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Revision as of 01:04, 11 January 2008 by Steve Smith (talk | contribs) (re-inserted indictment information (including criticism of his prosecutor) per talk page)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)| Frank LaGrotta | |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Tenth District | |
| In office 1987–2006 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph Pratt |
| Succeeded by | Jaret Gibbons |
| Personal details | |
| Born | footnotes November 25, 1958 Ellwood City, Pennsylvania |
| Died | footnotes |
| Resting place | footnotes |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | single |
| Parent |
|
| Residence | Ellwood City, Pennsylvania |
Frank LaGrotta (November 25, 1958-) is an American politician from Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. A Democrat, he served ten terms as the state representative from the 10th District, from 1987 to 2006.
Personal life
LaGrotta was born November 25, 1958 in Ellwood City. He is an alumnus of Riverside High School. He graduated the University of Notre Dame, having received a Bachelor of Arts in 1980 and a Master of Arts in 1981. He is the grandson of immigrants.
After graduation, LaGrotta worked as a sports journalist with Gannett News Service from 1981-1983. LaGrotta returned home to work as office manager for Ralph Pratt, who was then the representative for the 10th district. He also served as Legislative Director of the Beaver County Legislative Delegation from 1983-1986.
Political career
Upon Pratt's election as a judge, LaGrotta ran for his boss's seat. In 1986 he defeated Republican Jim Gerlach, who is currently a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district. LaGrotta was considered a Casey Democrat because of his pro-life stance and his strong ties to organized labor.
He won re-election nine times, largely with token Republican opposition. He faced one serious challenge in the GOP landslide year of 1994 winning with only 53% of the vote. After the 1994 scare, LaGrotta ran unopposed in four of his last five races.
LaGrotta made one run at higher office, in 1992. He finished fourth in a four-way primary for Pennsylvania's 4th congressional district with Ron Klink ultimately defeating Rep. Joe Kolter who was embroiled in the Congressional Post Office Scandal.
During his tenure, LaGrotta established himself as a strong advocate for his district, securing funds for 11 bridges in Ellwood City, leading opposition to a hazardous waste facility in his district, and lobbying for public works projects.
2006 primary election
LaGrotta ran for re-election for an eleventh term, but was defeated in the primary for the 2006 election by political newcomer Jaret Gibbons. The margin of defeat was 28 votes.
The election focused on LaGrotta's support for the controversial 2005 legislative pay raise.
Following the election, LaGrotta was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Lawrence County Housing Authority in December 2006. He resigned this position in October 2007.
Indictment
On November 14, 2007, LaGrotta was arraigned in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on two corruption-related felony charges, following the Attorney General's investigation into the 2006 bonus scandal. According to Republican Party Attorney General Tom Corbett, LaGrotta allegedly used his position to have his sister and niece paid over $26,000 from state funds.
The Philadelphia Daily News has described both the larger investigation and specific charges against LaGrotta as "politically motivated", and accused Corbett of "using the attorney general's office to help the GOP", stating that "He's investigating House Democrats because Republicans are frustrated...Corbett's investigation is seemingly designed to weaken Democrats as the legislature gets back into session."
Other critics of the investigation have noted the "apparent reluctance of Attorney General Tom Corbett to go after Republicans giving and getting bonuses after doing campaign work with the same zeal as Democrats..."
References
- ^ Biography at Project Vote Smart
- ^ Walter, Kori (2007-11-14). "All in the Family". Beaver County Times.
- ^ Roddy, Dennis (2007-11-15). "LaGrotta rose fast as Casey Democrat". Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
- "Frank LaGrotta Candidate Detail". OurCampaigns.com. Retrieved 1/9/08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "1992 General Primary". Sourced from 1994 Almanac of American Politics. OurCampaigns.com. Retrieved 1/9/08.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "2006 General Primary". Pennsylvania Department of State. 2006-05-16.
- "State House races: Pistella, LaGrotta, Stevenson out; Veon wins". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. 2006-05-17.
- "Lessons unlearned". Bucks County Courier Times. 2007-11-18.
- Barnes, Tom. LaGrotta knew nothing about hefty bonuses, lawyer says, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2007-11-16. Accessed 2007-11-27.
- "Ex-lawmaker faces charges as corruption probes roil Pa. House (phillyBurbs.com)". Retrieved 2008-01-08.
{{cite web}}: Text "Pennsylvania News" ignored (help) - "The too-political Tom Corbett". Philly.com. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - "How do we insure prosecutorial fairness". Philly.com. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
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