Newly elected state Rep. Shawn Flaherty, a Democrat from Pittsburgh's northern suburbs, was sworn into office yesterday.

Mr. Flaherty, 46, son of the late Pittsburgh Mayor and Allegheny County Commissioner Pete Flaherty, won a special election to replace Rep. Jeff Habay, R-Shaler, who resigned.

Mr. Flaherty's election brings the current party breakdown in the 203-member House to 94 Democrats and 109 Republicans.

"Maybe we're on a roll," quipped House Democratic leader H. William DeWeese, noting that Democrats have won the last three special House elections.