CAP Launches the Ben Franklin Project
LEMOYNE (07.19.11) Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania (CAP) today announced the launch of the Ben Franklin Project to restore our General Assembly to the "citizen legislature" established by our Commonwealth's founders.
The goal of the Ben Franklin Project is to stock the General Assembly with 70 legislators--55 in the House and 15 in the Senate--who foreswear the trappings of office, particularly the state pension, while pressing for the re-enactment of term limits and part-time status for lawmakers.
CAP's involvement in the 2010 election cycle was instrumental in doubling from 5 to 10 the number of citizen legislators currently in the General Assembly.
"Only when we return to a citizen legislature will we renew and protect our founding principles of limited government, economic freedom, and personal responsibility," said CAP executive director Joe Sterns.
To meet the goal, CAP will be recruiting and screening potential candidates for the General Assembly, and those who pass muster will receive the training and financial assistance they need to wage a successful campaign.
"The Ben Franklin Project will encourage altruistic men and women to step to the forefront and seize a historic opportunity to lead our Commonwealth," added CAP chairman John Kennedy, who served as a citizen legislator from 1981-1989.
Those interested in being a citizen legislator candidate should contact CAP at 717-497-0806 or info@empowerpa.org.
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