Wash. Co. Commissioner To Challenge For Congressman Murphy's Seat

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Congressman Tim Murphy could be facing his toughest challenge since he was first elected 10 years ago.

Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi, a Democrat, said he'll challenge the incumbent Republican this year.

Maggi came to politics late in life and says that's good because Congress has become a career to too many.

"Eight to 10 years to 12 years is getting to be a lot. Maybe that's part of the problem down there," Maggi said.

A former Marine, Maggi was a State Trooper for 24 years before a stint as sheriff and commissioner. Now, the Democrat hopes to unseat Republican Congressman Murphy.

Maggi sees himself as a conservative.

"Pro-life. I'm pro-gun. I actually own handguns as a State Trooper," Maggi said.

He cites Washington County's record for being the nation's third fastest job producing county.

"We don't let government get in the way of business. We don't get let government get in the way of producing jobs. We produce an environment for jobs to be created," Maggi said.

As for Murphy, Maggi said he tries to be all things to all people.

"I'm not really sure on a lot of issues where Tim stands because he's made votes on both sides of issues," Maggi said.

The new 18th District stretches north from Greene and Washington Counties into the southern part of Allegheny County and then east to southern Westmoreland County.

The district has more Democrats, but tends to vote Republican. Still, Maggi said he is more in sync with local residents.

"Congressman Murphy did not vote for the middle class tax breaks, and those are issues that hurt working people," Maggi said.

Now, the Republican Party has already charged that Maggi would be a rubber-stamp for President Obama, a charge that Maggi laughs off as ridiculous.

So far, Maggi is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Murphy is facing a Tea Party challenge in the Republican primary from former senate aide Evan Feinberg.