Keith James Rothfus/ˈrɒθfəs/(born April 25, 1962)[1]is an American lawyer and politician who served as theU.S. representativeforPennsylvania's 12th congressional districtfrom 2013 to 2019. He succeededDemocraticRepresentativeMark Critz,whom he defeated in the2012 election.[2][3]Prior to serving in Congress, he worked as an attorney. After new congressional district maps were released by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in February 2018, Rothfus became a candidate inPennsylvania's 17th congressional district,where he was defeated for re-election by the incumbent from the18th district,DemocratConor Lamb.
Keith Rothfus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromPennsylvania's12thdistrict | |
| In office January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Mark Critz |
| Succeeded by | Conor Lamb(Redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Keith James Rothfus April 25, 1962 Endicott, New York,U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Elsie Rothfus |
| Children | 6 |
| Education | Buffalo State College(BS) University of Notre Dame(JD) |
Early life and education
editRothfus was born in 1962 inEndicott, New York.He graduated fromWest Seneca West Senior High Schoolin 1980. He graduated from theState University of New York College at Buffalowith a bachelor's degree ininformation systems.He later earned hisJuris Doctorfrom theUniversity of Notre Dame Law Schoolin 1994.[4]
Law career
editFor most of his adult life, Rothfus has been a corporate attorney. He was employed by theUnited States Department of Homeland Securityfrom 2006 to 2007. He has also been a member of theEdgeworth, Pennsylvaniazoning board.He serves on the board of directors of the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania.[1][5]
U.S. House of Representatives
edit
Elections
edit2010
editRothfus decided to run for Congress inPennsylvania's 4th congressional district.In the Republican primary, he defeated U.S. AttorneyMary Beth Buchanan65%–35%.[6]Rothfus challenged Democratic U.S. CongressmanJason Altmire,losing 51%–49%.[7][8]
2012
editAfter redistricting, most of the 4th District was merged with theJohnstown-basedPennsylvania's 12th congressional district.Rothfus won the Republican primary unopposed. In the general election, he faced incumbent DemocratMark Critz,who had defeated incumbent Jason Altmire in the Democratic primary. Rothfus led Critz in fundraising for the second half of 2012. It was a highly competitive election, with outside groups spending nearly $10 million.[9]
Rothfus defeated Critz 52%–48%.[8][10][11]Although Critz had retained the bulk of his former territory, he could not overcome the significantly redder hue of the redrawn district.[12]Rothfus took office when the113th Congressconvened on January 3, 2013.
2014
editRothfus sought a second term in the U.S. House in 2014. He was re-nominated in the May 20 Republican primary and faced Democratic nominee Erin McClelland in the general election. He defeated McClelland 59%–41%, winning a second term.[13]
2016
editRothfus sought a third term in the U.S. House in 2016. He again faced Democratic candidate Erin McClelland in the general election. He defeated McClelland 62%–38%, winning a third term.[14]
2018
editFor his first three terms, Rothfus represented a district stretching from the northwestern suburbs of Pittsburgh toJohnstown.After thePennsylvania Supreme Courtthrew out the old congressional map as unconstitutional and replaced it with a map of its own, Rothfus' district was renumbered as the17th District.It lost its eastern portion, including the area around Johnstown, and reconfigured as a more compact district in the northern and western suburbs of Pittsburgh.[15]In the process, it lost its last connection toJohn Murtha,who had represented the 12th from 1972 until his death in 2010.
