Musto Keeps Key Leadership Post

    Harrisburg, November 19, 2002- State Sen. Raphael J. Musto, D-Pittston, was re-elected yesterday as the Senate's Democratic Caucus Secretary, retaining a key leadership post he has held for five years.

   Musto, a member of the Senate since 1983, said the General Assembly faces tough issues in the next session, and he's ready to get to work with the new governor.

   It's a critical time in Harrisburg and the Democrats have led the fight on important enviornmental, healthcare and education issues," Musto said.  "I'm grateful to my colleagues for their trust in my leadership.  With a new governor next year, we're ready to finally make some progress."

   Musto, who was recently re-elected to his sixth consecutive term in the senate, is also Democratic Chairman of the Senate's Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

   Also re-elected to their leadership posts were: Sen. Robert Mellow of Lackawanna County, Democratic Leader; Sen. Michael O'Pake of Berks County, Democratic Whip; Sen. Jack Wagner of Allegheny County, Caucus Chairman; Sen. Barry J. Stout of Washington County, Caucus Administrator; Sen. Vincent Fumo of Philadelphia, Appropriations Chairman.