Breaking News: John McGinnis host of WRTA's "Open Mic" is set to challenge longtime State Representative Rick Geist for the republican nomination this Spring here in the 79th legislative district. Doug Herendeen the host of WRTA's "The 11th Hour" has confirmed that Mr. McGinnis has resigned as host of "Open Mic" to focus on challenging Geist.
Geist is one of Harrisburg's "most senior" and powerful lawmakers and he is currently serving out his 17th consecutive two-year term in the state legislature. Geist serves as the Chairman of the the State House Transportation Committee. In his bio on his legislative website, Geist highlights that he is currently at "top of the seniority list in the House Republican Caucus."In addition to his Chairmanship, he serves as Majority Chairman of the Committee on Committees and is a member of the Commerce and Rules committees. Although powerful indeed, Geist hasn't faced a serious primary challenger in ages.
Geist's challenger, John McGinnis, is also an Associate Professor of Finance at Penn State Altoona. He has hosted "Open Mic" for almost five years now. John is heavily involved in the Blair County Tea Party and serves as Vice-President on the group's Board of Directors. The group often viewed by the GOP establishment here in Blair County as political outsiders, has helped John build some political momentum for a serious run against Geist who is now the local party's political patriarch since the defeat of Senate Pro Temp, Bob Jubelirer.
This race will be an interesting to follow since this is Geist's first primary challenger since he voted for the July 7, 2005 pay raise and took the "unvouchered expenses" provision at the time. Because of the voter outrage and backlash the law was repealed, but it is hard to predict whether or not voters in the 79th district still feel the urge to hold him accountable like they did Jubelirer.
WRTA: Finance Professor, Former WRTA Host to Challenge Representative Rick Geist
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