Judge deciding whether State Rep. really is from Philly [updated]

UPDATE: State Rep. Pamela DeLissio survived the ballot challenge, according to the Inquirer.

A Pennsylvania judge is expected to rule within a week whether a sitting state representative meets residency requirements.

The day before appearing in court, state Rep. Pam DeLissio switched back her drivers license, registration and car insurance from her Harrisburg home to her Philadelphia condominium.

But despite this move, the Democrat said she already was qualified to represent the district covering parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties.

“The only reason for having changed it was that I don’t want my constituents to be confused by this type of challenge,” DeLissio said, “the types of discussions that can emanate from it and it takes away from the policy and process.”

DeLissio said she also just repaid the homestead rebate she received on the Harrisburg home. That tax break is only supposed to be for your primary residence.

Attorney Kevin Greenberg, who represents that voter challenging DeLissio’s right to be on the ballot, said she is wrong.

“Ms. DeLissio lives in Harrisburg not Philadelphia.” said Greenberg. “She’s had two homes and for purposes of election law the Harrisburg home is the one where her car is registered where her driver’s license was and where she took her tax exemption.”

The judge said she will review everything from credit card statements to DeLissio’s Philadelphia voter registration before making a final decision.

Even if she prevails and keeps her name on the ballot, DeLissio will be challenged in the May 20 primary.