David G. Argall (born November 21, 1958) is an American politician who is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, elected in a special election on March 3, 2009 following the death of fellow Republican James J. Rhoades. He was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1984 and served as Republican Whip from 2004 to 2008. Argall lost the 17th Congressional District election in 2010 after challenging incumbent Congressman Tim Holden.

David G. Argall
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate
from the 29th district
Assumed office
March 17, 2009
Preceded byJames J. Rhoades
Republican Whip of the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office
January 4, 2005 – November 30, 2008
Preceded byBrett Feese
Succeeded byMike Turzai
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 124th district
In office
January 1, 1985 – March 17, 2009
Preceded byWilliam Klingaman Sr.
Succeeded byJerry Knowles
Personal details
Born (1958-11-21) November 21, 1958 (age 65)
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Political partyRepublican
SpouseBeth Argall
ChildrenAJ and Elise
ResidenceRush Township, Pennsylvania
Alma materLycoming College
Penn State Harrisburg
OccupationLegislator and Adjunct Professor
Websitewww.senatorargall.com

Early life and education

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Argall earned a bachelor's degree in political science and international studies from Lycoming College and a master's degree in American studies at Penn State Harrisburg. In May 2006, he earned his Ph.D. in public administration from Penn State. Argall is a part-time instructor who has taught at Lycoming College and Penn State Schuylkill.[1]

Career

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Argall was Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, a position that led him to being named to the 2003 "The Pennsylvania Report Power 75" list of influential figures in Pennsylvania politics.[2] He was elected to serve as the Republican Whip in 2004 and again in 2006.[1]

Argall did not run for re-election to the post of Minority Whip in order to run for the State Senate seat from the 29th district which was vacated by the death and posthumous re-election of James J. Rhoades.[3][4] He was elected to the seat over his Democratic opponent, Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Steven Lukach, by a margin of 62% to 38%.[5]

2010 U.S. Congressional campaign

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On January 11, 2010, Argall announced his intention to challenge incumbent Democratic Congressman Tim Holden in the November elections. Argall's state senate district covered much of the eastern portion of the congressional district, including Holden's hometown of St. Clair.[citation needed] On November 2, 2010, Argall's 95,000 votes weren't enough as he lost for the first time in his political career, falling to Holden's 118,486 votes.[citation needed] He did not have to give up his state senate seat to run for Congress; Pennsylvania state senators serve staggered four-year terms, and Argall was not up for reelection until 2012.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Representative David Argall's Profile". Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  2. ^ "The PA Report "Power 75" List" (PDF). Pennsylvania Report. Capital Growth, Inc. January 31, 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-20.
  3. ^ "2009 Special Election for the 29th Senatorial District". Commonwealth of PA – Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2004.
  4. ^ Mary E. Young (2008-11-11). "State Rep. David Argall to abandon GOP leadership post while seeking Senate seat". Reading Eagle. Archived from the original on 2011-08-07. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  5. ^ Argall victory gives Republicans new pride[permanent dead link]
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Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded by Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 29th District
2009–present
Succeeded by
Incumbent
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 124th District
1985–2009
Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Republican Whip of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
2004–2008
Succeeded by