DemocratConor Lamb,who wona special electionfor the neighboring18th District,had his home drawn into the new 17th and filed to run for a full term there on March 20.[16]On paper, the new 17th is far less Republican than its predecessor; President Trump carried the old 12th by 20 points, but would have carried the new 17th by just 2.5 points.[17]In the November 2018 general election, Rothfus was defeated by Lamb. Lamb won 56% of the vote to Rothfus's 44%.[18][19]
The political action committeeAmerica First Policiesbought advertisements in support of Rothfus's campaign.[20]
Committee assignments
editCaucus memberships
editPolitical positions
editRothfus, aconservative,was a member of theRepublican Study Committee.[21]
Finance
editOn July 20, 2017, Rothfus introduced H.J.Res.111, which nullifies a rule submitted by theConsumer Financial Protection Bureau.[22]
Healthcare
editIn early 2017, efforts were made to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 130 of Rothfus's constituents requested a town hall to discuss their concerns about removed/reduced health coverage. Frustrated citizens sponsored and invited Rothfus to a town hall; he declined.[23]Some of Rothfus's constituents reportedly started a PAC to motivate him to meet with them.[24]On June 3, activists and constituents purportedly frustrated with Rothfus's refusal to host a town hall interrupted a Chamber of Commerce meeting that Rothfus was attending.[25]
Human trafficking
editAlong with CongressmanJuan Vargas(D-CA), Rothfus introduced the "Fight Illicit Networks and Detect Trafficking Act" (or the FIND Trafficking Act), H.R. 6069. On July 17, 2018, the House passed the S.488, the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018, which contained the text of the FIND Trafficking Act. The FIND Trafficking Act directs theComptroller of the Currencyto study how virtual currencies can facilitate human trafficking.[26]
Insurance regulation
editOn September 12, 2018, a bill that Rothfus had introduced, the State Insurance Regulation Preservation Act (H.R. 5059), passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation would tailor the supervision of theFederal Reserveoverholding companiesthat ownthrifts(savings and loans banks). The bill streamlines regulator's approach to insurance savings and loan holding companies (ISLHCs) by enacting several reforms.[27]
LGBT rights
editIn 2015, he signed onto a resolution which would amend the U.S. Constitution so that only marriages between men and women are legal.[28]Rothfus has a 0 rating from theHuman Rights Campaign,an LGBT rights advocacy group.[29]
Natural disasters
editIn 2013, Rothfus voted against a bill to provide disaster relief funding to victims ofHurricane Sandy.Referring to the bill's funding offsets for theNational Flood Insurance Program,he said it was "irresponsible to raise an insolvent program's debt ceiling without making reforms."[30]
Refugee crisis
editIn January 2017, Rothfus issued a statement in support ofPresident Trump's executive order on refugees.[31]
In May 2017, Rothfus voted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act,[32][33][34]including provisions to defund Planned Parenthood.[35]The bill included an exemption for Congress that was later removed,[36]and the MacArthur amendment, which allowed states to opt out of covering preexisting conditions.[37]
Personal life
editRothfus resided with his wife, Elsie, and their six children inSewickley, Pennsylvaniain 2012.[1]He is a survivor of appendix cancer.
He and his family attended St. James Catholic Church inSewickley.[38]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jason Altmire(Incumbent) | 120,827 | 50.81% | |
| Republican | Keith Rothfus | 116,958 | 49.19% | |
| Democratichold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Keith Rothfus | 175,352 | 51.7 | |
| Democratic | Mark Critz(incumbent) | 163,589 | 48.3 | |
| Total votes | 338,941 | 100.0 | ||
| RepublicangainfromDemocratic | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Keith Rothfus (incumbent) | 127,993 | 59.3 | |
| Democratic | Erin McClelland | 87,928 | 40.7 | |
| Total votes | 215,921 | 100.0 | ||
| Republicanhold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Keith Rothfus (incumbent) | 221,851 | 61.8 | |
| Democratic | Erin Mcclelland | 137,353 | 38.2 | |
| Total votes | 359,204 | 100.0 | ||
| Republicanhold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Conor Lamb(incumbent) | 183,162 | 56.3 | |
| Republican | Keith Rothfus (incumbent) | 142,417 | 43.7 | |
| Total votes | 325,579 | 100.0 | ||
| DemocraticgainfromRepublican | ||||
References
edit- ^abc"Keith James Rothfus".The Washington Times. Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2013.RetrievedNovember 8,2012.
- ^Cernetich, Kelly."Critz Concedes Race to Rothfus".PoliticsPA.RetrievedNovember 7,2012.
- ^"Rothfus wins seat in Pa.'s redrawn 12th Congressional District".WPXI.RetrievedNovember 7,2012.
- ^"Keith Rothfus".Ballotpedia.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^"The Keith You Know".keithrothfus. Archived fromthe originalon October 19, 2012.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^"PA – District 04 – R Primary Race".Our Campaigns. May 18, 2010.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^"PA – District 04 Race".Our Campaigns. November 2, 2010.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^abSchmitz, Jon and McNulty, Timothy (November 7, 2012)."Rothfus upsets Critz in bitter battle for U.S. House".Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.RetrievedNovember 8,2012.
{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^"New Jersey Herald – GOP's Rothfus beats incumbent Critz in W. Pa. race".Njherald.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^"Commonwealth of PA – Elections Information".Electionreturns.state.pa.us. November 6, 2012. Archived fromthe originalon November 16, 2012.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^"2012 Election Results Map by State – Live Voting Updates".Politico.RetrievedNovember 18,2012.
- ^"Rothfus wins seat in Pa.'s redrawn 12th Congressional District".WPXI. Archived fromthe originalon March 4, 2016.RetrievedNovember 7,2012.
- ^"2014 Pennsylvania House Election Results".Politico.RetrievedNovember 5,2014.
- ^"Pennsylvania 2016 General Election – November 8, 2016 Official Results".Pennsylvania Secretary of State. November 8, 2016.RetrievedDecember 28,2016.
