House Republicans passed a bill to require photo identification at the polls last night.
A late-night, party-line vote has pushed the legislation to the Senate for consideration.
State Representative Dom Costa says it would cost PennDOT about $10 million to distribute free photo IDs to people who would need them to vote under the measure.
But Costa says fraud isn’t a problem in Pennsylvania elections, and the requirement would present a “tremendous obstacle” to many would-be voters.
The Allegheny County Democrat says he thinks the bill will have a harder time passing the Senate, where he says the Republicans are more moderate.
“I’m hopeful that those moderate Republicans will look at it and say, ‘This is not good for our Commonwealth, and we don’t want to be any part of this,’” says Costa, “and I’m hoping they’re asking the same questions I’m asking. Future cost. Show me the beef. Show me where you’re telling me there’s voter fraud, and especially to the extent where we need to take these extreme measures.”
The bill would have PennDOT give out free photo IDs to people who bring their Social Security card, a non-photo ID, and two “proofs of residency” like bills or tax forms.
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Voter I-D Bill Could Come Up For Vote Today
State House members are working through amendments to the voter ID bill, which would require voters to show state or federal photo identification at the polls.
Democratic Representatives proposed nearly all of the 100 amendments to the legislation, in order to prolong floor debate.
Babette Josephs, a Philadelphia Democrat says the measure is unnecessary.
"There are severe penalties for this kind of behavior. That's why people don't do it. That's why people dont engage in this kind of behavior. That's why these kinds of requirements are nothing but a barrier."
Republicans say that barrier would keep people from casting illegal ballots. The sponsor, Representative Daryl Metcalfe of Butler County, says it follows a precedent.
"We drafted this legislation specifically to -- to follow along the same parallel lines as the Indiana legislation has progressed -- to require voter ID, photo ID by voters -- which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. And we want to keep our legislation in line with what's been tested through the Supreme Court.'
In 2006, a similar bill to require voter ID passed the legislature but was vetoed by then-Governor Ed Rendell.
A final House vote on the proposal is expected as early as today.
Democratic Representatives proposed nearly all of the 100 amendments to the legislation, in order to prolong floor debate.
Babette Josephs, a Philadelphia Democrat says the measure is unnecessary.
"There are severe penalties for this kind of behavior. That's why people don't do it. That's why people dont engage in this kind of behavior. That's why these kinds of requirements are nothing but a barrier."
Republicans say that barrier would keep people from casting illegal ballots. The sponsor, Representative Daryl Metcalfe of Butler County, says it follows a precedent.
"We drafted this legislation specifically to -- to follow along the same parallel lines as the Indiana legislation has progressed -- to require voter ID, photo ID by voters -- which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. And we want to keep our legislation in line with what's been tested through the Supreme Court.'
In 2006, a similar bill to require voter ID passed the legislature but was vetoed by then-Governor Ed Rendell.
A final House vote on the proposal is expected as early as today.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
PA Ranks 40th in Helping Young People to Vote
A first ever report by "Rock the Vote" ranks each state on how effectively they prepare and help young people (18-29) to engage in the voting process.
Heather Smith, President of the non-partisan, non-profit organization, says it was founded to register and engage young people to make sure they "have the information they need to get out to the polls and have their voices heard."
The scorecard looked at state laws and policies and how they affected 3 criteria: voter registration, the voting process (how ballots are cast), and, preparation: civic education and making sure young people have the information they need to navigate the process.
According to Smith, the voting systems, policies and laws are different in every state...
"(They) really are not supporting the participation of today's electorate. So we wanted to look at what was working and put together a template, a benchmark to look at in order to call for a more modern election system in our country that supports the needs of today's young voters."
Pennsylvania tied with Rhode Island for 40th and the Commonwealth scored a "zero" in preparation..."There's no pre-registration at 16 or 17 when they are still in high school or get their driver's license. There's no required civic education that's tested in their schools," said Smith. She says Pennsylvania has not done a lot in terms of convenience voting...
"There's no early voting, allowing young people to cast a ballot on days that are not Tuesday, election day, which for young people who have school, who have classes, who work hourly jobs, it's hard for them to get away. So, expanding that time period is something the state (Pennsylvania) has yet to do."
Smith says the process could be made easier through online registration and same day registration at the polls.
Washington, Iowa and Montana were the highest scoring states while Connecticut, Virginia and South Carolina were at the bottom.
Heather Smith, President of the non-partisan, non-profit organization, says it was founded to register and engage young people to make sure they "have the information they need to get out to the polls and have their voices heard."
The scorecard looked at state laws and policies and how they affected 3 criteria: voter registration, the voting process (how ballots are cast), and, preparation: civic education and making sure young people have the information they need to navigate the process.
According to Smith, the voting systems, policies and laws are different in every state...
"(They) really are not supporting the participation of today's electorate. So we wanted to look at what was working and put together a template, a benchmark to look at in order to call for a more modern election system in our country that supports the needs of today's young voters."
