Philadelphia's Newest State Lawmaker Takes Oath Of Office
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) --- Philadelphia's newest state representative – who becomes the second of only two Republicans to represent the city in the state House – took the oath of office Monday.
A round of applause went up the in the state House chamber after Republican Martina White was sworn in as the newest member, having won a special election for the Northeast Philadelphia seat formerly held by Democrat Brendan Boyle, who was elected to Congress.
After she took the oath of office, she received greetings from, among others, Democrat Frank Dermody, the House minority leader.
"Your platform called for more jobs with better pay, more state support for public education, fair tax policies with accountability," Dermody said. "I'm thinking maybe we should talk. [laughs] Just kidding."
Kidding or not, White was asked if Dermody had a chance to woo her to his side of the aisle.
"I'm here for the people, especially those that I represent here in the Northeast, so I'll be working on both sides of the aisle," she responded.
White's win gives the GOP a 120 to 83 edge in the state House.