The Pennsylvania gubernatorial race has turned into Pittsburgh versus Philadelphia - Swann versus Rendell. What is a central Pennsylvanian to do?

If the riots between Steelers and Eagles fans are any indication of the polarity of these constituencies, we can be sure there is no middle ground.

Registered Republicans make up 40.8 percent of the state, Democrats 47.6 percent, and other 11.6 percent. Why are 11.6 percent of Pennsylvanians denied a voice? The denial of ballot access to Independent Russ Diamond and Green Party Carl Romanelli is an obvious violation of the plain language of the state constitution - "Elections shall be free and equal" (Article I, Section V).

Republican and Democratic candidates are only required to gather 2,000 signatures, while others are required to gather 67,000.

A National Gallup poll only requires about 1,000 participants to have statistical significance to a few percentage points.

How are 67,000 signatures necessary to legitimize a candidate?

Carl Romanelli's case is a tragedy because he turned in 95,000 signatures, only to have the courts invalidate enough to put him below the requirement.

Not only is he off the ballot, but he must pay all of the court costs.

If this is the reward for political participation, run for the hills.