How to Run for Political Office: A Campaign Manual for Pennsylvania Candidates
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Pennsylvania State Offices
Many of the local government services we receive are decided at the state level by our General Assembly in Harrisburg. Certain state officials, for example our State Senators and State Representatives, are elected from local districts throughout the State; other officials, such as the Governor, are elected on a statewide basis by all Pennsylvania voters.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly
The General Assembly forms the legislative branch of Pennsylvania's state government.47 It drafts and passes the laws for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, subject to the Governor's veto power.48 Although legislative posts in the General Assembly were created as part-time offices, many legislators consider these offices full-time positions. The General Assembly meets at the state office complex in Harrisburg to conduct the official business of the Commonwealth. Many members also maintain local offices within their district.
The General Assembly is comprised of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are 203 representatives in the House 49(in 2005, twenty-eight Representatives serve the City of Philadelphia.);50 and fifty members in the Senate 51(in 2005, seven Senators serve the City of Philadelphia.)52
State Representatives
Members of the House each serve a local constituency of approximately 59,000 citizens. Members are elected for two-year terms 53at every general election (2006, 2008, 2010, etc.).54
A representative must meet the following qualifications prior to election:
1. be at least twenty-one years old;
2. reside in Pennsylvania for at least four years; and
3. reside within the district for at least one year. 55
While in office, Representatives must also maintain district residence and may not hold any other salaried office in state or federal government. 56
State Senators
State Senators each serve a local constituency of approximately 240,000 citizens. Although state senatorial districts are much larger than state representative districts, the legislative functions of Senators are very similar to those of Representatives. In order for legislation to pass into law, approval by both the House and Senate is required.57 State Senators are elected to four-year terms.58 Senators of even-numbered districts (districts 2, 4, 6, etc.) are elected in the gubernatorial general election (2002, 2006, 2010, etc.). Senators from odd-numbered districts (districts 1, 3, 5, etc.) are elected in the non-gubernatorial general election (2004, 2008, 2012, etc.).59
A State Senator must meet the following qualifications prior to election:
1. be at least twenty-five years old;
2. reside in Pennsylvania for at least four years; and
3. reside in the senatorial district for at least one year. 60
Similar to State Representatives, State Senators must remain district residents throughout their tenure and may not hold any other salaried state or federal offices. 61
State Fiscal Offices
Two officers manage the financial affairs of State government: the State Treasurer and the State Auditor General. These officials serve four-year terms62and may not serve continuously for more than two terms. They are elected in non-gubernatorial general elections (2004, 2008, 2012, etc). The Treasurer and Auditor General must meet the following qualifications prior to election:
1. be at least eighteen years old; and
2. reside in Pennsylvania.63
State Treasurer
The Treasurer is the chief administrator of the Treasury Department. 64He or she manages the collection, investment, and disbursement of the Commonwealth's funds.65 From a Harrisburg office, the Treasurer also maintains the ledger and pays the bills of the Commonwealth in accordance with the taxing and spending decisions of the General Assembly and the Governor.
State Auditor General
The Auditor General oversees the finances of state departments and agencies. 66Similar to the Controller on the city level, the Auditor General conducts annual and special audits of the various state departments.67 He or she may also investigate any local government organization that collects or receives state funds.68 The Auditor General's office is located in Harrisburg.
