Andy Starnes, Post-Gazette Incumbent state Rep. Mike Veon and his wife, Stephanie, talk with Dick Klughh, a volunteer, before voting at the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department in Beaver County yesterday. Click photo for larger image.

The Democratic Party's plan to take over the state House didn't count on one of its top leaders losing and another having an extremely difficult race.

State Rep. Mike Veon, the House minority whip who was the only member of the Legislature who refused to vote to repeal last year's unpopular pay raises for state officials, conceded defeat last night.

Democratic House Leader H. William DeWeese, of Waynesburg, appeared to survive a tight battle.

Democrats were hoping to win nine additional seats to take control of the House, which now favors Republicans by a 109-93 margin. But the defeat of Mr. Veon could throw the party into turmoil even if it does take control, which was still a possibility.

"It's still looking like we have a chance to take control of the House," said state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, head of the House Democratic Campaign Committee. "Obviously, there were a number of surprises, so we're still counting seats. If we don't make it, we'll be within one or two seats."

The party targeted the House in an effort to give Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell an easier time moving his agenda. Republicans were considered a lock to maintain control of the Senate.

In Mr. Veon's race, Republican Jim Marshall, 46, of Big Beaver, was swept to victory when the Republican Party poured a lot of last-minute money into advertising.

Mr. Veon, 49, of Beaver Falls, is an 11-term incumbent who used his strong party position to deliver money to his district. But his blunt style rubbed some people the wrong way, especially after his staunch support of the pay raises.

He survived an onslaught of several Democrats to survive in the primary, but he couldn't win a one-on-one battle against Mr. Marshall.

Mr. Marshall, a Big Beaver councilman, claimed that despite Mr. Veon's tenure, the district continued to struggle financially. He claimed Mr. Veon violated the public's trust by pushing the pay raise and standing as the lone opponent to repealing it.

Questions also have been raised about the Beaver Initiative for Growth, a development corporation he runs with state Sen. Gerald LaValle, D-Rochester. It has been involved in numerous development projects, but has faced questions about its bookkeeping and general use of funds.

Criticism has also been leveled at such things as the size of Mr. Veon's staff.

Mr. Veon was not available for comment, but his aide, Bob Caton, said he took it like a gentleman.

"He handled it the way he handles everything," Mr. Caton said. "He was unflappable, took it in stride, gave all the credit to all the volunteers who did so much work."

Mr. Caton said he "couldn't even speculate" on what happened, adding, "I'm sure there's no shortage of theories."

The result was a shock to Dan Donatella, chairman of the Beaver County commissioners and a friend and supporter of Mr. Veon's.

"To throw out one of the most powerful men in Harrisburg and replace him with someone who will have an office in the basement -- it's crazy," he said. "All our grant money and everything is going to go with him."

Fellow state Rep. Vince Biancucci -- a fellow Democrat and close ally from a neighboring district in Beaver County who narrowly retained his seat -- said he was "extremely shocked" at the outcome.

Mr. DeWeese, who has served in the Legislature since 1977, was in a tough battle with Greg Hopkins, an Arena Football League player and Morris Township auditor. The Democratic attempt to take over the House was fueled by several key races in Western Pennsylvania.

In Allegheny County, Chelsa Wagner, 29, of Beechview, defeated incumbent Republican Michael Diven, 36, of Brookline. The seat had been a Democratic stronghold, but Mr. Diven changed to the Republican Party last year after a feud with House Democratic leaders, who targeted his seat this year.

In the North Hills, Democrat Shawn Flaherty lost the 30th District seat he won during a special election in the spring to replace ousted Republican Rep. Jeff Habay. Former Shaler police officer Randy Vulakovich won the race in a traditionally Republican district.

In the South Hills, Democrat Matthew Smith of Mt. Lebanon defeated Republican Mark Harris. Mr. Harris had defeated five-term incumbent Republican Tom Stevenson in the primary.

In the Alle-Kiski Valley, incumbent Democrat Frank Dermody appeared to win a tight race with Republican Eileen Watt, a former county councilwoman, to maintain his seat.