http://www.philly.com/r?19=960&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F Philly.com politics headlines. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:58:40 GMT 2012-02-15T10:58:40Z en-us http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139336003&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120215_Surge_brings_challenges.html BOISE, Idaho. - The latest Republican to surge in polls, Rick Santorum is trying to turn his newfound strength into something lasting. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:58:40 GMT 63963c1fb5cb231c1763eb09ba63a413 2012-02-15T10:58:40Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=323181&44=139342943&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fcity%2F20120215_Ex-PHA_chief_Greene_slapped_with__1_500_ethics_fine.html CARL GREENE, the disgraced former executive director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, has fled to Georgia, but he hasn't outrun his problems. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:54:51 GMT 5ed3e2ee27b9a59926e5371a2498e9aa 2012-02-15T10:54:51Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139330613&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120215_City_Howl_Help_Desk__The_Society_Hill_slabs_mystery.html ONE EVENING in Society Hill, on his daily jog, Brian Hamilton came across a ridiculous number of concrete slabs. The mother lode, if you will. Hundreds of the slabs, along with bundles of bricks and haphazardly placed wooden beams, lined Front Street near Walnut, taking up the equivalent of about half a city block. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:05:22 GMT 72f7bf47573d5651756d12859c14bedd 2012-02-15T07:05:22Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139330603&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120215_John_Baer__Holy_ineptitude_.html BE IT RESOLVED: Whereas, members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, a bloated, overperked crowd indeed, apparently do not read or even seem to be aware of items they unanimously adopt, there shall henceforth be an outright ban on silly, meaningless resolutions. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:04:36 GMT 9692c8676061c1fa47b5b498c793f75d 2012-02-15T07:04:36Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=323181&44=139336208&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fcity%2F20120215_Poll_finds_Nutter_s_approval_rating_has_risen_to_60__among_city_adults.html Mayor Nutter's job approval rating is up to 60 percent, the highest level in the last three years, but most city residents continue to describe crime, the state of the public schools, and lack of job opportunities as major problems that have improved little over the last five years. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:03:32 GMT bcedec241133853f1bbe5b6d1d65566f 2012-02-15T06:03:32Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139327753&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_negotiatorsreachtentativepayrolltaxcutpact.html House-Senate talks on renewing a payroll tax cut that delivers about $20 a week to the average worker yielded a tentative agreement Tuesday, with lawmakers planning to unveil the pact Wednesday and sending the measure to President Barack Obama as early as this week. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:50:12 GMT e7499cb7a00916a7ae9328826ae6451a 2012-02-15T03:50:12Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139331998&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_judgesaprilprimarynearlyimpossibleintexas.html The chances of Texas voters having much influence in the Republican presidential race faded Tuesday after a panel of federal judges acknowledged the state's deep divisions over political maps had made it nearly impossible to preserve an April primary. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:20:13 GMT 2e442a61fb3d2979c91f4f0b6c97bc61 2012-02-15T03:20:13Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139268898&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_City__Let_tree-dom_ring.html AT HIS inauguration party, Mayor Nutter rapped with The Roots, and today he's branching out to offer 4,000 free trees to Philadelphians in shade-challenged neighborhoods. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:03:54 GMT 833b5ca968fa507ea46eb40a8f7839d1 2012-02-15T03:03:54Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139270093&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_gopcriticshitobamas38trillionbudget.html Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Congress Tuesday that the president's new $3.8 trillion spending plan would impose new taxes on only 2 percent of the nation's wealthiest families and the alternative would be to seek more painful cuts in other government programs such as defense, Social Security and Medicare. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:50:46 GMT 07659f7e37f0382592a2f5bc83197efd 2012-02-15T02:50:46Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139331593&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_obamaand4gopcandidatesfileforpaballot.html Candidates for scores of public offices ranging from the state Legislature to the presidency lined up to file petitions Tuesday to qualify for the Pennsylvania ballot. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:14:58 GMT e468ce25f6f4d930686a916a58a42faf 2012-02-15T02:14:58Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139331328&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Pa__ethics_agency_fines_Greene_over_unpaid_taxes.html The state Ethics Commission says it has fined former Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl R. Greene $1,500 for failing to properly report his income between 2004 and 2009. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:47:21 GMT 3b7d35bba6b23c3ec70304e45b981581 2012-02-15T01:47:21Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139270258&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_capitolhillweighsgoppayrolltaxgambit.html President Barack Obama said Tuesday he's hopeful Congress will renew a 2-percentage-point cut in the payroll tax before it lapses at the end of the month, but said it's important to also renew jobless benefits for millions of the long-term unemployed as well. