I know others are trying to spread the word on PA State Supreme Court elections, I saw on DKE, that are promoting Virginia state candidates, that's great I'm all for that. I even donated a pittance to the cause. But in PA we have the an important election of our own. We have three seats open for the Supreme Court, If we win these seats Democrats will control the lines and we have a chance at fairer representation across the state. So I'm posting an email I received from DFA in the hopes it helps.
"The gerrymander of the decade."
That's what Real Clear Politics called the successful right-wing effort in 2011 to draw Pennsylvania's Congressional districts in a way that massively favored Republicans, and hurt Democrats' chances of taking back Congress.
Despite the nakedly partisan nature of the new district maps, the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected efforts by the public to have these unfair and biased districts thrown out for violating federal law and civil rights.
That's just one example of why the Pennsylvania Supreme Court matters to the future of the commonwealth and the country. No wonder the far right is going all out to elect their slate of Supreme Court candidates. If they succeed, the courts will be stacked even further in favor of the wealthy, the powerful, and the Republicans.
The first step to putting an end to this madness: electing a slate of progressive, experienced judges to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on November 3. DFA is endorsing Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court because we need to give control of the Supreme Court back to the people.
Democrats need to go on offense and elect progressive justices who will fight for a fair redistricting process. Will you help? Chip in $3 or more to support DFA's candidates for Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht are highly regarded judges who will bring an emphasis on ethics and justice for every Pennsylvanian to the Supreme Court. Donohue and Wecht received the highest rating from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, which also noted Dougherty's "judicial temperament and integrity."
All three candidates are Democrats. Unlike their Republican opponents, we have every reason to believe our endorsed slate would stand up for justice and fair representation in redistricting, for voter rights, women's rights, and so much more.
Conservative control of the U.S. Supreme Court has had a devastating effect on our country, especially decisions like Citizens United. The decisions of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court may not be as famous but they are important -- especially when it comes to drawing fair districts that give progressives a chance to take back Congress.
With an historic three Supreme Court seats up for grabs in 2015, Democrats have a unique opportunity to make sure Pennsylvania gets redistricting right in the years ahead. Chip in $3 or more to elect Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Thank you for helping take back the Supreme Court.
- Jim
Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America