PITTSBURGH — For the first time in nearly 70 years, a Republican will represent Fayette and parts of Somerset and Westmoreland counties in the state Senate.
Initial odds favored Deberah Kula, a well-known and recognized Democratic state lawmaker. After all, the seat had been held by the Democrats for 67 years.
But after a brutal showdown with local businessman Pat Stefano, it was the relative newcomer to politics who came out victorious and claimed the seat that’s being vacated by retiring Sen. Richard Kasunic.
If you’ve followed the race, it’s likely you’ve seen the bitter, negative ads that flowed from both camps for weeks.
“It was an awful ad and there was some back-and-forth going on that has to stop. We have to talk about the issues and contrast each other,” Stefano said.
Reports say ads from both sides topped $1 million.
Stefano, a married father of four, told Channel 11's Joe Holden that his motivation to run was rooted in being frustrated.
“Every morning we’d complain about all the things that were wrong, and we never did anything about it,” Stefano said. “Then, there was this senate race. And instead of just talking about it, we came to do something about it.”
Stefano’s opponent had big-name recognition, having worked her way from the courts to magistrate to state office.
Kula did not respond to repeated calls, emails and texts. Workers at her state district office said she was off for the day.
Kula’s campaign manager reportedly spoke on her behalf Tuesday night, telling supporters it just wasn’t their night.