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:23:23 GMT 58b777dbccdfa6fafceca580b0ac6a28 2012-02-14T21:23:23Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139270263&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_transportationboostedtotopofpoliticalagenda.html After years of procrastination, the White House and Congress have suddenly boosted a long-term plan to improve the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems to the top of the political agenda. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:48:30 GMT 310340ba264f33d0279ce820934ec122 2012-02-14T20:48:30Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139292058&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_phillydemseeksdooveronyearofbiblevote.html A newspaper says a Philadelphia Democrat wants to reconsider a resolution that passed the state House of Representatives unanimously last month declaring 2012 the "Year of the Bible" in Pennsylvania. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:38:43 GMT 0613d10fa7e58cb818eb6a5685b9b4b0 2012-02-14T20:38:43Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139304263&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_dealprospectsdampenintexasredistrictingcase.html If Texas can still hold an April primary, now is when the state likely finds out. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:45:15 GMT b6475c50681e4e0d2728b0c85d558852 2012-02-14T19:45:15Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139196134&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_Burden_of_college_costs_falling_more_and_more_on_students.html Everyone at Pennsylvania's public colleges is asking the question, although they're terrified of the answer: What happens if Gov. Corbett continues to slash funding for higher education? Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:51:58 GMT 7dc9369d25bfdf5cd5577146771a264a 2012-02-14T18:51:58Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139268903&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Casey_bill_aims_to_help_crime_witneses.html IN AN ATTEMPT to help local law-enforcement officials better protect witnesses, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey introduced legislation yesterday that would make witness intimidation a federal crime. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:09:22 GMT 67dd50782d72d48d027e97a5072d80c5 2012-02-14T18:09:22Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139282968&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Poll__Nutters_rating_up_despite_growing_concern.html Mayor Nutter's job approval rating is up to 60 percent, the highest level in the past three years, but most city residents continue to describe crime, the state of the public schools and lack of job opportunities as major problems that have improved little over the past five years. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:05:19 GMT 34a73b70bc6f03adc5c4fabbc9ecbf84 2012-02-14T18:05:19Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=403844&44=139285263&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpolitico%2FRSS_POLITICO20120214_Mitt_gets_little_love_from_mutts.html Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:03:17 GMT 6db027edd52d3fd753278468d8ea49b4 2012-02-14T18:03:17Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139261658&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Corbett_approves_fee_on_Marcellus_gas_extraction.html HARRISBURG - In the privacy of his office, Gov. Corbett signed into law Monday night a long-awaited, long-debated bill that imposes a fee on natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:57:22 GMT 762e57bb82c2d23c44fec99f9d90ad00 2012-02-14T17:57:22Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139296598&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_factchecktherearebudgetphantomsintheroom.html When a president introduces a budget, there are always phantoms flitting around the room. President Barack Obama's spending plan sets loose a number of them. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:57:16 GMT a56128d6616cfc776d7c9b9d27851f44 2012-02-14T17:57:16Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139292698&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_paagenciesmakebirthdeathrecordsavailable.html Pennsylvania state agencies are offering expanded public access to birth and death records under a law enacted in December. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:47:45 GMT 97ea523f46221628c402d288b831bc4a 2012-02-14T17:47:45Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139294363&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_gingrichpaulhaveyettofileforpaballot.html The presidential hopefuls top the list of candidates facing a deadline for getting their names on Pennsylvania's primary election ballot. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:47:21 GMT 5d4e4075d9a08e1dd293172ba8e760f8 2012-02-14T17:47:21Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139294348&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_pasenoriesistertofaceseparatetrials.html A judge has ruled that Pittsburgh-area Republican state Sen. Jane Orie will stand trial alone on campaign corruption and related charges later this month and that her sister, Janine, will face a separate, still-to-be-scheduled trial. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:47:03 GMT 5d54cebf1f65d15d67290276f1d73209 2012-02-14T17:47:03Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139268918&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Corbett_eyes__Net-sales_tax.html The Corbett administration is expecting about $50 million from its new efforts to collect taxes on items sold over the Internet. The state Department of Revenue provided that estimate yesterday. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:45:31 GMT 6b3d50ae1feb9f7fbb8cd98dc56e9cfb 2012-02-14T17:45:31Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139289058&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Pa__primary_petitions_due_today__Thursday.html Today is the last day to file nominating petitions for Pennsylvania's April 24 primary election for national and statewide offices. