Erick Erickson thinks Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Allegheny) deserves a primary challenge. The managing editor of RedState, one of the most influential conservative blogs in the country, has a devastating post today featuring a laundry list of times that Murphy has strayed from conservative orthodoxy.

Rep. Jason Altmire lead out the third quarter fundraising announcements this time around, reporting a healthy $375,000 raised during the period from July 1 through September 30. His campaign is calling it the best Q3 he’s ever had. He’s got over $700,000 cash on hand.

The primary is half a year away, but Patrick Murphy has already pulled in a major endorsement for his bid for Attorney General. Former Governor Ed Rendell, a powerhouse in Pennsylvania Democratic politics, has thrown his support behind the former congressman.

Governor Tom Corbett announced his proposal for Marcellus shale gas drilling legislation yesterday, and reactions have been strong. The legislative outlook for the plan is about as difficult to figure out as the long-term impacts of drilling.

The story today is all Marcellus: reactions to Gov. Corbett’s plan continue to flood in. Another GOPer announces for Senate, and central PA conservatives shake things up.

Add a new name to the list. Bedford County pharmacist and one-time 2010 candidate John Kensigner has decided to enter next year’s GOP primary to face Senator Bob Casey.

There’s a bit of a shakeup this week among central PA conservatives. Schuylkill GOP Chairman Joe Sterns will join Sen. Toomey’s office, while Heritage Action PA Director Leo Knepper will replace him as ED of CAP.

PoliticsPA has obtained the basic framework of Tom Corbett’s major Marcellus shale policy announcement from a source close to the Governor. His plan includes an impact fee with a 75/25 percent split between local and state governments.

Governor Tom Corbett reportedly will unveil his outline of Marcellus shale natural gas legislation today, including support of a drilling impact fee according to Scott Detrow of StateImpactPA.

Corbett makes his Marcellus announcement today; Tea Partiers v. Barletta, Marino; Rendell’s Flight 93 comment; protesting Pat Toomey; and court race news.