Shapiro to DeWeese: Hit the Road, Jack!

Deputy Speaker of the House, State Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-153) has called for House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese to step down. Not to resign from the state house, but to resign from his leadership position. Shapiro's full remarks are on his website. Here is an excerpt:

We can't do better, at least in our caucus, until we dedicate ourselves to a new direction. And as a first step in this direction, I believe it is imperative that Bill DeWeese resign as House Majority Leader.

Bill should step down, I believe, for at least five reasons.

First, the fact is that the abuses outlined in the presentments occurred on Bill's watch and, as such, he will always be a symbol of a broken system. As the Democratic Leader he should take responsibility and resign his leadership post.

Second, we need a break with the past—with the old and accepted way of thinking—and a commitment to change ourselves so we can enact real change for the people of Pennsylvania. I am convinced that Bill DeWeese, even if he said he wanted to, is incapable of directing, orchestrating and choreographing that fundamental change.

Third, we need leaders who possess the public's trust—Bill DeWeese does not. Once the public trust is shattered it can never be put back together.

Fourth, our leaders must lead by example—not just for our constituents, but for the staff they lead. So many young staffers come to this building to work with us for the people and try to make a positive difference. Given that the alleged abuses were so widespread and none of the staff apparently felt they could go to the Leader and blow the whistle shows his inability to lead and direct the staff.

Fifth, Bill needs to step down for a partisan reason. With such ambivalence toward the Republican brand in Pennsylvania and around the country that we should be able to sweep many more Democrats into the legislature this November and be in a stronger position to pass health care for the uninsured, property tax relief and dramatically increase funding for public education.

He also says:

I do not stand before you with a whip count or a secret plan. I do not want to assume Bill DeWeese's position. And since I have not discussed my views with all of my colleagues yet, I stand here with the full recognition that I may even be in the minority in my belief that his resignation as leader is necessary.

John Micek of the Morning Call has a story on this in tomorrow's paper ("Montco's Shapiro wants DeWeese to step aside")

Pennsyltucky Politics also weighs in.