Who's in and who's out?

Lots of news, in the wake of the official petition deadline, about which officeholders are retiring, seeing primary challenges, etc.

• The Inquirer notes that the total number of petitions filed for state legislative seats is way up over recent years. (AAJane shows where you can get the whole list.) In part this is due to the efforts of Operation Clean Sweep (see prev. here), but it also reflects the desire by many for more responsiveness in government. Will be interesting to see how many of the newcomers are able to make any headway against the Forces of Incumbency...
  
  
• The Daily News points out that, amid this flurry of challengers, the Philadelphia delegation got off relatively easy, even though there are more contested primaries than in 20 years. On the other hand, open seats are attracting a flurry of action.
  
  
• Tom Ferrick highlights one retiring State Rep., Bill Rieger from North Philly, who he thinks was long overdue for replacement. It's not a pretty picture.
  
  
• Philadelphians will think I'm joking, but I'm not: Milton Street wants to run for the State House. (Unclear whether he's actually gotten the signatures to follow through...) Where to begin with the ludicrosity?
  
  
• Bob Casey must now recognize that he has primary opponents, but he's retaining an arrogant attitude toward his rivals, even in saying he's willing to debate. Santorum also plans one debate with his rival, Featherman.
  
  
• This morning, Ray Murphy at YPP reported that Joe Hoeffel may be asked to bow out of the Lieutenant Governor's race, after initially being told to go ahead. However, Above Average Jane notices that he's launched a new campaign website. Perhaps criticisms like these have made Rendell think again...
  
  Update: more folks are reporting the news that Hoeffel will take yet another dive for Rendell. Amazing, especially since he asked permision first. Above Average Jane channels the bitterness...
  
  
• Anne Dicker takes a breath after collecting signatures to explain why she's running for the 175th State House seat -- she plans to say more soon.
  
  
• A Patrick Murphy supporter promises a series on why the 8th US House district is key for Pennsylvania and for the Democratic party, and why the "netroots" should be paying attention.