politics: Philadelphia Metropolis

Strike One

By Tom Ferrick Jr. They say that baseball is the sport that most resembles life, but baseball also resembles political campaigns. They are both games played over long seasons; both involve big plays and big money; in each errors can... (Comments)

How the Money Game is Changing Harrisburg

By Tom Ferrick Jr. State Rep. Dwight Evans raised nearly $1.7 million for his campaign fund during the two-year cycle that ended with the 2008 election. But the most amazing part isn't the amount of money he amassed; it is... (Comments)

The Money Game: Pennsylvania as PAC Land

By William Ecenbarger Money not only talks in Pennsylvania politics-it's keeping up a running conversation. Between 1999 and 2008, total money raised for state political campaigns nearly doubled, from $74.4 million to $133 million. Who gives all this money to... (Comments)

The Money Game: Marcellus Shale Cash

Oil and gas interests were never big givers to politicians in Pennsylvania -- until the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit was discovered running under the state. Now, as the drilling rigs arrive, so have campaign contributions.. (Comments)

A Budget on Time?

It looks like Pennsylvania -- for once -- will pass a state budget by the June 30 deadline. The Inquirer reports that the various sides reached agreement on a new budget shortly after 2 a.m. today (June 29th).  Basically, it... (Comments)