Oh to be an ex-lawmaker

Philadelphia Inquirer on former state rep Brett Feese's $250,000 salary as counsel to the House Republicans. Though Feese's salary is far higher than almost anyone in state government, including the chief counsels for the other caucuses, Minority Leader Sam Smith insists that Feese will save money that would be spend on outside firms (you know, when the legislature needs to defend itself when sued for raising their pay or gutting and replacing a bill to legalize gambling in the middle of the night).

But why Feese?

Smith acknowledged that he had not conducted a search for the best-qualified person, and that only Feese had been considered for the job.

Feese is just, one of many ex-lawmakers back on the state payroll.