Kenneth Ruffing

Kenneth W. Ruffing is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 38th legislative district from 1999 through 2006.

Kenneth W. Ruffing
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the 38th district
In office
January 5, 1999[1] – November 30, 2006[2]
Preceded byRichard D. Olasz
Succeeded byBill Kortz
Personal details
BornHomestead, Pennsylvania
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Karen
Children2 children
ResidenceWest Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Alma materRobert Morris College

Ruffing graduated from West Mifflin High School in 1985 and earned a degree in business administration from Robert Morris College in 1990.[3] Prior to elective office, Ruffing worked as a licensed insurance agent. He was a member of the West Mifflin Borough Council for seven years and served as its president for two.[4]

In the lead-up to the 2006 primary election, Ruffing faced criticism stemming from his vote in favor of the controversial 2005 legislative pay raise.[5] In face of this criticism, Ruffing claimed that he donated his pay raise to an unnamed "autistic charity." [6] Ruffing garnered 26.2% to place third in the three-way race against C.L. Jabbour and eventual winner Bill Kortz.[7]

Following the election, Ruffing admitted that he used the money to pay tuition for his autistic son to attend St. Colman's Catholic School in Turtle Creek.[8] In August 2006, Ruffing was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after failing two field sobriety tests and registering a BAC of .346, which is four times Pennsylvania's legal limit.[9][10] In 2007, it was revealed that Ruffing, as a lame duck legislator, attended legislative training trips at the public's expense after his defeat.[11]

References
  1. "SESSION OF 1999 - 183D OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - No. 1" (PDF). Legislative Journal. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 1999-01-05.
  2. Per Article II, Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, the legislative session ended on November 30, 2006
  3. "Kenneth W. Ruffing (Democrat)". Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Archived from the original on 2006-04-03. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
  4. "Biography". Ken Ruffing Official Website. Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. Archived from the original on 2003-07-01.
  5. Ackerman, Jan (2006-04-26). "Campaign 2006: Ruffing in three-way race in primary". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. PG Publishing Co. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
  6. Barnes, Tom (2006-05-10). "Campaign 2006: Opponent questions Ruffing's 'donation'". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. PG Publishing Co. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
  7. "2006 General Primary - Representative in the General Assembly". Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2004. Archived from the original on 2008-11-27. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
  8. Belko, Mark (2006-05-27). "Ruffing's charity began at home". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. PG Publishing Co. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
  9. "Ruffing Charged With DUI". KDKA.com. KDKA, CBS Broadcasting Inc. 2006-08-21.
  10. Banks, Gabrielle (2006-10-11). "Rep. Ruffing waives DUI hearing". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. PG Publishing Co., Inc.
  11. Associated Press (2007-03-20). "Lame ducks went on trips paid by state". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Associated Press.


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