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Rematch on tap in 25th legislative district
25th District
Incumbent: Joe Markosek, 62, a 15-term Democratic state representative from Monroeville
Challenger: Mike Doyle, 46, Plum council president making a second bid for the state office
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By Patrick Cloonan
Published: Thursday, November 1, 2012, 4:36 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Two years ago, Plum council president Mike Doyle carried the Westmoreland County precincts but lost in the Allegheny County precincts of the 25th Legislative District to veteran state Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Monroeville.
Two years from now, those Westmoreland County precincts may no longer be in the district, depending on how the state Supreme Court rules on the latest legislative reapportionment plan.
In between is Tuesday's rematch between Doyle, 46, again the Republican nominee, and Markosek, 62, who is running for a 16th term in Harrisburg.
“I originally ran for this seat the first time because I wanted to help others,” Markosek said. “That desire has not changed. However, I am now in a leadership position which increases my ability to support my district and our region in a far greater way.”
Markosek touts how he never missed a day in 30 years.
“I have a 100 percent voting session day perfect attendance record,” the Monroeville Democrat said.
He rose through the ranks to become chairman of the House Transportation Committee. After the House majority shifted to the GOP, Markosek became minority chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Doyle shares a name but not a philosophy — nor a blood tie — with the congressman in the Allegheny County precincts of the 25th district.
“Without a doubt it is a two-edged sword,” said Doyle in a 2010 interview. “When I am introduced at conservative gatherings, there is a gasp in the room.”
As stated on his website, the Plum Republican's platform calls for reducing the size of the legislature, ending wasteful government spending, reducing the tax burden and promoting Pennsylvania's energy resources.
“It's time we start running Pennsylvania like a business,” Doyle said. “In order to bring businesses into the state, Harrisburg politicians need to get out of the way.”
The 25th now includes parts of North Versailles Township, Plum and Murrysville, as well as Wall, Pitcairn, Trafford and Monroeville.
According to the plan before the Supreme Court, the proposed 25th District would shift west and south, extending from parts of Plum into Monroeville, East McKeesport, East Pittsburgh, Pitcairn, Wall and Wilmerding. All of North Versailles is in the proposed 25th, but only the Allegheny County portion of Trafford, with the rest of Trafford proposed for a move into a new 56th District.
Markosek said his goals should he be re-elected include a comprehensive transportation infrastructure funding program and enhancing basic education and higher education systems.
He said that combination would create more jobs for Pennsylvania.
Doyle said high taxes, complicated and unfair regulations, costly mandates and red tape continue to be some of the biggest reasons why companies find it difficult to create jobs.
The Doyle-Markosek matchup is one of three contests in Mon-Yough districts.
Others will be previewed later this week:
• Republican Rep. Rick Saccone vs. Democratic former Rep. David Levdansky in the 39th District
• And Republican incumbent George Dunbar vs. Democratic challenger Raymond “Bud” Geissler Jr. in the 56th.
Unopposed Tuesday are four Democrats:
• 34th District Rep. Paul Costa of Wilkins Twp.
• 35th District Rep. Marc J. Gergely of White Oak
• 36th District Rep. Harry Readshaw of Carrick
• 38th District Rep. Bill Kortz of Dravosburg.
Websites: www.markosek.com, www.pa4mikedoyle.com.
Friday: 39th Legislative District.
Patrick Cloonan is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1967, or pcloonan@tribweb.com.
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How can Mike Doyle seriously expect to beat Joe Markosek. Mike has had extremely poor attendance as our Councilman. He missed meetings for political fundraisers. He was recently portrayed as an empty chair in a political ad. Thanks to Clint Eastwood, Republicans understand the empty chair. I could not agree more.
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