Shapiro calls for DeWeese’s resignation

[HARRISBURG - State Rep. Josh Shapiro, a rising star in Democratic circles, today called on House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese to resign his leadership post.

Shapiro, of Montgomery County, becomes the fifth sitting Democratic House member to publicly urge DeWeese to step aside as a result of criminal charges filed last month in the Bonusgate scandal.

DeWeese (D., Greene) was not charged, but he controlled the caucus as top lieutenants and aides allegedly carried out a conspiracy to use millions in government funds to run political campaigns.

DeWeese, Shapiro said, "will always be a symbol of a broken system."

"We need leaders who are committed to transformational reform. We need a monumental shift, and we need it now," Shapiro said. "We can't do better, at least in our caucus, until we dedicate ourselves to a new direction.

"And as a first step in this direction, I believe it is imperative that Bill DeWeese resign as House Majority Leader."

Aides to DeWeese did not respond immediately to e-mail and phone messages for comment.

Four other House Democrats - Matt Smith and Harry Readshaw of Allegheny, John Yudichak of Luzerne and Bill Keller of Philadelphia – also have asked DeWeese to step down. But Shapiro's move is noteworthy because of his close ties to DeWeese.

It was Shapiro's idea to put forth the name of Rep. Dennis O'Brien (R., Phila.) as Speaker in January 2007, when it was clear that DeWeese didn't have the needed support for the top job. The move allowed Democrats, who hold a one-seat edge in the lower chamber, to grab the majority and therefore control the flow of legislation as DeWeese took over as Majority Leader.

And it was DeWeese who recommended last year that Shapiro chair the Speakers Reform Commission. The group went on to recommend and implement dozens of mostly internal House operating changes. Also in 2007, Shapiro was named Deputy Speaker, a mostly ceremonial post.