Should Sen. Jane Orie Step Down Before Her Sentencing?

State Sen. Jane Orie, whose McCandless family has been a powerhouse in local politics, is awaiting sentencing after a jury found her guilty this week of using her legislative staff to campaign for both her re-election and that of her sister, Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin. 

In the meantime, the question now is whether she will step down from her 40th District seat, in which she is serving her third full term. Legally, until she is sentenced, Orie can remain in her seat. She is under house arrest until that time and is being monitored through the use of an electronic bracelet. 

The 40th District includes all of Ross Township and West View Borough, as well as Shaler, Hampton, Marshall, Pine, Richland and West Deer townships and Franklin Park. It also extends north into Butler County and includes Cranberry Township. 

In a letter to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mike McMullen, a Republican state committeeman from Hampton, said it's time for a special election: 

We need someone to serve the 40th Senate District with honor and integrity. The time is now for her to step aside and finally for once do the right thing. It is time to go, Sen. Orie.

What do you think? Should Orie step down now before she is sentenced? Should there be a special election? Let us know in the poll below. 

And if you do think she should step down, who do you think is likely to throw his or her hat in the ring to replace her? Who will seek to be on the ballot in a special election. Please share your thoughts below in the comments section. 

Have more thoughts you'd like to share on this topic? Feel free to send us a Letter to the Editor to amyjo.brown@patch.com.