Pennsylvania tied with Rhode Island for 40th and the Commonwealth scored a "zero" in preparation..."There's no pre-registration at 16 or 17 when they are still in high school or get their driver's license. There's no required civic education that's tested in their schools," said Smith. She says Pennsylvania has not done a lot in terms of convenience voting...
"There's no early voting, allowing young people to cast a ballot on days that are not Tuesday, election day, which for young people who have school, who have classes, who work hourly jobs, it's hard for them to get away. So, expanding that time period is something the state (Pennsylvania) has yet to do."
Smith says the process could be made easier through online registration and same day registration at the polls.
Washington, Iowa and Montana were the highest scoring states while Connecticut, Virginia and South Carolina were at the bottom.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Is Santorum’s Monday Announcement Key?
Former Pennsylvania Rick Santorum will announce he’s running for president when he makes a visit to Southwestern Pennsylvania Monday. His campaign is officially playing coy despite leaking the news to most major news outlets. The official press release announcing the event f at the Somerset County courthouse labels it “a major announcement regarding the 2012 campaign for President of the United States.”
Santorum makes the announcement after more than a year on the campaign trail. The Republican first visited the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire in April 2010. He’s made repeated trips to the Granite State, as well as Iowa and South Carolina. He even took part in a presidential debate last month.
So is the fact he’s now officially running for president news? Alex Roarty, who covers Santorum and other GOP presidential hopefuls for the National Journal said, not really. “But, you know, at the same time it is a marker when someone officially declares, even when we’ve been treating them like a presidential campaign for awhile. So it’s the sort of thing you cover, but it really doesn’t change anything.”
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College agreed presidential announcements don’t carry the same weight they did just four years ago, when Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton kicked off their campaigns in the early winter months of 2007. “Look – none of these events, as symbolically important as they are to candidacies, make or break the success. This is a moment in time,” he said, adding the rollouts can do more harm than good. “A good event is marginally helpful. A bad event can kill a campaign. I think we saw that with Newt Gingrich’s entrance into the [race].” Gingrich spent the days after his official online announcement backtracking, after he ripped Republican Congressman Paul Ryan’s Medicare plan, backtracked from that criticism, got “glitter bombed,” and faced stories about a half million dollar tab at Tiffany’s, among other mishaps.
Madonna said Santorum’s choice of venue – a picturesque county courthouse in his home state – will draw more reporters to the event than an Iowa or New Hampshire announcement would. No matter how well he pulls off the announcement, Santorum will still face a long road to the nomination. He registered one percent among Republican presidential contenders in the latest Quinnipiac University poll.
Santorum makes the announcement after more than a year on the campaign trail. The Republican first visited the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire in April 2010. He’s made repeated trips to the Granite State, as well as Iowa and South Carolina. He even took part in a presidential debate last month.
So is the fact he’s now officially running for president news? Alex Roarty, who covers Santorum and other GOP presidential hopefuls for the National Journal said, not really. “But, you know, at the same time it is a marker when someone officially declares, even when we’ve been treating them like a presidential campaign for awhile. So it’s the sort of thing you cover, but it really doesn’t change anything.”
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College agreed presidential announcements don’t carry the same weight they did just four years ago, when Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton kicked off their campaigns in the early winter months of 2007. “Look – none of these events, as symbolically important as they are to candidacies, make or break the success. This is a moment in time,” he said, adding the rollouts can do more harm than good. “A good event is marginally helpful. A bad event can kill a campaign. I think we saw that with Newt Gingrich’s entrance into the [race].” Gingrich spent the days after his official online announcement backtracking, after he ripped Republican Congressman Paul Ryan’s Medicare plan, backtracked from that criticism, got “glitter bombed,” and faced stories about a half million dollar tab at Tiffany’s, among other mishaps.
Madonna said Santorum’s choice of venue – a picturesque county courthouse in his home state – will draw more reporters to the event than an Iowa or New Hampshire announcement would. No matter how well he pulls off the announcement, Santorum will still face a long road to the nomination. He registered one percent among Republican presidential contenders in the latest Quinnipiac University poll.
Appellate Court Recount Begins
A statewide recount begins today in the Democratic Primary race for a seat on Commonwealth Court.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele ordered the recount because the vote margin between Katherine Boockvar and Barbara Ernsberger was less than point 5 percent of the total votes cast. In the unofficial results, Boockvar edged Ernsberger by 2,116 votes.....a margin of point 34 percent. Ernsberger had the option to waive the recount but decided to proceed.
The recount must begin in all counties no later than June 1 and be completed by June 7.
Allegheny County Director of Elections Mark Wolosik says they will begin at 9 o'clock this morning.....
"We will compare the totals that were written to the flash memory cards. It's a different way of storing vote totals than the cartridges that get read in on election night. We will compare these totals that were generated by the precinct officials on election night. We will manually look at these numbers."
Wolosik says the second step in the process is to count the approximate 3,000 Democratic absentee ballots.
Unofficial results from Allegheny County had Pittsburgh attorney Ernsberger with 79,952 votes and Boockvar with 23,277 votes.
