By Keegan Gibson, Managing Editor
Not this year.
State Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), who most observers thought would launch a bid for Congress after the new year, announced today that he seek re-election to the Pa. House.
He represents a significant portion of the newly formed 12th congressional district – one that many thought had been drawn with his candidacy in mind.
In an open letter on his website, Christiana cited his new family obligations (he’s engaged).
“Running and serving in Congress, and thus dividing our life together, would ask too much of her and put an unreasonable strain on our young, new family.”
He added that he has unfinished work in Harrisburg, citing school vouchers legislation.
The question of the Republican nominee in this swing seat has not been front and center since the new congressional maps were unveiled. Rather, the biggest story line is the primary showdown between Reps. Jason Altmire and Mark Critz.
Keith Rothfus, an attorney who narrowly lost to Altmire last year, is the sole announced Republican candidate in the race.
Nonetheless, speculation will almost certainly focus now on Pa. House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), who advocated for the specific shape of the 12th district. Turzai ran for congress unsuccessfully in 1998.
“Christiana didn’t get out for Rothfus,” said a source close to Turzai.
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2 Responses
The PSEA financed Majority Leader, along with Union Republicans, not only failed to pass School Choice legislation and failed to pass free Market Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation and failed to pass to end the State monopoly over sale of liquor but is increasing debt for Pennsylvania’s job starved taxpayers.
Commonwealth Foundation Time to End Borrowing for Corporate Welfare http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/policyblog/detail/time-to-end-borrowing-for-corporate-welfare
And may I remind everyone, especially taxpayers, that Speaker Smith, House Majority Leader owe Pennsylvania Taxpayers $20 million that the House Republican leadership, voted for by every single one of the Republican representatives, stole from the Pennsylvania Taxpayer. Attorney General Tom Corbett Indictment Nov 12, 2009 – page one paragraph three http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/uploadedFiles/Press/GJ-Presentment_No2_page1-63.pdf
Sam Smith signed the computer contract for which John Perzel and Brian Preski are going to jail. Sam Smith claims he was clueless of this $10 million dollar expenditure. Is cluelessness a qualification to be a Republican leader.
Before nominating Mike Turzai for anything, ask “What Did He Know and When Did He Know It?” about Republican House corruption.
Mike Turzai is Not The Guy.
At the Pittsburgh 912 meeting Friday night Turzai said he wasn’t going to run. I think he realized he would not get the support of the grassroots who firmly support Rothfus.