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Following the 2006 elections the house consists of 101 Republicans and 102 Democrats , giving the Democrats control of the House for the first time since 1994. In a compromise vote, a Republican was elected to preside over the Democratic controlled chamber.

In 2002, a State Representative district had an average population of 60,498 residents.


HALL OF THE HOUSE


The Hall of the House contains important symbols to Pennsylvania history and the work of legislators.

  • Speaker's Chair: a throne-like chair of rank that sits directly behind the Speaker's rostrum. Architect Joseph Huston designed the chair in 1906, the year the Capitol was dedicated.

  • Mace: the House symbol of authority, peace, order and respect for law rests in a pedestal to the right of the Speaker. Its base is solid mahogany, intricately carved and capped by a brass globe engraved with the Pennsylvania coat of arms. An American Eagle perches on top. The tradition of the mace may date to the Roman Republic when attendants of Roman consuls carried bundles of sticks wrapped around an axe to enforce order. The tradition is common may also come directly from Pennsylvania's English heritage.

  • Murals: a colorful panorama of Pennsylvania history appear in murals by Edwin Austin Abbey . The most commanding of the series hangs behind the Speaker's rostrum and dominates the wall behind the Speaker. It is called ''The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania''

  • Ceiling: a work of art in itself with its ornate geometry of gold leaf buttoned at the center by a charming painted illustration. In "The Hours," Abbey represents the passage of time in the form of 24 maidens revolving in an endless circle amidst the moon, the sun and the stars of the Milky Way.



SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

See Also: Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives


The speakership is the oldest elected state-wide office in the Commonwealth. Since its first session in 1682—presided over by William Penn —over 130 house members have been elevated to the speaker's chair. The house cannot hold an official session in the absence of the speaker or his designated ''speaker pro tempore.'' Speaker Irvis was the first African American elected speaker of any state legislature in the United States. Pennsylvania has never had a female speaker.


MAKE-UP OF THE HOUSE


Results of the November 7, 2006 Elections :


House of Representatives Leadership

''As of January 2, 2007'' {Link without Title}

Speaker of the House of Representatives: Dennis O'Brien (R)


MEMBERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

''As of January 2, 2007''


SEE ALSO



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