2 empty Senate seats without Pippy

As we noted in the wee hours of Sunday morning, state Sen. John Pippy vacated his legislative seat just before the clock struck midnight.

His announcement comes after the veteran Republican lawmaker and National Guardsman had already declared he would not run for re-election. That led to a nasty GOP primary, and the pending replacement of the Democratic candidate in the 37th Senatorial District contest.

Pippy didn't explain in his late-night statement why he's now leaving mid-session (though when the Senate returns to Harrisburg on September 24, they likely will only remain in session for three weeks or so before resuming fall campaigning).

An Associated Press article says he's taking a private-sector position, but that he won't reveal what it is until next Monday. 

Pippy's departure means there's two state Senate vacancies for the moment, and both seats previously held by Allegheny County Republicans. That leaves four of the county's six senators in place -- all Democrats. 

While geography can be deceiving when describing legislative representation, the red portion of the map above shows the senator-less section of Allegheny -- unless state Rep. Randy Vulakovich is successful in the August 7 special election to fill former Sen. Jane Orie's 40th District seat.