Mark S. Schweiker
Encyclopedia
Mark Stephen Schweiker (born January 31, 1953) is a businessman and politician
who served as the 44th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
from 2001 to 2003. Schweiker, a Republican
, became Governor of Pennsylvania on October 5, 2001, when his predecessor, Tom Ridge
, resigned as Governor of Pennsylvania to assume the role as Homeland Security Advisor under President George W. Bush
.
He had served as acting Governor from September 20, 2001 to October 5, 2001 during Ridge's transition into his new post.
. He attended Bishop Egan High School in Bucks County
and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
. He holds a master’s degree in administration from Rider University
. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Rider University
in 2004. After college he entered the business world and held positions at Sadlier Oxford and McGraw Hill. Later, he formed his own management consulting firm.
. In 1987, he was elected Bucks County
Commissioner.
. Schweiker ran in the fall general election
alongside Congressman
Tom Ridge
, the gubernatorial nominee. The Ridge/Schweiker ticket won the election, beating the Democratic ticket of incumbent Lieutenant Governor
Mark Singel
(the gubernatorial nominee), and State Labor and Industry Secretary Tom Foley
(the nominee for Lieutenant Governor) by a margin of 45.40% to 39.89%. Constitution Party
candidate Peg Luksik
captured 12.8 percent of the vote. The Ridge/Schweiker ticket easily won reelection in 1998
.
As Lieutenant Governor, Schweiker chaired the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council, The Board of Pardons, The Governor's Council on Recycling Development and Waste Reduction, oversaw the Statewide Radio
Network, and was involved with Pennsylvania’s anti-terrorism
task force and the “Weed and Seed” anti-crime
initiative.
In a 2002 PoliticsPA
Feature story
designating politicians with yearbook superlatives
, he was named "Missing in Action."
and was preparing to finish out his term when the September 11th terrorist attack
occurred. Ridge resigned as governor on October 5, 2001 to join the Bush administration as Homeland Security Advisor. Schweiker became Pennsylvania's 44th governor that day. By provision of the Pennsylvania Constitution
, Robert Jubelirer
, the President Pro Tempore
of the Pennsylvania State Senate
, became Lieutenant Governor. This became a matter of some controversy as Jubelirer retained his position in the state senate.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, Schweiker moved to secure Pennsylvania’s five nuclear reactors, created the Governor's Task Force on Security, and expanded the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police
. Schweiker also faced budget shortfalls due to the economic collapse following the attacks and a crisis in the School District of Philadelphia
.
Schweiker negotiated the state takeover of the school district and also was the first governor of Pennsylvania to put state funds into pre-school activities. He also passed the most significant tort reform measures in recent decades, when he replaced Ridge, a former trial lawyer less inclined to push those measures.
Schweiker's most famous contribution as governor came in July 2002, during the Quecreek Mine
disaster in Somerset County
. Governor Schweiker personally led one of the most successful mine rescues in national history when he personally oversaw the 77-hour operation that saved the lives of nine trapped coal miners from the Quecreek mine. Following the rescue, Governor Schweiker implemented a series of new safety procedures to provide better protection for miners.
Schweiker held to his decision not to stand for the 2002 governor's race
despite several polls that showed him with a comfortable lead in a hypothetical matchup with eventual Democratic nominee Ed Rendell
. Some believe that Governor Schweiker would easily have won that campaign given his strong appeal to rural Democrats in southwestern Pennsylvania as well as moderate voters in his home region of southeastern Pennsylvania.
He was named to the PoliticsPA
list of "Sy Snyder's Power 50" list of influential individuals in Pennsylvania politics in 2003.
in February 2003 and served until 2009 when he announced his resignation to join Philadelphia area pharmaceutical manufacturer PRWT as President of business process outsourcing. He also works as a consultant to the law firm of Stradley Ronon. In late 2010, rumors began circulating that Schweiker was considering a run for the Republican nomination for Senate in the 2012 election facing Democratic incumbent Bob Casey, Jr.
Polls showed him as the Republican's best match up against Casey but still trailing the first term incumbent. In January 2011 Schweiker issued a statement indicating that he would not run for the nomination choosing instead to focus on his business career.
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
who served as the 44th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
from 2001 to 2003. Schweiker, a Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, became Governor of Pennsylvania on October 5, 2001, when his predecessor, Tom Ridge
Tom Ridge
Thomas Joseph "Tom" Ridge is an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives , the 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania , Assistant to the President for Homeland Security , and the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security...
, resigned as Governor of Pennsylvania to assume the role as Homeland Security Advisor under President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
.
He had served as acting Governor from September 20, 2001 to October 5, 2001 during Ridge's transition into his new post.
Early life
Schweiker was born in Levittown, PennsylvaniaLevittown, Pennsylvania
Levittown is a census-designated place and planned community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States, within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The population was 52,983 at the 2010 census. It is above sea level...
