Daily Kos: Taking the PA House; where we stand: "Taking the PA House; where we stand
by ortcutt
Tue May 02, 2006 at 04:37:30 PM PDT
The Republicans have controlled the Pennsylvania Legislature for about as long as I can remember. This control has had serious implications not only for Pennsylvanians but for all Americans, since Pennsylvania's Republican Legislature has controlled the redistricting process decade after decade. Democrats are within striking distance of taking the Pennsylvania House and we've only got three elections left (2006, 2008, and 2010) if we are going to have a say in the 2010 redistricting.
Part of the problem with these Pennsylvania House races is that there is very little information on the races. There are 203 Pennsylvania House members (a ludicrously high number). Each member represents a little over 60,000 people. It's difficult for such small races to get any attention."
Right on.
I've been working less on the blog and more on the wiki, Platform.For-Pgh.org, so as to fix this problem of little attention to state rep and state senate candidates. It is a big problem. And, a big solution is hard to unfold. But, with some technology, and a few others helping -- hey running mates -- this can be another tool for the reformers.
Peek at this. http://69.36.175.17/wiki/index.php/Special:Recentchanges
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4 comments:
One would think that small races are cheaper and easier to run than larger ones.
Not really. These are under the radar races.
But, we need to build radar screens for these races and that is what I think needs to happen with the http://Platform.For-Pgh.org/wiki/
When I just started out, I ran for Mayor. Then PA Senate. I can spend more for a city council seat than for GOVERNOR -- as far as investment that is all at-risk money without hope of getting donor funding.
And, the voters need to find you.
Why are they under the radar? This past primary proves that they are not. Or at least some of them. Or they do not have to be.
There are too many for the TV stations and newspaper to cover.
How much did you hear about Tom Petrone? Zippo.
And they are under the radar because the jerks in office now want it that way. They do nothing except glad hand.
Sure, you hear a lot about Jeff Habay, as he goes down in flames. Fine, but that is about it. You don't hear about the one's trying to challenge much. Even many ads went out to not re-hire people -- with names of incumbents only.
The recent primary proves my point. The media is helping at certain points -- but the voters are still mostly in the dark.
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