Convicted in March of using state-paid staff to do political work, Sen. Jane C. Orie, R-McCandless, has asked for a two-month delay in her sentencing, which is scheduled for May 21, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Even if the judge does grant her a delay, she still plans to resign from her position, according to the article.

In a court filing earlier this week, Orie’s attorney, William Costopoulos, asked an Allegheny County Common Pleas judge to postpone sentencing so he could have more time to prepare Orie’s defense and to collect witnesses, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The judge is not expected to make a decision on the motion until at least next week, the Post-Gazette said.

The Trib reports Mike Manko, spokesman for District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr., said prosecutors would oppose the delay.

Legislators convicted of a crime are not required to resign until they are sentenced. Orie’s replacement would be chosen by special election—and it may be for a senate district on the other side of the state.

Under a new legislative map being reviewed by the Legislative Reapportionment Committee, Orie’s district would move to Monroe and Northampton counties to reflect population growth near the New Jersey border.

Her current territory encompasses parts of Allegheny County—including Pine, Richland and Ross townships—and Butler County, including Cranberry and Adams townships and Zelienople, Harmony, Seven Fields borough.

What do you think of Orie's request to delay sentencing? Do you think she already should have resigned? Leave your opinion in the comment section.

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