HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A candidate for an open seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said Monday her opponent may have been unduly influenced by donations from trial lawyers, although she has received lesser amounts from the same sources.

Republican Joan Orie Melvin told a Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon in Harrisburg that there may be a link between Democrat Jack Panella’s campaign contributions and his record on the Northampton County Common Pleas Court and state Superior Court benches.

“Is it pay-to-play? Is it justice for sale? I don’t know, but it sure sounds suspect,” said Melvin, who said the Supreme Court should consider capping donations to limit their influence on judges.

Read the full Associated Press story here

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