Begins confirmation process for two cabinet members / JIM PANYARD

Gov. Tom Corbett’s nominee for the state Secretary of Corrections has been put on hold by the state Senate Judiciary Committee, at the request of Democrat members of the committee.

The Republican majority yielded to the wishes of its Democrat colleagues Tuesday in holding off on the committee vote for John Wetzel, currently serving as interim secretary. He is a career professional in the corrections field.

No reason was given for the request, but Senate Democrats are expected to meet with the administration next week to discuss the matter.

One Senate source suggested the meeting with the administration and the delay of Mr. Wetzel’s confirmation may be to exhibit the dismay of Mr. Corbett’s recent scrapping of a planned $200 million state prison in Fayette County.

No final Senate confirmations of Mr. Corbett’s secretaries are expected until after the body finishes its budget deliberations, which will begin next week.

The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee unanimously sent the nomination of C. Alan Walker for Secretary of Community and Economic Development to the full Senate.

Ms. Sherri Phillips was also approved by the Senate State Government Committee to be Secretary of General Services.