Pa. Lawmakers Start New Session With Bitter Dispute

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Pennsylvania lawmakers are starting their new two-year legislative term with a bitter dispute in the Senate that prevented the seating of a Democratic member. Both chambers swore in their newly elected members on Tuesday. Republicans hold large majorities in both chambers. Democrats in the Senate began protesting and in some cases shouting after the Republican majority refused to seat Sen. Jim Brewster of Allegheny County. His election was certified by the state but is being contested by Republican challenger Nicole Ziccarelli. The House is expected to elect Lancaster County Republican Rep. Bryan Cutler as speaker. The Senate made Centre County Republican Sen. Jake Corman its presiding officer, president pro tempore.