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12th District notes: A Singel annoucement, Cernic interested, Bucchianeri still in
Two more Democrats appear to be leaning toward a run in the 12th Congressional District.
The Post-Gazette reports that former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel is holding a press conference in Johnstown Friday morning to announce his intentions. If he gets into the race, Democrats will have two top-tier candidates as they try to hold the seat left open by the death of Congressman John Murtha; former state treasurer and auditor general Barbara Hafer already said she’s running.
Meanwhile The Tribune-Democrat reports that Cambria County Controller Ed Cernic Jr. is also considering a run.
“I’m doing my due diligence right now,” Cernic said.
And Ryan Bucchianeri, the Democrat who was running before Murtha’s death, reaffirmed his intention to stay in the race.
“I remain committed to this race and to the people of western Pennsylvania,” he said in a statement. “As I have traveled throughout the district over the past several months, people continually express a need for change and are ready to turn the page toward a new generation of leadership. With their support I will bring that new leadership to Washington and focus on issues that matter most to us at home—job creation, education reform, and affordable and accessible healthcare for the entire district.
“Moreover, as a veteran and businessman with international experience, I can think of no better way to honor Congressman Murtha’s legacy to the people of our district and our Armed Forces than to continue serving our country as a member of Congress,” he added. “While I could never replace Congressman Murtha, I would be honored to carry on his service for a new generation of Pennsylvanians and a brighter future.”
February 18, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Tags: Barbara Hafer, Ed Cernic, John Murtha, Mark Singel, PA-12, Ryan Bucchianeri














WESTPADEM6
Feb 18th, 2010
The only change they’d be seeing in the 12th, is the “chump change” Bucchianeri would be able to bring home for the district.
Economy… with economy and financal reform on voters minds, the better pick is Hafer.
Cernic is a better pick from Johnstown than Singel. Singel has been a lobbyist for the past ten years. That may be the only rung on the ladder below a politican or lawyer these days amongst the electorate.
James
Feb 18th, 2010
This district really doesn’t matter much. I believe the GOP will choose Tim Burns over Bill Russell since Burns will be a mostly self-funded candidate. If Burns loses, this district will simply be eliminated when redistricting happens.
WESTPADEM6
Feb 18th, 2010
Bad news for Tim Murphy… im not so sure he’ll be thrilled to have Johnstown or New Kensington.
David Diano
Feb 18th, 2010
WestDem-
Considering all the military contractors Murtha brought into the district, a military guy like Ryan would probably understand what they actually do.
The insertion of more conservatives works for Ryan, because they take votes away from each other.
James-
You make a good point about the district. It’s is the smallest or second smallest district, so it’s ripe for being merged and/or eliminated, especially if the Republicans control the legislature and Governor’s mansion.
James
Feb 19th, 2010
WestPADem,
What makes you think Johnstown will go to Murphy? My guess is that it will be blended into Bill Shuster’s district, which I believe is the most republican in the state. Shuster could easily take Johnstown and win reelection with over 60% of the vote. IMHO, Johnstown is a pathetic dump and could use a little GOP influence. Hell, gerrymander the heck out of Mike Doyle’s district and put Johnstown in with Pittsburgh for all I care.
Steffany Trofino
Mar 2nd, 2010
I’d like to know, what specific civil service experience does Mr. Cernic have that would qualify and support his candidacy? Has he ever worked under the auspice of the Federal Gov. before? Where did he go to graduate school? Qualifications, I believe, are important.