
A Capitol Journey
Reflections on the Press, Politics, and the Making of Public Policy in Pennsylvania
Vincent P. Carocci
A Capitol Journey
Reflections on the Press, Politics, and the Making of Public Policy in Pennsylvania
Vincent P. Carocci
“Whether you are happy about—or horrified by—the hardball politics played in Harrisburg, you will learn much from A Capitol Journey about the ‘stories behind the stories’ of Pennsylvania government over the past four decades. As an outsider looking in, and as an insider looking out, Vince Carocci is the perfect guy to write this book.”
- Description
- Reviews
- Bio
- Table of Contents
- Sample Chapters
- Subjects
Carocci’s story is the story of a professional lifetime in and around Pennsylvania state government. He was part of the State Capitol press corps during an era that is now long gone, and never likely to return. He describes the characters who covered the news in the State Capitol, their work habits, their character, their strengths, and their foibles. Carocci’s story is also the story of the legislative process and those who gave it life and breath. He describes an unpredictable, sometimes unsightly process of politics, personal machinations, and legislative reorganizations. Of particular note, Carocci recounts his appearance before a federal grand jury and testimony at a federal corruption trial. He also describes how an innocent Christmas lunch between an unpredictable Senate Majority Leader and three of his staff set off a chain of events that ultimately cost the Democrats political control of the Senate, a blow from which they still have not recovered.
Finally, Carocci’s story is the story of Pennsylvania governors, six in all, who assumed the pinnacle of political power in the state—their successes, their shortcomings, and, above all, their legacies. Having worked most closely with Robert Casey, Carocci recounts the many trials and tribulations of his two terms in office, including the 1992 Democratic convention when Casey’s steadfast opposition to abortion made him a virtual outcast within his own party, and the recurring medical problems that challenged him throughout his tenure.
All of this and more Carocci measures up from a very personal vantage point, making A Capitol Journey a lively and a satisfying introduction to the political culture of the Keystone state.
“Whether you are happy about—or horrified by—the hardball politics played in Harrisburg, you will learn much from A Capitol Journey about the ‘stories behind the stories’ of Pennsylvania government over the past four decades. As an outsider looking in, and as an insider looking out, Vince Carocci is the perfect guy to write this book.”
“Vince’s book is a fine introduction to the political culture of our state.”
“This is a book worth reading by anyone trying to understand the operation of Pennsylvania’s state government in the latter part of the 20th century.”
“Carocci is an excellent storyteller and has some insights into Pennsylvania politics and government not available at the moment anywhere else. Anyone searching for a classic insider account, complete with anecdotes and analysis, will find the book profitable to read.”
Vincent P. Carocci covered state politics in Harrisburg during the 1960s for UPI and AP and then again in the early 1970s for The Philadelphia Inquirer. He then served on the Senate staff of the Democratic Party for thirteen years. From 1987 to 1995 he was a senior staffer for Governor Robert P. Casey during his two terms in office. From 1995 to 2003 he was Director of Government Affairs for Capital BlueCross. Now retired, he lives near Harrisburg.
Contents
Preface
Introduction: Early Years
Part 1: The Press
1. The Legislative Correspondents
2. Frank and Lindy: One Memorable Ride, One Memorable Coal Mine
3. The Divvy and a Pulitzer Prize
4. Reader Beware: Editorial Comment to Follow
5. Forks in the Road
Part 2: The Pennsylvania Senate
6. The Pennsylvania Senate, 1970s Style
7. The Senators
8. Legislative Reorganizations and Strange Bedfellows
9. Transgressions
10. The Vince
Part 3: The Governors
11. Chief Executive Officer
12. David L. Lawrence (1959–1963)
13. William Warren Scranton II (1963–1967)
14. Raymond Phillip Shafer (1967–1971)
15. Milton J. Shapp (1971–1979)
16. Richard L. Thornburgh (1979–1987)
Part 4: The Casey Years
17. The Casey Pursuit
18. Reforming the Liquor Control System
19. Bouncing Around the Governor’s Office on the Way to a Dream
20. The Budget from Hell
21. The Longest Week
22. Health: The Issue That Just Wouldn’t Go Away
23. Reflections, Recovery, Reentry
24. The Final Year
Postscript
?
Also of Interest
Mailing List
Subscribe to our mailing list and be notified about new titles, journals and catalogs.