By Sandra K. Reabuck
JOHNSTOWN — Former Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Mark Singel of Johnstown announced today he in will run for the 12th Congressional seat held by longtime U.S. Rep John P. Murtha.
Singel, a Democrat, said that he will run in both the special election and the May primary election this year, unless Murth’a widow, Joyce, would decide to make a bid for the office.
If Mrs. Murtha enters the race, Singel said that he would drop out of the running.
The candidate said that his long-time career in government as well as his work as a lobbyist and consultant in Harrisburg has prepared him for the task to represent the district.
Singel served as a state senator from 1981 to 1987 and then became lieutenant governor serving with Gov. Robert P. Casey.
He served as an acting governor for six months in 1983 when Casey was recovering from a serious illness.
With him today were his wife, Jackie, and his mother Jean, who also is a Johnstown resident.
“This election has national, state and local implications," he said. “It is critical that the work begun by John Murtha be continued.”
At the top of his platform, Singel said, is job and jobs.
“That is the critical need for our area.”
He also talked about supporting a job’s bill in Washington in May, working on a sensible approach to health care reform and a practical national energy policy.
