Catherine Baker Knoll
Encyclopedia
Catherine Baker Knoll was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party
. She was the 30th Lieutenant Governor
of Pennsylvania
, serving under Governor Ed Rendell
from 2003 to 2008.
in 1952, she met and married Charles A. Knoll, a restaurateur and hotel owner 17 years her senior, who became the Postmaster of the Stowe
, Kennedy
, and McKees Rocks area. Charles Knoll and Catherine had three sons and one daughter. Their names are Charles A. Knoll Jr., Mina Baker Knoll, Albert Baker Knoll, and Kim Eric Knoll.
Knoll began her political career as a campaign worker for local and statewide Democratic candidates, first for her father, Nick, and later for Governor Milton Shapp
. When Shapp was elected governor in 1970, he awarded Knoll a job with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
.
who went on to become Governor of Pennsylvania. She ran again in 1984 but lost a close primary in which her opponent, Auditor General Al Benedict, originally conceded on election night but later withdrew his concession.
In 1988, one year after her husband's death, she ran a third time and was elected State Treasurer of Pennsylvania.
She streamlined and modernized the Treasurer's office during her eight year tenure and started the Pennsylvania TAP program (Tuition Account Program), built the PA Treasury Investment Center, and started a partnership with PA Home Builders, PA Community Banks, to build PA Affordable Housing in 67 counties of Pennsylvania) according to the population of each county.
In 1994, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission launched an investigation into Knoll and her staff after four state consultants reaped improper fees from a prison bond issue. Knoll claimed that the official paperwork had been altered after she signed off on the plan. Knoll was never charged with a crime but the well-publicized inquiry hurt her politically. However, the four state consultants were found guilty and served prison time.
Catherine Baker Knoll ran for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 1994, having surprised Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel
, by first withdrawing from the race and then hinting that she would consider running if the Democratic State Committee did not endorse anyone for the race. The State Committee voted to endorse no candidate and Knoll re-entered the race only to finish third in a seven-way primary.
In 1996, Knoll, who was term limited, endorsed her daughter Mina Baker Knoll as her successor. Mina Knoll's opponent, Republican Barbara Hafer
questioned her residency status because she had lived in New York City and the Knoll campaign attacked Hafer's leadership. The race, which Hafer won, opened a rift between the two women that culminated in 2000
when Knoll ran against Hafer for Treasurer. Hafer won the election by less than 100,000 votes.
In 2002, she sought the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor
. She won the nomination over endorsed candidate, State Senator Jack Wagner
and insurgent State Senator Allen Kukovich
. Knoll was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor on January 21, 2003. She was the first woman to hold that position.
Knoll was criticized by many in the Pennsylvania political community for her controversial remarks and actions. The Pennsylvania Report
said that "she puts you to sleep when she speaks and is a throwback to the old glory days of the Pennsylvania Democrat Party." She became known for her gaffes during public events such as referring to Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as Edward G. Robinson
(The speech writer admitted he printed in Lieutenant Governor Knoll’s speech her introducing The Governor as Edward G. Robinson), her alleged difficulties in presiding over the Pennsylvania State Senate during late night sessions, and an incident in which Lt. Governor Knoll visited the funeral of a Pennsylvania U.S. Marine Corps Marine who died in the Iraq War. The controversy surrounding Knoll's comments at the funeral, and her passing her business cards to relatives received nationwide attention. Knoll apologized and Rendell said that she was only there to help the family.
These incidents led many to speculate that Governor Rendell would attempt to stop Knoll's renomination for the 2006 elections, but Rendell continued to support Knoll.
In November 2005, Senator and former Lieutenant Governor Bob Jubelirer
proposed legislation in which the Lieutenant Governor's primary election would be dropped in favor of the gubernatorial candidate selecting a "running mate" in the November general election, similar to a presidential candidate selecting a running mate for the Presidential elections.
Despite her critics, Knoll maintained a key base of supporters. She was popular with voters in Pennsylvania's southwest, with many women, and with senior citizens.