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:40:52 GMT 69124a8a944277bc5374b5b2751edd1a 2012-02-14T17:40:52Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139273823&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_apinterviewusbishopsfightbirthcontroldeal.html The top U.S. Catholic bishop vowed legislative and court challenges Tuesday to a compromise by President Barack Obama to his healthcare mandate that now exempts religiously affiliated institutions from paying directly for birth control for their workers, instead making insurance companies responsible. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:27:11 GMT d8b39a81c8596cd674d18f31ca6d75bf 2012-02-14T17:27:11Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139289783&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_obamasignsofprogressonpayrolltaxcuts.html President Barack Obama said Tuesday there are "hopeful signs" Congress will reach a deal to extend expiring payroll tax cuts for millions of Americans. But he urged the public to keep up the pressure on Congress until an agreement is finalized and a bill lands on his desk. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:18:42 GMT 8097c199967ac4fdf1836dd246ff9c0c 2012-02-14T17:18:42Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139246173&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_ap_njauditoraccusedofdemandingtaking900bribe.html State officials say an auditor with New Jersey's Division of Taxation demanded a bribe from a convenience store owner in return for not initiating an audit. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:19:41 GMT 5917632825b904e3684f52c056479259 2012-02-14T15:19:41Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=403844&44=139285253&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpolitico%2FRSS_POLITICO20120214_Bishops__head__W_H__plan__hill_of_beans_.html Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:18:13 GMT 9e33a937e24a8b0675cb9a5cfb59ca01 2012-02-14T15:18:13Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139257733&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120213_ap_romneyrapsgoprivalsgovernmentbackgrounds.html If Mitt Romney is rattled by polls showing presidential rival Rick Santorum nipping at his heels, he didn't show it Monday at an outdoor rally with about 2,500 people. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:17:29 GMT b78f09e9b76609b4b0c34ee0f75f1279 2012-02-14T15:17:29Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139204129&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_ap_njgovholdstownhallincaldwell.html Gov. Chris Christie has renewed his call for New Jersey towns to share more services. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:16:49 GMT 2b3a4a46172d660c1227ce54447d7059 2012-02-14T15:16:49Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139251333&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120213_ap_romneyunderfundedrivalsinhuntforcash.html Mitt Romney and his under-funded opponents are taking advantage of a weeklong lull in the Republican presidential nomination fight _ no debate or primary is slated _ to raise the money needed to carry out Super Tuesday strategies and compete in states beyond. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:15:20 GMT 9b3c95ab41098cf994c29e295ea63914 2012-02-14T15:15:20Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139254988&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120213_ap_gingrichsayshesintheracetostay.html Republican Newt Gingrich on Monday dismissed calls to drop out of the presidential contest in order to set up a direct contest between rivals Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. The former House speaker insisted that his ideas and a new determination to stay positive would help him once again resuscitate his flagging candidacy. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:14:23 GMT 8707623b96fd2b1c960240ccf2d0fa46 2012-02-14T15:14:23Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139253358&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_ap_corbettsigns3keyenergysectorbills.html Gov. Tom Corbett on Monday signed three key bills for Pennsylvania's energy sector, including a wide-ranging bill that updates regulations surrounding the state's booming natural gas industry and removes Pennsylvania's distinction as the nation's largest gas-producing state that does not impose a levy on the activity. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:11:37 GMT 03b3360541852c82bcdd9a2c22b20b06 2012-02-14T15:11:37Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139262528&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120213_ap_santorumcallsoccupyprotestersradicalelement.html Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum clashed with Tacoma Occupy protesters Monday night during his first visit to a state he said would be a "momentum changer" heading into Super Tuesday. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:10:13 GMT 1ff17f17f0ac4009737a9bac345e4974 2012-02-14T15:10:13Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139266073&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_study1in8usvoterregistrationshaveerrors.html A new report says about 24 million voter registrations in the United States contain significant errors. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:08:52 GMT 56bc2c671fa36b3d8c6e0df254c2e2b6 2012-02-14T15:08:52Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139269808&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_ap_courtmaydecidetuesdayifaprilprimarypossible.html Whether Texas can realistically hold primary elections in April is expected to finally be decided by a federal court. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:07:49 GMT c75568523d9c6ff8ea6dd2650da39bc3 2012-02-14T15:07:49Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139261538&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_How_we_got_the_primaries.html You can thank the reformers of the early 20th century for today's winding road of presidential primaries. Fed up with party bosses' ability to control the conventions, political and economic reformers in what historians now dub the Progressive movement got some states to establish primary elections. