Several critical editorials have appeared across Pennsylvania regarding PACleanSweep's anti-retention effort. The latest is an offering by Dr. G. Terry Madonna and Michael Young in the latest installment of their Politically Uncorrected column. It characterizes our effort as "loony and irresponsible," "stunningly stupid" and "intellectually bankrupt," as well as making other disparaging comments.

Such editorializing demonstrates a complete lack of understanding and vision regarding Pennsylvania's reform movement. Pennsylvania's reform movement - and PACleanSweep in particular - is about one thing and one thing only: restoring constitutional rule to our Commonwealth. Every elected official in the state swears an oath to support, obey and defend our Constitution before taking office. That allegiance comes before any mention of their other duties of office.

Nearly every editorial board and political commentator in Pennsylvania derided the pay raise of 2005. That outcry rightfully continued after the Supreme Court's bizarre decision allowing only judges to keep the money. But now that voters have an opportunity to do something about it, the very same people seem to want to stop short.

PACleanSweep asks: What exactly are the people to do when the three branches of government refuse to abide by the highest law of the land?

We held a rally at the Capitol. Harrisburg talk radio host Bob Durgin gathered 130,000 signatures on a petition. Activist Gene Stilp filed lawsuit after lawsuit. We spiked a Supreme Court Justice. We replaced 55 members of the legislature. Good-government groups have lobbied for reform. Despite these overwhelming signals to the Political Class, constitutional rule has not yet been restored.

We do not have the power of recall. We do not have the power of referendum. We do not have the power of initiative. What else is there besides our vote?

The General Assembly, the Governor and the Supreme Court all violated the Constitution in the pay raise fiasco. Every judge in Pennsylvania who accepted the money is an accessory after the fact. I cannot imagine a situation where the distinctions could be any clearer, yet the state's leading political commentators don't want the people to fight back. Instead, they predict calamity if our effort is successful. I have never seen a redder herring in my life.

The 67 judges on the ballot for retention represent only six percent of Pennsylvania's judicial corps. In 2006, we replaced 24 percent of the legislative branch. Every eight years, we replace the entire executive branch. The Supreme Court has lost 28 percent of its members in the last two years. The sky has not yet fallen, and the Commonwealth will not crumble if 67 judges are removed from the bench by voters.

There will be no permanent damage from the gubernatorial appointment and Senate confirmation of temporary replacements until contested elections can be held to fill the vacated seats. Filling these positions will be no problem. Qualified candidates will line up around the block for a chance at a long-term position with excellent pay and benefits.

Although Madonna and Young claim a wholesale removal of judges would be "chilling," it is even more chilling to imagine Pennsylvania continuing down the path of the rule of men rather than the rule of law. If any individual does not believe the Constitution is the highest law of land and deserves the absolute support, obedience and defense of every elected official, why don't they just come out and say it?

I refuse to buy into that thinking. On July 8, 2005, I drew a line in the sand. I will not accept a government that does not follow the plain language of the Constitution. I deserve constitutional rule, as do my fellow sovereign citizens. This is the reason PACleanSweep was founded, and what it will continue to strive for. We are entitled to demand it in any way we deem proper. This concept is not loony, irresponsible, stupid or intellectually bankrupt - it is the very foundation of our system of government.

The people have but one arrow in their quiver to demand change: the ballot box. PACleanSweep deems it proper to shoot that arrow as far as possible. We encourage all Pennsylvanians to join us by voting 'NO' on November 6th.

2007 Retention Candidate List

What YOU Need to Do on November 6th

Top Ten Reasons to Vote 'No'

PACleanSweep Judicial Retention Poll Results

Pennsylvania's Judicial Retention System

PACleanSweep is a non-partisan effort dedicated to reforming state government in Pennsylvania. For more information, please visit www.PACleanSweep.com.