PA 12th Congressional District Race: Lee, Doyle Square Off

PITTSBURGH, PA — The biggest factor in the 12th Congressional District race might not be any political position of either candidate, but the name of one of them.

In an odd twist, Democratic Rep. Mike Doyle is retiring at the end of the year. Running to succeed him is another Mike Doyle, this one a Republican who is the Plum Borough council president. The Republican Doyle will square off against progressive Democratic state Rep. Summer Lee.

Lee's campaign is concerned that when people go to vote in the Nov. 8 general election, they might vote for the Republican Doyle believing they are voting for the retiring Democratic Doyle,the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently reported.

Despite that concern, Real Clear Politics predicts the race going "likely Democratic."

As for where the candidates stand on the issues, Lee recently told the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh: "In Congress, I’ll bring upon the same values and track record I’ve been dedicated to as an organizer, advocate, and state legislator—bringing broad coalitions of folks together for environmental, racial, and economic justice, so we can win real victories for all working people.

"This means a just transition to a clean energy economy, tackling our climate crisis, taking on corporate polluters and ensuring clean air and water for all. It means supporting/strengthening unions, raising the minimum wages, passing paid family and sick leave, protecting workers and their rights to organize with the PRO Act, passing Medicare for All, challenging mass incarceration and passing police accountability measures."

Doyle's campaign website states that he is making a congressional bid "to disrupt the political class in Washington.

"Mike will fight to stop the out-of-control spending that is driving up prices. Mike believes that Energy Independence is National Security and the Green New Deal will destroy our region. Mike knows we need to secure our border to stop the flow of fentanyl into our communities. He will fight efforts to federalize our elections and support measures to increase election integrity. Finally, Mike will support our police and first responders protecting our communities."

The 12th Congressional District is composed of Pittsburgh, many of its outlying suburbs, and a portion of Westmoreland County.