Election 2012 Results: Moon's Scappe, Mustio Seek for 44th House District

Two former Moon officials—a Republican incumbent and his Democratic challenger—seek election on Tuesday's ballot for the seat representing District 44 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Incumbent Rep. Mark Mustio, a former chairman of the  seeks re-election to the seat. Mustio lost his bid for the Republican nomination in the state's 37th Senate District to Mt. Lebanon software CEO D. Raja. 

He faces Democrat Mark Scappe in the contest. Scappe comes to the race after an unsuccessful bid for a third term on the Moon Area School Board. Moon voters ousted him during the 2011 municipal election. 

Both candidates reside in Moon Township. 

The candidates agreed that infrastructure and education will be central issues on voters' minds today at the ballot box. 

"The underlying issues are transportation funding and education funding," Mustio said. 

"I fought to restore education funding in the (latest Pennsylvania budget)," Mustio said. "I hope the Governor got the message and the cuts won't be so drastic this year." 

Scappe touted his experience on the Moon Area School Board, saying he would work to restore education funding for state school districts. 

"All the state has done is pass the buck down to the local school districts, who then have to pass the buck down to the taxpayers," Scappe said. "The state created this problem 10 to 12 years ago. Now it's up to the state to finish the problem." 

Both candidates also expressed support for local control on Marcellus shale drilling in communities. 

The candidates split on reform to the state's liquor store system: Scappe said he would not support efforts to privatize the state store system. Mustio said he would begin reforming the system by privatizing select stores, allowing them to compete with the state system.

The candidates also differ on women's reproductive issues and abortion: Scappe, who has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, said he is pro-choice, while Mustio, endorsed by the Pennsylvania LifePAC, is pro-life on the issue.