That $360 million: Legislative illusions - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

It is not too early for YOU to start thinking about running for state rep or state senate in 2008. The attitude of 'throw the bumbs out' is still alive and well, as these moves are still happening.

That $360 million: Legislative illusions - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "That $360 million: Legislative illusions"

...

The Associated Press made repeated requests for an accounting to the Democrat and Republican caucuses in each chamber. But the AP was stonewalled or given the incredible excuse that a breakdown could not be separated from the $27.5 billion in state spending signed into law last month by Gov. Ed Rendell.

The final round of budget negotiations was done behind closed doors with no hearings or public debate. Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware, and Majority Whip Jane Orie, R-McCandless, say the $360 million is not spent frivolously or secretly because anyone can review the budget's line items to see the allocations.

True, but there's no indication who put that money in the budget. And since there are many vague categories, there's no indication how some of the $360 million will be handed out.

Fortunately, the public has one trick up its sleeve. By casting enough ballots, legislators' careers can vanish. And that would be no illusion.

If you want to run for state house in 2008, or even if you are considering it, it would be an honor to have your help in the weeks to come as a campaign helper in the races I'm working on in 2007.