Don't let the GOP ruin Pa.'s electoral clout

PENNSYLVANIA'S Republican leaders think they can pull a fast one on us. Led by Sen. Dominic Pileggi, Republicans in Harrisburg are pushing a cynical scheme to dilute Pennsylvania's influence in the Electoral College - a thinly veiled attempt to gain party advantage in presidential elections. The top Republican in the state, Gov. Corbett, has refused to take a stand on these shameful shenanigans. We expect bipartisan leadership from our governor, not simple acquiescence to his party's most partisan fringe.

The GOP's Electoral College reapportionment plan represents just the latest Republican effort to game our electoral system at the expense of Pennsylvania voters. Republican legislators have already pushed through a restrictive voter-ID law and outrageously gerrymandered our congressional and state legislative districts.

Now the GOP wants to split up Pennsylvania's electoral votes proportionally, rather than the current winner-take-all system used by the rest of the country.

This partisan scheme would effectively end our status as a prize swing state, since few other states are seriously contemplating such a change. The GOP would deprive Pennsylvania voters of our critical role in the presidential sweepstakes, and would cost the state millions of dollars in lost economic activity during campaign season. We wouldn't see the candidates, and they wouldn't spend their money here.

Gov. Corbett should want to amplify the voice and role of Pennsylvanians, but this plan would make our votes less relevant in national elections. It favors only the narrow special interests of the Republican Party leadership at the expense of Pennsylvania voters.

I was born in Pennsylvania, raised my family here and worked for the people of Pennsylvania as a public servant for more than 25 years. And like the people of this state, I know a bad idea when I see one. This bill is a bad idea.

It's a shame that Gov. Corbett won't say publicly whether he's for or against the Electoral College scheme, or whether he would sign it if it passed. His silence seems to amount to a tacit endorsement of the bill. Worse, by evading questions about it, the governor is clearly attempting to shut down debate about this plan. He must know that it doesn't make sense for Pennsylvania, and he knows that the only way to pass it in Harrisburg is if the public isn't looking.

When I was serving the people of Pennsylvania in public office, I took my duties seriously. I knew that leadership means being upfront and open with your constituents about your positions and your intentions. Gov. Corbett, come clean with the voters of Pennsylvania. Step forward and oppose this bad bill.