Davanzo kicked off House floor for ‘patriotic’ suit

The Mon Valley legislator was told his choice of clothing was considered to be a “costume.”

By JOE NAPSHA
TribLive

Who knew that wearing a red-and-white striped suit jacket could get a state representative from Smithton kicked off the state House floor in Harrisburg because the clothing was considered to be a “costume.”

That’s what happened to state Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-Smithton, Tuesday morning when he wore the suit jacket that he thought was a sign of patriotism on his part.

Amid the serious discussion about the state budget that would not get passed by Tuesday’s deadline, Davanzo said he thought he was adding some levity to the proceedings.

“It’s four days before the Fourth of July, the nation’s biggest holiday,” Davanzo said Tuesday, of the reason he wore the jacket with a blue tie highlighted by a field of small stars.

Davanzo’s choice of what he saw as a patriotic outfit did not go over well with the Democratic Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia. She viewed it as a “costume” that made it in violation of the House rules.

The state representative said that his outfit got him a warning from House Whip Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh County, who told Davanzo he must remove the jacket or remove himself from the House floor.

Davanzo said he was approached by a security guard and decided to not remove his jacket, so he left the floor.

Davanzo said his patriotic-striped suit jacket was no more a costume than the Democrats who wore Pride-themed clothing this past month, acknowledging June as Pride month for gay rights.

“They (Democrats) were wearing Pride stuff all month. They wore Pride-themed shirts, and hats and tennis shoes and were never told to remove it,” Davanzo said.

But Nicole Reigelman, a spokeswoman for McClinton, said there was no political double standard at play. Davanzo’s suit jacket was deemed a costume, while those who wore Pride-themed clothing in the House in June were wearing clothes with Pride colors.

“The suit did not appear to be professional attire,” Reigelman said.

Reigelman said that members are advised around Halloween that they are not permitted to wear a costume for the same reason.

The House is scheduled to be in session today, before a July 4 holiday recess.

As for Davazno, he was playing it close to the vest — or, in this case, suit — and declined to say if he intends to defy the House ruling and wear the jacket again.

“It’ll be a game-time decision,” Davanzo said.