Two races dominate primary ballot
While there are several contested races in today’s Democratic primary, the attention of most voters will be focused on two elections. The main attraction features the race for governor where former Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell and Auditor General Robert P. Casey Jr. are battling for the right to face Attorney General Mike Fisher in the fall. A Republican, Fisher is unopposed in today’s GOP primary.
The other hot race is the battle in the 12th District of the U.S. House of Representatives where Democratic incumbents Frank Mascara of Charleroi and John Murtha of Johnstown are locking horns.
Both races have been hotly contested throughout the primary campaign and have become downright hostile in the last several weeks. Voters have been treated to a barrage of negative advertising, mostly on television, with the candidates trading numerous charges and countercharges.
How the negative ads affect the campaigns will probably be debated for years to come, but there’s no arguing that southwestern Pennsylvania, especially Fayette County, will play a key role in both races.
In the contest for governor, Rendell is expected to win by a wide margin in the Philadelphia area. However, Casey is reportedly leading throughout the rest of the state and his fate will be decided on his margin of victory outside the Philadelphia area.
Casey will be particularly counting on a big win in Fayette County where his father, the late Gov. Robert Casey Sr., ran very well. In fact, when Casey beat Barbara Hafer for re-election in 1990, he had more support in Fayette County than in his home county.
Casey enjoys the almost unanimous support of elected officials in Fayette County and has campaigned very hard in the area, making a stop here as late as last Thursday. Rendell, on the other hand, made several stops in the area early in the campaign but has concentrated his latest efforts in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, both Murtha and Mascara have campaigned hard in Fayette County. Murtha has the backing of Fayette County Democratic Party Chairman Fred L. Lebder and Fayette County Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh while Mascara has the support of Fayette County Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites.
After each represented parts of Fayette County for much of the past decade, they were thrown together as the result of a reapportionment plan drawn up by the Republican-controlled state legislature.
Murtha has stressed his seniority in Congress and his ability to bring home money for various projects while Mascara has touted his down-home style and close connections with local residents.
The real battle, though, may be geographic as much as any other factor. Murtha is expected to do well in his home areas of Cambria, Armstrong, Indiana and Somerset counties while Mascara is expected to do likewise in his home areas of Greene and Washington counties.
Up for grabs are parts of Westmoreland and Allegheny counties along with parts of Fayette County. While Mascara has represented the part of Fayette County in the 12th District, Murtha has made inroads through heavy campaigning and spending.
Many political observers agree that for Mascara to triumph, he’ll have to win Fayette County handily. All Murtha needs is a draw and he’ll be on his way to victory, contend the experts.
While those two races are expected to get the lion’s share of interest, there are several other contested races on the ballot for Democrats.
Nine candidates are vying for the lieutenant governor nomination. The leading candidates are former state Treasurer Catherine Baker, Casey’s running mate state Sen. Jack Wagner, and state Sen. Allen Kukovich, who has strong labor support.
The other candidates are state Rep. John Lawless of Montgomery County, Green Tree Councilman Ron Panza, state Rep. Thadeus Kirkland of Chester, Harrisburg artist Edward C. Truax, Wyoming County Commissioner Ron Williams and Pittsburgh college instructor J. David Woodard.
There are two contested local legislative races on the ballot. Incumbent state Rep. H. William DeWeese (D-Waynesburg) is being challenged by Lonnie Miller and the Rev. Robert Spence while incumbent state Rep. Larry Roberts (D-South Union Twp.) is being opposed by Terry Janocek.
There’s also a contest for the the Democratic State Committee where four women are running for two seats. The candidates are Rita J. Yantko of Menllen Township, Gloria L. Dillon of North Union Township, Mildred Hagerty of Franklin Township and Margaret Watson of North Union Township.
Among Democrats running unopposed is John Henry in the 9th District of the U.S. House of Representatives. Also running without opposition are state Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar), state Sen. J. Barry Stout (D-Bentleyville), state Rep. Peter Daley (D-California), state Rep. James Shaner (D-Dunbar) and state Rep. Ted Harhai (D-Monessen). Vicites and Robert F. Danko are running unopposed for the Democratic State Committee.
Voters will also be electing Democratic commiteemen and committeewomen on a ward by ward basis. Most of the candidates running in those elections are unopposed.
Also on the ballot is a referendum to permit the sale of alcohol in Saltlick Township.