Looks like the Republicans may not have control of the PA state House, after all:
By all accounts Bill DeWeese is poised to be Speaker of the House in spite of Tom Caltigirone’s best impression of Fredo Corleone. At least six reform-minded Republicans, including three freshmen, are poised to vote “present” or vote for another Republican other than Perzel, whichever maneuver Perzel’s parliamentarian allows. This for all intents and purposes marks the end of Perzel’s elected career. Only Rep. Curt Schroder may call for another leadership election to allow Perzel the opportunity to supplant Sam Smith as minority leader and keep his career and dignity somewhat in tact. Such a move would make no sense for Schroder.
More on the unholy Perzel/Caltagirone alliance here:
Caltagirone is reactionary and a vicious homophobe who has no place in the Democratic Party to begin with. He’s announced that he’s casting his vote next week for Republican John Perzel for Speaker, in effect throwing all the committee chairs and all the power in the House to the Republicans. The anti-choice Caltagirone had previously joined forces with Perzel when they passed the violently unpopular legislative pay-raise last year.
It is a shame that the PA Dems don’t have a more impressive speaker candidate than DeWeese, though.
Does it really matter which party is in control. I mean 4 years ago the republicans went right along when Rendell wanted to raise the income tax and hurt the working people. They raised the minimum wage and went along with Rendell’s casino/property tax scam.
But still it’s nice to see some just not going along as has been the custom. Still won’t make a real difference and lead to any real reform that is long overdue.