By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative/PAC Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Truth is stranger than fiction—especially when it comes to Pennsylvania politics.
Except for a senate race in Georgia, election 2022 may be over, but the controversy lingers in the Keystone State when it comes to control of the House of Representatives
Pro-abortion Democrats are claiming that they hold a one-seat majority in the 203-seat House. But they only come to that calculation by counting a seat that was occupied by a member who is deceased.
On Wednesday Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) issued a Writ of Election for a special election to fill the vacancy created by the death of Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Allegheny).
“Given the prospect of an evenly-divided House of Representatives, it is imperative we use the normal order of business in the House to ensure that this special election is called as soon as possible,” Cutler stated.
Cutler said there is precedent for the move. Back in 2010, then Speaker Keith McCall issued a Writ of Election for a special election to fill a vacancy created by the death of Rep. Bob Donatucci.
But Democrats are disputing the move, saying that Cutler did not have the authority to issue the writ because, they claim, the Republicans are in the minority.
Cutler counters that even his own children recognize the fact that, when determining the majority, it should be people who count—not offices—especially when an office does not have a living representative to occupy it.
Some political observers say it could be months before it is clear which party will hold the gavel in the Pennsylvania House.