A proposed special election that would fill the state House seat vacated by the February death of Rep. Russell P. Letterman, D-Milesburg, probably will not take place in the May 15 primaries.

The election, proposed by Centre County Republican Chairman Chuck Mong and Clinton County Republican Chairman Chris Dwyer, would have to be announced today by state House Speaker Robert W. O'Donnnell, D-Phila., for it to be on the primary ballot.

"(O'Donnell) has not changed his position, which is that an election is not needed. To my knowledge, he has no intentions of calling for an election," said Nancy Nowicki, the speaker's communications director.

Mong said he asked for an election to be called because of the lack of representation from the 76th district, which covers Clinton County and parts of Centre, Clearfield and Lycoming counties.

"The people in (the 76th) district will not have any representation in the face of some very important budgetary decisions that will be affecting this area," Mong said.

A primary day election would fill the vacant seat for about six months, until the November general election.

But even if an election is not announced, there is still a chance that O'Donnell will call one at a later date.

"He could call an election any time as long as he gives the public 60 days notice. But it would be a very expensive proposition to hold one after the primary," Mong said, referring to the cost of re-opening polling places.

The proposed election is supported by the residents of the 76th district, and Mong said he urged them to write O'Donnell in support of a special election on primary election day.

"We've had some conversations with residents of Centre County that are included in that district and there is some legitimate concern," he said, adding that concerns centered mainly around the budget.

O'Donnell, though, has not received much feedback from residents.

"I am not aware of much input (from 76th district voters)," Nowicki said.