It’s good news that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has unanimously rejected challenges to the State House district lines as drawn up by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. Finally, candidates knew their districts and could circulate their nominating petitions to begin their campaigns.

In my opinion, approval of the district lines should not have had to go to the courts at all! Remember that Republican legislative leader Kerry Benninghoff was actually on the LRC’s five-member panel, but was outvoted over the exact map just approved.

That should have ended it. But Benninghoff, not willing to accept an honest vote (sound familiar?) had a hissy fit and sued to overturn the map his own commission approved, thus holding up the whole process. Fortunately, the Supreme Court is composed of adults and tossed Benninghoff’s case out.

Kerry Benninghoff has been in the state Legislature for 25 years–and he still hasn’t learned what democracy is all about or how to play well with others.

He’s long past his “use by” date.

GINA HERSHEY LEON

State College

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom