Michael Cavanagh drops out of race
Embattled State House of Representatives candidate Michael J. Cavanagh has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Democratic nomination in the 51st District. According to the Pennsylvania Department of State Web site, Cavanagh withdrew from the race Tuesday. Cavanagh, 33, of Uniontown was one of four Democrats seeking the nomination in the May 16 primary for the seat currently held by state Rep. Larry Roberts (D-South Union), who is not seeking re-election to a seventh term.
Cavanagh did not return a call seeking comment.
Although Cavanagh filed nomination papers to run, his candidacy was being challenged. Last week Phillip Michael of Uniontown filed a challenge to Cavanagh’s nominating papers, citing a 2001 conviction for auto insurance fraud, forgery and other related charges. Michael, through attorney Kenneth B. Burkley, has alleged that those crimes are “infamous.”
Cavanagh was previously thrown off the ballot in 2004 for his criminal record when he filed to run as an independent for Roberts’ seat. He has maintained his innocence as well as the contention that he was convicted of an infamous crime.
Anyone convicted of an infamous crime “… shall (not) be eligible to the General Assembly, or capable of holding any office of trust or profit in this Commonwealth,” according to the state constitution.
The word “infamous” has never been defined, Cavanagh previously said, and courts should not be able to arbitrarily decide what does and does not fit that distinction. Just last week Cavanagh said he would fight to remain on the primary ballot.
With his withdrawal, a hearing scheduled for Monday in Pittsburgh will not be held.
The three other candidates seeking the Democratic nomination had little to say regarding Cavanagh’s decision. The other candidates include Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites, and Uniontown businessmen Gary Gearing and Timothy S. Mahoney.
When contacted Wednesday, Mahoney had no comment regarding Cavanagh’s withdrawal. Gearing said he had no comment regarding Cavanagh, but said he is looking forward to “a lively campaign for all those involved.”
Vicites could not be reached for comment.