Pennsylvania Democrats and Republicans reelect their House leaders

HARRISBURG - In the halls of the historic state Capitol, everything old is new again, even the leaders.

The state House of Representatives returned Tuesday after its monthlong election break with one pressing agenda item: choosing the men (and one woman) who will lead the Democratic and Republican caucuses in the 2012-13 legislative session.

The faces are largely the same. House Speaker Sam Smith (R., Jefferson) and Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) were unanimously reelected by the GOP caucus. The Democrats' caucus reelected Rep. Frank Dermody of Allegheny County as minority leader and Rep. Mike Hanna of Clinton County as minority whip.

The House speaker is the highest-paid member of the chamber, earning $128,500 annually, while floor leaders earn $121,000. The base salary for rank-and-file members is $82,000.

The GOP now holds a 111-92 majority in the House, though absentee and provisional ballots are still being counted in one close Pittsburgh-area race.

Philadelphia regained a slot in Democratic leadership ranks with the election of State Rep. Ron Waters as caucus secretary. The seven-term lawmaker, whose district is straddles the line between Philadelphia and eastern Delaware County, takes over from retiring Rep. Jennifer Mann of Allentown.

Also reelected to GOP leadership ranks from the Southeast were the caucus secretary, Rep. Mike Vereb of Montgomery County (who withstood a challenge from Brad Roae of Crawford County), and appropriations chairman Rep. Bill Adolph of Delaware County.

Only one woman won a leadership role - Rep. Sandra Major of Susquehanna County, who was reelected GOP caucus chairman.

Senate leadership elections are Wednesday. No shake-ups are expected in that chamber, either.