Pa. Republicans fear possibility of losing the State House.

[RandySF]

Twice in two weeks, powerful Pennsylvania politicians have achieved a rare feat — willingly stepping down from power.

Over the two decades, most Pennsylvania legislative leaders have either been forced out under indictment, lost reelection, had their own allies turn on them or die in office.

But House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, both announced they would retire this year, when the odds of either chamber flipping are so-so.

One former GOP Senate staffer, who requested anonymity to speak candidly, said that the choice could lie in political reality. Scarnati governed with one of the biggest majorities in a half-century before Democrats made in-roads in the 2018 midterms.

Facing political headwinds, “do you want to be the [leader] who loses the majority for the first time in 20 or 30 years?” the staffer asked.

At least one national Democratic group made the same argument.

In a statement, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which flips Republican-controlled legislative seats, crowed that GOP retirements, including Scarnati and Turzai, are a sign of an uncertain future for Pennsylvania Republicans.

“Democrats across the state are fired up to flip the House and Senate red to blue this year,” DLCC President Jessica Post said in a statement. “The GOP’s record is indefensible and all these incumbents know that, which is why they’re bowing out early rather than face life in the minority.”


https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/turzai-scarnati-step-down-on-top-facing-uncertain-political-waters/

[Demovictory9]

1. crossed fingers

[Karadeniz]

2. Good luck, PA!❤

[Hermit-The-Prog]

3. May the blue wave roll across the country before the polar ice melts.

[DeminPennswoods]

4. PA state house districts are gerry-mandered for incumbent protection

more than raw partisan advantage. That makes me skeptical that Dems can re-take the state house, but it is curious that both Turzai (PA house speaker) and Scarnati (president pro tem of the senate), both holding very powerful positions and still relatively young decided to retire. It is true that the western part of PA is losing population, power and influence and both men are from this area.

Then again, Dems did net 11 House seats and 6 state senate seats in 2018, but I don't where the additional pick up opportunities are. I abut a district that was drawn to elect a Dem, but it's now held by an R who seems fairly popular and was just re-elected in 2018. No Dem was even on the ballot although he get a challenger very late, but they had to run on the Green Party line and basically were doomed.

[DeminPennswoods]

5. John Micek is the editor-in-chief of this news site

He was the long time political reporter for the Allentown Morning Call and knows as much about PA state politics as any reporter in the state. That makes this reporting all the more credible.

[PRETZEL]

6. I agree,

Micek has been a staple on PA politics.

A great deal is going to depend on who the Presidentila nominee is.

This would be a great chance for the Dem's to have a long coattail.

[DeminPennswoods]

7. What state house seats do you see as flippable this year?

I just don't think there are that many. I think Dems need to pick up 15 or so to take back the house.

I agree that Corman is probably in line to succeed Scarnati.

[PRETZEL]

8. I'm hoping that the blue wave that seemed to hit the Philly suburbs

two years ago could start filtering down to some of these areas, especially those closest to Philly.

I also hope that there are a couple in the Pittsburgh suburbs that might go.

Only guessing, but we're a cycle out from that and given the strong showing of Reps. Dean, Scanlon and Houlahan in the Philly suburbs, and especially Conor Lamb in the Pittsburgh area could serve as a model.