There’s an interesting situation developing in county politics.

It involves the newest member of county council, longtime state Rep.
Mario Civera, R-164.

It’s that title before his name that is now causing some raised eyebrows, particularly among Upper Darby Democrats.

Civera made it clear during the campaign that he would give up his seat in the Legislature should he be successful in his bid for county council. Like there was ever any question of that. Democrats have not had a representative on the county’s ruling body since the Home Rule Charter was passed in the early ‘70s.

Civera indicated he would alert the speaker of his decision to leave the seat shortly after the election.

Now there are some rumblings that might not be the case.

Upper Darby Democrats have sent a letter to Civera urging him to be good to his word and give up his state House seat.

For his part, Civera is saying he intends to do just that. But first there are a few things he needs to sign off on in connection with the seemingly endless state budget saga. He also has indicated he wants to try to help fellow Delco Republican Rep. Bill Adolph, R-165, of Springfield, fill his seat as the minority chairman on the Appropriations Committee.

But some conspiracy theorists see some political angles at work.

Here’s the problem for county Republicans, and why they might not be all that keen on Civera giving up his seat. Once Civera resigns, the seat likely would be settled by a special election.

The speaker has already set up a special election to fill a couple of other vacant seats. It will be held on primary day in May.

That might not be especially advantageous to the Delco GOP. There is likely going to be a big Democratic turnout on primary day, tied to the primary fight between U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak and Sen. Arlen Specter for the Democratic Senate nomination. There also will be a primary battle between state Rep. Bryan Lentz and two other challengers for the party nomination to run for Sestak’s 7th District congressional seat.

On the other hand, it will be business as usual for Republicans. They are already behind Pat Meehan as their guy in the 7th District race, and Pat Toomey has a clear path for their Senate nod.

In other words, there won’t be a lot of motivation for the GOP faithful to get to the polls. A huge turnout could cost them that 164th District House seat that Civera has held for decades.

Civera had already indicated that the shifting demographics in the district sort of made him see the writing on the wall.

If he decides to hold both offices, he won’t be the first. Mary Ann Arty was both a member of county council and a state rep back in the ‘80s.

I have heard nothing as yet that makes me believe that Civera has had a change of heart. He still is indicating he intends to give up his seat.

But I’m now wondering if he’s getting a little political heat from his own party to hold down the fort, and avoid that special election on primary day.

This is one we’ll keep a close eye on.