GOP Senate leaders face intra-party challenges in Pa.

HARRISBURG - Republicans may have cemented their majority by picking up more seats in the state Senate in last week's election. But that has not bought them unity.

On Wednesday, legislators are scheduled to choose leaders for the two-year session beginning in January. And the race for Republican leadership positions in the Senate has stolen the spotlight.

On Monday, Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R., Lancaster) wrote a letter to his colleagues saying he intended to challenge President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson).

That came just days after Sen. Jake Corman (R., Centre) announced he would challenge longtime Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R., Delaware).

In an interview, Smucker said he decided to run because many of his colleagues wanted a different choice in a president, and did not support everyone in the leadership slate seeking to oust Pileggi.

"My decision to do this is a reaction to the discussion that has already been occurring about who should lead the caucus and about the leadership slate we've been asked to support," Smucker said. "I learned that there are individuals in the caucus who are looking for other choices and options."

Beating Scarnati would be a heavy lift, but Smucker said he believed he had "considerable support."

In his letter, Smucker cited what he said were missed opportunities over the last several years in pushing through bills that he said had broad public support, including one that would have reduced the size of the legislature.

"Just sitting back and blocking proposals from the administration [of Gov.-elect Tom Wolf] is not why people sent us here," Smucker wrote. "The people are looking for execution, not excuses."

Smucker said he was not part of a slate with Pileggi or anyone else. But he did say that he supported Pileggi and believed the Delaware County Republican has done a good job leading the caucus.

The challenge from Corman, chair of the appropriations committee, has laid bare what appears to be a growing divide between top Republicans in the Senate.

Although Scarnati has not commented publicly on the matter, he is part of the slate seeking to force Pileggi out.