Each candidate is allowed to appoint one representative and the party is permitted 2 representatives to observe the recount process. He says the recount should take about a day and a half.
Results of the recounts in all 67 counties must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by noon June 8. Aichele will then announce the final outcome of the election. The last statewide recount, in 2009, cost approximately $542,000. This cost will be paid by the state as required by law.
Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele ordered the recount because the vote margin between Katherine Boockvar and Barbara Ernsberger was less than point 5 percent of the total votes cast. In the unofficial results, Boockvar edged Ernsberger by 2,116 votes.....a margin of point 34 percent. Ernsberger had the option to waive the recount but decided to proceed.
The recount must begin in all counties no later than June 1 and be completed by June 7.
Allegheny County Director of Elections Mark Wolosik says they will begin at 9 o'clock this morning.....
"We will compare the totals that were written to the flash memory cards. It's a different way of storing vote totals than the cartridges that get read in on election night. We will compare these totals that were generated by the precinct officials on election night. We will manually look at these numbers."
Wolosik says the second step in the process is to count the approximate 3,000 Democratic absentee ballots.
Unofficial results from Allegheny County had Pittsburgh attorney Ernsberger with 79,952 votes and Boockvar with 23,277 votes.
Each candidate is allowed to appoint one representative and the party is permitted 2 representatives to observe the recount process. He says the recount should take about a day and a half.
Results of the recounts in all 67 counties must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by noon June 8. Aichele will then announce the final outcome of the election. The last statewide recount, in 2009, cost approximately $542,000. This cost will be paid by the state as required by law.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
McCullough Fails Write-in Bid
The Allegheny County Elections Department says former County Councilman Chuck McCullough did not get enough votes in the May primary to put his name on the November ballot as the Republican nominee for District Attorney. McCullough needed 500 votes. He received only 103 of the total 1,510 write-in ballots cast. Current District Attorney Stephen Zappala, who is a Democrat, picked up 296 write-in votes from Republicans. There were 1,111 write in votes cast or “scattered” candidates.
Zappala received 104,165 votes in the Democratic primary and will run unopposed for the District Attorney’s seat in November. 696 write-in votes were cast in that primary race.
McCullough launched his write-in efforts just days before the primary. He also was running in the County Executive race. He lost that bid to D. Raja 32,486 to 12,819.
The elections department will launch a recount Wednesday of the ballots cast in the Democratic Commonwealth Court Primary election. That race is being recounted statewide. Katherine Boockvar edged out Barbara Ernsberger by just 2,116 votes or .341%. The slim margin triggered an automatic recount. In Allegheny county Ernsberger gathered 79.952 votes compared to 23,277 for Boockvar.
Zappala received 104,165 votes in the Democratic primary and will run unopposed for the District Attorney’s seat in November. 696 write-in votes were cast in that primary race.
McCullough launched his write-in efforts just days before the primary. He also was running in the County Executive race. He lost that bid to D. Raja 32,486 to 12,819.
The elections department will launch a recount Wednesday of the ballots cast in the Democratic Commonwealth Court Primary election. That race is being recounted statewide. Katherine Boockvar edged out Barbara Ernsberger by just 2,116 votes or .341%. The slim margin triggered an automatic recount. In Allegheny county Ernsberger gathered 79.952 votes compared to 23,277 for Boockvar.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Recount in Appellate Court Race
Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele has ordered a recount in the Democratic primary election for Judge of the Commonwealth Court.
Unofficial results from across the state show Katherine Boockvar with 311,624 votes of 50.17% and Barbara Ernsberger received 309,508 votes or 49.83%. That's a difference of .34% and under state law a mandatory recount is called if the difference is less than a half percent, unless the trailing candidate waives the recount which Ernsberger did not.
“There is nothing more important to our system of government than a transparent election process in which our citizens have confidence,” Aichele said. “Mandatory recounts in elections this close help maintain that confidence.”
The recount must begin in all counties no later than June 1 and be completed by June 7. Results of their recounts must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by noon June 8. Aichele will then announce the final outcome of the election.
The last statewide recount, in 2009, cost approximately $542,000. This cost will be paid by the state as required by law.
Unofficial results from across the state show Katherine Boockvar with 311,624 votes of 50.17% and Barbara Ernsberger received 309,508 votes or 49.83%. That's a difference of .34% and under state law a mandatory recount is called if the difference is less than a half percent, unless the trailing candidate waives the recount which Ernsberger did not.
“There is nothing more important to our system of government than a transparent election process in which our citizens have confidence,” Aichele said. “Mandatory recounts in elections this close help maintain that confidence.”
The recount must begin in all counties no later than June 1 and be completed by June 7. Results of their recounts must be submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth by noon June 8. Aichele will then announce the final outcome of the election.
The last statewide recount, in 2009, cost approximately $542,000. This cost will be paid by the state as required by law.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Voter ID: Fraud Crackdown or Disenfranchising
A bill requiring voters to produce photo identification at the polls could see a state House vote soon.
The voter ID bill cleared a House committee earlier this month, after more than two hours of contentious debate.
