By Tom Mulkeen, Contributing writer

Anne E. Covey of Bucks County won the Republican party’s endorsement for the open seat on PA’s Commonwealth Court at this weekend’s state committee meeting.

Covey gained steam all through state committee, starting with her opponent’s absence from Friday’s judicial candidates forum. Her momentum culminated in a unanimous endorsement by the committee.

Covey was triumphant in her victory speech, thanking the committee members, her political advisor Pat Poprik, and husband Mike Morris.

“I can’t begin to thank you all so much. First, thank you to the leadership. Thank you for all the caucus leaders who met with me earlier. And thank you to everyone in the room for all your tremendous support. When I first started this endeavor, everybody told me what hard work it is. However, no one told me how much fun it would be.”

Covey’s opponent in the primary, Judge Johnny J. Butler of Philadelphia will reportedly still seek the seat. Additionally, Judge Paul Panepinto of Philadelphia made comments over the weekend that some interpreted as signals of interest in the Commonwealth race. Panepinto is currently a candidate for Superior Court, but is the only candidate rated for each race by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

If nominated, Covey could face the Democrats’ endorsed candidate Kathryn Boockvar, also of Bucks County, also an attorney. Indeed, one of the tactical reasons Covey earned the support of some GOP committee members was her perceived advantage competing against Boockvar in the crucial Philadelphia suburbs that historically can go for either party depending on the race.

Covey does not have judicial experience, but is the owner of Covey and Associates.  The PA Bar gave her its middle rating of “recommended” and cited her strong work ethic and judicial temperament.  In 2002, she was appointed by Governor Schweiker to be the first female member to serve on the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

Covey was predicted to win the nomination by PoliticsPA, and Butler’s absence from the proceedings resulted in his not even being nominated for the endorsement at all.

Vic Stabile, of Dauphin County was nominated for the open Superior Court seat, which balances the Republican ticket geographically between candidates from Southeast and Central PA.

Watch Covey react to her endorsement below.

Managing Editor Keegan Gibson contributed to this report.