For the second time in less than a week, a freshman member of the Pennsylvania Legislature is calling it quits, citing the inability of lawmakers to get anything done.Duh. What did Rep. Carl Mantz expect? Carl, you knew the job was dangerous when you took it.
Rep. Lisa Bennington, a Democrat from western Pennsylvania, gave the same reason for quitting last week.
With Mantz, the total of Pennsylvania lawmakers not seeking re-election in 2008 reaches 19.
Mantz represents the 187th District of Berks and Lehigh Counties. He won the seat held by Paul Semmel after Semmel voted for the 2005 pay hike.
In addition to the mess in Harrisburg, Mantz also cited personal and health concerns for his decision to drop out after this year, according to an interview Mantz gave with WFMZ Channel 69.
The leading candidate to replace Mantz is probably Archie Follweiler, the Democrat Mantz narrowly defeated in 2006. Or maybe Semmel may run again. He didn't seem to mind the do-nothing attitude in the state Legislature while he served there.
Also keep any eye on Kutztown Mayor Sandy Green as a possible candidate, but she's a Democrat in what had been considered a safe Republican seat.
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