Author

Mark OKeefe
Opinion contributor Mark O'Keefe, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the former editorial page editor of the Herald-Standard of Uniontown. His work appears biweekly on the Capital-Star's Commentary Page.
An immigrant’s story: From Cuba to Fla. to Pa. | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - May 31, 2023
'You could see the missiles, and you could tell they were offensive,' Robert Lara said. 'It was a very scary period.'
What’s wrong with local radio airing Pa. high school hoops? | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - April 13, 2023
We want athletes to compete on a level playing field. Right now, the PIAA has cornered the airwaves.
Is this the year that Pa. finally legalizes recreational marijuana? | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - February 19, 2023
After years of trying, the political clouds may be parting. But there are still obstacles.
Remembering Joe Hardy, Nemacolin founder, donor, SWPA stalwart | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - January 24, 2023
It was always clear that Joe Hardy loved Fayette County and its people.
As goes Cumberland County, so goes Pennsylvania? Maybe | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - November 18, 2022
The commonwealth’s fastest growing county is a microcosm of broader changes in the electorate.
The GOP attack ads over pardons in the Senate race? Mark Singel has seen it before | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - October 27, 2022
'It was garbage then and it's garbage now,' the Democratic former lieutenant governor said.
New Pa. poll points to trouble for Republicans on abortion | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - September 9, 2022
A telltale shift in voter preference in bellwether northwestern Pennsylvania highlights the risk of GOP overreach.
A lead if they can keep it. Polls put Dems Fetterman, Shapiro on top for now | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - August 11, 2022
It's a long time until Election Day. Much can change -- and likely will.
Will the Jan. 6 hearings turn the tide against Trump backers Oz, Mastriano? | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - June 23, 2022
The revelations add more drama and intrigue to the races, which already have seen more twists and turns than a Netflix political thriller
Trump’s election lies are truth for far too many 2022 GOP hopefuls | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - May 12, 2022
Will Republicans ever come to their senses and admit that were wrong about Trump? Probably not.
Democrats can win on the issues. But they need to sell them | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - April 17, 2022
Gov. Tom Wolf's sagging approval ratings must be troubling to Democrat Josh Shapiro, who's looking to succeed him.
Will Pa. ever get serious about property tax reform? | Mark O’Keefe
By: Mark OKeefe - March 23, 2022
Rep. Frank Ryan wants to tax retirement income. It's a good idea, which means it'll never happen.