. He attended Bishop Egan High School in Bucks County
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Industry and commerce :The boroughs of Bristol and Morrisville were prominent industrial centers along the Northeast Corridor during World War II. Suburban development accelerated in Lower Bucks in the 1950s with the opening of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the second such "Levittown" designed by...
and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, commonly referred to as Bloomsburg, BU or Bloom, is a public university in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, United States...
. He holds a master’s degree in administration from Rider University
Rider University
Rider University is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university located chiefly in Lawrenceville, in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States...
. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Rider University
Rider University
Rider University is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university located chiefly in Lawrenceville, in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States...
in 2004. After college he entered the business world and held positions at Sadlier Oxford and McGraw Hill. Later, he formed his own management consulting firm.
Bucks County politics
Schweiker entered politics in 1979 when he successfully ran for supervisor of Middletown TownshipMiddletown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Middletown Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 45,436 at the 2010 census. Many sections of Levittown, Pennsylvania, are located in the southern end of the township...
. In 1987, he was elected Bucks County
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Industry and commerce :The boroughs of Bristol and Morrisville were prominent industrial centers along the Northeast Corridor during World War II. Suburban development accelerated in Lower Bucks in the 1950s with the opening of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the second such "Levittown" designed by...
Commissioner.
Lieutenant Governor
In 1994, Schweiker successfully ran for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant governor
A lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
. Schweiker ran in the fall general election
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1994
The Pennsylvania Gubernatorial election of 1994 was held on November 8, 1994. Incumbent Democratic Governor Bob Casey, Sr. was barred from seeking a third term by the state constitution. The Republican Party nominated Congressman Tom Ridge, while the Democrats nominated Mark Singel, Casey's...
alongside Congressman
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
Tom Ridge
Tom Ridge
Thomas Joseph "Tom" Ridge is an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives , the 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania , Assistant to the President for Homeland Security , and the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security...
, the gubernatorial nominee. The Ridge/Schweiker ticket won the election, beating the Democratic ticket of incumbent Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
The Lieutenant Governor is a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Lieutenant Governor is elected every four years along with the Governor. Jim Cawley of Bucks County is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor...
Mark Singel
Mark Singel
Mark Stephen Singel served as the Democratic lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1995 under Bob Casey He was acting governor from June 14, 1993, to December 13, 1993, during Casey's lengthy battle with amyloidosis and subsequent multiple organ transplant.A graduate of Pennsylvania...
(the gubernatorial nominee), and State Labor and Industry Secretary Tom Foley
Tom Foley (Pennsylvania)
Thomas Patrick "Tom" Foley is a Democratic politician from Pennsylvania.-Early life:Foley grew up in a working class family the Philadelphia suburb of Flourtown...
(the nominee for Lieutenant Governor) by a margin of 45.40% to 39.89%. Constitution Party
Constitution Party (United States)
The Constitution Party is a paleoconservative political party in the United States. It was founded as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party by Howard Philips in 1991. Phillips was the party's candidate in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 presidential elections...
candidate Peg Luksik
Peg Luksik
Marguerite "Peg" Anna McKenna Luksik is a conservative politician, frequent candidate, and Constitution Party activist in Pennsylvania.Luksik was born on August 11, 1955 in Huntsville, Alabama, where her father was in the Army...
captured 12.8 percent of the vote. The Ridge/Schweiker ticket easily won reelection in 1998
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1998
The Pennsylvania Gubernatorial election of 1998 was held on November 3, 1998. It was between incumbent Republican Tom Ridge and Democrat Ivan Itkin. Ridge, a popular moderate, won with 57% of the votes cast. During this election cycle, Democrats struggled with fundraising issues and had difficulty...
.
As Lieutenant Governor, Schweiker chaired the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council, The Board of Pardons, The Governor's Council on Recycling Development and Waste Reduction, oversaw the Statewide Radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
Network, and was involved with Pennsylvania’s anti-terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
task force and the “Weed and Seed” anti-crime
Crime
Crime is the breach of rules or laws for which some governing authority can ultimately prescribe a conviction...
initiative.
In a 2002 PoliticsPA
PoliticsPA
- Content :The website focuses on news aggregation, linking to major political news making headlines across the state. The editors write occasional features, like the weekly "Up & Down" scorecard and one-off lists like "Harrisburg's Smartest Staffer" and "Best Dressed Lobbyist" lists...
Feature story
Feature story
- Published Features & news :While the distinction between published features and news is often clear, when approached conceptually there are few hard boundaries between the two. It is quite possible to write a feature in the style of a news story, for instance...
designating politicians with yearbook superlatives
Yearbook
A yearbook, also known as an annual, is a book to record, highlight, and commemorate the past year of a school or a book published annually. Virtually all American, Australian and Canadian high schools, most colleges and many elementary and middle schools publish yearbooks...
, he was named "Missing in Action."
