Armstrong County Tea Party leader and former coal company owner Tom Smith won the five-person race in Pennsylvania to become the Republican Nominee for the U.S. Senate. Smith garnered 40% of the vote. Two of his opponents, Sam Rohrer and Steven Welch got 22 and 21 percent of the vote respectively. David Christian grabbed 10% and Marc Scaringi rounded out the field with 7%.
Smith will face Senator Bob Casey in the November election. Casey defeated Joseph Vodvarka, of Robinson Township, 80% to 20% for the Democratic nomination.
At his headquarters in Greentree on Tuesday night, more than 100 supporters were jubilant and cheered Smith on as he delivered his victory speech.
"Our country is in danger," he said. "It's headed in the wrong direction, and Senator Bob Casey is a part of the problem."
He spoke about getting "our country back on track," and his belief that the Affordable Care Act should be overturned, and that President Obama is waging "a war on coal."
Smith was not endorsed by Governor Corbett and spent many of his own millions on his campaign.
