Democrat voted Pennsylvania speaker, foiling GOP hopes
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In brief remarks on the House floor, Rozzi said he would be independent, pledged not to caucus with either Republicans or Democrats and to staff his office with members of both parties. Appearing with top Democrats several hours after the vote, Rozzi told reporters in the Capitol that his move to the dais was “totally unexpected.” But Rozzi said he would not make any “grand announcement." Rozzi had worked alongside Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro — and closely with Rep. Jim Gregory, a conservative Republican who nominated him — in pushing for the lawsuit window after Shapiro, as attorney general, unveiled a landmark grand jury report on his office’s investigation into the state’s Roman Catholic dioceses. In a statement, House Republicans lauded Rozzi as “Pennsylvania’s first Independent Speaker of the House.” “Reflecting the realities of an evenly divided chamber, it is imperative we have a truly independent voice to conduct House business and manage the House floor,” they said.