Candidates Prepare for 2012 Primary Election

Candidates have filed their election petitions for the upcoming primary, and several local candidates will face challenges.

Unless a challenge by Republican state lawmakers to push the election back is upheld or the districts are properly formatted, the primary is scheduled for April 24.

Below are the races that residents in the East End will want to keep an eye on during the primary and the November general election. To view the entire candidate roster, see the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.

Pennsylvania U.S. Senator

U.S. Senator Bob Casey will face one challenger, Joe Vodvarka of Findlay Township, who was booted from the Democratic Senate primary two years ago for not having enough signatures on his petition. Five Republican state representatives, Sam Rohrer, Steven Welch, Marc Scaringi, Tom Smith and David Christian are vying to unseat Casey.

22nd State House District

Four Democrats are vying in the primary to replace former state Rep. Chelsea Wagner after she resigned her 22nd district seat in January to become Allegheny County controller. Erin Molchany of Pittsburgh, Martin Schmotzer of Whitehall, Stephanie Crossey of Pittsburgh and Shawn Lunny of Pittsburgh will be facing off in the Democratic primary. Chris Cratsley is running unopposed in the Republican primary and will face whoever wins the Democratic nomination.

27th State House District

State Rep. Dan Deasy will run unopposed on the Democratic ticket for the 27th district seat.

14th Congressional District 

Incumbent Mike Doyle, a Democrat from Forest Hills, will face off with Democrat Janis Brooks, a North Versailles resident, in the primary for the Democratic nomination. The winner will face off with Republican Hans Lessmann of Forest Hills.