Recent elections have wiped out much of Pennsylvania's clout on Capitol Hill, putting the state at a disadvantage heading into an era of diminished government spending. Joseph McLaughlin of Temple's Institute for Public Affairs said party leaders would be motivated to help Pennsylvania's incoming House Republicans position themselves for reelection in 2012. Sen. Bob Casey also is up for reelection, so Democratic leaders are motivated to help him look good. "It helps to be a battleground state," McLaughlin said. "It means both parties have to pay attention."