Right now, voters only have to show photo ID when they’re casting ballots at a precinct for the first time.
Republican supporters, including sponsor Daryl Metcalfe of Butler County, say the requirement would cut down on voter fraud. Democrat Florindo Fabrizio said the GOP has another motivation. “This ID legislation, this proposed legislation, is merely, absolutely, unequivocally, a means to suppress the voter turnout,” he argued. Fabrizio used to serve as Erie County’s clerk of elections, and said, “We can cite probably on my hands, the number of cases that were actually reported, actually prosecuted, and actually reached conclusion to some kind of conviction.”
Opponents also claim the bill would create a hardship for people without drivers’ licenses, or older residents with expired identification. “A percentage of US citizens who are eligible to vote do not have government-issued ID,” said Andy Hoover of Pennsylvania’s ACLU. “In this case, with this bill, it must have a photo and the ID must be unexpired. So if you’re a senior, for example, who is no longer driving, who is no longer traveling, your passport and your driver’s license may be expired.”
During the State Government Committee debate on the measure, Metcalfe called Pennsylvania’s current law “irresponsible.” His website says the measure would “protect against corrupt politicians, groups and individuals who might attempt to undermine our elections.”
The legislation would provide a free ID to anyone who needs it.
The voter ID bill cleared a House committee earlier this month, after more than two hours of contentious debate.
Right now, voters only have to show photo ID when they’re casting ballots at a precinct for the first time.
Republican supporters, including sponsor Daryl Metcalfe of Butler County, say the requirement would cut down on voter fraud. Democrat Florindo Fabrizio said the GOP has another motivation. “This ID legislation, this proposed legislation, is merely, absolutely, unequivocally, a means to suppress the voter turnout,” he argued. Fabrizio used to serve as Erie County’s clerk of elections, and said, “We can cite probably on my hands, the number of cases that were actually reported, actually prosecuted, and actually reached conclusion to some kind of conviction.”
Opponents also claim the bill would create a hardship for people without drivers’ licenses, or older residents with expired identification. “A percentage of US citizens who are eligible to vote do not have government-issued ID,” said Andy Hoover of Pennsylvania’s ACLU. “In this case, with this bill, it must have a photo and the ID must be unexpired. So if you’re a senior, for example, who is no longer driving, who is no longer traveling, your passport and your driver’s license may be expired.”
During the State Government Committee debate on the measure, Metcalfe called Pennsylvania’s current law “irresponsible.” His website says the measure would “protect against corrupt politicians, groups and individuals who might attempt to undermine our elections.”
The legislation would provide a free ID to anyone who needs it.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Six State Lawmakers Trying to Bolt Harrisburg
Four Democrats and two Republicans won primary elections last week. The majority come from the southeast: in Philadelphia, Democrat Kenyatta Johnson and Republican Denny O’Brien are running for City Council, and Democrat Jewell Williams is campaigning for sheriff. In the suburbs, Democrat Josh Shapiro is vying to become Montgomery County commissioner. In Lehigh County, Republican Doug Reichley is running for a judicial seat. And in Allegheny County, Democrat Chelsa Wagner is hoping to become her family’s second fiscal watchdog, by running for county controller.
Does Harrisburg gridlock play a role in the lawmakers’ decisions to seek new employment? Reichley downplayed the suggestion. “I think these things come and go in cycles. I think there were just two members in the ‘09 elections that ran,” he said. “So I think it was more just a coincidence this year with the number of members who are looking at other elective offices.” The Republican former prosecutor did concede, however, that his family life influenced the judicial run. “You know, I have two kids who are 13 and 11. And the amount of time away from home that is required by the job, both to be in Harrisburg and to be doing events in the district, really does take a toll on your family life,” he said.
Shapiro said he “loves” his job as a state representative, but, “5he opportunity to run for Montgomery County Commissioner, in a county of 800,000 people, with a budget of nearly a half billion dollars, and extraordinary responsibility over infrastructure, social services and education, was just too much to pass up.”
Four of the lawmakers running for local office are Democrats, who went from House majority to minority this year. Shapiro said that wasn’t a factor in his decision to run for commissioner. “Look, everybody has their reasons for wanting to make the move. For me, it was about helping people in a more direct way,” he said. “About having the opportunity to affect more lives than I do now in a more positive way. And to being in more of an executive role.”
Any seats vacated by November wins would be filled by special elections early next year. Those contests, coming about a year into Governor Corbett’s tenure, will likely be viewed as litmus tests for whether the Republican’s agenda still has the support of Pennsylvania voters.
Does Harrisburg gridlock play a role in the lawmakers’ decisions to seek new employment? Reichley downplayed the suggestion. “I think these things come and go in cycles. I think there were just two members in the ‘09 elections that ran,” he said. “So I think it was more just a coincidence this year with the number of members who are looking at other elective offices.” The Republican former prosecutor did concede, however, that his family life influenced the judicial run. “You know, I have two kids who are 13 and 11. And the amount of time away from home that is required by the job, both to be in Harrisburg and to be doing events in the district, really does take a toll on your family life,” he said.
