Daley defeats challengers in Democratic primary
State House Rep. Peter J. Daley appeared to have secured the Democratic nomination for the 49th legislative district, according to unofficial tallies reported by Fayette and Washington counties on Tuesday night. The 12-term legislator was besting his nearest competition in Fayette County by a 2-to-1 margin at 10:30 p.m. with nine of 15 precincts reporting. In Washington County, with just over half of the vote in, Daley garnered 54 percent of the vote.
Daley was not available for comment last night.
In both counties, Daley’s nearest competition was James Rohaley of Daisytown. Randy Barli of Coal Center was in last place.
The 49th district includes Brownsville, Menallen, Redstone and Washington townships in Fayette County, but the bulk of the district in comprised of communities in Washington County.
Daley has touted his involvement in the Mon Valley Expressway among his most poignant accomplishments. He also lists $8.5 million toward California University of Pennsylvania’s Eberly Science and Technology and $4.5 million in grants to communities in the 49th district among his accomplishments during the past 12 years.
Daley was elected to the House in 1983 and has continued to serve since. He is the chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Rohaley, 80, is a World War II veteran and also has a background in public service. At an editorial board session, Rohaley express disappointment with the recent actions of the legislature. Although many talked of tax reform, Rohaley said nothing has come of it.
He supports opening up legislative records for public view and lobbyist disclosure.
Barli has been a member of the Washington County Democratic Committee since 2002 and previously served as a Coal Center Borough councilman.