Former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House John Perzel, under indictment on corruption charges, has lost his bid for re-election in the 172nd House Dist. in Philadelphia.

That's good news for government reform advocates but bad news for Republicans who were counting on Perzel to hold the seat.

From The Associated Press:

Republican Perzel lost Tuesday to Democrat Kevin Boyle, whose brother Brendan also represents a Philadelphia district in the Legislature.

Perzel's loss is a setback for Republicans hoping to reclaim majority control of the House after four years in the minority. Democrats currently hold the chamber, 104 seats to 99.

Perzel is awaiting trial on public-corruption criminal charges for allegedly diverting taxpayer resources for campaigning.