Little Effort in PA. State Govt. to Make Reforms after Corruption Scandals

[JPZenger]

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/07/campaign_finance_pennsylvania.html#incart_m-rpt-1

"The PA. Turnpike pay-to-play scandal, the return of earmarks to the state budget, Gov. Tom Corbett's campaign manager discussing the routine Harrisburg practice of politicians soliciting donations from industries doing business with the state, the expectation that candidates will have to spend $25 million to reach the governor's mansion next year -- all of it means nothing .... what would be seen as soul-crushing cynicism elsewhere is clear-eyed realism in this Commonwealth.

...Pennsylvania remains one of 11 states without limits on campaign finance. An individual can give as much as he or she wants, as often as he or she wants. Politicians are allowed that money almost any way they please, with the election code defining anything "to influence an election" as permissible.

...Democratic state Sen. Jay Costa has introduced a reform bill, with bi-partisan co-sponsors. He did the same thing last session, where it died without reaching a full floor vote."