Good Night for GOP in Statewide Judicial Contests

Republican candidates dominated Pennsylvania's statewide judicial races, taking six of seven seats.
Democrats enjoy a healthy registration advantage in Pennsylvania, but Tuesday's election was a Republican romp.
GOP candidates took three of four Superior Court seats, as well as both Commonwealth Court openings. Pittsburgh area attorney Patricia McCullough and Harrisburg attorney Kevin Brobson won openings on Commonwealth Court. Republicans Judy Olson, Sallie Mundy and Paula Ott were victorious in their races for Superior Court. The fourth seat is between 2 Democrats: Anne Lazarus leads Robert Colville by 3,998 votes.
In the state's main race pitting 2 current Superior Court judges, Republican Joan Orie Melvin beat Democrat Jack Panella 53% to 47%.
Orie Melvin says she viewed herself as the underdog, but felt like she connected with voters this year.

"I felt that they were hungry. And they were hungry for my message, which was reform, transparency, accountability in the courts."

Orie Melvin's campaign raised a bit more than 700 thousand dollars, compared to the 2.3 million dollars Panella took in.

The suburban Pittsburgh native gives Republicans a 4-3 advantage on the Supreme Court.

That may be important if the panel hears any cases dealing with legislative redistricting, which will happen after next year's census.