Tim Murphy has resigned!

[femmocrat]

His resignation is effective Oct. 21. Jon Delano (KDKA) reported that Gov. Wolf will set a new special election within 10 days, but it probably won't be until the May primary to save money.

Plus... ready for this? State Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland Co) has announced that she's running. God save us all!

The democrats have a great chance here to pick up this seat with the right candidate. Tom Perez, are you paying attention?!!

[RandySF]

1. Uphill, but you never know

It’s an R +11 seat.

[FakeNoose]

2. Awesome news

[nycbos]

3. Murphy didn't have opposition.

The last race was a 30 point GOP victory.


It is an uphill climb.

[femmocrat]

4. He was unopposed the last two or three elections.

I always wrote in my own name to oppose him!

It was a combination of name recognition and no democrat willing to run against him. We have a whole new opportunity now, though.

[MyOwnPeace]

5. More about

Kim Ward?

[femmocrat]

9. She is a republican state senator from Westmoreland Co.

Conservative, pro-lifer. Typical party-line republican, but doesn't seem tea-party batsh*t. Seems dumb as a doorknob in person.

“People are sick of being disappointed by Washington,” her statement read. “They want Congress to keep the promise to replace Obamacare with a plan that helps to make affordable healthcare accessible, achieve much-needed tax reform and protect our borders. They ... can trust me to go to Washington, D.C. and give it all I’ve got.”

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2017/10/05/Tim-Murphy-s-departure-brings-multiple-would-be-replacements-as-well-as-a-ray-of-hope-for-Democrats/stories/201710050240

[DeminPennswoods]

6. I'm sorry, but this is hilarious

I knew he'd either have to not run for relection or resign, but a bit surprised the resignation happened so fast.

The comments on the Post-Gazette website are great!

[DeminPennswoods]

7. Special election update

Gov Wolf has 10 days to set a date for a special election that must be at least 60 days from today. By my estimation, the earliest date would be Dec 4th. There won't be a primary, the candidates will be chosen by their respective parties.

Hats in the ring:

Rs:
State Sen Guy Reschenthaler, rw nut job
State Sen Kim Ward
State Rep Rick Saccone, rw nut job also running for senate against Bob Casey

Ds:
Mike Crossey, former Allegheny Co councilman
Pam Iovino, former VA official
Bob Solomon, ER doc
Gina Cerilli, Westmoreland Co commissioner
Conor Lamb, nephew of Pgh city controller Michael Lamb

Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2017/10/05/Tim-Murphy-s-departure-brings-multiple-would-be-replacements-as-well-as-a-ray-of-hope-for-Democrats/stories/201710050240

[Freddie]

8. He should be forced to carry his term to term