Beyond the fact that Tuesday's primary election ousted two top leaders of the Pennsylvania Senate and 15 members of the House of Representatives is the message that changes must take place in the governmental structure of the commonwealth.

And, as the political process further assesses what happened this week and looks forward to the Nov. 7 general election — which hopefully will result in the defeat of more incumbents — it is time to consider ways that change can take place.

Those ideas must be emphasized during the fall campaign, which must be more about a new direction for the General Assembly and what that direction will be, rather than simply about "I'm the better candidate," without providing any evidence or substance to support that claim.

It is to be hoped that one topic receiving attention from this fall's candidates will be the issue of a constitutional convention. Every legislative candidate should be asked his or her position on the topic.

At such a convention, as part of examining the full depth and breadth of state government, on down to local government issues, the matter of cutting the size of the legislature could be addressed, as well as making new stipulations on the way legislation is introduced and considered.

A constitutional convention could delve into lawmakers'-compensation issues, including specific prohibition of the sleazy tactic of "unvouchered expenses" that followed passage of the July 7, 2005, middle-of-the-night pay raise (repealed four months later) that was approved by both houses of the legislature without public notice or debate.

It could consider the issue of term limits for lawmakers.

Indeed, a convention would hopefully address all of the stumbling blocks that have been hindering the efficient, effective conduct of state government.

Pennsylvania residents deserve better than what they have been witnessing in regard to the way their government operates. On many fronts and in many legislative offices, public service has given way to an arrogant "serving me" attitude, with the goal of personal power and personal compensation at the taxpayers' expense overshadowing the needs of the state and its people.

The incumbents who were ousted Tuesday were delivered the message that the voters have awakened to the preposterous goings-on in the state capital, such as the big, undeserved pay raise and acceptance of the raise by many lawmakers in clear violation of provisions in the constitution, and the partisanship that has stymied so much progress on important issues, including tax reform.

Perhaps Tuesday's results will be an incentive for change to begin now. Still, the voters should not stop paying attention.

Despite Tuesday's election results, there are not enough lame ducks in the legislature. However, the Nov. 7 balloting is an opportunity for more.

The fall campaign must illustrate that not all is right in Pennsylvania, including a constitution that allows the unacceptable conditions to exist.