Four candidates announced bids against Knoll in the 2006 Democratic primary
: former Congressman and US Senate candidate Joe Hoeffel
, the current Recorder of Deeds
of Allegheny County
Valerie McDonald-Roberts
, Robert Hall, III and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
political activist Gene Stilp
.
Governor Rendell endorsed Knoll in the race.
Rendell said at first that he would not involve himself in the race, but only a day after Hoeffel announced his bid, the Governor changed his mind and asked the former Congressman to withdraw. Hoeffel would later state that Rendell came to the conclusion that he needed the geographic balance that Knoll provided for the Democratic ticket.
On May 16, 2006, Knoll won the Democratic nomination by a large margin. On November 7, 2006, she and Governor Rendell defeated Republican challengers Lynn Swann
and Jim Matthews.
at Penn State Hershey Medical Center
and attempted a return to her duties in September 2008 but fatigue forced her to return home. In October 2008, she entered Johns Hopkins Hospital
in Baltimore
, Maryland for treatment of a viral infection. On November 12, 2008, Knoll died at National Rehabilitation Hospital
in Washington, DC. Upon her death, Pennsylvania State Senate
President pro tempore
Joe Scarnati
became the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. She was the 30th Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
The Lieutenant Governor is a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Lieutenant Governor is elected every four years along with the Governor. Jim Cawley of Bucks County is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor...
of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, serving under Governor Ed Rendell
Ed Rendell
Edward Gene "Ed" Rendell is an American politician who served as the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania. Rendell, a member of the Democratic Party, was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 2002, and his term of office began January 21, 2003...
from 2003 to 2008.
Background
Catherine Baker was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of McKees Rocks, the daughter of Nick Baker, a successful man who later served as mayor of McKees Rocks and Teresa May (one of eleven children). She was one of nine children, one of five girls and four boys. While a graduate at Duquesne UniversityDuquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
in 1952, she met and married Charles A. Knoll, a restaurateur and hotel owner 17 years her senior, who became the Postmaster of the Stowe
Stowe Township, Pennsylvania
Stowe Township is a township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,362 at the 2010 census.It is located in the Sto-Rox School District, which serves both Stowe Township and the neighboring borough of McKees Rocks....
, Kennedy
Kennedy Township, Pennsylvania
Kennedy Township is a township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a suburb of Pittsburgh. The population was 7,672 at the 2010 census.-Institutions:...
, and McKees Rocks area. Charles Knoll and Catherine had three sons and one daughter. Their names are Charles A. Knoll Jr., Mina Baker Knoll, Albert Baker Knoll, and Kim Eric Knoll.
Knoll began her political career as a campaign worker for local and statewide Democratic candidates, first for her father, Nick, and later for Governor Milton Shapp
Milton Shapp
Milton Jerrold Shapp was the 40th Governor of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania from 1971 to 1979 and was the first Jewish governor of Pennsylvania.- Early life :...
. When Shapp was elected governor in 1970, he awarded Knoll a job with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation oversees transportation issues in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The administrator of PennDOT is the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, currently Barry Schoch Presently, PennDOT supports over of state roads and highways, about 25,000...
.
State Treasurer
In 1976, she ran for the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer but lost to Robert E. Casey, who was unrelated to, but often confused with Bob CaseyRobert P. Casey
Robert Patrick "Bob" Casey, Sr. was an American politician from Pennsylvania. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 42nd Governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1995...
who went on to become Governor of Pennsylvania. She ran again in 1984 but lost a close primary in which her opponent, Auditor General Al Benedict, originally conceded on election night but later withdrew his concession.
In 1988, one year after her husband's death, she ran a third time and was elected State Treasurer of Pennsylvania.
She streamlined and modernized the Treasurer's office during her eight year tenure and started the Pennsylvania TAP program (Tuition Account Program), built the PA Treasury Investment Center, and started a partnership with PA Home Builders, PA Community Banks, to build PA Affordable Housing in 67 counties of Pennsylvania) according to the population of each county.
