Watch CBS News

Some Pa. Lawmakers Surprised In Re-Election Bids

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Pennsylvania House majority leader Todd Eachus (D) and former House speaker John Perzel (R) are among the Pennsylvania legislative candidates to lose re-election bids.

The losses by Eachus and Perzel on Tuesday set the stage for significant changes within the Pennsylvania General Assembly next year.

Eachus lost to Kingston, Pa. attorney Tarah Toohil, while Perzel was defeated by Kevin Boyle, whose brother represents an adjacent district in Philadelphia.

Republicans also picked up a seat vacated by the retirement of Northumberland County Rep. Bob Belfanti.

Democrats currently hold the state House, 104 to 99.

In the state senate, Republican Sen. Jane Orie, representing the Pittsburgh area, was re-elected despite facing criminal charges of public corruption.

(Copyright 2010 by the Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.