Shapiro said he “loves” his job as a state representative, but, “5he opportunity to run for Montgomery County Commissioner, in a county of 800,000 people, with a budget of nearly a half billion dollars, and extraordinary responsibility over infrastructure, social services and education, was just too much to pass up.”
Four of the lawmakers running for local office are Democrats, who went from House majority to minority this year. Shapiro said that wasn’t a factor in his decision to run for commissioner. “Look, everybody has their reasons for wanting to make the move. For me, it was about helping people in a more direct way,” he said. “About having the opportunity to affect more lives than I do now in a more positive way. And to being in more of an executive role.”
Any seats vacated by November wins would be filled by special elections early next year. Those contests, coming about a year into Governor Corbett’s tenure, will likely be viewed as litmus tests for whether the Republican’s agenda still has the support of Pennsylvania voters.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Appellate Court Race Very Close
The Democratic race for Commonwealth Court could be headed for a recount. The decision on whether or not to re-tally votes will be made next week, when counties submit official returns to the Department of State.
603,801 Democratic voters supported either Katheryn Boockvar or Barbara Ernsberger in Tuesday's Pennsylvania Primary. Speaking Wednesday afternoon, Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele explained just how slim Boockvar’s unofficial 50.3 to 49.8 percent lead is. “Right now, as of about an hour ago, the difference between the two candidates was 2,794 votes, which is within the half of the one percent,” she said.
If the difference between the two candidates stays less than a half a percentage point once counties certify the results next week, Aichele will announce an automatic recount, unless the trailing candidate waives her right for another tally.
The effort would be expensive, with an estimated cost of more than $500,000. “I have been through a recount in Chester County, as the county commissioner,” explained Aichele. “And we went over in many cases, provisional ballots ballot by ballot. So it’s labor-intensive.” DOS assumes each ballot box would cost about $50 to count. With more than 9,000 precincts throughout Pennsylvania, the cost would add up quickly.
Last year’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor primary and the 2009 Superior Court election both fell within the half-percent margin, but both times, challengers conceded and waived their right to a recount.
603,801 Democratic voters supported either Katheryn Boockvar or Barbara Ernsberger in Tuesday's Pennsylvania Primary. Speaking Wednesday afternoon, Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele explained just how slim Boockvar’s unofficial 50.3 to 49.8 percent lead is. “Right now, as of about an hour ago, the difference between the two candidates was 2,794 votes, which is within the half of the one percent,” she said.
If the difference between the two candidates stays less than a half a percentage point once counties certify the results next week, Aichele will announce an automatic recount, unless the trailing candidate waives her right for another tally.
The effort would be expensive, with an estimated cost of more than $500,000. “I have been through a recount in Chester County, as the county commissioner,” explained Aichele. “And we went over in many cases, provisional ballots ballot by ballot. So it’s labor-intensive.” DOS assumes each ballot box would cost about $50 to count. With more than 9,000 precincts throughout Pennsylvania, the cost would add up quickly.
Last year’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor primary and the 2009 Superior Court election both fell within the half-percent margin, but both times, challengers conceded and waived their right to a recount.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Recount Possible in Democratic Commonwealth Court Primary
Pennsylvania voters picked nominees for two statewide judicial races yesterday.
There are 4.2 million Democrats and 3 million Republicans registered to vote in Pennsylvania, but less than 600-thousand from each party cast ballots yesterday.
The close race of the night came in the Democratic primary for Commonwealth Court judge, where Barbara Ernsberger and Kathryn Boockvar exchanged leads all night.
With 99 percent of districts reporting, Boockvar held a lead of 3,112 votes, which will likely trigger a recount.
Boockvar was the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate, and Ernsberger was not recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, because she didn’t fill out their questionnaire.
Every other party-endorsed candidate won in the low-turnout election. In the GOP primary for Commonwealth Court, Anne Covey topped Paul Panepinto 70%-30%.
On the Republican side, Vic Stabile beat Paula Patrick by more than thirty points in the Superior Court race,
David Wecht ran unopposed for the Democratic Superior Court nomination.
There are 4.2 million Democrats and 3 million Republicans registered to vote in Pennsylvania, but less than 600-thousand from each party cast ballots yesterday.
The close race of the night came in the Democratic primary for Commonwealth Court judge, where Barbara Ernsberger and Kathryn Boockvar exchanged leads all night.
With 99 percent of districts reporting, Boockvar held a lead of 3,112 votes, which will likely trigger a recount.
Boockvar was the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate, and Ernsberger was not recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, because she didn’t fill out their questionnaire.
Every other party-endorsed candidate won in the low-turnout election. In the GOP primary for Commonwealth Court, Anne Covey topped Paul Panepinto 70%-30%.
On the Republican side, Vic Stabile beat Paula Patrick by more than thirty points in the Superior Court race,
David Wecht ran unopposed for the Democratic Superior Court nomination.
Rich Fitzgerald Democratic Candidate for County Executive
Rich Fitzgerald, who had to resign from County Council to run for Allegheny County Executive, has won the Democratic primary over County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty.
