May 14, 2006 By Amy Zalar 4 min read

The three Democratic candidates seeking to replace state Rep. Larry Roberts, D-South Union, as the next representative for the 51st Legislative District had a combined total of more than $170,000 in funds available to use for their respective campaigns for the period covering late March through May 1, according to information from state election officials. Of that total, Uniontown businessman Gary Gearing had amassed $67,006.22 in his war chest, compared to $25,424.70 for businessman Timothy S. Mahoney and $78,863.45 for Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites.

According to campaign finance reports for the cycle two reporting period, which covers late March through May 1, the men had spent nearly $124,000 during the period leading up to the Tuesday’s primary; with Gearing spending $63,545.07, Vicites spending $34,825.82 and Mahoney spending $25,488.68.

The reports detail monetary contributions and expenditures for the candidates. A further breakdown by candidate is:

Gearing

Gearing was by far his own biggest contributor, donating $56,500 to his own campaign. He brought forward $9,006.22 from the last report and added $58,000, giving him a total of $67,006. Gearing spent $63,545.07, leaving him a balance of $3,461.15 He also had $123,530.18 in unpaid debts and obligations.

Although Gearing was the largest contributor to his campaign, his other top 10 contributors for the reporting period were: John Diosi of St. Clairsville, Ohio, $300; Suzanne Abel of Ohiopyle, $250; and Peter Belch of Hopwood, Michael Polito of Uniontown, Richard Burkland of Perryopolis, William Long of Uniontown, Donald Buttermore of Uniontown, Charles Calabrese of Uniontown, Thomas Washko of Martin, Sharon Stokes of Uniontown and Richard Glover of Markleysburg, who each donated $100.

Mahoney

Mahoney’s largest contributor during the reporting period was Diana K. Mahoney of Maryland, who donated $7,500. For the reporting period, Mahoney brought forward $10,474 from the last reporting period and added $14,950, for a total of $25,424.70. He spent $25,488.687, leaving him a negative cash balance of $63.97, and he had $3,952.12 in unpaid debts and obligations.

Other large contributors were Joanne Risha, who donated $1,500; and the following contributors of $500 each: Christopher Kefalas of Florida, Elizabeth McDonald, Harry F. Radcliffe, Joseph A. Bezjak, Phillip J. Michael, Sean McDonald, Thomas W. Gerke and William “Trip” Radcliffe.

The chairman of the Fayette County Democratic Party, Fred Lebder, and his wife, Norma Jean Lebder, also each gave donations of $250 to Mahoney’s campaign.

Vicites

Vicites brought forward $52,978.66 from the last report and received contributions of $25,884.79, giving him a total of $78,863.45 for the reporting period. Vicites spent $34,825.82, leaving him an ending cash balance of $44,037. He also had unpaid debts and obligations totaling $8,462.63.

Of the largest single contributors, Vicites received $1,000 contributions from Russell J. and Susan Biggica of Hershey and $1,000 from Terry E. and Denise McMillen of McMillen Engineering.

Vicites also received numerous $500 contributions from the following: John R. Jr. and Michele Over of K2 Engineering; James L. Laurita Jr. of Morgantown, W. Va.; Sturge W. Hughes of Dunbar; Joseph and Aloha R. Widmer of Widmer Engineering, Carl A. Jr. and Theresa M. Hoffman; and Fred F. III and Rhonda Zeigler.

Vicites also received a $400 contribution from Turtle Rock Farm, Dennis Thiemann of Shermans Dale.

In contributions received from political committees, Vicites received $500 from Greenlee partners State PAC; $700 from Carpenters Legislative Program of Greater Pennsylvania; $500 from BikePAC; $500 from Iron Workers Local No. 401; $400 from Advanced Acoustic Concept PAC; $300 from L. Robert Kimball and Associated PAC; $500 from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 354 Fund PAC and $300 from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Other Vicites contributors include Fayette County solicitor Joseph E. Ferens Jr. of Uniontown, who donated $200 to Vicites campaign, and Jo Lofstead of Masontown, who donated $100. Lofstead is in charge of the Hiller office of state Rep. H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg.

Roberts, 64, opted not to seek an eighth term in office, leaving the seat up for grabs.

Republicans

Two Republicans, John “Sonny” Mikita and Harry Hughes, are seeking their party’s nomination for the position.

Hughes had a total amount of $2,000 in funds available, and spent more than half of that. Mikita did not file his report in a timely fashion, so it was not available for review. Mikita is now subject to a $20-per-day late filing fee.

The 51st Legislative District includes the city of Uniontown; Bullskin Township’s 1st pre-cinct; German Township’s 1st and 3rd precincts’ the townships of South Union, Spring-hill, Georges, Nicholson, Stewart, Henry Clay, Springfield, Wharton and Connellsville’ and the boroughs of Fairchance, Smithfield, South Connells-ville, Ohiopyle and Markleysburg.