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:01:11 GMT c017940728ec713d1884db82ebf4b0cd 2012-02-14T15:01:11Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139261358&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_N_J__Senate_votes_to_legalize_same-sex_marriage.html TRENTON - As the green "yes" votes lit up the electronic board in the New Jersey Senate chambers Monday, Steven Goldstein, head of the state's largest gay-rights organization, jumped up and down and applause broke out on the floor and echoed from the balcony. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:58:28 GMT 46d9aa359f40255d5136cc5e124e8690 2012-02-14T14:58:28Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139261458&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_Cities_facing_a_tough_fight_on_gun_control.html The gunfight is over, and the cities lost. The question is: Do they realize it yet? For decades now, large majorities of urbanites - the people, the politicians, the interest groups - have favored stricter controls on guns, for reasons city residents find self-evident. In the last five years in Philadelphia, 1,656 people have been slain, and of those, more than 1,300 died of gunshot wounds. For many city residents, myself included, guns represent a plague, not protection. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:54:01 GMT ea12d2d97a1d5b5327df4195e82a8e38 2012-02-14T14:54:01Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139261463&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_Romney_s_share_of_pork.html WASHINGTON - Mitt Romney takes a hard line against congressional earmarks, but the Republican presidential candidate had a more favorable view of federal pork-barrel spending as governor of Massachusetts. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:52:15 GMT 09ffcb5d53ea5213d742c434a48b4373 2012-02-14T14:52:15Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139278803&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120214_ap_obamaaskspublictopushcongressontaxcuts.html President Barack Obama is turning to the American people for help in pushing Congress to extend a payroll tax cut due to expire at the end of February. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:47:17 GMT e8266966041fa4689c9de24bafab69b7 2012-02-14T14:47:17Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139268888&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_City_to_sell_off_PGW.html PHILADELPHIA GAS Works is on the market. Any takers? Mayor Nutter announced plans to proceed with the sale of the utility after a study by Lazard Freres & Co. LLC released yesterday revealed that selling PGW to a private entity would be good for the city. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:21:03 GMT 2166b17e6d150136708e283d2b5a7987 2012-02-14T14:21:03Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139261368&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120214_It_looks_as_if_Phila__is_ready_to_sell_off_PGW_-_with_conditions.html The city is about to hang a "For Sale" sign on the Philadelphia Gas Works, with a hefty price tag, and see if there's a taker for the 175-year-old utility. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:03:22 GMT 7629f91e1b874298ea97fd145d1ea755 2012-02-14T14:03:22Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139243623&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120213_ap_obamasbudgetgovernmentstillgettingbigger.html Taking a pass on reining in government growth, President Barack Obama unveiled a record $3.8 trillion election-year budget plan Monday, calling for stimulus-style spending on roads and schools and tax hikes on the wealthy to help pay the costs. The ideas landed with a thud on Capitol Hill. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:00:13 GMT bf3ca634091aac41f2aa11aa29d43f46 2012-02-14T03:00:13Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139229324&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_N_J__Senate_passes_gay_marriage_bill.html TRENTON - As the green "yes" votes lit up the electronic board in the New Jersey Senate chambers Monday, Steven Goldstein, head of the state's largest gay-rights organization, jumped up and down and applause broke out on the floor and echoed from the balcony. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:59:58 GMT c63f021dc46006cd139fc234704b6529 2012-02-14T01:59:58Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139234778&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_ap_housegophavebackuponpayrolltax.html In an abrupt about-face, House GOP leaders announced Monday that they are willing to extend the two percentage point cut in the payroll tax through the end of the year and add the approximately $100 billion cost to the nation's $15 trillion-plus debt. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:50:12 GMT 9eae2026d63d52951aaa35eed822dde1 2012-02-14T01:50:12Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=168201&44=139243028&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20120213_ap_pajudgeaccusedofdismissingowntickets.html State authorities are accusing a central Pennsylvania judge of using her position to dismiss traffic citations against her car. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:30:13 GMT accff84808cfe249b93fc8d59238bed3 2012-02-14T01:30:13Z http://www.philly.com/r?19=961&43=894469&44=139222649&32=3796&7=195367&40=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fpresidential%2F20120213_ap_anagencybyagencyguidetoobamasbudget.html President Barack Obama proposed a $3.8 trillion budget on Monday for fiscal 2013 that aims to slash the deficit by $4 trillion over 10 years but still envisions growth in the government's major health benefit programs. Here is the agency-by-agency breakdown: Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:15 GMT ff4600795c46a1103c47ff0df1e8958d 2012-02-14T00:00:15Z