Pennsylvania Judicial Race Flush With Cash

The record amount of cash that has flowed into the race for three open seats on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court indicates a larger national trend. In Pennsylvania, six candidates have combined to spend $12.2 million, and two independent groups have shelled out $3.5 million. Thirty-eight states hold some form of election for their highest court. In 2014, 19 of those states held elections, and spending exceeded a combined $34.5 million, with much money coming from special interests, according to a report by Justice at Stake, the Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Institute on Money in State Politics. Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, and Montana are among the states with closely-watched court elections coming up next year.