JOHNSTOWN — Robert A. Gleason Jr. and Christopher Gleason, brothers prominent in Cambria County and state GOP politics, have been named by Politics magazine to its top 10 list of influential Pennsylvania Republicans.
Another local Republican, Peg Luksik of Westmont, is named among the next 40 Republican influencers in the Keystone State. An anti-abortion activist, she is running for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
Although no local political leaders made it to the list of influential Democrats, businessman Al Boscov did. He is president of Boscov’s department stores, including one at The Galleria in Richland Township.
Boscov is described in the magazine as having “a civic and political sensibility.”
The magazine said the list is made up of the state’s “top business, legal and civic leaders whose opinions are respected by peers and elected officials alike.”
The Republican list was complied by Alex Roarty, who has covered Pennsylvania politics for a variety of media outlets and is an editor and writer with PoliticsPA, an online publication.
The list of Democrats was put together by by Sean Coit, an assistant editor and writer for PoliticsPA.
Robert “Rob” Gleason is chairman of the county and state Republican parties.
He is described in the magazine as having “done a good job trying to fill leadership void in a party without a sitting governor or U.S. senator” while his brother “raises the money” as the party’s finance director. The brothers are volunteers in the party positions.
Rob Gleason said Monday, “I was surprised. I’m pleased and proud to be named by the magazine. I’ve worked hard at politics. My No. 1 responsibility is to get good candidates, and second, we must have the money for campaigns. You can’t have one without the other.”
The GOP top 10 list also includes former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, often seen on Fox News, and Richard Mellon Scaife, the western Pennsylvania millionaire who own the conservative Tribune-Review newspaper.
The next 40 Republicans include former Gov. Tom Ridge and former state Attorney General Leroy Zimmerman.
The top 10 Democrats list includes T.J. Rooney, state Democratic chairman, identified as “a guy who knows everyone” in a state with a Democratic governor and state House, two U.S. senators and 12 U.S. House members.
Local News
Several in area named to list of influential Pennsylvanians
- Local News
-
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Two of Cambria County’s 10 magisterial districts could be eliminated as President Judge Timothy Creany looks at realigning boundaries to cut costs while taking into consideration caseloads of the district judges and population changes.
-
Westmont couple inseparable, even in death
People who knew James and Marjorie Landis of Westmont said the two were nearly always together.
-
Company buys valuables from people ready to unload
Jan Hagerich’s buffalo nickel was “healthy” – which was unhealthy for her finances.
-
Blogging with heart
I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday, so today, I’m organizing my work. I have talked to probably a couple dozen people for Heart Month stories and I have pages and pages of notes.
-
Special Olympics return to region
More than 300 athletes eager to show off their skills, along with 135 coaches, will be coming to the region to take part in the 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games.
-
Special Olympics Schedule
Here is a list of events related to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Winter Games through Tuesday at venues across the region:
Saturday
• Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics; Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell; registration at 9:30 a.m.; plunge at 1 p.m. -
Water rates going up to pay for line project
An estimated $9 million Windber Area Authority transmission line project will likely head toward construction late this summer.
-
Citizens eye cost-cutting measures
A total of 16 members of a concerned citizens group volunteered to serve on a committee to develop cost-saving ideas that will be presented to the Westmont Hilltop school board.
-
Critz co-sponsoring bills that support emergency responders
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, said he is co-sponsoring several bills that support emergency responders.
-
IN BRIEF | Police investigating shooting of city man
State police in Indiana County are investigating the shooting of a Johnstown man late Tuesday or early Wednesday, authorities said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
