Congress, 18th District

Tim Murphy, Republican/Larry Maggi, Democrat

Bios:

Murphy, 60, Upper St. Clair (left) was first elected to Congress in 2002. Other work experience: psychologist, award-winning author, lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps, adjunct faculty member at University of Pittsburgh Department of Public Health and Department of Pediatrics, former state senator. Education: Bachelor's degree, Wheeling Jesuit University; master's in clinical psychology, Cleveland State University; and doctorate in psychology, University of Pittsburgh. Family: Wife, Nan, and daughter, Bevin

Maggi, 62, Buffalo Township (right) is a Washington County commissioner, former county sheriff, retired state trooper, former Marine. Education: Bachelor's degree, California University of Pennsylvania. Family: Wife, Mary Jeanne, children Bronwyn, Paul, Michelle, Charlene.

Matchup:
Popular Washington County politician and youth wrestling referee versus policy-savvy incumbent in a majority Democratic, but conservative, district.

Campaign Strategy:
Murphy: Emphasizing his conservative values, work to save the 911th Air Wing and opposition to President Barack Obama's economic and health-care policies.
Maggi: Promoting his middle-class background and financial stewardship in local government.

Weaknesses:
Maggi: Started the campaign little known outside of Washington County and with little experience on national issues.
Murphy: Facing a stronger-than-usual challenger in a district with more Democrats than Republicans.

Money: As of June 30, Murphy had $1 million on hand while Maggi had $408,000. (See updated numbers here.)

Websites:
Tim Murphy
Larry Maggi

-- By Joe Smydo