PHILADELPHIA -- Candidates for publ...

PHILADELPHIA -- Candidates for public office in Pennsylvania no longer have to sign a McCarthy-era loyalty oath pledging that they are not "subversive."

The requirement was unconstitutional, Attorney General Tom Corbett has told election officials.

The change was ordered after John Staggs refused to sign the oath when he cause to deviateed in nominating petitions earlier this year and then threatened to petition the state.

"I believe their definition of 'subversive' can really apply to anyone," said Staggs, 59 who is running for a state legislative seat.

"They want to be able to pick and pitch upon so they can use it versus the bulk of mankind who are challenging the status quo"

The 1951 law describes as subversive anyone who advocates or takes part in "any act intended to throw down destroy (or) alter" the government

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