Good morning politicos, and Happy Primary Day.
PoliticsPA presents our previews of today’s races to watch. From Philly to Pittsburgh, Erie to Harrisburg, we give you the most interesting primaries in the state.
There will be a few more posted later this morning.
Read PoliticsPA all day long for updates from the campaign trail. And check back after the polls close at 8pm to be the first to learn the results as they come in.
PS. Good luck to the operatives in the field, getting out the vote: you’re everything that’s great with democracy. Just a few more hours and you can finally sleep.
PoliticsPA’s Guide To Primary Day
Statewide
Republican Statewide Judicial Primaries
The saying goes that Democrats fall in love, Republicans fall in line. There are a number of GOP insiders who hope that bears out in today’s primaries for Commonwealth and Superior Court.
Democratic Statewide Judicial Primary
In less than week, the PA Democratic Party will find out how much their endorsement is worth. Tuesday’s primary for Commonwealth Court pits endorsed candidate Kathryn Boockvar against Barbara Ernsberger, who ran against the party in 2009 and won.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Commission
At the heart of the races for three Philadelphia city commissioner seats – whose occupants oversee City elections and maintains voter registration data – are questions about whether these officials should run for election at all.
Philly Dems Mayoral Primary
At the end of the day, the main question isn’t really whether Nutter will win. It’s how many Philadelphians will vote for Street as a protest to his tenure. If Nutter fails to achieve 75 percent of the vote says one analyst, it will be a hollow victory and could leave the Mayor open to a general election challenge.
Philadelphia City Council, District 1
If ever a four-way election was anyone’s guess, this is it. Four men vie to replace retiring Councilman Frank DiCicco
Philadelphia City Council, District 2
Kenyatta Johnson is the front-runner with institutional support, but Barbara Capozzi has the campaign cash and ground game to make this race a fight.
Philadelphia City Council, District 7
This 7th district rematch pits former councilman Dan Savage, with the support of the traditional political class in Philly (ward leaders and unions), against incumbent Maria Quinones-Sanchez and the rising Hispanic political community.
Philadelphia City Council, District 8
A number of candidates have lined up to replace outgoing Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Cindy Bass leads the pack, with challengers including Verna Tyler and Howard Treatman in close pursuit.
Allegheny County and Pittsburgh
Democratic Primary for Allegheny County Executive
It’s two civil servants with Irish names and deep Allegheny County roots. Former County Council President Rich Fitzgerald and Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty are bitter rivals and have turned most public debates into political fist-fights.
Republican Primary for Allegheny County Executive
The Allegheny GOP race pits scandal-plagued (and fundraising challenged) Chuck McCullough against businessman D. Raja.
Allegheny County Controller
Chelsa Wagner, George Matta, and Valerie McDonald Roberts are all giving a final push in today’s showdown. The labor and money favor Wagner, but the race is far from certain.
Pittsburgh City Council (Allies of Mayor Ravenstahl vs. Critics of Mayor Ravenstahl)
The relationship between Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Pittsburgh City Council has become increasingly strained over the past few months. The outcome of tomorrow’s election will determine who’s winning the PR battle.
Everywhere else!
Harrisburg City Council
In a year, Linda Thompson has gone from powerhouse to albatross. And that’s great news for the incumbents the Mayor would love to see beaten: Susan Brown Wilson and Brad Koplinski.
Erie County Council
Erie County voters will settle three council primaries tomorrow, including two challenges to sitting incumbents.
Cumberland County Commissioner (GOP)
A bevy of 1am robocalls has an incumbent commissioner calling for an investigation of the the local Republican committee. It’s just another day in Cumberland County GOP politics.
GOP Bethlehem Township County Commissioner
GOP candidates in the Lehigh and Northampton Counties are preparing for a close primary election race for all 3 township commissioner seats. At competition are 6 Republicans facing off for 3 primary positions.