Jan 27, 2016 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – Betsy Rohanna McClure of Franklin Township announced Wednesday she is running for the Republican nomination for state representative in the 50th Legislative District.

“For too long, the career politicians have done nothing but tax more and spend more while our families lose jobs and our seniors lose their retirement savings,” McClure said. “I will put the needs of our communities first by fighting to keep the jobs we have and for the economic growth that creates new jobs, focusing on public safety, bringing fiscal discipline to government and reforming the way Harrisburg works.”

State Rep. Pam Snyder of Jefferson, who holds the seat McClure is vying for, announced last week that she is running for her third term in office on the Democratic ticket. The 50th District includes all of Greene County and parts of Fayette and Washington counties.

Throughout McClure’s life and career as a wife, mother, grandmother, hospice nurse, hospital nursing supervisor, director of a skilled nursing unit and, today, as a certified school nurse, McClure said she always strived to do what is in the best interest of her patients and her students. McClure said major issues that concern her in the district are the drug epidemic and energy issues.

“I have seen firsthand how the loss of energy jobs, the serious drug epidemic and high taxes are negatively affecting our families, children, grandchildren and entire communities,” McClure said. “I’ll bring a different perspective to the debate in Harrisburg.”

Between the closing of the Emerald Mine and Hatfield’s Ferry power plant and the downturn in the natural gas industry, McClure said the residents in the district are looking for strong leaders who are willing to fight for their jobs.

“Growing up here, I understand the critical role the coal and gas industries and manufacturing plays for the families of our region – and how the loss of these jobs continues to hurt the hard working men and women in our counties,” McClure said. “Saving these jobs, and fighting unfair federal and state regulations that are crippling these industries will be a top priority.”

McClure earned her nursing degree from Waynesburg College and a master’s degree in education from California University of Pennsylvania. She holds a K-12 principal certification and has been a certified school nurse in the Trinity School District for more than 15 years. Prior to accepting her current position, McClure served as a case manager for Albert Gallatin Hospice and Washington Hospital. She also taught college and vocational-technical nursing classes.

“I will never vote to raise my own pay, and I will sponsor legislation to end the automatic cost of living adjustment that legislators continue to receive,” she said. “I believe this is a slap in the face to so many local seniors on fixed incomes.”

McClure and her husband, Keith, are the parents of a son and daughter and the grandparents of a granddaughter and grandson. She is a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the Greene County Historical Society, Veterans of Foreign War Post 4793, National Rifle Association and St. Ann Roman Catholic Church.

She said she will represent pro-life values and will protect the Second Amendment and constitutional rights.