House Democrats nominated Rep. H. William DeWeese as House speaker in a second round of leadership elections Tuesday after a close election gave them control of the chamber for the first time in 12 years.

DeWeese, D-Greene, served as speaker in 1993 and 1994 and was ousted after the 1994 election when a Democratic representative joined the GOP. He has been the House minority leader since 1995.

The Democrats ended up with a 102-101 majority after Chester County elections officials last week certified results in the 156th district, in which Democrat Barbara McIlvaine Smith beat Republican Shannon Royer by 23 votes.

On Tuesday, the Democrats also elevated Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, from caucus whip to majority leader, and Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Philadelphia, from caucus chairman to majority whip. McCall was originally elected to leadership to replace Rep. Mike Veon, D-Beaver, who was defeated in the general election.

I am very worried that this is going to be a one term majority under the continued leadership of Bill DeWeese.