It’s been only two weeks since state Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville, unexpectedly announced he would retire at the end of this year, but already the jockeying among Washington County politicians has begun for his 46th District seat.

As nominating petitions began circulating Tuesday, a number of potential candidates emerged, including all three county commissioners and local state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, who said he will likely run for the Senate seat.

That, in turn, has created speculation about the 48th District state House seat, occupied by Mr. Solobay, who is up for re-election this year.

Suddenly, two coveted positions could be wide open, leading one political adviser to predict a “bloody battle” in the May 18 primary elections.

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