pa_gov_ITKIN
STATE REP. IVAN ITKIN
Age: 62 Born: March 29, 1936; New York, New York Education: University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D. (1964); New York University, Masters in Nuclear Engineering (1957); Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, B.S. (1956) Military: None Family: Married - Joyce Lee; Three children (two are from a previous marriage) Hometown: Point Breeze, Pennsylvania Religion: Jewish Career: Minority Whip, Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1995-present); State Representative (1973-present); Scientist (1964-71), Bettis Atomic Power Lab, Westinghouse Electric Corp. (1957-73) |
• Itkin was born in New York, New York in 1936. He graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1956 and then went on get his masters degree in nuclear engineering from New York University.
• In 1957, Itkin moved to Pittsburgh where he earned his doctorate in mathematics and worked as a nuclear physicist with Westinghouse for 15 years.
• In 1972, Itkin ran and was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. During his first term, he continued to work as a nuclear scientist, but after his re-election in 1974, he became a full-time state legislator. He is currently serving his 13th term.
• Itkin was elected Majority Leader in the Pennsylvania House in 1993. Since the Democrats lost the majority in the 1994 election, Itkin has served as Minority Whip.
• ItkinÂ's wife, Joyce Lee Itkin, is also an elected official. She is the Clerk of Courts for Allegheny County.
• Although Itkin has served in public office for 26 years, this is his first bid for a statewide position. He won the Democratic nod after several better-known candidates decided not to run. Itkin took 49% of the vote in the primary against State Auditor Don Bailey and author William Keisling.