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for 2004 Pennsylvania General Election Legislative Candidates
September 22, 2004 The Pennsylvania Education Funding Advocacy Group c/o EPLC 800 North Third Street, Suite 408 Harrisburg, PA 17102 To Whom It May Concern: Thank you for sending me a copy of your legislative questionnaire for 2004. I am always interested in issues of importance to the Pennsylvania Education Funding Advocacy Group. As a majority chairman for the past ten years and as chairman of the 31-member Central Pennsylvania Republican Caucus, I am well acquainted with the voting process in Harrisburg. The amendment process can drastically change whether I will support or oppose a bill. As you and the members of your organization well know, amendments can be offered to every bill prior to its final passage. Amendments attached to the bill may cause me to vote against the bill even though I had indicated in surveys like yours that I would vote for your specific legislation. For this reason, I worry about responding to questionnaires for fear of breaking my word. At the same time, my 24-year voting record is open to examination. Some of the questions in your survey have already been voted upon by the House of Representatives and by me. I will gladly meet with individuals from your organizations at any time to discuss the issues raised in you questionnaire. I have established a record of accessibility to my constituents and to organizations that wish to discuss their issues with me. I am proud of that record and will continue to have an open door to your organization and your members. Sincerely, Bruce Smith, Majority Chairman House Games and Fisheries Committee
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