Hopkins plans to run against DeWeese in 2008
WAYNESBURG – Greg Hopkins is going to give another shot at trying to unseat incumbent Democratic lawmaker Rep. Bill DeWeese. Hopkins has formally announced that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for state representative of District 50 in the 2008 primary.
Hopkins, 36, of Nineveh, who challenged DeWeese, D-Waynesburg, two years ago in what turned out to be a close race, said he decided to run against DeWeese again this year.
The 50th Legislative District encompasses all of Greene County and parts of Fayette and Washington counties.
In a statement released Thursday, Hopkins identified several factors in his decision to run against DeWeese again, including the ongoing “bonusgate” investigation by the state attorney general’s office.
“Since the 2006 election, my strength and resolve for a better way of government has only grown stronger,” Hopkins said. “I look back and compare what we campaigned on then to what is happening now. Honesty, integrity and trust are the values that I see in a leader. My vision does not include behavior requiring an investigation by the attorney general.
“We need role models of good conduct in leadership,” he continued. “Citizens deserve to have someone represent them that is a reflection of what they value and believe. Our residents here are hardworking, honest and committed to their families and communities. I will represent them and not compromise my core values or beliefs.”
Hopkins continued, “Real reform is not coming out of Harrisburg as promised. What is coming out is another huge scandal brewing around our incumbent. ‘Bonusgate’ is a breach of trust bigger than the midnight pay grab. Our 31-year incumbent has been very busy trying to remove himself from this scandal and spinning story after story to try and explain himself out of it. He can’t. He is at the center.
“In 2008, citizens will not only speak, they will be heard,” he added. “My pledge and promise to this district is to bring in a new era of trust.”
Hopkins said his campaign spent $47,000 to the incumbent’s $1.2 million in 2006, but Hopkins still won in Greene County. He lost in Fayette and Washington counties, however, which enabled DeWeese to win the tight race.
Hopkins is a graduate and Academic All-American of Slippery Rock University with a degree in environmental science. He played professionally with the Arena Football League for 11 years and retired last year.
He was a key component in forming the Arena Football Players Union. During his stellar career, he was chosen “Ironman of the Year,” the league’s most prestigious honor.
He is currently coaching as well as running a family farm in Nineveh. He has served seven years as the Morris Township auditor and serves as a community activist and active volunteer.