Pa. Gov. Ed Rendell vows to lead charge for reforms

HARRISBURG (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell says Pennsylvania doesn’t get enough credit for its accomplishments because special interests exert too much control over state government.

Rendell renewed his pitch today for overhauling the state’s campaign-finance laws, the selection of appellate judges and the process by which state legislative districts are redrawn every 10 years.

The Democrat acknowledged that the Legislature controls the fate of most reforms. But he vowed to be a forceful advocate during his last year in office and said he might appoint a task force to study the need for a constitutional convention.

Rendell said he believes this year’s 101-day state budget stalemate angered many Pennsylvanians and will provide momentum for meaningful reforms next year.

The governor responded to reporters’ questions after a news conference on an unrelated topic.