- ^Cohn, Nate; Bloch, Matthew; Quealy, Kevin (February 19, 2018)."The New Pennsylvania Congressional Map, District by District".The New York Times.New York.RetrievedFebruary 22,2018.
- ^Eliza Collins (March 20, 2018)."Conor Lamb won Pennsylvania's 18th district. Tuesday he filed in the state's 17th District".USA Today.
- ^Prose, J.D. (March 14, 2018)."U.S. Rep.-elect Conor Lamb in primary race to challenge Rep. Keith Rothfus".The Times.RetrievedMarch 26,2018.
- ^Pramuk, Jacob (November 7, 2018)."Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb projected to knock off GOP Rep. Keith Rothfus in Pennsylvania House race: NBC News".CNBC.RetrievedNovember 27,2018.
- ^"Pennsylvania Election Results: 17th House District".New York Times.RetrievedNovember 27,2018.
- ^"The Daily 202: What does Trump have to hide? Secretive White House unapologetic about clawing back transparency".The Washington Post.April 17, 2017.
- ^"Member List".Republican Study Committee. Archived fromthe originalon January 1, 2019.RetrievedJanuary 2,2018.
- ^Keith, Rothfus (November 1, 2017)."H.J.Res.111 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to" Arbitration Agreements "".congress.gov.RetrievedNovember 6,2018.
- ^Ryan Deto (February 22, 2017)."U.S. Congressman Keith Rothfus dodges 130 constituents in first week back in district".Pittsburgh City Paper.Pittsburgh City Paper.
- ^"'Yinzers Against Jagoffs' PAC forms demanding more accessibility from U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus ".Pittsburgh City Paper.Ryan Deto. March 20, 2017.
- ^Emily Balser."Protesters interrupt Rothfus meeting".TribLive.Trib Total Media.RetrievedJune 5,2017.
- ^"Rothfus Supports Economic Growth Package that Includes his Bipartisan Anti-Drug and Human Trafficking Bill".Congressman Keith Rothfus.July 17, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 20,2018.
- ^"House Passes Rothfus' Bipartisan Bill to Tailor the Supervision of Insurance-Focused Savings and Loan Holding Companies".Congressman Keith Rothfus.September 13, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 20,2018.
- ^Marcos, Cristina (February 19, 2015)."GOP resolution proposes gay marriage ban".The Hill.RetrievedMarch 26,2018.
- ^Andrew Breiner."Republicans Who Didn't Say 'LGBT' in Their Orlando Statements".Roll Call.Roll Call.RetrievedNovember 17,2017.
- ^Larissa Dudkiewicz (January 8, 2013)."Rothfus Votes Against Hurricane Sandy Relief".Patch.Patch.RetrievedNovember 17,2017.
- ^"Rothfus statement on President Trump's executive order on refugees".WeAreCentralPa.Kevin Valentine. January 30, 2017.RetrievedMay 5,2017.
- ^"How Every Member Voted on the House Health Care Bill".New York Times.May 4, 2017.RetrievedMay 5,2017.
- ^"The American Health Care Act Makes Unsustainable Cuts to Medicaid".AARP.May 4, 2017.RetrievedMay 4,2017.
- ^"This is what Americans will really dislike about the House 'Trumpcare' bill".CNN.RetrievedMay 5,2017.
- ^Sandhya Somashekhar, Paige W. Cunningham."Congressional health-care bill 'defunds' Planned Parenthood".Washington Post.RetrievedMay 5,2017.
- ^Linda Qiu."Fact Check: Is Congress Exempt From the G.O.P. Health Bill?".The New York Times.RetrievedMay 4,2017.
- ^"The GOP's big lie: Healthcare bill 'protects people with preexisting conditions'".Los Angeles Times.May 4, 2017.RetrievedMay 5,2017.
- ^"Our Campaigns - Candidate - Keith Rothfus".ourcampaigns.RetrievedJanuary 10,2018.
- ^"2010 General Election: Representative in Congress".Pennsylvania Department of State. November 2, 2010.RetrievedJuly 24,2018.
- ^"Statistics of Presidential and Congressional Election of November 6, 2012".Karen Haas, Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. February 28, 2013.RetrievedApril 7,2013.
- ^"Pennsylvania 2014 General Election – November 4, 2014 Official Results".Pennsylvania Secretary of State. November 4, 2014.RetrievedMarch 8,2021.
- ^"Pennsylvania 2016 General Election – November 8, 2016 Official Results".Pennsylvania Secretary of State. November 8, 2016.RetrievedDecember 28,2016.
- ^"2018 General Election: Representative in Congress".Pennsylvania Secretary of State. November 6, 2018.RetrievedNovember 12,2018.
External links
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