Rep. Levdansky Introduces Campaign Finance Reform Legislation

In a press conference today, Representative David Levdansky (D-Allegheny) introduced legislation that would limit campaign contributions by individuals and political action committees. Standing alongside Representative Dan Moul (R-Adams), Representative Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia), and representatives from various state organizations, Rep. Levdansky called the current system of unlimited campaign contributions “the Wild Wild West,” a situation that he calls dire and in need of reform. “I started on this legislation in the mid-1980s,” Rep. Levdansky said, “and the time is never better than now to enact it.” According to Rep. Levdansky and Barry Kauffman, the executive director of Common Cause, Pennsylvania is one of only five states left in the country that does not limit campaign contributions. Kauffman lauded the legislation, predicting that if passed, the reforms will “erase an ugly aspect of Pennsylvania’s political reputation.” Members from the AARP, Penn Future, the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, and the Pennsylvania chapter of the League of Women Voters also spoke. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.