U.S. Reps Murphy, Kelly Accepted Contributions from NRA in 2012 House Campaigns

Open Secrets has published a list of recipients of National Rifle Association campaign contributions that also includes outgoing U.S. Reps. Mark Critz of Johnstown and Jason Altmire of McCandless, both Democrats.

U.S. Reps Tom Murphy (R-Upper St. Clair), Mark Critz (D-Johnstown), Jason Altmire (D-McCandless) and Mike Kelly (R-Butler) of Pennsylvania accepted thousands in 2012 campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.  The NRA doled out more than $750,000 in campaign contributions in 2012, according to the center, a research organization that tracks money in politics and how it affects elections and policies and shares the information on OpenSecrets.org. The center obtained its data from the Federal Election Commission.  Fifteen members of Congress from Pennsylvania accepted contributions from the NRA during their 2012 bids for office, according to the center's list. Three of the top…

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Congressman-elect Rothfus Visits Washington for New-Member Orientation

Congressman-elect Keith Rothfus will be sworn in Jan. 3.

Despite GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s loss on election night Nov. 6, Sewickley Republican and U.S. Rep.-elect Keith Rothfus pulled out a big win in a hard-fought battle against Democratic opponent Mark Critz. Rothfus, 50, a lawyer and father of six, went to work immediately after the election, spending the past week thanking supporters, volunteers and others who helped along the way to that victory.  "I'm making a lot of phone calls, and doing a lot of emails" since then, Rothfus toldSewickley Patch during a recent interview. A thankful note on his website conveys a similar message : “To all who gave so much for this victory, and all those who voted in PA-12, thank you! I look forward to my duties as your employee, and I am …

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Pennsylvania Results 2012: Obama, Casey Win Re-Election, Rothfus Defeats Critz

Democrats dominate statewide races for treasurer, attorney general and auditor general.

2012 ELECTION RESULTS President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, defeating Republican challenger and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and vice presidential running mate Rep. Paul Ryan. As he did in 2008, Obama also carried Pennsylvania, gaining the state's 20 electoral votes. In Pennsylvania's 2012 race for U.S. Senate, incumbent Democrat Bob Casey Jr. of Scranton also won re-election, drawing 53 percent of the vote and defeating Republican coal executive and Tea Party founder Tom Smith of Shelocta.  With 99 percent of votes recorded in races for three state offices: In the congressional race in the newly redesigned 12th District, Republican Keith Rothfus of Sewickley defeated …

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Patch Poll: Which Race Has the Most Annoying or Negative Campaign Ads?

The good news is that ads will end after Tuesday. The bad news is Election Day is still two days away.

As we head into the last few days before the election, the campaign ads seem never ending. But do they influence voters or turn them off? Some people hang on to those ads which agree with their viewpoint but others just seem to be grating if you don't have a similar viewpoint. Many seem to be negative ads against the opponent rather than ones that point out the attributes of the candidate. So, you tell us. Take our poll and if there's a specific commercial that you want to point out, tell us in the comments section.

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North Hills Patch: 2012 Election Guide

The candidates and issues most important to North Hills voters in 2012.

For a comprehensive look at all of North Hills' Patch coverage of the election, click on our election topics page. As we look ahead to November’s elections, North Hills Patch is devoted to bringing you information you need about races in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as November draws near. Bookmark this page for updates. President Barack Obama vs. former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. History  Pennsylvania has delivered its 20 electoral votes to the Democratic nominee for President in the last five elections. If current polls hold steady, Mr. Obama will make it six in a row in November. The president has not taken Pennsylvania’s support for granted and has made several trips to Western Pennsylvania…

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North Hills Patch Election: 2012 Election Guide

All you need to know about the Presidential, Senatorial, Congressional, statewide and local races and issues facing voters on November 6.

North Hills Patch Election: 2012 Election Guide

All you need to know about the Presidential, Senatorial, congressional, statewide and local races and issues facing voters on November 6.

LIVE BLOG: Meet Congressional Critz & Rothfus with Patch

Patch editors will be blogging live from the Meet the Candidates breakfast in Wexford featuring the Democratic and GOP nominees for the 12th Congressional District seat. The event begins at 8 a.m. Oct. 11. You can join the conversation, too.

Rep. Mark Critz, the incumbent Democrat from Johnstown, Cambria County, and Republican challenger Rothfus, of Edgeworth, are scheduled to take part in a Meet the Candidates breakfast forum sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce Inc.  The event begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at The Chadwick in Wexford. Each candidate will be given time to answer questions and to speak on topics related to business growth, job creation and economic development. They will not be discussing social issues. Our live chat for the first forum begins at 7:30 a.m. Join us then to share your thoughts.

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Elections 2012: What Do You Want to Ask Candidates Critz and Rothfus?

Patch is joining The Chamber of Commerce Inc. for a Meet the Candidates breakfast featuring the Democratic and GOP nominees for the 12th Congressional District seat—and we’re taking your questions!

Do you have a burning business-related question for Rep. Mark Critz and Keith Rothfus, the candidates running to represent the new 12th District in the U.S. House of Representatives? Here's your opportunity next week. Critz, the incumbent Democrat from Johnstown, Cambria County, and Republican challenger Rothfus, of Edgeworth, are scheduled to take part in a Meet the Candidates breakfast forum sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce Inc. The event begins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at The Chadwick in Wexford. Each candidate will be given time to answer questions and to speak on topics related to business growth, job creation and economic development. They will not be discussing social issues. In addition to questions submitted by the event’s …

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Tom Edward

3:11 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Congressman Critz and Mr. Rothfus, food safety is a major concern for many families. In the past few years more and more genetically engineered foods have been introduced. Would you support clear labeling of genetically engineered food so that consumers have the right to choose if they wish to purchase them or not? Thank you.   more ›