Corman seeks nomination

J. Doyle Corman's son hopes to fill vacant seat his father's departure will create this fall.

Jacob Doyle Corman III announced yesterday he will seek the Republican nomination for Pennsylvania's 34th State Senate seat, a position from which his father, J. Doyle Corman, will retire at the end of his term in November.

"Nobody knows better than me what a formidable challenge it will be for anyone to replace Senator Doyle Corman," Corman III told about 100 people in a news conference yesterday at the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave.

"As your state senator, I will work night and day to be central Pennsylvania's No. 1 advocate and to make sure that the next generation will have the same quality of life that we've been able to enjoy," Corman III said.

Corman III, a University alumnus, 33, recently resigned from his post of State Director for Central Pennsylvania, which he has served since 1995. Corman III is also a former Pennsylvania Builders Association field director.

Highlighting that his positions have enabled him to remain abreast of developments in the 34th district, which encompasses Centre, Clinton, Juniata, Mifflin and sections of Perry counties, Corman III said he is attuned to the needs of its people.

"My work in both the public and private sectors has given me the opportunity to spend time in each of the communities in the 34th senatorial district," he said. "I know the people and I understand what they want from their state senator."

And mixing solutions that will help create a climate more conducive to attracting district-business marriages nears the top of Corman III's agenda.

"It is vital that we make certain that the welcome mat is out to every business that wants to locate here in Pennsylvania," he said.

Citing the urgency to broaden educational doors for children, Corman III said he will push for more opportunities for college-bound students and stepped-up, hands-on training for vocational education students.

"Our goal should be to make sure that every student who is ready and able to go to college has that opportunity," he said. "And for our young people to have opportunities in today's increasingly technical workplace, we must provide education and training that is practical and relevant."

Another Republican candidate, Centre County Commissioner Chairwoman Vicki Bumbarger Wedler has unofficially announced her intent to jump into the race for the May 19 primaries.

Corman III began marching down his campaign trail yesterday morning in Lock Haven, and made stops in both Lewistown and Thompsontown after the news conference.

State Sen. Corman, R-Centre, declared on Jan. 19 that he will retire after serving as a Centre County Commissioner and a senator, a position he held for 20 years. He said that Corman III's decision to pen in his name on the ballot was entirely his choice.

"We talked and I told him that it's not easy to be in the fishbowl and be examined by everybody, but he's wanted to do it for some time," Sen. Corman said. "I've enjoyed it and grown into it. He will enjoy it and grow into it, too."

Sen. Doyle said the "same-name" factor may be inescapable in voter's minds, but that Corman III can triumph on his own merit.

"You can never separate the name," Sen. Corman said. "But I think he'll pass the test with what he is, not what I am."

Corman III concurred, saying that the public must come to recognize not the name, but the person.

"There's no question that my father has done a lot of good," he said. "But the people have to get to know Jake."