Pa Speaker Sam Smith came up to the Capitol newsroom Tuesday morning to discuss his decision to not run for re-election.
Statement released by Majority Leader Mike Turzai:
HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) issued the following statement regarding the announcement today by Speaker of the House Sam Smith that he will not be running for re-election:
“Sam Smith has been a true friend, and it has been an honor and pleasure to serve in the House of Representatives with him. We are all proud he is part of our leadership team. The Speaker is a true statesman who is willing and able to bring differing parties together for the best interests of the Commonwealth and the people of Pennsylvania.
“Most recently, he facilitated the House passage of legislation to reduce the size of the legislature to result in a more efficient government to serve the people.
“As Speaker of the House, Sam has brought a level of decorum and professionalism to the institution that is indispensable and nothing short of admirable. His ability to remain calm and bipartisan under pressure has earned him immense respect among our colleagues. Speaker Smith has been a tremendous mentor, who having also served in the role of Majority Leader provided extraordinary guidance over the past few years for which I will always be grateful.
“In addition to being an outstanding legislator to the citizens of the 66th Legislative District in Armstrong, Indiana and Jefferson counties, the Speaker has been one of the most dynamic and steadfast leaders in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“I extend my best wishes for Sam’s future happiness and success and know that he will continue to play a significant role in his community after retirement.”
Statement of Majority Whip Stan Saylor:
HARRISBURG – House Majority Whip Stan Saylor (R-York) issued the following statement on House Speaker Sam Smith’s (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana) retirement announcement:
“With today’s announcement that Speaker Smith plans to retire, our Commonwealth is losing one of the finest leaders on public policy it has ever had. Having worked with six different speakers in my career as a state lawmaker, I can say unequivocally that Sam has been the fairest and most even-keeled leader this body has had.
“He took time to really get to know all members on both sides of the aisle, junior and senior alike, and went to great lengths to ensure all had ample floor time to speak on the issues of importance to them and their constituents. Most importantly in our system of a constitutional republic, he protected the rights of the minority party in allowing lengthy debate, interrogation and remarks on all legislation.
“It is not often we have a person of Sam’s integrity in public service, and we are fortunate to have had his steady hand guiding the House for the past three years. I count him not only as a colleague, but also as a friend, and wish the best for him and his family.”
AP published this article Tuesday morning.
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania House Speaker Sam Smith says he won't run for another term and will retire when his 14th term ends Nov. 30.
Smith said Tuesday that his heart isn't in the job anymore and that he can't give his constituents his full commitment any longer. The 58-year-old Smith had told friends and associates in private a day earlier.
Smith's decision will end his service as the top state House official after four years. Smith, a Republican, is facing a potentially tough challenge in his 66th District seat in northwestern Pennsylvania's Jefferson County.
Smith became speaker in 2011 after nearly eight years as the House Republican floor leader, serving through a time when a corruption investigation by the state attorney general's office resulted in jail terms for five former top House lawmakers.
Photo/Natalie Cake