Kraus Wins Renomination, Likely 2nd Term

An incumbent Pittsburgh Councilman who did not have the support of the mayor was an easy winner over 3 challenges in the Democratic Primary in District 3.
Bruce Kraus picked up 54.3% of the votes cast compared to 37.7% for Jeff Koch, a former councilman who is a public works administrator, and 4.2% for Jason Phillips and 3.8% for Gavin Robb.
Kraus says he's "absolutely ecstatic" about the victory and he wants to continue to see good things continue to happen in District 3..."whether it's responsible hospitality, whether it's creating and reviving business districts in the hilltop neighborhoods, I see the vision continuing and I see it continuing as a collaborative effort between myself and the people."

Kraus, like fellow incumbents Patrick Dowd and Darlene Harris, who also won their primaries, was not supported by Mayor Ravenstahl because he opposed some of the mayor's major proposals including leasing the city's parking garages for 50 years. Asked if his victory was a partial referendum on the mayor, Kraus said..."I'm not even going to go there."

Kraus, who faces no opposition in the general election at this time, says he's looking forward to another 4 years because this is the "most satisfying job" he's ever had.