Free Republic

HARRISBURG — If House Republicans are successful in getting the special elections for two Allegheny County-based House districts delayed until May, the results of a Senate special election could lead to a whole new level of chaos in the power struggle in the state House. Republicans are clinging to a 101-99 advantage, with three special elections looming in seats vacated by Democrats. If Democrats win all three of those races, as expected, the Democrats will reclaim the majority in the chamber for the first time in more than a decade. One of those special elections — to fill the vacancy...

The people of Pennsylvania have spoken and GOP lawmakers say it proves a majority of them thought the governor’s powers needed to be clipped when it comes to emergency disaster declarations. With 73% of precincts reporting and more than 2 million ballots cast, the two constitutional amendments won voter ratification, collecting almost 54% of the vote. One amendment ends a governor’s emergency disaster declaration after 21 days – from the current 90 days which can be renewed indefinitely. And it would be up to the General Assembly to decide whether to extend it. A second gives lawmakers the sole authority...