As former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean’s campaign crumbles, another physician — this time at the local level — is making a pitch for public office.
Dr. James J. Tayoun Jr., the 39-year-old chairman of surgery at St. Agnes Medical Center, announced last Friday that he plans to challenge incumbent state Sen. Vincent Fumo for his First District senatorial seat in Harrisburg.
Tayoun is the son of former councilman, former convict and current political-rag publisher James J. Tayoun.
The doctor grabbed headlines around the state last year by leading the 5,000 members of the Politically Active Physicians Association’s fight for malpractice insurance reform.
He has criticized Fumo for not supporting the doctors’ desire for laws that would limit jury awards in malpractice lawsuits.
Fumo’s office declined to comment on news that the senator would have a Democratic opponent when the Pennsylvania primary is held April 27.
The e-mail announcing Tayoun’s candidacy stated the doctor would hold a press conference at which he would "detail his reason for challenging who many consider to be the richest and most powerful of the state’s senators."
In the meantime, attempts to contact the physician were met with "he’s in surgery all day" and no returned phone calls.
Tayoun has garnered some hefty political support for a rookie candidate, namely from John Dougherty, business manager for Local 98 of the Electrical Workers Union, and the other building trades that tag along.
Last week, Republican George Bochetto, an attorney and former state boxing commissioner, announced he also was considering a run against Fumo. He is expected to make a decision soon.
