Local Republicans, Democrats eye Murphy's seat

With Rep. Tim Murphy's shocking announcement that he will resign effective Oct. 21, the race for his seat has begun.

“Well, it was a shock and disappointing, but life goes on,” said Dave Majernik, vice chairman of the Allegheny County Republican Committee. “And I believe we have lots of possible candidates that will run in his place.”

Allegheny County Democratic Chair Nancy Patton Mills says this is a golden opportunity for Democrats to wrestle the seat from Republicans, who have held it for more than a decade.

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“We think this will be a tremendous opportunity for the Democratic Party,” she said. “Since this announcement, there have been two or three more candidates that have called me and are interested in running. So I think it's going to be vigorous.”

Gov. Tom Wolf will determine the date for a special election. Sources say it may be in February.
Each party will gather to nominate a candidate. Retired navy officer Pam Iovino is one of at least five running on the Democratic ticket.

“This is another example of the disconnect between elected officials, and what is important to them,” she said. “It's also why I decided months ago it was time for me to serve again.”

State Sens. Guy Reschnethaler and Kim Ward head the Republican list. And Majernik says he's confident the seat will remain in Republican hands.

“I think we can. It's not a slam dunk,” he said. “We have to work hard to keep it.”

Cox Media Group