After 40 years, Dems take State House seat (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

[kpete]

Flaherty wins Habay's seat in special election
To fill unexpired term of convicted lawmaker through end of year
Wednesday, April 12, 2006

By Ed Blazina, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Democrat Shawn Flaherty, who narrowly won a special election last night for the state House seat in the 30th District, doesn't care if people think his reason for winning is corny.

Mr. Flaherty, 46, a Fox Chapel attorney, said he won the election because warm, sunny weather helped bring more than 10,000 voters to the polls. For that, Mr. Flaherty credits his late father, former Pittsburgh Mayor and Allegheny County Commissioner Pete Flaherty, who he said always had a knack for scheduling birthday parties and other family activities on sunny days.

"Over 10,000 people voted today," Mr. Flaherty said after a victory speech to about 75 supporters at the Etna Volunteer Fire Co. social hall. "I think my Dad had something to do with that. He was smiling down on me today."

Pete Flaherty died one year ago next Tuesday.

Complete but unofficial results showed Mr. Flaherty defeated Republican Mike Dolan, 26, of O'Hara by a count of 5,545 to 5,437. It will be the first time in more than 40 years that the district, which includes Fox Chapel, Hampton and parts of Ross, Shaler and O'Hara, will be represented by a Democrat.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06102/681367-179.stm
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[napi21]

1. Congrats Shawn! I used to live in that district!!!

I also remember his Dad! It sure was a close vote, but I'm glad Shawn won.

[MADem]

2. Close race, but hopefully, a harbinger of things to come on the national

stage...though I'd appreciate larger margins in November.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

3. Dupe.

No big deal but this is already posted in GD. It's great news though. :woohoo:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x912242