Rich Fitzgerald got the party endorsement in a close vote and also had lots of support from elected officials as well as labor leaders. Many of them were waiting for him on the stage at the IBEW hall on the South Side when he arrived to claim victory.
People who support Fitzgerald frequently mention his work ethic. He says after a short rest, his campaign will work to unify the party and the region, continuing to create jobs and keep taxes down. He wants to work with officials in Harrisburg and Washington on an energy policy and a transit policy for this region.
Fitzgerald’s first thanks were for Mark Patrick Flaherty’s gracious concession call.
Flaherty Quiet in Defeat
Democratic County Executive Candidate Mark Patrick Flaherty went before his supporters last night without a trace of the sheepish grin he wore during many of the debates this spring. “Rich Fitzgerald ran his race and I ran my race and the voters made a choice and I accept that choice,” said Flaherty.Flaherty lost to former County Council President Rich Fitzgerald 64,343 to 50,265. He says the rain suppressed voter turnout and Fitzgerald did a better job of getting his supporters to the poling places.
On stage, Flaherty was flanked by his wife and child on one side and his parents on the other. He kept his eyes on an empty lectern as he thanked his volunteers and spoke about the county’s future. “The major issues our county is facing are tremendous financial challenges and the result of this primary didn’t lesson that challenge at all and moving forward we are going to have to work on that all together,” said Flaherty.
Flaherty still has more than 6 months in the County Controller’s office. “We have a very important city/county consolidation to finish of our accounting ERP system that I have been working on for two years so we are going to certainly get that ready and try to finish that for the next controller that comes in,” said Flaherty.
In the short term, Flaherty says it is time to get back to his family. Pointing to his wife Anne and his daughter Deirdre, Flaherty said, “These two completely fulfill my life… Now they get me back.” To that, the small voice of a six-year-old rose up from below the microphone and replied, “Yay!”
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
O'Connor Gets Democratic City District 5 Nod
Corey O'Connor has won the Democratic nomination for the District 5 Pittsburgh Council seat. he faces a Republican opponent in the November election.
O'Connor, son of late Mayor Bob O'Connor, says he will continue to campaign hard against Republican Josh Wander in the general election.
He says he is eager to get started in city government.
"To bring an independent voice to city council, that's going to be able to work with other Council members, other administrators downtown to bring top-mark services to the constituents of District 5 and the city of Pittsburgh," says O'Connor.
O'Connor would assume the same Council seat his father once held if he defeats Wander in the November race.
The Democratic nominee says he's honored by the large voter turnout for a first-time political candidate.
O'Connor, son of late Mayor Bob O'Connor, says he will continue to campaign hard against Republican Josh Wander in the general election.
He says he is eager to get started in city government.
"To bring an independent voice to city council, that's going to be able to work with other Council members, other administrators downtown to bring top-mark services to the constituents of District 5 and the city of Pittsburgh," says O'Connor.
O'Connor would assume the same Council seat his father once held if he defeats Wander in the November race.
The Democratic nominee says he's honored by the large voter turnout for a first-time political candidate.
City District 1 Stays With Harris
In the Democratic Primary, incumbent Councilwoman Darlene Harris held on to her District 1 Pittsburgh Council position by a margin of less than 100 votes.
With all but one precinct reporting, Harris held a 78-vote lead over her closest of 3 challengers, Vincent Pallus.
Harris, the current Council President, says she's grateful to her campaign staff and District 1 voters. She says she wishes she could have run a more hands-on campaign.
"There were times when I had to be busy in the office, being the President and doing my job, than to be out campaigning," says Harris. "So I didn't get to campaign as much as I would have liked to."
Harris is unlikely to lose her Council seat in the November general election, as she faces no Republican opponents.
The Council President says she's eager to take on both large issues like the city's underfunded pension situation and the other items that come up every day.
With all but one precinct reporting, Harris held a 78-vote lead over her closest of 3 challengers, Vincent Pallus.
Harris, the current Council President, says she's grateful to her campaign staff and District 1 voters. She says she wishes she could have run a more hands-on campaign.
"There were times when I had to be busy in the office, being the President and doing my job, than to be out campaigning," says Harris. "So I didn't get to campaign as much as I would have liked to."
Harris is unlikely to lose her Council seat in the November general election, as she faces no Republican opponents.
The Council President says she's eager to take on both large issues like the city's underfunded pension situation and the other items that come up every day.
Mayor Endorsed Incumbent Grabs District 9
In his first term on City Council Reverend Ricky Burgess frequently sided with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, often putting him in conflict with fellow council members. But after tonight's firm win over Democrat endorsed Phyllis Copeland-Michell and community activist Lucille Prater-Holliday, Burgess says voters stand behind his positions. He also noted that he collaborates with colleagues, "I have passed legislation, some of it unanimously: Jordan Miles, CDBG (community development block grants) reform, Public Safety Agenda. I continue to advocate for the principles that I believe in." He says he will push for more resources in undeserved areas and bring economic development to communities like Homewood, Brushton, Lincoln-Lemington and Larimer.