State Executive Offices
The executive power of state government rests with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.69 The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are responsible for the daily operation of state government, the enforcement of its laws, and the provision of its services. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected to four-year terms70 during the gubernatorial general election (2002, 2006, 2010, etc). Similar to the manner in which voters choose the United States President and Vice-President, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected as paired candidates. In other words, an individual may not vote for a candidate for Governor from one party while choosing a candidate for Lieutenant Governor from another party.71
A candidate for Governor or Lieutenant Governor must meet the following qualifications prior to election:
1. be at least thirty years old;
2. reside in the Commonwealth for at least seven years (unless nonresidence resulted from federal or Pennsylvania State government service).72 Moreover, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor may not hold any other state or federal position while in office. 73
Governor
The Governor serves as the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth,74 and through his or her cabinet, controls all state departments and agencies. The Governor's legislative authority includes the preparation of state budgets,75 the proposal of legislation to the General Assembly, and the power to veto legislation (subject to the override of a two-thirds majority in each General Assembly chamber.)76 The Governor's law enforcement powers include command of the State Police and the Pennsylvania National Guard.77 The Governor also has the power to grant pardons and reprieves of convicted criminals.78
Lieutenant Governor
Similar to the relationship of the Vice-President to the President of the United States, the primary responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor is to assume the office of Governor should the elected Governor be unable to complete the term.79 Otherwise, the Lieutenant Governor's constitutional duty is to preside over the State Senate, where he or she may vote only in the event of a tie.80 One should recognize, however, that as a member of the Executive branch, the Lieutenant Governor can be an important source of advice and assistance to the Governor in policy formation and administration. However, the Lieutenant Governor's actual role depends upon the Governor.
State Law Enforcement Offices
State Attorney General
Similar to the District Attorney on the city level, the Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth.81 The Attorney General's duties include prosecuting state officials and employees charged with crimes involving the performance of their official duties, prosecuting indictments returned by grand juries, and in some instances, filling the role of District Attorney in local criminal matters.82 The Attorney General also furnishes legal advice to the Governor and the heads of the Commonwealth agencies concerning the exercise of their official powers. He or she represents the Commonwealth in actions brought by or against it. 83
Until 1980, the Attorney General was appointed by the Governor (with the advice and consent of the Senate). Today the Attorney General is elected in the non-gubernatorial general election for a four-year term (2004, 2008, 2012, etc), and may not serve more than two successive terms.84A candidate for Attorney General must be a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.85 Additionally, he or she must meet the qualifications applied to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor: he or she must have resided in the Commonwealth for seven years preceding the election (unless non-residence resulted from federal or state government service).86 Additionally, the Attorney General may hold no other state or federal office while serving as Attorney General. 87
Judges
Superior Court Judge
There are seven superior court judges who are elected for 10-year terms. The Superior Court hears cases appealed from the county courts
Supreme Court Judge
Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the state. There are seven supreme court judges who are all elected for 21-year terms. The only way a case makes it to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is through an appeal process.
47Const. Art. 2, § 1.
48Const. Art. 4, § 15.
49Const. Art. 2, § 16.
50 PA State Website(last checked Sept. 6, 2005)
51Const. Art. 2, § 16.
52 PA State Website,(last checked Sept. 6, 2005)
53Const. Art. 2, § 3.
54Const. Art. 2, § 2; 25 P.S. § 2751.
55Const. Art. 2, § 5.
56Const. Art. 2, §§ 5, 6.
57Const. Art. 3, § 4.
58Const. Art. 2, § 3.
5925 P.S. § 2209.
60Const. Art. 2, § 5.
61Const. Art. 2, §§ 5, 6.
62Const. Art. 4, § 18.
63Absent a specific age and residence requirement for these offices, it is presumed that to hold either office, one must be a qualified elector, i.e., be eighteen years of age and a resident of Pennsylvania.
6471 P.S. § 66.
6571 P.S. § 321; 72 P.S. §§ 301-308(a), 1501-1503.
6672 P.S. §§ 401-403.
6772 P.S. § 402
6872 P.S. §§ 401-403.
69Const. Art. 4, §§ 1, 2, 4.
70Const. Art. 4, §§ 3, 4.
71Const. Art. 4, § 4.
72Const. Art. 4, § 5.
73Const. Art. 4, § 6.
74Const. Art. 4, § 2.
75Const. Art. 8, § 12.
76Const. Art. 4, § 15.
77Const. Art. 4, § 7.
78Const. Art. 4, § 9.
79Const. Art. 4, § 13.
80Const. Art. 4, § 4.
8171 P.S. § 732-206(a).
8271 P.S. § 732-205.
8371 P.S. § 732-204(a)(1), (c).
84Const. Art. 4, § 4.1.
85Const. Art. 4, § 5.
86Const. Art. 4, § 5.
87Const. Art. 4, § 6
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