but missed what happened at the end of their day (which occurred right around the time of the 3rd vote in the U.S. House before they eventually voted to adjourn). I had left off where Ward was elected Pro tempore of the state Senate (she belongs in prison).

The Philly Inquirer had this -

It's interesting that Shapiro was in the state House in 2007 and helped broker the deal that made O'Brien speaker. Now he's governor when the exact same scenario played out.

I did a quick check of the Rs who voted for Rozzi. Looks like most were suburban Rs from the SE, south central and SW PA with a good number of women among them.

I think Rozzi's comments reflect what most Pennsylvanians want, government that works in our interests and isn't using constitutional amendment to bypass the will of the voters.

Updated my previous post.

(hate end of month/beginning of month when Comcast does updates, etc., so had to temporarily switch to my cell standalone hotspot for about 30 minutes while that resolved )

I think since those were suburban Reps., their districts are swingy anyway so I think once McClinton decided to stand down, that actually emboldened them to go ahead and make the deal.

I know that Shapiro has a deep bench of support built up over the years and he had a significant crossover vote from Republicans to get elected (and he had the same type of crossover with both of his AG runs - even getting more votes than any of the Presidential candidates in 2016 and 2020, no matter what party)!

You're always on top of things with excerpts and links.

Agree that some of these districts are swingy-ish or abutting Dem strongholds, but I also found the number of women defectors interesting.

with the concern about the abortion ban Amendment, that if passed in this legislative session (as the 2nd consecutive), would then allow the GOP to put it out as a referendum to change the state Constitution.

I think based on how those types of referendums have fared in other states, it would most likely fail but I think it's possible that those GOP women were sending a message to say - just leave it alone and keep the current state status quo restrictions in place, and not go any further. There is probably also a concern that failing any referendum, more and more restrictive and extremist legislation would have been put forward instead without some kind of check and balance. Mastriano is still in the state Senate and has already said he's pushing for full ban, no exceptions (although we know Shapiro would veto anything like that if it hits his desk).

We haven't heard the entire backstory yet, but this might work. The Legislature might actually get something done this year. Here's hoping, with fingers crossed.

to back away from the extremists as they know there are a number of things that BOTH sides want - like pre-canvassing of the mail ballots that the extremists are blocking.