2 political candidates with same name causing confusion among some western Pennsylvania voters
In western Pennsylvania, there is Democrat Mike Doyle, and there is Republican Mike Doyle — two politicians who share the same name and practically the same congressional district — but it’s the name that is causing confusion among voters.
“Do you know the difference between Mike Doyle and Mike Doyle? No, they are neighbors, maybe,” said Martin Nagel, a Swisshelm Park resident.
Mike Doyle, a Democratic Congress member, and Mike Doyle, the Republican candidate, are not neighbors — they’re two different politicians.
“My name is on the ballot but it’s not me, and I want everyone to know,” said Democrat Mike Doyle.
But their common names and district are confusing voters in the 12th Congressional District.
“There is a gentleman with the same name as me who is running in the new 12th District which is part of the old 18th District, that’s about the only thing we share in common,” said Democrat Mike Doyle.
Democrat Mike Doyle, a Forest Hills congressman, has served western Pennsylvania in the 18th Congressional District since the early ‘90s. He is now retiring.
“We are not related, we come from different parties, and we have different ideas on how the government should be run,” said Democrat Mike Doyle.
The Mike Doyle on the ballot is Republican candidate Mike Doyle, a Plum Borough councilman running in the 12th Congressional District against Democrat Summer Lee.
“I need to differentiate myself from Summer Lee, not Mike Doyle,” said Republican candidate Mike Doyle.
Republican Mike Doyle told Channel 11 News he is not concerned with the name confusion — he’d rather focus on issues and his opponent.
“I’d rather be talking about the crime in this area, and she wants to defund the police and get rid of jails and prisons,” said the Republican candidate.
Democratic candidate Summer Lee weighed in on those comments, agreeing that the two are, in fact, very different; but insisting she has the best plan for the district.
“Should we and could we be investing instead in wrap-around services and investing in our education system? We know what solves crime, we know how to address these issues, and that’s by addressing poverty,” Lee said.
Republican Mike Doyle and Democrat Summer Lee will go head-to-head on Nov. 8 for the 12th Congressional District seat.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
Parkland high school shooting: Jurors reach verdict in Nikolas Cruz sentencing trial Man arrested in Penn Hills homicide Special team of divers searching Allegheny River finds 100 cars, hoping to close cold cases VIDEO: Police: Woman found dead in West Mifflin apartment was deceased for 2 weeks DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