Governor
Schweiker had decided against a run for the governor's office in 2002Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 2002
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 2002 was held on November 5, 2002, and included the races for the governor and lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.-Gubernatorial Primaries:Attorney General Mike Fisher ran unopposed for the Republican nomination...
and was preparing to finish out his term when the September 11th terrorist attack
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
occurred. Ridge resigned as governor on October 5, 2001 to join the Bush administration as Homeland Security Advisor. Schweiker became Pennsylvania's 44th governor that day. By provision of the Pennsylvania Constitution
Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, i.e. constitute, what the entity is...
, Robert Jubelirer
Robert Jubelirer
Robert C. Jubelirer is a Republican Pennsylvania political leader. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1975 to 2006, and simultaneously served as the President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania between 2001 and...
, the President Pro Tempore
President pro tempore
A President pro tempore is a constitutionally recognized officer of a legislative body who presides over the chamber in the absence of the normal presiding officer...
of the Pennsylvania State Senate
Pennsylvania State Senate
The Pennsylvania State Senate has been meeting since 1791. It is the upper house of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania state legislature. The State Senate meets in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. Senators are elected for four year terms, staggered every two years such...
, became Lieutenant Governor. This became a matter of some controversy as Jubelirer retained his position in the state senate.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, Schweiker moved to secure Pennsylvania’s five nuclear reactors, created the Governor's Task Force on Security, and expanded the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police
Pennsylvania State Police
The Pennsylvania State Police is the state police force of Pennsylvania, responsible for statewide law enforcement. It was founded in 1905 by order of Governor Samuel Pennypacker, in response to the private police forces used by mine and mill owners to stop worker strikes and the inability or...
. Schweiker also faced budget shortfalls due to the economic collapse following the attacks and a crisis in the School District of Philadelphia
School District of Philadelphia
The School District of Philadelphia is a school district based in the School District of Philadelphia Education Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that includes all public schools in the city of Philadelphia. Established in 1818, it is the eighth largest school district in the nation.The School...
.
Schweiker negotiated the state takeover of the school district and also was the first governor of Pennsylvania to put state funds into pre-school activities. He also passed the most significant tort reform measures in recent decades, when he replaced Ridge, a former trial lawyer less inclined to push those measures.
Schweiker's most famous contribution as governor came in July 2002, during the Quecreek Mine
Quecreek Mine Rescue
The Quecreek Mine Rescue took place in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, when nine miners were trapped underground for over 78 hours, from July 24 to 28, 2002...
disaster in Somerset County
Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Somerset County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 77,742. Somerset County was created on April 17, 1795, from part of Bedford County and named for Somerset, United Kingdom. Its county seat is Somerset. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania,...
. Governor Schweiker personally led one of the most successful mine rescues in national history when he personally oversaw the 77-hour operation that saved the lives of nine trapped coal miners from the Quecreek mine. Following the rescue, Governor Schweiker implemented a series of new safety procedures to provide better protection for miners.
Schweiker held to his decision not to stand for the 2002 governor's race
Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 2002
The Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 2002 was held on November 5, 2002, and included the races for the governor and lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.-Gubernatorial Primaries:Attorney General Mike Fisher ran unopposed for the Republican nomination...
despite several polls that showed him with a comfortable lead in a hypothetical matchup with eventual Democratic nominee Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
. Some believe that Governor Schweiker would easily have won that campaign given his strong appeal to rural Democrats in southwestern Pennsylvania as well as moderate voters in his home region of southeastern Pennsylvania.
He was named to the PoliticsPA
PoliticsPA
- Content :The website focuses on news aggregation, linking to major political news making headlines across the state. The editors write occasional features, like the weekly "Up & Down" scorecard and one-off lists like "Harrisburg's Smartest Staffer" and "Best Dressed Lobbyist" lists...
list of "Sy Snyder's Power 50" list of influential individuals in Pennsylvania politics in 2003.
Post Governorship
He left office when his term expired on January 21, 2003. Schweiker became President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of CommerceChamber of commerce
A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, e.g., a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community...
in February 2003 and served until 2009 when he announced his resignation to join Philadelphia area pharmaceutical manufacturer PRWT as President of business process outsourcing. He also works as a consultant to the law firm of Stradley Ronon. In late 2010, rumors began circulating that Schweiker was considering a run for the Republican nomination for Senate in the 2012 election facing Democratic incumbent Bob Casey, Jr.
Bob Casey, Jr.
Robert Patrick "Bob" Casey, Jr. is the senior U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and a member of the Democratic Party. He previously served as Pennsylvania Treasurer, and Pennsylvania Auditor General. He is the son of former Governor Bob Casey, Sr..He is the first Democrat elected to a full term in...
Polls showed him as the Republican's best match up against Casey but still trailing the first term incumbent. In January 2011 Schweiker issued a statement indicating that he would not run for the nomination choosing instead to focus on his business career.