After eight years of fighting for state government reforms, Democracy Rising PA will call it quits at the end of the year.  Co-founder Tim Potts tells Radio PA they simply cannot raise enough money to keep going.  “I’m not sure exactly why that is,” Potts explains.  “I think though that there is some scandal fatigue… and I think a lot of people are tired of having the focus on corruption and mismanagement and all the rest.” 

When it formed in 2004, Democracy Rising was the only group pushing for a constitutional convention.  Pennsylvania hasn’t had one since 1967, but Potts says it’s just a matter of time. 

While Democracy Rising could not ultimately push the state toward a convention, Potts says the group has witnessed numerous good government victories over the years.  He cites first-ever lobbyist disclosure laws, an overhauled open records law and the governor’s elimination of WAMs, among other things. 

In 2013 Potts will focus his efforts on a new endeavor called The Majority Party PA, which seeks to set policy priorities based on the will of the people.  A host of government reform issues have already made it onto the agenda… including the constitutional convention that eluded Democracy Rising PA.