Evans Ousted As PA House Appropriations Ranking Democrat

In a rather sudden and abrupt whirlwind of political activity this past week, longtime and powerful Pennsylvania State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) was ousted from his post as the ranking Member of the state House Appropriations Committee.  The move came as an unexpected surprise for Pennsylvania, which had grown accustomed to Evans presence on the Committee for 20 years, chairing it for the past four, and his reputation as one of the most influential politicians in the state.   Evans, who is African American, represents a majority-Black district in Philadelphia.

Allegheny County state Rep. Joe Markosek (D) will now take over as ranking Democratic Member on the House Appropriations Committee, marking an end to Evans’ illustrious and sometimes controversial tenure as its most influential Democrat.  There was a flurry of activity over the past week as Evans, joined by an array of Pennsylvania’s Black political elite – including Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D) – frantically lobbied for votes, to no avail.

The news stunned the African American community in Philadelphia and throughout the state as Evans was seen as a tireless advocate for job growth, economic expansion, anti-poverty programs and education.  It has left many in the state’s Black political establishment worried about the implications for Pennsylvania’s massive Black population, which is proportionate to the national Census.

Some observers had expected some sort of shake-up in state Democratic leadership as Republicans swept into power as the majority on Nov. 2, taking over Harrisburg in both the state house and Governor’s mansion.  As a result, many Democrats complained about what they described as an aging, hard-line leadership unwilling to adapt to the changing political environment.  Evans was seen as a symbol of that regime.

Reports Mark Scolford in the Philadelphia Tribune:

The biggest surprise was the 50-39 vote to replace Philadelphian Evans as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, a job he has held for 20 years. Rep. Joe Markosek of Allegheny County, most recently the Transportation Committee chairman, will be the ranking Democrat on Appropriations when the new session begins in January.

“He has the general gist of what it takes, and it’s going to take a lot of work,” Evans told reporters shortly after the vote.

Markosek was careful to praise Evans for his efforts at the head of the committee but said most members felt a need for more openness.

Charles D. Ellison, Managing Editor for Politic365.com, Washington Correspondent for The Philadelphia Tribune and a weekly political analyst providing insight on WDAS-FM (Philadelphia), WVON-AM (Chicago) and KSRO-AM (Sonoma County, CA). He is author of the critically-acclaimed urban political thriller TANTRUM. More information can be found at http://www.cdellison.com

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