Incumbent Dowd Wins City District 7
In 2007 Patrick Dowd says he won his party's nomination by a mere 91 votes, but this year he cruised to comfortable 64 to 35% win over challenger Anthony Mark Ceoffe. Dowd says he feels his win is a mandate to continue fighting for the issues that are crucial to the city - "Saving our public assets, whether we're talking about parking, pensions, the libraries. We also want to make sure we're focused on the city's financial health." He says constituent services have been crucial to staying in step with the needs and concerns of the community and he hopes to expand those dialogues in the future. No Republican filed in the primary, so Dowd's of a second four year term is assured this November.
D. Raja Wins
Mt. Lebanon Commissioner and businessman D. Raja, a Republican, will be going up against former Allegheny County Council President Rich Fitzgerald for the seat of county chief executive in November.
D. Raja cleanly beat out Chuck McCullough, a former county councilman who is currently entangled in legal battles for the slot of Republican nominee in November’s election.
He thanked a few dozen supporters in Greentree on Tuesday night.
“I am very grateful for all of your work," he told a cheering crowd, "But we are just getting started.”
In his victory speech, he spoke about his journey to Pittsburgh 25 years ago as a student, how he embodies the spirit of the region and doesn’t want to see it decline due to nepotism, a lack of jobs and amenities such as public transportation.
Although Allegheny county is largely Democratic, Raja said he thinks he will win because feels people are hungry for something different.
"When they see they have jobs for their kids and grandkids to stay here, when they see they have bus routes to go to their doctors and to work, it doesn’t matter, they’re going to support, you know whose going to make that situation happen for them," he said.
He spoke about his dedication to job creation, which he said he will make happen by encouraging start-ups, attracting companies from bigger cities and through Marcellus Shale drilling.
D. Raja will now go up against Democrat Rich Fitzgerald in November.
D. Raja cleanly beat out Chuck McCullough, a former county councilman who is currently entangled in legal battles for the slot of Republican nominee in November’s election.
He thanked a few dozen supporters in Greentree on Tuesday night.
“I am very grateful for all of your work," he told a cheering crowd, "But we are just getting started.”
In his victory speech, he spoke about his journey to Pittsburgh 25 years ago as a student, how he embodies the spirit of the region and doesn’t want to see it decline due to nepotism, a lack of jobs and amenities such as public transportation.
Although Allegheny county is largely Democratic, Raja said he thinks he will win because feels people are hungry for something different.
"When they see they have jobs for their kids and grandkids to stay here, when they see they have bus routes to go to their doctors and to work, it doesn’t matter, they’re going to support, you know whose going to make that situation happen for them," he said.
He spoke about his dedication to job creation, which he said he will make happen by encouraging start-ups, attracting companies from bigger cities and through Marcellus Shale drilling.
D. Raja will now go up against Democrat Rich Fitzgerald in November.
Howard, Wagner Win Controller Nominations
It will be a manager at PPG versus a Pennsylvania State Representative for Controller of Allegheny County in the November general election.
Chelsa Wagner received the Democratic nomination for County Controller in a three-person race, but her Republican opponent Bob Howard was unopposed in the primary.
Wagner defeated County Real Estate Manager Valerie McDonald Roberts and Rivers Casino executive George Matta by taking 49% of Democratic votes.
Wagner says she thinks it was her stance that a controller should be both fiscal watchdog and policy advocate that gave her an edge over her Democratic competition.
"Being the fiscal watchdog is a baseline, but there's two parts of the equation: that you're finding the inefficiencies in government, but the other side of that is that you're someone who's ready to propose solutions and really work to fix the problems that we're facing," says Wagner.
Wagner has been an Allegheny County Representative since 2007, but says she would like to serve in a County role to focus on local issues. Wagner says she wants to work closely on local transportation funding issues.
The Republican nominee for County Controller is running his campaign on a platform of fiscal efficiency and fewer financial regulations.
PPG manager Bob Howard says he would work to make his office and the county as fiscally resourceful as possible.
“Through performance auditing and benchmarking, comparing what we do with other municipalities and counties, and even private sector companies that are providing those services, I would look for efficiencies and find ways to provide greater and better services to people in the county,” says Howard.
Howard says he disagrees with Wagner's opinion that the Controller should be a policy advocate; rather, he says the job should be only about financial matters.
Chelsa Wagner received the Democratic nomination for County Controller in a three-person race, but her Republican opponent Bob Howard was unopposed in the primary.
Wagner defeated County Real Estate Manager Valerie McDonald Roberts and Rivers Casino executive George Matta by taking 49% of Democratic votes.
Wagner says she thinks it was her stance that a controller should be both fiscal watchdog and policy advocate that gave her an edge over her Democratic competition.
"Being the fiscal watchdog is a baseline, but there's two parts of the equation: that you're finding the inefficiencies in government, but the other side of that is that you're someone who's ready to propose solutions and really work to fix the problems that we're facing," says Wagner.
