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In the Press: Control of PA House Up For Grabs In Fall Election

The Morning Call: If Republicans pick up just three seats in the 203-member Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the November election, it could bring sweeping policy changes to a state that can’t seem to make up its mind whether it wants to be blue or red.

There will be plenty to talk about on the campaign trail, from the dysfunctional budget process and state spending to the “bonusgate” corruption cases and lingering resentment over the 2005 pay raise and the 2001 pension grab.

The campaign news this summer has focused on the two high-profile races for governor and U.S. Senate, but the outcome of legislative races could largely determine what the state does about its multibillion-dollar budget shortfall, the funding crisis for public-sector pensions and redistricting — not to mention the thousands of bills lawmakers will introduce over the coming two-year session.

The House is currently controlled by Democrats, 104-99, and Republicans are salivating at the chance to parlay a favorable national political climate into a return after four years to majority status.

Click here for the complete article by Mark Scolforo.