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State Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi Responds To Criticism From Senator Scott Wagner

By Dom Giordano

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Dom Giordano spoke with State Senator Dominic Pileggi on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT about some apparent discord within the ranks of Republicans within the Senate. Last week, Pileggi publicly released a letter sent to him by fellow Republican Senator Scott Wagner calling for him to step down as Majority leader.

Pileggi said sharing the letter was the best way to communicate with his caucus and to maintain a sense of openness.

"There are very few secrets in Harrisburg. It was not a private letter in the sense that it wasn't something that's been said in media outlets before and since. My obligation is to the 26 members in my caucus. I don't want them reading things in the newspaper before they have the information in front of them when I can provide that information to them."

He dismissed claims by Wagner that contributions he has received from unions are the impetus for a derailed Republican agenda.

"It's just an uninformed position. Governor Corbett was also a substantial beneficiary of union campaign support, as probably a third to a half of the Senate Republican caucus and a third to a half of the House Republican caucus. A quick examination of public records would show those facts."

Pileggi also stated his fellow Senate Republicans are motivated to represent their districts and not the just the agenda of one particular Senator.

"Each member in my caucus is elected by about 270,000 citizens and they feel and obligation to their constituents and they represent their constituents as best they can and their constituents like them and keep re-electing them."

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