Court weighs Pa. government pay raise lawsuit

PHILADELPHIA - October 22, 2008 - During oral argument in Philadelphia on Wednesday, the three-judge panel focused their questions on whether the litigants have the right to sue. They also asked whether the law's repeal makes the case moot.

Common Cause of Pennsylvania and the state's League of Women Voters say the dead-of-night passage violated constitutional requirements for passing laws. They also want to know more about any contacts lawmakers had beforehand with state judges.

The law boosted pay for lawmakers, judges, the governor and other high-ranking state officials. It was repealed, but the state Supreme Court later reinstated the higher rate of pay for judges.

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