After each period of redistricting, a situation usually arises wherein two incumbent lawmakers of the same party find themselves living in the same district. It is a great way for the opposing party to reduce the number of seats for the afflicted party and instigate a heated primary battle between sitting legislators.
Just such an occasion is developing in Pennsylvania’s 36th House district where Democratic State Reps. Erin Molchany and Harry Readshaw finds themselves opposing one another for the same Allegheny County seat.
Technically speaking, Molchany’s 22nd District moved to Lehigh County and she was bumped into Readshaw’s.
Rep. Readshaw has a number of advantages, including his experience (he has served in the State House since 1995) and the electoral landscape (72% of voters in the new 36th district were once part of Readshaw’s district compared to only 21% who lived in Molchany’s).
Still freshman Rep. Molchany holds the financial advantage, edging out her opponent in year-end cash on hand totals by a $70,000 to $66,000 margin. Molchany has also received donations from some local heavyweights including Mayor Bill Peduto.
So, with such a competitive race on our hands, we ask you the readers who do you think will win the race for HD-36?
Who will win the Democratic primary in HD-36?
- Erin Molchany (66%)
- Harry Readshaw (34%)
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2 Responses
It’s time for new younger Blood in the Democratic party. Erin represents that while Harry represents the “good old boys” in the Party. You go Erin!!!
I like Erin and she will likely win this poll, which, unfortunately, will mean nothing since most of Readshaw’s supporters probably don’t read PoliticsPA, even though it’s a great website.