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DeWeese survives Bonusgate scare

Though many had written his political obituary, House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese captured a narrow victory yesterday, promising to return to Harrisburg and represent his constituents "with integrity."

State Rep. George T. Kenney Jr.'s daughter Devon greets voters at the Watson Comly School in the Northeast for Matt Taubenberger, the Republican vying to succeed him. Next to her, Jack Murphy offers support for his son, Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy.
State Rep. George T. Kenney Jr.'s daughter Devon greets voters at the Watson Comly School in the Northeast for Matt Taubenberger, the Republican vying to succeed him. Next to her, Jack Murphy offers support for his son, Democratic U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy.Read moreTOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

Though many had written his political obituary, House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese captured a narrow victory yesterday, promising to return to Harrisburg and represent his constituents "with integrity."

"Common sense prevailed tonight," DeWeese, a Democrat from Western Pennsylvania, told supporters in an 11 p.m. victory speech.

Many other races across the state remained too close to call late last night, making it unclear which party will control the Pennsylvania House when the next two-year session begins in January.

DeWeese's reelection had been hampered by the criminal investigation known as Bonusgate, which continues to cast a shadow over the legislature. He has not been charged, but a dozen current and former House Democratic insiders were accused of conspiring to use millions of taxpayer dollars and resources to help get Democrats elected.

Many observers believed DeWeese had been too damaged by the scandal to survive politically. His opponent, Republican Greg Hopkins, a former arena-football standout, campaigned heavily on the issue.

"No one east of the Laurel Highlands gave me a shot in hell of winning," DeWeese said last night. "It was like being Davy Crockett at the Alamo, only that we won."

DeWeese has maintained he knew nothing about the alleged illegal activity, and knocked on 4,500 doors in his rural district in Greene, Fayette and Washington Counties to convince voters that they needed his seniority.

In Philadelphia, Rep. John M. Perzel handily retained his seat despite indications that he now may be one of the subjects of the Bonusgate probe.

Perzel, a Republican, easily defeated Democrat Rich Costello.

Democats control the House, 102-101. Late last night, four incumbents - Democrats Chris King of Bucks County, Dan A. Surra of Elk County, and Vince Biancucci of Beaver County, and Republican Tim Hennessey of Chester County - trailed challengers.

And across the state, several races to replace retiring members had margins of 400 or fewer votes.

In the state Senate, Republicans appeared to have expanded their majority to 30-20 by winning a Beaver County seat being vacated by Democrat Gerald LaValle.

And voters in six counties - from Berks to Monroe - elected a dead man as their senator. Sen. James Rhoades, who died in a car crash in mid-October but remained on the ballot, coasted to victory over Democrat Peter Symons. A special election will decide who will serve in the Senate's 29th District.