State Appellate Court Races Wrap-UP

An 11-year veteran of the Superior Court bench is one step closer to moving up to Pennsylvania's highest court.
Republicans have chosen Joan Orie Melvin of Pittsburgh to oppose Democrat Jack Panella in November for the open seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Orie Melvin, who had been endorsed by the Republican State Committee, opened up a wide lead early in the evening and never looked back at her two opponents, Superior Court Judge Cheryl Allen and Philadelphia Judge Paul Panepinto. Orie Melvin captured well over half of all votes cast in the race.

As for Superior Court, the Democrats advancing to the November ballot will be Robert Colville, Kevin McCarthy and Anne Lazarus. All 3 Republicans on the ballot won nomination: attorney Temp Smith, attorney Sallie Mundy and Allegheny County Judge Judy Olson.

Both parties had races for nominations to Commonwealth Court. The fall contest will see Democrats Linda Judson and Barbara Behrend Ernsberger take on Republicans Patricia McCullough and Kevin Brobson.