In 1994, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission launched an investigation into Knoll and her staff after four state consultants reaped improper fees from a prison bond issue. Knoll claimed that the official paperwork had been altered after she signed off on the plan. Knoll was never charged with a crime but the well-publicized inquiry hurt her politically. However, the four state consultants were found guilty and served prison time.
Catherine Baker Knoll ran for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 1994, having surprised Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel
Mark Singel
Mark Stephen Singel served as the Democratic lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1995 under Bob Casey He was acting governor from June 14, 1993, to December 13, 1993, during Casey's lengthy battle with amyloidosis and subsequent multiple organ transplant.A graduate of Pennsylvania...
, by first withdrawing from the race and then hinting that she would consider running if the Democratic State Committee did not endorse anyone for the race. The State Committee voted to endorse no candidate and Knoll re-entered the race only to finish third in a seven-way primary.
In 1996, Knoll, who was term limited, endorsed her daughter Mina Baker Knoll as her successor. Mina Knoll's opponent, Republican Barbara Hafer
Barbara Hafer
Barbara Hafer is an American politician from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.-Early political career:...
questioned her residency status because she had lived in New York City and the Knoll campaign attacked Hafer's leadership. The race, which Hafer won, opened a rift between the two women that culminated in 2000
Pennsylvania State Treasurer election, 2000
Pennsylvania's State Treasurer election was held November 7, 2000. Incumbent Republican Barbara Hafer won a narrow reelection. Her Democratic opponent was Catherine Baker Knoll, a former two-term treasurer. Hafer and Knoll, both of whom faced no primary opposition, ran a campaign marked by personal...
when Knoll ran against Hafer for Treasurer. Hafer won the election by less than 100,000 votes.
Lieutenant governor
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
The Lieutenant Governor is a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Lieutenant Governor is elected every four years along with the Governor. Jim Cawley of Bucks County is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor...
. She won the nomination over endorsed candidate, State Senator Jack Wagner
Jack Wagner (politician)
Jack E. Wagner is the current auditor general of Pennsylvania. The statewide elected office is charged with serving as the commonwealth’s independent fiscal monitor...
and insurgent State Senator Allen Kukovich
Allen Kukovich
Allen Kukovich is a former member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he represented the 39th senatorial district from 1996 through 2004. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1977 through 1996...
. Knoll was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor on January 21, 2003. She was the first woman to hold that position.
Knoll was criticized by many in the Pennsylvania political community for her controversial remarks and actions. The Pennsylvania Report
Pennsylvania Report
The Pennsylvania Report is an independent bi-weekly subscription-based political newspaper published in Pennsylvania. It is "widely read by the state's political junkies." It was founded in 1985 by David Buffington, a former public relations worker for the Pennsylvania Government.It provides...
said that "she puts you to sleep when she speaks and is a throwback to the old glory days of the Pennsylvania Democrat Party." She became known for her gaffes during public events such as referring to Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson
Edward G. Robinson was a Romanian-born American actor. A popular star during Hollywood's Golden Age, he is best remembered for his roles as gangsters, such as Rico in his star-making film Little Caesar and as Rocco in Key Largo...
(The speech writer admitted he printed in Lieutenant Governor Knoll’s speech her introducing The Governor as Edward G. Robinson), her alleged difficulties in presiding over the Pennsylvania State Senate during late night sessions, and an incident in which Lt. Governor Knoll visited the funeral of a Pennsylvania U.S. Marine Corps Marine who died in the Iraq War. The controversy surrounding Knoll's comments at the funeral, and her passing her business cards to relatives received nationwide attention. Knoll apologized and Rendell said that she was only there to help the family.
These incidents led many to speculate that Governor Rendell would attempt to stop Knoll's renomination for the 2006 elections, but Rendell continued to support Knoll.
In November 2005, Senator and former Lieutenant Governor Bob Jubelirer
Robert Jubelirer
Robert C. Jubelirer is a Republican Pennsylvania political leader. He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1975 to 2006, and simultaneously served as the President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate and Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania between 2001 and...
proposed legislation in which the Lieutenant Governor's primary election would be dropped in favor of the gubernatorial candidate selecting a "running mate" in the November general election, similar to a presidential candidate selecting a running mate for the Presidential elections.
