Republican state Sen. Joseph B. Scarnati III was sworn in today as the 31st lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, replacing Democrat Catherine Baker Knoll, who died of cancer on Nov. 12 at the age of 78.

Because of a flaw in the state Constitution, Scarnati will hold two key positions in state government. He will continue to serve as president pro tempore of the state Senate while completing the final two years of Knoll's term as lieutenant governor.

Even though he's doing two jobs, Scarnati will collect one salary. He has chosen the lieutenant governor's salary because it's higher. As of Dec. 1, when the annual COLA increase kicked in, the lieutenant governor is paid $142,924 while the senate pro tempore is paid $122,254.

The Associated Press reported that Scarnati's swearing-in ceremony in the Senate chamber was witnessed by Gov. Ed Rendell and a few dozen family members and Senate officials. However, no news photographers, tape recorders or television cameras were allowed in, according to the wire service.

Odd isn't it? I guess Rendell couldn't bear the thought of having a Republican serving as his lieutenant governor.