Tom Smith (Pennsylvania politician)
Tom Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 20, 1947 |
| Political party | Democratic Party (Before 2011) Republican Party (2011–present) |
| Spouse | Saundy Smith |
| Children | 7 |
Thomas Joel "Tom" Smith (born October 20, 1947)[1] is a Pennsylvania politician who is currently the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in the 2012 election.
Life, education, and early career
Smith grew up in a wealthy neighborhood in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and graduated from Elderton High School in 1965.[2] At 19, he decided to postpone college to run the family farm when his father was ill.[3] He also took over the family's school bus company.[4] The Smiths had three biological children, and later adopted four more children from Texas (all siblings, ostensibly to keep a family together. ) [5]
Coal mining business career
Smith started work in a coal mine shortly after leaving school.[2] In 1989, he purchased and ran a coal mine, after raising the money by mortgaging his existing property. He ran the business for 20 years before selling it in 2010.[2] Smith has said that his company was “mining more than a million tons of a coal" per year and employed over 100 people.[6]
Political career
Plumcreek local politics
Smith was involved in local politics as a Democrat, serving on the Plumcreek Township Board of Supervisors and became President of the Board. In 1975, the Plumcreek board voted to increase the real estate tax rate from 6 to 8 mills. In 1977, the board created an income tax, and he voted for the “Local Tax enabling Act.” In 1978, he voted for the creation of a 1% real estate transfer tax.[7]
He was a Democratic committeeman as recently as 2010.[8]
2012 U.S. Senate election
In September 2011, Smith entered the Republican race for United States Senate and won the five-way primary with 43% of the vote.[9] He will challenge incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. in the general election in November. Casey was first elected in 2006, defeating then-incumbent U.S. Senator Rick Santorum by 18 points, 59%–41%.
Political positions
 | This article may lend undue weight to certain ideas, incidents, or controversies. (September 2012) |
On September 7, 2012, Smith released the full text of his five-point economic plan entitled, Restoring the American Dream.[10] The major points of his plan focused upon reducing federal spending and easing domestic energy production. Smith has continued to run television ads promoting his policy plan.[11]
Smith believes that abortion should be banned with no exceptions, including no exceptions for rape and incest. Following controversial comments about rape by Republican Representative Todd Akin, Smith was asked August 27, 2012 by the Pennsylvania Press Club, with regard to his no-exceptions anti-abortion stance, how he would tell a daughter or granddaughter who had been raped that she had to keep the pregnancy. Smith stated that he had been in a similar situation because his relative had become pregnant out of wedlock, as both situations can result in an unwanted pregnancy. Smith immediately attempted to walk back his statement, somewhat clarifying that he was not equating the two situations, but confusion over his remarks continued. [12][13] Smith has stated publicly disagrees with Akin's statements.
Personal life
After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart. They have lived in Armstrong County for several years with seven children.[2] His net worth is estimated between $60 to $70 million.[14]
References
- ^ "Thomas 'Tom' Joel Smith". Pennsylvania 2012 Election Center. The Washington Times. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Meet Tom". Tom Smith for Senate. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
- ^ http://articles.mcall.com/2012-04-24/news/mc-pa-bob-casey-senate-20120424_1_tea-party-gop-primary-race-democratic-party
- ^ http://www.paleadershipconference.com/speaker-bios/27-bio-tom-smith
- ^ Channels: Everyone would benefit if Sen. Casey would debate Tom Smith
- ^ http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/election-2012/candidates/146153735.html?keywords=%22Tom+%20Smith%22&author=y&sort=date
- ^ http://www.politicspa.com/smith-tax-votes-play-in-senate-campaign/33188/
- ^ Infield, Tom (April 25, 2012). "Smith wins GOP Senate nod". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- ^ Brennan, Kevin (April 24, 2012). "Smith Wins Pennsylvania Senate GOP Primary". National Journal. Retrieved April 25, 2012.
- ^ is big key’ to Senate candidate Smith’s tax plan
- ^ Smith Ad Aims at Policy (Also Casey). Watch Video
- ^ Senate candidate Tom Smith tangled up over rape and abortion
- ^ Laura Olson (August 28, 2012). "GOP Senate candidate Smith: No exceptions to allow abortion". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ http://www.politicspa.com/casey-to-donors-polls-have-warning-signals/37116/
External links
- U.S. Senate campaign website
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets.org
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