It may be very early, but political experts and lobbyists said state Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, is the odds-on favorite to be the next speaker of the state House of Representatives. Speaker Sam Smith, R-Jefferson, announced last week that he will not seek re-election in the November general election.
As majority leader, Turzai is not only next in line in House Republican leadership, he also appeals to a broad spectrum of members in his caucus, according to G. Terry Madonna of the Center for Politics & Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College.
