Candidates Prepare for 2012 Primary Election

Plenty of politicians will face challengers this primary season as numerous candidates filed their election petitions for the upcoming primary.

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 people living in Bridgeville, Collier Township, Heidelberg and Scott Township will be keeping a close eye on during the primary and the November general election. Go to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website to view the entire candidate roster.

18th Congressional District

Two Upper St. Clair residents will face off in the Republican primary as Evan Feinberg tries to unseat U.S. Rep Tim Murphy in the 18th congressional district. The winner will then face , who is running as a Democrat, in the November general election.

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.

37th State Senate District

Three Republicans and no Democrats filed to replace state Sen. John Pippy in his 37th district seat. , former Mt. Lebanon Commissioner D. Raja and Sue Means of Bethel Park will face-off in the primary to decide who wins the position.

State House Races

In the state House races, neither Democratic incumbent nor Jesse White of Cecil will face primary or general election challenges.

The same, however, can’t be said for , who faces a primary fight for his 45th House seat against Maribeth Taylor. The winner will then face Republican Aaron Kime in the general election.

Mustio, R-North Fayette, also faces a challenge for his 44th House seat this year. He will face Democrat Mark Scappe of Moon in the general election.

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