From the Post-Gazette:
The Allegheny County Democratic Party jolted some of its potential candidates with a sharp increase in the filing fee levied on those seeking its committee members' endorsement for state legislative seats.
In the last election cycle, the party demanded $750 of anyone seeking the party's official backing in state House races. This year, the fee jumped to $2,000 for most districts. In the 20th District, where a special election to fill an open seat will coincide with the regular spring primary, the new fee is $3,000.
Some Democrats see the change as a disguised effort at incumbent protection, arguing that the hefty price tag is likely to discourage some would-be challengers to office-holders and other more-established candidates. Jim Burn, the party chairman, dismissed that interpretation. He defended the fee structure as a means of weeding out frivolous candidates.
“The sad truth in this business is that the ability to win is based in part on the ability to raise money,” he said.
I live in the 22nd district which abuts the 20th. I don't understand why one district jumps to $3,000 while the others are $2,000 (which is bad enough). Is it a coincidence that Adam (Chet) Ravenstahl is running in that district? Clearly, his connections guarantee a decent war chest so it seems … obvious?
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