Kotik Holds Off Challenger in State House Race

Nick Kotik figured his political career was over when with a fellow Democrat.

But he was given new life after the state Supreme Court made the surprising move .

easily swatted away a challenge by to win the Democratic nomination for his state House 45th district seat.

“I’m very gratified by the results,” Kotik said Tuesday night. “It was an overwhelming victory and the people in my district responded.”

Kotik won more than 80 percent of the vote and easily fended off the challenge by Taylor, who accused him of not being enough of a presence in the community. Kotik said the vote showed he has been heavily involved in the area.

“It’s an indication that I do my job,” he said. “I just feel great tonight. It’s a good feeling.”

Kotik now faces a challenge in the general election from Republican Aaron Kime. He called Kime a “carbetbagger” and said he plans to “expose him” for moving from Brownsville to South Fayette Township with the sole purpose of running for office.

“I let Mr. Kime off the hook two years ago,” Kotik said about the 2010 campaign. “I won’t let him off the hook this time again.”

Taylor, who spent very little money, said she was proud of the “very clean campaign” both candidates ran. She acknowledged the difficulties facing an incumbent, but said she hoped it would spur Kotik to spend more time on community issues that matter to her.

“I think there’s more of a conversation going on,” Taylor said. “From what I’ve seen from what Nick has put out, he’s not as visible as people want. But we have worked together and I think we’ll continue to work together for the community.”