November 17th, 2008

Both caucuses in the state House are holding their leadership elections on Nov. 18.  Here’s who’s vying for what and who is expected to win:

House Democrats:

Speaker of the House:

Democrats took control of the House two years ago; but when it became apparent that Bill Deweese wouldn’t be able to garner enough votes to win the Speakership Republican Dennis O’Brien ran for the position and picked up the votes he needed.  Although still a Republican, he voted with the Democrats on all major issues this past session.  Even though he’d like to keep the position, since Democrats now have a larger majority that scenerio doesn’t seem likely. 

It appears that Rep. Keith McCall will win the top spot.  He’s been in the House for 26 years and has the respect of most everyone in his caucus.  Another big plus for McCall: he appears to have nothing to do with the BonusGate scandal still under investigation by Attorney General Tom Corbett.

Majority Leader

Although Deweese has been the Democratic floor leader for the last 18 years, he announced last Friday that he would not seek re-election to this post, and would instead seek the whip position.  Although Deweese stated that he could garner the votes to win, he knew it would be a very divisive fight that would cause “serious political bloodletting.”  Some are scared that Deweese will soon be a target in Corbett’s investigations. 

The three members seeking votes for the post are Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny), current House Whip Todd Eachus (D-Luzenere) and reformer Kathy Manderino (D-Philadelphia).  Currently, Todd Eachus is predicted to be the likely winner, but Frank Dermody has the support of the Allegheny County Caucus

Majority Whip:

Although Deweese thinks he can win, there are three other candidates standing in his way: Rep. Pete Daley (D-Washington), Bill Keller (D-Philadelphia), and Joseph Preston (D-Allegheny).  However, it’s likely that one of the unsuccessful candidates for Majority Leader will win this position.

Appropriations:

Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) will almost definitely remain chairman of this powerful committee.

House Republicans:

Minority Leader:

Rep. John Perzel (Philadelphia) has been trying to win over votes for the past couple weeks, but two things stand in his way of beating the current leaders Sam Smith.  Firstly, many think he may soon become a target of the BonusGate investigations.  Secondly, this past week allegations came out that Perzel had hired a researcher in the past to dig up dirt on members of his own caucus.  Perzel has denied these charges and said that the invidual that made these claims is troubled.

Minority Whip:

Since current whip Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) announced that he’s seeking deceased Sen. James Rhoades seat, it’s reported that Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) will likely win this position.

Appropriations:

It’s almost certain that Appropriations minority chair Mario Civera (R-Delaware) will keep this position.