Four Dems vying to grab Rothfus’ U.S. House seat
More than 100 Democrats from the 12th Congressional District braved the cold Friday night to visit Delmont’s Lamplighter restaurant, all to be warmed by the words of four congressional hopefuls.
“The No. 1 problem in the 12th District is Keith Rothfus, ”Aaron Anthony, a graduate student and former English teacher from Shaler, said to appreciative laughter.
Mr. Anthony and three other Democrats are seeking to challenge Mr. Rothfus of Sewickley, a three-term Republican incumbent, in November. They will face off in the May 15 primary election and took part in a two-hour forum that featured questions ranging from how to address the concerns of gun owners to the resurgence of privately owned prisons.
On most topics, there was little daylight between the candidates, each of whom hails from Pittsburgh suburbs. All struck progressive notes; the most obvious differences were biographical.
Mr. Anthony touted his background as a public school teacher and his current efforts to organize a union for University of Pittsburgh grad students. Ray Linsenmayer, a consultant and Democratic activist from McCandless, pointed to his record as a grassroots organizer who orchestrated volunteers to support Democrats for municipal and school board races last year.
“Just showing up and talking to people and listening to them will win you votes,” he said. “If we can’t beat that guy on the ground … we have no chance of getting our ideas out.”
Tom Prigg, a brain researcher from McCandless, pointed to a military record that included service as a sniper and deployment during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989-90. “I’m a veteran, and this district has a very strong veteran presence,” he said, a factor that could help even on delicate issues such as gun control.
Beth Tarasi, a trial lawyer from Sewickley, noted that she was the sole female candidate and had firsthand experience with the sexism that has been roiling politics all winter. She pointed to a 27-year legal career she was suspending because “I don’t like what’s happening to my people. … I know how to represent people, and I know what
to do when I get down to Washington, D.C.”
The 12th District encompasses Beaver and portions of northern Allegheny County as well as chunks of Cambria, Lawrence, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. It is considered a safe district for Republicans, but Democratic backlash to Donald Trump’s election has generated a newfound energy among activists.
“I think there are a lot of issues that transcend party,” said Michelle Raab, director of messaging for event sponsor PA 12 for Progress.
“And there’s a lot of momentum since Trump got elected, so I think there’s hope.”