CLARION DA AARON SWITCHES TO REPUBLICAN PARTY

State Attorney General Tom Corbett Says Aaron Believes "It's The Best
Course To Take."

CLARION - Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron announced Monday he
is changing to a Republican party affiliation.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett was a featured speaker at the
press conference held at Structural Modulars Inc. in Strattanville.

The two officials say they share a common focus on various issues facing
the commonwealth.

"He has a history of bipartisan support," said Corbett, a Republican. "He
believes it's the best course to take."

Aaron, a native of Limestone Township, added he found it difficult to
gather support for his objectives through his current affiliation.

He said he considered the decision carefully and that it is not a move
against anyone in the local Democratic party.

Aaron had served as the county's assistant public defender for five years
before being elected district attorney in a close race in 1999.

He ran unopposed in last year's election.

Corbett said he and Aaron have talked about the possible party change for
the last couple of years.

"He's been a strong voice for drug enforcement . . . and he understands
drug education," said the attorney general. "Drugs are the number one
threat to public safety."

He said he plans to work closely with Aaron to identify, arrest and
prosecute drug traffickers.

Aaron has taken over the Clarion County Drug Task Force, he said.

The district attorney said serving in the office has been "very rewarding."

He also cited his prosecution efforts concerning sex crimes.

Aaron said he has sent more sexual offenders to state prison during his
tenure than any previous tenure.

The rate of recidivism among sexual predators "is frightening," he added.

Monday's reception was attended by a number of area community officials,
local Republican party representatives and others.

Corbett was elected attorney general last fall.

Prior to that election, Aaron held a local press conference to announce his
support for Corbett.