Tom Smith

ELDERTON — Tom Smith, a conservative activist who ran unsuccessfully as the Republican nominee against U.S. Sen. Bob Casey three years ago, died Saturday at age 67.

Smith had been ill before he passed away at his home in Shelocta, said John Bauer with Bauer Funeral Home.

Smith was an equipment operator before starting the regional coal firm TJS Mining in 1989. His business holdings also included a farm, school bus company and car washes.

State Sen. Don White, R-41st, told the paper Smith showed leadership ability.