Phila Loses, Chesco Gains In State Legislative Reapportionment Plan
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Philadelphia would lose one seat in the state House, and Chester County would gain one, under a reapportionment plan given preliminary approval by state legislative panel yesterday.
House Republican Leader Mike Turzai says the House seat held for years by Republican Dennis O'Brien, who is running for Philadelphia city council, would be moved under the reapportionment plan.
"York County has had significant growth. We will be moving that seat to York County, which is completely appropriate given the population shifts."
Meanwhile, a House seat in Allegheny County will be added to Chester County in a district drawn to be majority Democratic. But House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody protested the overall plan.
"What it has to do (with) is about institutionalizing a Republican majority, which we will not stand for."
The number of state Senate seats in the Philadelphia region would not change, but Democrats complained it will split Upper Darby between two districts.
Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060