Bob Regola

Regola's successful 2004 campaign against incumbent State Senator Allen Kukovich was considered one of the closest and nastiest in the state.[2] Kukovich's campaign was sued by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review for allegedly misusing the paper's name in campaign advertisements.[3] The suit was dismissed on Election Day by Westmoreland County Judge William J. Ober.[4] Regola's campaign claimed that Kukovich had campaigned in gay bars in Philadelphia with then-Governor Ed Rendell in 2003, a charge denied by Kukovich and his supporters.[5]

During the campaign, an independent website entitled "PA Voters for Truth" was launched with the purpose of opposing Regola's candidacy. The website raised issues about Regola's policy positions, prior political affiliations, professional background, business filings and related legalities.[6] The website's name was an allusion to the national group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, which became famous at that time for its negative campaign against Democratic presidential candidate, John Kerry. The website disclaimed any connection to the Kukovich campaign.[7]

Regola removed himself from consideration for re-election on August 11, 2008, citing what he characterized as "unfair" media coverage of his acquittal on perjury and gun charges related to the suicide of a teenage neighbor.[8] The Republican Party of Westmoreland County chose Westmoreland County Commissioner Kim Ward as the candidate, who then defeated Democratic candidate Tony Bompiani in the General Election.[9]