Politics & Government
Republicans Choose Saccone As Candidate To Replace Tim Murphy
The Republican state legislator will be on the ballot in the special election for Murphy's former congressional seat.
PITTSBURGH, PA - State Rep. Rick Saccone of Elizabeth has been selected as the Republican candidate in the March 13 special election to replace U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy. Saccone was selected by Republican conferees at the Southpointe Golf Club in Washington County.
Saccone defeated state Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Jefferson Hills and state Sen. Kim Ward. A third candidate, state Rep. Jason Ortitay, withdrew from the race before conferees began voting.
Saccone, 59, has represented the 39th Legislative District covering parts of Allegheny and Washington counties since 2011. He currently is a member of the following House committees: Children and Youth, Judiciary, State Government and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.
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Described as the most conservative Republican vying for the congressional seat, Saccone had launched a campaign for U.S. Senate prior to Murphy’s resignation last month. He decided to run for congress after Murphy stepped aside following the revelation of an extramarital affair and allegations he mistreated his staff.
The selection of Saccone was criticized in a statement released by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
“It seems like just yesterday State Representative Rick Saccone was trying to convince Pennsylvania he should be their next U.S. senator,” Democratic Party press secretary Brandon Cwalina said. “Desperate to get to D.C. and implement draconian policies on behalf of President Trump, like giving tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans at the expense of teachers and first responders, Saccone now wants to run for Congress. Pennsylvanians deserve representatives who will embody their values and will fight for them in Washington. Democrats are looking forward to nominating a candidate who will actually make the 18th Congressional District proud; one who will stand up and fight for jobs, health care, and education for every person in the district.”
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Democrats will select their candidate for the special election at a nominating convention on Sunday at Washington High School in Washington.
Photo: Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
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