Samuel H. Smith (politician)

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Samuel H. "Sam" Smith (b. August 10, 1955) A native of Punxsutawney, Representative Sam Smith represents nearly 60,000 residents of Jefferson, Indiana and Armstrong counties.

[edit] Biography

Born August 10, 1955, Smith attended and graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School and later earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State University. After working for several years in the construction industry and later for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, in 1986 Smith was elected to succeed his father, L. Eugene "Snuffy" Smith, who had represented the 66th district since 1963.

He is currently Minority Leader and speaks for his party on the floor and leads debate on major issues. Prior to the Democratic takeover in the 2006 elections, Smith served as Majority Leader where he was responsible for planning, discussion, debate and final passage of legislation. He was also majority whip until 2003.

[edit] Personal

Smith serves on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Council of Trustees and the Punxsutawney College Trust that supports the Punxsutawney Campus of IUP. With Gobbler’s Knob in the heart of his district, Smith is a long-standing member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

He is married to Donna Bruder-Smith and has a son, Zachary and a daughter, Alexandra.