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We're Not Worthy!
Pennsylvania had primary elections yesterday for federal and state offices - the first ballot test since senior Republican and Democratic legislators had voted to give themselves a huge pay raise. First, public outcry caused them to overturn their deal. Now, the crafters of the pay raise have been turned out of office.
Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer (R., Blair) and Majority Leader David J. Brightbill (R., Lebanon) - who together have served 56 years in the Senate - were defeated in two of the most costly legislative races in history.
"I think it was just one of those years that wasn't meant to be," Jubelirer told supporters in a concession speech shortly before 11 p.m. "The people have spoken. They have said this is a time for change. It is a historic year, my friends."
Jubelirer is probably putting a positive spin on because Republicans want former football great Lynn Swann to unseat Gov. Ed Rendell, who agreed to the pay raise deal after the legislature pushed it. One problem with that - former Libertarian Russ Diamond, who left the party to lead the anti-pay raise movement (PA Clean Sweep), is running as an independent and scoring double digits in the polls.
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|5.17.06 @ 10:05AM|#
Aside from the disturbing hairdo, Diamond seems okay to me. And I'm definitely among those in PA who are upset about the pay raise. However, at least in districts local to Lancaster, where I live, the Clean Sweep candidates were far too socially conservative for comfort. I voted against a Clean Sweep candidate in yesterday's Republican primary for the state legislature.
|5.17.06 @ 10:23AM|#
I'm from Lancaster too, and I didn't end up voting for any Clean Sweep candidates. I am glad that many of the incumbents were removed from office.
|5.17.06 @ 10:51AM|#
I'm in the vicinity of Picksburgh(hack spit) and I didn't bother to vote. Was there even anything a registered independent could vote for?
|5.17.06 @ 10:54AM|#
Any details on this pay raise anywhere? Also, the "Clean Sweep" site is down - but I'm not surprised about the social conservative bit. Pennsylvania is quite conservative in that regard.
Thomas Paine's Goiter|5.17.06 @ 11:18AM|#
Any details on this pay raise anywhere?
It was the biggest story in PA for 6 months.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=PA+legislature+pay+raise&btnG=Google+Search
|5.17.06 @ 1:40PM|#
It was the biggest story in PA for 6 months.
I bet! Y'know, I have no problem with this pay rate. Just tell them they have to quit their day jobs while on the legislature. Ha ha ha ha...
Thomas Paine's Goiter|5.17.06 @ 2:31PM|#
I bet! Y'know, I have no problem with this pay rate. Just tell them they have to quit their day jobs while on the legislature. Ha ha ha ha...
PA also has the largest legislature in the country with 253 members. FULL TIME legislators.
|5.17.06 @ 4:23PM|#
TPG @ 2:31,
How does it compare with New Hampshire's?
Robert|5.17.06 @ 8:00PM|#
Just one more bit of evidence of the counterproductiveness of LP. You're better off putting together your own organiz'n like this guy did than operating in LP.
|5.18.06 @ 1:07AM|#
anon2,
I think I read in one of the links that NH pays $200 per year per legislator. A bit less than PA.
|5.22.06 @ 5:36PM|#
I had the pleasure of working and meeting Clean Sweep candidate Paul Snatchko, a Republican candidate for district 46. Of course, his opponent is also a Clean Sweep candidate... Thank God so many incumbents are being ousted, though. We need change for sure!
Mark Rauterkus|5.23.06 @ 11:03AM|#
Hi,
My PA Senate race is just building a new team for a run. If you're interested, let me know.
I'm going to support Russ Diamond. I am a real reformer as well.
Thanks!