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.