Despite her critics, Knoll maintained a key base of supporters. She was popular with voters in Pennsylvania's southwest, with many women, and with senior citizens.
Four candidates announced bids against Knoll in the 2006 Democratic primary
Pennsylvania lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2006
The Pennsylvania lieutenant gubernatorial election of 2006 was held on November 7, 2006. In Pennsylvania, the Lieutenant Governor is elected on the same ticket as the Governor, so the only campaign for this office was the primary election.-Candidates:...
: former Congressman and US Senate candidate Joe Hoeffel
Joe Hoeffel
Joseph Merrill "Joe" Hoeffel III is an American politician. A Democrat, he is currently a member of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, having previously served from 1992 to 1998....
, the current Recorder of Deeds
Recorder of deeds
Recorder of deeds is a government office tasked with maintaining public records and documents, especially records relating to real estate ownership that provide persons other than the owner of a property with real rights over that property.-Background:...
of Allegheny County
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Allegheny County is a county in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,223,348; making it the second most populous county in Pennsylvania, following Philadelphia County. The county seat is Pittsburgh...
Valerie McDonald-Roberts
Valerie McDonald-Roberts
Valerie McDonald-Roberts is an American politician. She is the Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds and in 2006 was an unsuccessful candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.-Community and political experiences:...
, Robert Hall, III and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
political activist Gene Stilp
Gene Stilp
Gene Stilp is a political activist from Pennsylvania. He is best known for opposing the 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy and his use of props during political protests.-Political advocacy:...
.
Governor Rendell endorsed Knoll in the race.
Rendell said at first that he would not involve himself in the race, but only a day after Hoeffel announced his bid, the Governor changed his mind and asked the former Congressman to withdraw. Hoeffel would later state that Rendell came to the conclusion that he needed the geographic balance that Knoll provided for the Democratic ticket.
On May 16, 2006, Knoll won the Democratic nomination by a large margin. On November 7, 2006, she and Governor Rendell defeated Republican challengers Lynn Swann
Lynn Swann
-Collegiate:Swann attended the University of Southern California, where he was an All-American on the Trojans football team. He played under legendary coach John McKay, including the 1972 undefeated and national championship season. McKay said of Swann, "He has speed, soft hands, and grace." He...
and Jim Matthews.
Death
In August 2008, Knoll revealed that she had been diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer and was in treatment for the disease. She was treated in Hershey, PennsylvaniaHershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey is a census-designated place in Derry Township, Dauphin County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The community is located 14 miles east of Harrisburg and is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hershey has no legal status as an incorporated municipality...
at Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, 10 miles east of Harrisburg, is Penn State’s medical school and academic medical center, and is the only medical school and university hospital in Pennsylvania located outside the urban areas of Philadelphia and...
and attempted a return to her duties in September 2008 but fatigue forced her to return home. In October 2008, she entered Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins Hospital
The Johns Hopkins Hospital is the teaching hospital and biomedical research facility of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, located in Baltimore, Maryland . It was founded using money from a bequest by philanthropist Johns Hopkins...
in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, Maryland for treatment of a viral infection. On November 12, 2008, Knoll died at National Rehabilitation Hospital
National Rehabilitation Hospital
The National Rehabilitation Hospital is located in Washington, D.C., and specializes in treating persons with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, arthritis, amputation, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, orthopedic, and other neurological conditions.The...
in Washington, DC. Upon her death, Pennsylvania State Senate
Pennsylvania State Senate
The Pennsylvania State Senate has been meeting since 1791. It is the upper house of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania state legislature. The State Senate meets in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. Senators are elected for four year terms, staggered every two years such...
President pro tempore
President pro tempore
A President pro tempore is a constitutionally recognized officer of a legislative body who presides over the chamber in the absence of the normal presiding officer...
Joe Scarnati
Joe Scarnati
Joseph B. Scarnati is an American politician from the U.S. State of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Republican Party and is currently the President pro tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate...
became the Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.