Election night: The candidate’s wife

Video posted November 8, 2011 in News by Kelley King

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Michael and Ashley Pipe are Penn State graduates and  newlyweds who chose to stay in State College when they were finished with school.

She works at the university library. He works as an assistant manager at Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

Michael Pipe dreams of a career in politics. He ran for Congress in 2010 and lost. In 2011 he ran again, this time for a seat on the Centre County Commission.

In each campaign, Ashley Pipe has worked as an enthusiatic volunteer. She managed the congressional campaign and was treasurer for the county commission bid.

On election day Michael Pipe was calm and collected -- all business. Ashley Pipe was more excitable, especially as vote totals started coming in.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, Centre County voters were distracted by a child sexual abuse scandal involving a former Penn State assistant football coach. Turnout was low. Student voter turnout was even lower.

Even without the support of a large group of voters in his age group, Michael Pipe edged ahead of fellow Democrat and incumbent Jon Eich to win a seat on the county commission. For Michael and Ashley Pipe their life in politics has begun.

(This video was also published in the Daily Collegian.)