Pennsylvania: Sam Smith

Rep Sam Smith, critic of casinos, speaks at pro-gambling conference…

House Republican leadership said Wednesday that the findings of an General Assembly audit showing it has $7 million more stashed away in its reserve account than any other legislative leadership team doesn't tell the whole story.

An audit released Wednesday by the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission showed House Republican Floor Leader Sam Smith holds $21 million in a special leadership account. The floor leader with the next highest amount, House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese (D-Greene County), has just $14 million.

Speaker of the House Dennis O'Brien, a Republican by name but installed as House leader this session by Democrats, survived an attempt this afternoon to be expelled from his caucus.

Newly re-elected House Minority Leader Sam Smith confirmed to reporters there had been discussion of removing O'Brien, but indicated it didn't have much of a chance.

"It wasn't well received," he said.

O'Brien is not expected to retain his position now that Democrats have expanded their majority in the House. 

House Minority Leader Sam Smith issued a statement Monday afternoon criticizing state Rep. John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) after Capitolwire reported the former speaker of the House had hired somebody to perform opposition research on Smith and other Republicans.