The only thing stopping John Pallone from winning re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is a challenge from his own party.

Pallone (D-54) will face Anthony Shea in the Democratic primary election on April 22. No Republicans have filed to run for the seat, which covers Export and parts of Murrysville and Penn Township.

John Pallone

Education: Graduated from Valley High School in 1978. Received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Grove City College in 1983 and a juris doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1988.

Personal: Married wife Judi in 2002.

Background: Member of state House of Representatives since 2001.

For John Pallone, experience is a key factor for voters deciding between the two candidates, he said.

"Seniority is valuable when it comes to government," he said. "Seniority means something in Harrisburg."

For Pallone, finding property tax relief or eliminating it entirely will be a key issue for him if reelected.

"That's got to be the No. 1 thing on the tip of people's tongues," Pallone said.

During his seven years in office, Pallone said, he's been impressed with the growth of the 54th District. He cited the Route 22 improvement project, the Westmoreland Industrial Park in Upper Burrell and the expansion of Murrysville-based Respironics as signs that businesses are willing to bring jobs to the area.

Pallone also plans to continue development of a commuter rail that would connect suburbs like Murrysville to Pittsburgh.

In dealing with those issues, Pallone said, he takes pride in not sticking to one political party's ideas.

"I'm certainly no yes man," Pallone said. "I'm a strong independent voice."

Anthony Shea

Education: Graduated from Leechburg High School in 1985. Earned an associate degree in criminal justice while in the Air Force in 1989, a bachelor's degree in computer studies and business at University of Maryland in 1993 and a master's degree in telecommunications at Webster University in 1998.

Personal: Married wife Kerry in 1995.

Background: Served 22 years in the Air Force.

Anthony Shea wants to be the candidate to bring change to the 54th District.

"When I retired from the Air Force, it was a lot different," Shea said.

The key issue for Shea is to eliminate property taxes completely.

"I feel that is killing this state," Shea said. "We need to retool that ASAP."

Shea said his desire to see those taxes eliminated made him want to challenge Pallone. He also wants to see changes to the education system to create a stronger curriculum.

"We need to expand it to include college credits," Shea said.

A commuter rail connecting the Alle-Kiski Valley to Downtown Pittsburgh also is on Shea's agenda if he heads to Harrisburg. Creating a transit system would make a commute for residents who work Downtown easier, Shea said.

"Everyone who goes Downtown knows what the Squirrel Hill tunnels are like," he said.

Shea said he also would like to see an outpatient hospital for veterans in the Alle-Kiski Valley to make it easier financially for veterans who have to travel to Pittsburgh for treatment.