As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m not aware of any state except Vermont that makes it easier to concealed carry. Maybe Wyoming or Montana or something up there - - I don’t know.
Your theory about Rendell is good. And remember, too, we had a couple of rat senators, Casey and Specter.
Arizona, Wyoming, and Alaska have joined Vermont where they have “constitutional carry” no permit is required for concealed carry.
Arkansas just passed a law that seems to be constitutional carry, but it is being disputed in the courts.
http://gunwatch.blogspot.com/2013/04/arconstitutional-carry-will-be-law-in.html