Campaign Finance Limits Upheld

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court accomplished something the state legislature has, again, failed to do:  rein in the amount of influence moneyed interests have in state politics.  The Court upheld the City of Philadelphia's campaign contribution limits.  They cited the fact the state has failed to set any ceiling on personal campaign contributions and says the limits voted on for Philly are legal.

This is a victory for reform.  Ralph Cappy, the outgoing, disgraced Chief Justice, was one of the dissenting votes.  Incoming Mayor Michael Nutter said this about the ruling:

"Elections should be about policy, about issues, about ideas, about getting more people involved at the ground level, not just a few people who can make large contributions.  The public can see for the first time in Philadelphia that grass roots campaigns mean something and that the financial and volunteer support that people give to campaigns has value."

I agree wholeheartedly.  I've yet to meet the new Mayor but I have seen him at several events and am mightily impressed.  His strong support for this issue may help get some real reform on the state level and I urge him to continue that effort once he assumes office next week.

We've all seen money corrupt the system and in Pennsylvania it is a very powerful influence because an individual can give as much money as they want to candidates.  Perusing Governor Rendell's reports after raising $30 million for his re-election bid I saw numerous $100,000 checks listed.  Some people gave multiple checks and others were for $50,000 or $75,000.

When I tell people there are no maximums limits on campaign contributions here their eyes just glaze over because they understand this means we have a corrupt system.  Do you actually think someone like Albert Boscov doesn't have Fast Eddie's personal cell phone number after writing all those big checks at $50,000 a click?  I bet you don't have that access.  I know I don't.

Why do you think we can't pass gun safety laws in this state?  The NRA can get their supporters to either give big money or withhold it at any election, the same with other powerful special interests who also have few limits on their lobbying activities.

2008 is an election year for the state legislature.  They orated mightily in 2006 about the need for real reform but have failed to deliver anything meaningful.  If they fail to enact on these two issues before November I say vote them out of office, again.  Campaign finance and lobbying reform must be the cornerstones of the session.