Representatives passed the Cut, Cap and Balance Pledge last night, 234-190. The PA delegation voted entirely on party lines. The story includes all the statements and reactions we could find.

PoliticsPA is looking at the 2nd quarter fundraising reports as they come in – bookmark this page the keep up-to-date as new info comes to light.

The Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania (CAP) today launched a new initiative to discourage lawmakers from accepting a pension, among other perks of office – and talked about lawmakers who double dip in state and federal pensions.

Republicans are taking note of Manan Trivedi’s decision to once again challenge Rep. Jim Gerlach, and the party wasted no time asserting what they see as favorable odds for the Congressman.

News broke this morning that Manan Trivedi has decided on a rematch against Rep. Jim Gerlach. PoliticsPA caught up with the once and future candidate to talk about the challenges he’ll face in 2012.

Colby Itkowitz over at the Morning Call has a nice scoop this afternoon – Lehigh County Democratic Chairman Rick Daugherty will challenge Rep. Charlie Dent in 2012.