Thomas L. Stevenson
Encyclopedia
Thomas L. Stevenson is a former Republican
member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
, where he represented the 42nd legislative district
from 1997 through 2006.
Stevenson served as chair of the House Ethics Committee. Stevenson's legislative accomplishments include the "hero scholarship bill", allowing children of firefighters, police, paramedics, and national guardsmen who are killed in the line of duty to attend certain Pennsylvania colleges for free. Additionally, he claimed that he increased funding for libraries, blocked suburbanites from having to pay a commuter tax to Pittsburgh, and provided tax credits to draw film production to the state.
He lost the 2006 primary election
to Mark Harris
, a 21-year-old college student. Stevenson was heavily criticized for his support for the 2005 legislative pay raise
. During a negative campaign, Stevenson attacked his opponent as a political novice by airing television commercials depicting a tree house, "the only property Mr. Harris has ever owned."
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the lower house of the bicameral Pennsylvania General Assembly, the legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. There are 203 members, elected for two year terms from single member districts....
, where he represented the 42nd legislative district
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 42
The 42nd Pennsylvania House of Representatives District is located in Allegheny County and includes the following areas:* Bethel Park ** Ward 03** Ward 05 [PART, Division 03]** Ward 06 [PART, Division 03]** Ward 07...
from 1997 through 2006.
Stevenson served as chair of the House Ethics Committee. Stevenson's legislative accomplishments include the "hero scholarship bill", allowing children of firefighters, police, paramedics, and national guardsmen who are killed in the line of duty to attend certain Pennsylvania colleges for free. Additionally, he claimed that he increased funding for libraries, blocked suburbanites from having to pay a commuter tax to Pittsburgh, and provided tax credits to draw film production to the state.
He lost the 2006 primary election
Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections, 2006
The 2006 Elections for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were held on November 7, 2006, with all districts being contested. Necessary primary elections were held on May 16, 2006. Members elected in 2006 were inaugurated on January 2, 2007...
to Mark Harris
Mark Harris (politician)
Mark Harris is a US politician based out of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Harris won fame in May 2006 when he beat Thomas L. Stevenson, a five-term incumbent in a district Republican primary for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He is currently the campaign manager for Pat Toomey's campaign...
, a 21-year-old college student. Stevenson was heavily criticized for his support for the 2005 legislative pay raise
2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2005, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed pay increases for state lawmakers, judges, and top executive-branch officials. The vote took place at 2 a.m. without public review or commentary and Governor Ed Rendell signed the bill into law...
. During a negative campaign, Stevenson attacked his opponent as a political novice by airing television commercials depicting a tree house, "the only property Mr. Harris has ever owned."
External links
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives - Thomas L. Stevenson - official Pennsylvania House website (archived)