Race for PA House 79th District
By: Kevin Flanigan
Updated: November 6, 2012
ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - With the November election now less than two months away, a number of local political races are drawing renewed attention. One Blair County race is the contest for the 79th House Seat.
Long term incumbent Representative Rick Geist was defeated in the Spring Republican primary. Now two candidates are running hard to take the seat Geist occupied for more than 30 years.
Right after Labor Day, supporters of the Republican candidate in the 79th district race gathered in Altoona for a fall kick off rally. The conservative- reform views of Republican Dr. John McGinnis have drawn Tea Party support from across the state as well as the district.
The other candidate in the race, Democrat Richard Flarend has received endorsements from several current and former elected officials. Flarend says this bipartisan support is because he is calling on both parties in Harrisburg to work together for the common good of the State and the people who live here.
Both of the candidates are currently on the faculty of Penn State Altoona. Republican McGinnis says he wants to go to Harrisburg and push for a limiting the role of state government. Democrat Flarend sees a role for the state in helping to support local governments and the people they serve.
Both candidates say they want to put an end to career politicians and they support term limits. Voters in the 79th District which covers Altoona and Logan Township will be sending a new Representative to Harrisburg for the first time since 1978.
Long term incumbent Representative Rick Geist was defeated in the Spring Republican primary. Now two candidates are running hard to take the seat Geist occupied for more than 30 years.
Right after Labor Day, supporters of the Republican candidate in the 79th district race gathered in Altoona for a fall kick off rally. The conservative- reform views of Republican Dr. John McGinnis have drawn Tea Party support from across the state as well as the district.
The other candidate in the race, Democrat Richard Flarend has received endorsements from several current and former elected officials. Flarend says this bipartisan support is because he is calling on both parties in Harrisburg to work together for the common good of the State and the people who live here.
Both of the candidates are currently on the faculty of Penn State Altoona. Republican McGinnis says he wants to go to Harrisburg and push for a limiting the role of state government. Democrat Flarend sees a role for the state in helping to support local governments and the people they serve.
Both candidates say they want to put an end to career politicians and they support term limits. Voters in the 79th District which covers Altoona and Logan Township will be sending a new Representative to Harrisburg for the first time since 1978.
Comments
Flarend is endorsed by Republicans Tim Johnston and Frank Meloy along with former mayor Tom Martin. He is also endorsed by the current mayor and by Ted Beam and Bob Kutz. These people were at the press conference last week to publicly endorse him. I am sure there are other R's voting for him too. This guy could actually work with people for the district rather than contribute to the stupid Harrisburg power games.
pa f.
September 13, 2012 at 7:52 pm
All candidates are against career politicians, and all candidates are for term limits...right up until the time they get elected.
P.S. @ pa f. What exactly is a "prominent" republican? Would I know if I were one?
FREDRICK F.
September 12, 2012 at 5:45 pm
This article neglected to mention that Flarend has endorsements from both Democrats and Republicans. Yes prominent local Republicans came out to publicly endorse a Democrat! Remeber in the primary, most of McGinnis's money came from Philly and DC. Local people don't want him representing them because of his outrageous ideology.
pa f.
September 12, 2012 at 4:56 pm
