Several GOP candidates eye run for Miccarelli’s seat
Two or three people are considering throwing their hats in the ring for the Republican nomination in the 162nd District seat being vacated by state Rep. Nick Miccarelli, according to Republican Party District Leader Dave White.
White said he did not want to name names at this stage because the potential candidates are still only thinking of entering the race, but hoped to have some more definitive answers by early April.
Miccarelli, a five-term incumbent, announced his withdrawal from the race Wednesday amidst a firestorm of controversy surrounding a confidential House complaint filed by two women alleging sexual assault and harassment. One of the complainants, fellow legislator Tarah Toohil, R-116, of Butler Township, secured a three-year protection of abuse order against Miccarelli last week under a consent order in which he admitted no wrongdoing.
Both women previously dated Miccarelli. Toohil has not alleged sexual assault claims, but the other woman, a political consultant, says Miccarelli came to her home and forced her to have sex in late 2014, shortly after she ended their relationship.
Miccarelli has vigorously denied all of the allegations against him and repeatedly said he would continue his campaign in the face of growing pressure from public officials to step down, including House Republican leadership, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and others.
While he is remaining in office, Miccarelli said Wednesday that he has decided to bow out of the race for a sixth term.
“My decision not to seek reelection should in no way be misconstrued by the public or misrepresented by the media as any admission of wrongdoing on my part,’ said Miccarelli in a statement Wednesday. “I intend to continue to work to clear my good name and reputation and put this current controversial situation behind me, once and for all.”
The House has concluded an investigation into the allegations contained in the confidential complaint, which it found “credible,” and forwarded a report to Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo, who is conducting a criminal investigation with other law enforcement agencies.
Chardo said Thursday that he did not have an update on that investigation, but dismissed rumors that Miccarelli getting out of the race was in any way connected to his office or the result of some sort of deal.
Miccarelli’s exit after a March 6 deadline for candidates to file nomination petitions means no new Republican candidate will appear on the May 15 Primary Election ballot for the seat, but White said he hopes to mount a writein campaign for a nominee selected by local committee members.
“My goal is to get everybody to coalesce around one candidate that would be best for the 162nd District residents, somebody who would do a great job in Harrisburg for us and speak for the residents of the 162nd District,” he said.
The candidate who receives the most write-in votes in the May primary will be the party’s nominee for the November General Election.
White has already set up a lunch meeting with local Republican municipal leaders to discuss the process and said he hopes to have a committee meeting April 3 or 4, where a candidate will be endorsed.
White said it will be an open process and anyone who wants to seek the endorsement is welcome to drop off a resume with him, which he will forward along to committee members.
Dave Delosso, the Democratic candidate for the 162nd District, said Miccarelli’s decision not to seek reelection is the correct one, but he has also urged the exiting incumbent to stay out of his Capitol and district offices until the criminal investigation is concluded.
“The prospect of having Miccarelli on the primary or general election ballot was at best distasteful, and something that no voter in the 162nd who has been the victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse deserved to be subjected to,” said Delloso. “My heart goes out to the women and their families who bravely came forward to report these inexcusable actions. I believe these women, and if elected as the representative of the 162nd, I will fight to protect victims of domestic, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.”
Miccarelli spokesman Frank Keel also released a statement Thursday indicating the vast majority of Miccarelli’s constituents have expressed sadness at his decision, but have come to trust and respect him over a decade as their state representative.