Published Saturday, May 29, 1999 "My great- or great-great-grandpa, James Campbell, was the secretary for the Shenango Township schools back in 1846," said Marshall's father, James M. Campbell.
James said his father, William C. Campbell, was known as "Mr. Republican" because of his 15 years as the Republican Party chairman for Mercer County. "My dad said he got the position by a straw vote. He and another man were both possible candidates, so the people had them pick a straw and my dad got the long one."
William C. Campbell was also a West Middlesex School Board member for more than 20 years.
James Campbell, the Mercer County Republican Chairman from 1994 to 1998, has also helped others with their campaigns including state Sen. Roy Wilt and Gov. Tom Ridge.
Many of his relatives are also involved with local politics. "My cousin Mary Buckwalter just made it on the New Wilmington School Board, and her father, Uncle Ray Campbell, was a Wilmington Township supervisor for years," said Campbell.
Other relatives in politics include cousin T. Scott Campbell, a Shenango Township supervisor for 20 years; aunt Betty Beck, who is a committeewoman for the Republican party in Lawrence County; and brother Tom Campbell, who has served on the New Wilmington School Board.
"I guess politics is sort of a family tradition," Campbell said.