Wagner has been an Allegheny County Representative since 2007, but says she would like to serve in a County role to focus on local issues. Wagner says she wants to work closely on local transportation funding issues.
The Republican nominee for County Controller is running his campaign on a platform of fiscal efficiency and fewer financial regulations.
PPG manager Bob Howard says he would work to make his office and the county as fiscally resourceful as possible.
“Through performance auditing and benchmarking, comparing what we do with other municipalities and counties, and even private sector companies that are providing those services, I would look for efficiencies and find ways to provide greater and better services to people in the county,” says Howard.
Howard says he disagrees with Wagner's opinion that the Controller should be a policy advocate; rather, he says the job should be only about financial matters.
Monday, May 16, 2011
3 Vie for Democratic Nomination in Council District 9
Two challengers are looking to unseat Pittsburgh Councilman Ricky Burgess in District 9. The 54 year old Burgess, a senior pastor at Nazarene Baptist Church in Homewood and an associate professor at Community College of Allegheny County, is seeking a second 4-year term in office.
Burgess is one of the founders of PIRC, the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime,
where local and federal authorities hold face to face meetings with members of violent groups in the city in an effort to reduce the number of homicides and youth crime.
Burgess is also the sponsor of several police accountability measures including one that has been approved that most police cars be equipped with video and audio recorders.
Burgess has the support of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl but the Democratic Committee endorsed one of the challengers: Phyllis Copeland-Mitchell, a 54 year old social worker from Lincoln-Lemington.
Shortly after winning the party endorsement, Copeland-Mitchell lost her job as residential correction facility manager for The Program for Offenders, a government-funded treatment facility. The executive director Carol Hertz sent Copeland-Mitchell a letter giving her a choice.....her job or campaigning. The letter said if she continued her candidacy, the program would consider that to be her resignation.
Copeland-Mitchell is suing for wrongful dismissal.
She says people asked her to run "because of the conditions in the neighborhood" and because "he (Burgess) is unapproachable."
Copeland-Mitchell says the high crime rate in the community is her number one issue. She says the beating of then high school student Jordan Miles by 3 police officers highlights a community need....
"We do need our police officers in the community to help us. But anytime there is a misjustice (injustice), it needs to be dealt with and investigated further."
54 year old Lucille Prater-Holliday is also seeking the Democratic nomination in Council District 9. Prater-Holliday is a community activist who lives in Homewood.
"I have more than 25 years working with people. For the most part, there's been no paycheck attached to that work, it's all volunteer because I know it needs to be done and it's my responsibility to try to provide a better future for coming generations."
Prater-Holliday says the biggest complaint she's heard about Burgess is "that he is unapproachable and he's absent from the community."
But she says she can identify with residents, in part, because she raised 2 young children after her husband died when she was 34...
"I have lived in low-income housing. I've been on food stamps. I've been on welfare. I've been unemployed. I've lived in sub-standard housing so I've lived the same life of so many people in the district so I can related to what the people in the district are going through."
The victor of the Democratic Primary will likely win the council seat because no Republican candidate is filed.
Burgess is one of the founders of PIRC, the Pittsburgh Initiative to Reduce Crime,
where local and federal authorities hold face to face meetings with members of violent groups in the city in an effort to reduce the number of homicides and youth crime.
Burgess is also the sponsor of several police accountability measures including one that has been approved that most police cars be equipped with video and audio recorders.
Burgess has the support of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl but the Democratic Committee endorsed one of the challengers: Phyllis Copeland-Mitchell, a 54 year old social worker from Lincoln-Lemington.
Shortly after winning the party endorsement, Copeland-Mitchell lost her job as residential correction facility manager for The Program for Offenders, a government-funded treatment facility. The executive director Carol Hertz sent Copeland-Mitchell a letter giving her a choice.....her job or campaigning. The letter said if she continued her candidacy, the program would consider that to be her resignation.
Copeland-Mitchell is suing for wrongful dismissal.
She says people asked her to run "because of the conditions in the neighborhood" and because "he (Burgess) is unapproachable."
Copeland-Mitchell says the high crime rate in the community is her number one issue. She says the beating of then high school student Jordan Miles by 3 police officers highlights a community need....
"We do need our police officers in the community to help us. But anytime there is a misjustice (injustice), it needs to be dealt with and investigated further."
54 year old Lucille Prater-Holliday is also seeking the Democratic nomination in Council District 9. Prater-Holliday is a community activist who lives in Homewood.
"I have more than 25 years working with people. For the most part, there's been no paycheck attached to that work, it's all volunteer because I know it needs to be done and it's my responsibility to try to provide a better future for coming generations."
Prater-Holliday says the biggest complaint she's heard about Burgess is "that he is unapproachable and he's absent from the community."
But she says she can identify with residents, in part, because she raised 2 young children after her husband died when she was 34...
"I have lived in low-income housing. I've been on food stamps. I've been on welfare. I've been unemployed. I've lived in sub-standard housing so I've lived the same life of so many people in the district so I can related to what the people in the district are going through."
The victor of the Democratic Primary will likely win the council seat because no Republican candidate is filed.
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