House Republicans elect Turzai to party whip

Representative Mike Turzai, of Bradford Woods, has been elected to the No. 2 GOP post as party whip. He was previously caucus policy chair. He replaces Schuylkill County's Dave Argall, who is seeking the party's nomination to run in a special election to the late state Senate.

House Republicans also have Representative Sam Smith, of Punxsutawney, returning to his post as minority leader. Former House Speaker John Perzel, of Philadelphia, lost his bid to unseat Mr. Smith.