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Evans Ousted From Democratic Leadership Post

HARRISBURG (CBS) -- In another blow to the city of Philadelphia's clout in the state capitol, State Representative Dwight Evans is out after two decades as the top-ranking Democrat on the state House Appropriations Committee.

State House Democrats, who will be in the minority next year, have chosen their new leadership team, and it does not include Evans as the top Democrat on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

Evans was defeated by Allegheny County's Joe Markosek by a narrow margin in a vote by Democratic members.

Evans chalked up his defeat to the wave of change sweeping Harrisburg.  "I think it's just kind of a feeling about the wave in terms of what happened in general."

Just hours before the leadership elections, Governor Rendell said if Evans were ousted it would be a blow because of his wisdom and his ability to forge compromise.  "During my eight years as governor, no one has understood the budget better than Dwight Evans."

But fellow Philadelphia Democrat Angel Cruz believes Evans failed to maintain alliances with other House Democrats.  "I can't speak for the delegation or anyone else, but I myself didn't get stuff that I have worked hard for, projects that were put in the budget."

Cruz claims Evans refused to release those funds and Cruz says he was not the only member of the Philadelphia delegation to vote against Evans.

The state House Democrats chose Allegheny County's Frank Dermody as their leader and Michael Hanna of Clinton County as the minority whip, the number two post.

Reported by:  Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio

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