Super PAC aims to help Pa. Dems in Legislature

Super PAC aims to help Pa. Dems in Legislature

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Washington-based political action committee that spent millions on behalf of Democratic candidates for the New Jersey Legislature last year plans to provide similar aid in 2014 to Democrats running for Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Legislature.

The General Majority PAC recently sued Pennsylvania in federal court on grounds that its election laws unconstitutionally prohibit super PACs.

Lawyers for both sides are negotiating a prospective out-of-court settlement allowing the groups to operate.

Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited funds to help candidates, but cannot coordinate expenditures or strategy with a campaign.

In New Jersey last year, the group called itself the Fund for Jobs, Growth & Security. It spent $8 million on TV ads and other activities to help Democratic candidates in their successful effort to maintain control of the Legislature.