Robert Jubelirer facts for kids

Robert C. Jubelirer (born February 9, 1937, in Altoona, Pennsylvania) is a Republican political leader. He served in the Pennsylvania State Senate for many years. He was also the President pro tempore of the Senate. This role means he was a top leader in the state's lawmaking body. He also served as the 29th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. He held this important position from 2001 to 2003.

In 2006, Jubelirer did not win his party's primary election. This meant he could not run for re-election. He left office on November 30, 2006.

Robert C. Jubelirer's Early Life and Career

Robert Jubelirer is the son of a judge. He went to Pennsylvania State University for his college degree. He then studied law at the Dickinson School of Law. After becoming a lawyer, he worked for several years. Then, he decided to enter politics.

Starting in the State Senate

In 1974, he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate. He represented the Altoona area. In 1981, he became the Majority Leader. This role meant he led the main political party in the Senate.

From 1985 to 1992, Jubelirer was the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. This is a very powerful position. After a short time as Minority Leader, he became President Pro Tempore again in 1994. He held this role until 2006.

Becoming Lieutenant Governor

On October 5, 2001, something big happened in Pennsylvania politics. The state's governor, Tom Ridge, resigned. He left to work for President George W. Bush. Because of this, the Lieutenant Governor, Mark Schweiker, became the new governor.

A New Role and a Challenge

The Pennsylvania Constitution says that if the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate automatically becomes Lieutenant Governor. So, Robert Jubelirer became Lieutenant Governor on the same day.

This situation caused some debate. Jubelirer kept his job in the State Senate at the same time. Some people thought this went against the idea of separation of powers. This idea means that different parts of the government should have separate jobs. However, the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court said it was allowed. Jubelirer held both jobs until January 21, 2003. He chose not to take the Lieutenant Governor's salary during this time.

A Challenging Election in 2006

In May 2006, Robert Jubelirer faced a tough election. He was running in the Republican primary. He lost to Blair County Commissioner John Eichelberger. This was a big deal because he was a top leader in the state legislature.

The Pay Raise Controversy

His defeat was mainly linked to a controversy from 2005. He played a role in creating a bill for a legislative pay raise. Many people in Pennsylvania were very upset about this pay raise.

Jubelirer first defended the raise. But as public opinion turned, he called it a "mistake." He apologized for it and said he accepted responsibility. He also promised to return any money he had received from the raise.

Later Political Activities

In 2013, Jubelirer tried to join the Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees. He did not win a seat that year. However, he was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2014.

See also

• 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy
• Drew Crompton
• List of Pennsylvania state legislatures