Former Congressman Keith Rothfus visits RMU

Last month, RMU students heard from former Congressman Keith Rothfus. Before he was elected to Congress, Mr. Rothfus worked as an attorney in private practice for two decades. He also served as the first director of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for the US Department of Homeland Security. Elected to three terms starting in 2012, former Rep. Rothfus increased his share of the vote in each election from 52%, to 59%, to 62%. Mr. Rothfus lost reelection in 2018 after a state court-ordered redistricting of Pennsylvania’s congressional districts dramatically changed the makeup of his district, and pitted two current members of Congress against each other, the only two-incumbent showdown in the nation during that election cycle. He talked about running for office, going to law school and being a lawyer, his time in Congress, how Congress could be reformed, the budget crisis, and redistricting, among other topics. He was interviewed on stage by Dr. Philip Harold, professor of Political Science at RMU. The event was sponsored by the RMU College Republicans.