Mar 31, 2019 3 min read

With November’s midterm elections almost five months in the rear view mirror, we should theoretically be enjoying an intermission from the mudslinging, outlandish claims and counterclaims that have become fixtures of our politics.

But if you live in this region, you’ve enjoyed no such surcease.

Tune in to a local television station, and you’ve seen ads proclaiming that D. Raja, the Republican candidate for the Pennsylvania Senate’s 37th District seat, is a glowering outsourcer of jobs and a joined-at-the-hip ally of President Trump. Then, in the opposing ads, Raja’s Democratic opponent, Pam Iovino, is portrayed as an extremist supporter of late-term abortion and the best friend of Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi.

The tone of the campaign has been dismaying, particularly since so much of the dirt that has been stirred has precious little to do with any of the substantive issues Raja or Iovino would face if they go to Harrisburg to finish out the 21 months left in the term of Guy Reschenthaler, who resigned the seat in January to become a U.S. congressman. The snarling negativity of the campaign, primarily designed to prod the most die-hard partisans to the polls for a low-turnout special election on Tuesday, obscures the fact that both candidates are centrist, serious and accomplished, each possessing distinctive strengths.

Iovino is a Navy veteran and a former assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Raja is the successful founder of a computer consulting firm, a former Mt. Lebanon commissioner and a board member for the Port Authority of Allegheny County. A mainstay of the area’s Republican politics, he has previously mounted campaigns for the Senate seat he is currently seeking, and to be Allegheny County’s executive.

Either candidate would serve the residents of the 37th Senate District well. But we think the best choice voters could make is pulling the lever for Raja.

Given his experience in Mt. Lebanon municipal politics, his work with the Port Authority and his previous campaigns, Raja has paid his dues. He has an understanding of the concerns of residents of the 37th District, and would confront them with energy and commitment. If he goes to Harrisburg, he would be able to get up to speed quickly. His background as an entrepreneur and business leader positions him to be an enthusiastic salesman and advocate for the area.

And Raja would also bring diversity to the region’s representation in the state capitol. A native of India, he came to the United States to partake of our country’s educational opportunities and start a business. He has fulfilled America’s promise. His desire to engage in his community’s civic life should be rewarded by voters. If he becomes a state senator, it would send the message that, in this region, all are welcome.

In Washington County, the 37th District includes Peters Township. In Allegheny County, it includes such South Hills communities as Bridgeville, Mt. Lebanon, South Fayette Township and Upper St. Clair.