FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2007
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President Pro Tempore Nomination

Our first responsibility under the Constitution, the election of a President Pro Tempore, is not a decision casually made.

The times change, the membership changes, but the high standards for responsible and responsive leadership remain the same.  A strong sense of ethics, the capacity for fairness, a commitment to effectively represent this institution, these are the traits we look for in the individual receiving our support.  We count on the President Pro Tempore to offer the wise counsel that helps us through the contentious moments and brings us together to produce results that benefit Pennsylvania.

I am pleased to nominate Senator Joseph B. Scarnati, from Jefferson County, to serve as President Pro Tempore.

The qualities that made Joe Scarnati successful in business and trusted in his community are the qualities that strongly recommend him for our top leadership position.  There is a refreshing honesty in his words and in his actions.  There is a refreshing willingness to move beyond the conventional wisdom and the entrenched positions to find ways to solve problems.  There is a refreshing appreciation that public service at its best is a team effort, with many contributing their ideas and energy.

He comes from a part of the state where the people value thrift, and practicality, and plain speaking.  Joe faithfully represents those perspectives, and he adds a healthy measure of enthusiasm for shaping sound policy and meeting our extensive challenges.

Joe Scarnati has high-quality experience in the Senate.  He is well-versed in the diversity of Pennsylvania, he has handled difficult issues cooperatively and successfully, and he has demonstrated dependable leadership capacity.  The record reflects that he has worked hard to bridge differences, he has mastered the art of constructive negotiating, and he has earned the respect of both sides of the aisle in the process.

This session begins with high public expectations toward what we must accomplish, in terms of revisiting lingering problems and renewing the push for reform measures.  There will be a premium on clear principles to guide our action and on clear-eyed pragmatism to realize the desired results.

The Senate has been fortunate to have had a long line of distinguished individuals, Republicans and Democrats, hold this important position.  We can be confident that Joe Scarnati will carry on this tradition, serving with integrity and dignity.

I am honored to place the name of Joseph B. Scarnati in nomination for President Pro Tempore for the 2007 legislative session.