John Eichelberger

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John Eichelberger
John Eichelberger
Member of the Pennsylvania State Senate
from the 30th district
In office
2007 – present
Preceded by Robert Jubelirer
Born September 1, 1958 (1958-09-01) (age 49)
Altoona, Pennsylvania
Political party Republican
Spouse Charlotte Eichelberger
Residence Duncansville, Pennsylvania
Religion Church of the Brethren

John Eichelberger of Blair Township, Pennsylvania is a Pennsylvania State Senator. He is a member of the Republican Party. He represents the 30th district of the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Eichelberger gained notoriety following his defeat of Senate President Pro-Tem Robert Jubelirer in the May 2006 primary election.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Prior to his career in government, Eichelberger was the President of an insurance brokerage in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In 1995, he was elected to the Blair County Commission. He was re-elected in 1999 and 2003.

[edit] 2006 Election

His Senate campaign was sparked by the 2005 Pennsylvania pay raise. Senate President Pro Tem Robert Jubelirer was a rival in Blair County politics who had supported the pay increase.

Eichelberger attacked Jubelirer for his support of the raise as well as his stance on abortion. During the campaign, Eichelberger received support from conservatives such as former congressman Pat Toomey and former Lieutenant Governor Bill Scranton. [1] Jubelirer counter-attacked, noting that Eichelberger had benefited from pay raises as a commissioner. In addition, Jubelirer alleged that Eichelberger had a poor voting record on the commission.

On primary election day, Eichelberger took 45% to Jubelirer's 26% and C. Arnold McClure's 19%. Jubelirer and David Brightbill were the first top-ranked General Assembly leaders to be defeated in a primary since 1964. [2] Eichelberger went on to defeat businessman and Democratic candidate Greg Morris in the general election with 61% of the vote.

He faces re-election in 2010.

Pennsylvania State Senate for the Thirtieth District, Primary Election 2006
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John Eichelberger 15,445 43.9
Republican Robert Jubelirer 12,662 36.0
Republican Arnold McClure 7,097 20.2
Pennsylvania State Senate for the Thirtieth District, General Election 2006
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican John Eichelberger 45,607 62.7
Democratic Greg Morris 27,106 37.3

[edit] References

  1. ^ Tom Barnes, Pay raise support imperils Jubelirer's re-election bid, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 5/12/06
  2. ^ Al Neri, State Senate Outlook, The Insider, February 2006

[edit] External links