Turzai says local Republicans did well amid Obama landslide

A two-seat loss in the state House was good enough for Republicans, considering the overwhelming victory in Pennsylvania by President Elect Barack Obama, according to Mike Turzai, chairman of the House Republican Campaign Committee.

House Democrats now have a 104-99 advantage, giving them more breathing room on close votes and possibly allowing them to elect for a Democratic speaker of the House after failing to do so in 2006.

But during an interview with PolitickerPA.com, Turzai said losing just two seats isn't awful when the top of the ticket loses by 600,000 votes.

"Clearly, Senator Obama had an impressive victory in the state," he said. "I think, in many ways, the (state) Republican Party held its own -- it bucked the national trend."

House Republicans lost just one incumbent, Jay Moyer in the 70th Legislative District, while unseating three Democratic incumbents. Democrats did their damage in open seats in SEPA.

Turzai attributed his caucus' relative success to Gov. Ed Rendell's impact on the state.

"People are tired of the outrageous spending, borrowing and increased taxes Governor Ed Rendell has put on Pennsylvania's table," he said.

Turzai also said voters are tired of the "taint" that has spread over the state under Rendell. He listed a litany of "friends of Ed" he said have been helped by the governor, including gambling and film industry.

"People are tired of it, and a lot of people lay it at his feat," Turzai said.

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