Former Lt. Gov. Singel announces candidacy for Murtha’s seat
By MICHELLE GANASSI
Friday, February 19, 2010 11:12 PM EST
JOHNSTOWN — While stressing that no one will be able to replace U.S. Rep. John Murtha, former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel said he is ready to continue Murtha’s work in the 12th Congressional District.
“Serious times deserve serious leadership,” Singel said Friday, officially announcing that he will seek the seat in both the special and general elections.
Singel, a 56-year-old Democrat, lives in Johnstown. Murtha died Feb. 8 after gallbladder surgery complications.
“I do not think that the public ever fully appreciated the amount of projects or the effort he put in to create jobs,” Singel said.
Singel was state senator for the 35th District from 1981 to 1987 and later served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Robert Casey. In 1993 he was acting governor for more than six months while Casey was ill.
“That was an intense 6 1/2 month period,” he said.
The time gave Singel a newfound respect for the office, he said.
Singel left public service to start a lobbying firm, now know as Winter Group. The group lobbied for health care, energy and economic development projects for nonprofit organizations as well as Fortune 500 companies. It teamed up with the American Lung Association to push for the smoking ban.
“We won more than we lost,” he said.
Singel said his private sector experience has prepared him to assume the “daunting task of filling the shoes of John Murtha.”
Singel compared lobbying to cholesterol. He said a lot of it gives people heart attacks, but you need a little to keep the body working properly.
If elected, he vowed to continue the work that Murtha started.
“We need somebody that understands the business well enough to pick up where he left off,” he said.
Singel said he has worked with most of the Pennsylvania delegation in some capacity. He added that the election has state and federal implications.
“Democrats cannot afford to lose this seat,” he said.
Singel considers himself a moderate and said he is ready to work with both parties — even if it means agreeing with Republicans.
“Republicans are right on a number of things they are saying,” he said.
He said he would like to work toward a sensible approach to heath care reform and job growth, without getting into specifics.
“Jobs is one of the most important issues,” he said.
He also stressed the need for affordable higher education.
Singel did not go into detail about many of his positions; however, he said that he is opposed to abortion.
“I am opposed to abortion and support the language of the Pennsylvania law,” he said.
Singel said he is optimistic about the future of the region.
“I feel I have been preparing for this all of my life,” he said.
Singel said he has not spoken with Murtha’s widow, Joyce, but said he would support her if she decided to run and leave the race. He expects Murtha to make an announcement about the race on Monday or Tuesday.
Murtha spokesman Matthew Mazonkey said he could not comment.
On the Democratic side, Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Ceraso, former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer, lawyer Ron Mackell Jr. and former U.S. Navy officer Ryan Bucchianeri have announced their intention to run. Some media outlets have reported that Johnstown City Controller Ed Cernic Jr. is considering running as well.
Both the special election to fill the remainder of Murtha’s term and the primary will be held on May 18
Does this mean Penn. has another un-used Airport in it's future. :wink: