From the story: The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging that former Pennsylvania Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy negotiated a ruling in favor of legalized gambling in the state in exchange for legislative approval for a judicial pay raise.
The suit in U.S. Middle District Court cites unnamed legislators as providing information that former Chief Justice Cappy entered into "secret negotiations" with "various legislative leaders in the Pennsylvania General Assembly." Read More...
This is encouraging. It was previously published that PA Supreme Court Chief Justice Cappy was with the governor and legislative leaders working together regarding the pay raise legislation. So much for the separation of powers.
Add the fact that the slots legislation appeared to violate the "Original Purpose" and "Single Subject" rules of Article III of the Pennsylvania Constitution. On the July 4th weekend of 2004, a single-page, 33-line bill on background checks for people who work at the tracks was on its third consideration. Those 33 lines were crossed off and the bill was morphed into 144 pages that became the legislation to legalize slots in Pennsylvania. It passed that same weekend.
Despite the obvious constitutional issues, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in June of 2005 that the slots legislation was passed in compliance with the constitution.
With the Attorney General’s investigation into “Bonusgate”, perhaps more state representatives and senators are now willing to sing.
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