Published: November 05, 2008 01:42 am      

Metzgar defeats Warnick in 69th

SOMERSET — For young Carl Walker Metzgar, it’s been a meteoric rise from a farm outside of Berlin to the state Capitol.

The 27-year-old Republican on Tuesday became one of the two youngest members of the state House, easily outdistancing Democratic challenger Ken Warnick in the race to succeed retiring state Rep. Bob Bastian in the 69th Legislative District.

With all 68 precincts reporting in GOP-controlled Somerset County, Metzgar doubled Warnick’s vote total, 14,589 to 7,078.

He did even better in part of western Bedford County, winning 2,205 votes to 835 for Warnick.

“Harrisburg is not operating the way it should,” said Metzgar, 27, a Somerset lawyer raised on a farm in Allegheny Township.

“There is going to be reform in Harrisburg, whether Harrisburg likes it or not. I’m hoping we’ll be instrumental in that.”

Metzgar joins Tony John Payton Jr. of Philadelphia as the youngest state representatives.

Although a political newcomer, Metzgar survived a crowded field in the primary and beat Warnick by doing what he’s always done: Working hard. Metzgar pounded on doors, was a fixture at political events and organized a strong campaign team.

He promised to do the same at the Capitol.

“I think we’re going to have to stay true to the values that brought us here, and bring new ideas and fresh thinking to Harrisburg,” Metzgar said.

“We knew, with a lot of hard work, that this was possible.”

Metzgar and Warnick remained respectful to the end, touting their own abilities throughout the race and never resorting to mudslinging.

“His spirited campaign challenged and invigorated our campaign,” Metzgar said. “He ran a noble and commendable race, and I couldn’t have asked for a better opponent.”

Warnick, 65, of Meyersdale, director of student services at Allegany College of Maryland’s campuses in Somerset and Bedford, took the defeat gracefully.

“I don’t make excuses,” he said. “That’s the way it is. You put your name out there, you’ve got to be ready to win or lose.

“I talked to Carl this afternoon, and I said, ‘Regardless of how this turns out, the two of us ran an honorable campaign.”

Warnick said he’s willing to help Metzgar, particularly with some of Warnick’s own ideas.

“He’s a good man,” Warnick said. “He worked very, very hard.”