UPDATED- Taubenberger: Still considering whether to enter 172nd District race
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with comments from incumbent Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172nd).
State Rep. Kevin Boyle has already announced his re-election bid for the 172nd Legislative District.
And if Al Taubenberger accepts the endorsement the Republican City Committee has offered, the two will square off in the general election.
Taubenberger, of Burholme, told NEast Philly today he’s still considering the endorsement and weighing whether he’ll run. We spoke with him after the Public Record reported he’d already decided to enter the race. Taubenberger is the president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He most recently lost the City Council-at-large race to Republican David Oh, and was defeated by Democrat Mayor Michael Nutter in the 2007 mayoral election.
“I certainly expected a challenger,” Boyle said when reached for comment Thursday. Citing his positive campaign tactics and accomplishments within the district, the incumbent continued, “We feel very confident about re-election.” He’ll continue campaigning with next month’s fundraising beef and beer at the Hop Angel Brauhaus in Fox Chase.
Boyle lives in neighboring Fox Chase and was elected to the House in 2010 after defeating Republican John Perzel. Perzel now awaits sentencing after pleading guilty last year to corruption charges.
If Taubenberger is in the race, it won’t be the first time the two Northeast families face off in politics. In 2008, Kevin’s brother Brendan defeated Al’s son Matt for the 170th District seat.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.