Incumbent Puskaric holds lead

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

State Rep. Mike Puskaric, R-Union Township, held a healthy lead over Democratic challenger Sara-Summer Oliphant of South Park in the 39th Legislative District late Tuesday night.

Oliphant took an early lead in Allegheny County as mail-in ballots were counted and reported, but Puskaric took an equally strong lead in Washington County. As of 10:15 p.m., he led the race 51.65% to 48.53%, with a vote tally of 3,429 to 3,210. Oliphant led the mail-in ballots with 2,719 to Puskaric’s 1,385, but Puskaric received more votes at the polls Tuesday, leading Oliphant in that county by more than 4-1.

By 11 p.m., it appeared as if the complete vote tally was completed in Washington County, while Allegheny County was still incomplete. The Pennsylvania Department of State website listed the unofficial results as of 11:15 p.m. as Puskaric leading Oliphant 58.72% to 41.28%, with a vote tally of 5,574 for Puskaric and 3,919 for Oliphant.

“I think we’re just stuck in a holding pattern right now,” Oliphant said. “It’s a process, and I trust the process.

“Win or lose, I feel this campaign was successful. I didn’t compromise who I am or what I stand for. I set a good example for my children.”

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.