HARRISBURG -- State Rep. Bill DeWeese of Waynesburg will remain as head of the 102 House Democrats, despite some questions about his leadership ability, a bonus investigation hanging over the House and a lack of progress in moving Gov. Ed Rendell's political agenda forward.

House Democrats met for several hours at a suburban Harrisburg hotel yesterday to discuss how to proceed on substantive issues -- health care, energy, open records, property tax relief -- as well as to air concerns about Mr. DeWeese's leadership style.

After the session broke up about 5:30 p.m., most of the Democrats bolted out of the closed-door caucus at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill without talking to reporters, except to say that Mr. DeWeese would remain as their leader. Mr. DeWeese remained in the room, which reporters weren't allowed to enter, and was unavailable for comment.

"Bill made his case as to why he thinks he'll prevail [as leader]," said Rep. David Levdansky, D-Forward. "Some members said don't change course, don't capitulate, don't change horses in midstream."

He said he thinks Mr. DeWeese "will prevail both legally and politically" and not be charged in the state's ongoing probe into $1.9 million in bonuses given to Democratic staffers in 2006, some of which might have illegally compensated them for campaign work.

"I think he still has a firm grip as leader," said freshman Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union. "I think the caucus was generally satisfied [with the meeting]. I think [legislative] business will get done in the spring. I think the Democratic caucus will stick together."

He said the House "may have to start working on Thursday and Fridays," in addition to the usual Monday to Wednesday, "so we can get things done."

He said he didn't think caucus members are frustrated with Mr. DeWeese, but "some people want to be informed on what is going on. When you have 102 people, it's tough to keep everyone informed."

As to energy, health care and tax issues, "I think things will start moving," he said.

Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Robinson, said votes on several plans to reduce property taxes should come up next week.