Posted on 02/21/2008 9:28:38 PM PST by smoothsailing
Challenge may be death blow for Murtha rival
BY MIKE FAHER
The Tribune-Democrat
February 22, 2008
William Russells campaign to unseat U.S. Rep. John Murtha could meet an untimely end.
A challenge filed in the states Commonwealth Court claims that Russell, a Johnstown Republican, does not have enough valid petition signatures to get his name on the April 22 primary ballot.
If Russell were deemed ineligible, that would leave Murtha a Democrat who has served 34 years in the House with no opposition in this years elections. Certainly, I intend to fight this, Russell said Thursday.
A hearing is scheduled next week in Harrisburg.
Murthas campaign committee issued a statement saying Russell appears to have filed a nominating petition that contained over 180 invalid signatures or unregistered voters in the 12th Congressional District apparently leaving him short of the 1,000 names needed.
The challenge was filed by two local Republicans: Former Johnstown Mayor Don Zucco and attorney Jeanne McKelvey. Zucco said only, There are lots of ways to support the congressman. McKelvey could not immediately be reached.
Murthas committee supports the challenge: The law states that candidates must have (the signatures of) 1,000 registered party voters to be on the election ballot. We believe that all candidates running for office should follow the law.
Copyright © 1999-2006 cnhi, inc.
PING!
I wonder why this does not surprise me?
Two Repubs?
WTF?!!
No wonder here. Even the Richard Mellon Scaife-backed Pittsburgh Tribune-Review regularly endorses Murtha. Why? He brings home the bacon for voters.
Hypocrites.
The Republican Party has been eaten out hollow by liberal Democrats who have penetrated the party.
Well, maybe they can have a change of venue to New Jersey. It’s OK to ignore election laws there. Just ask their supreme court.
This area is where I grew up, and I had hope for Diana Irey’s efforts. But now, it’s all so sad.
At least that won't happen with McCain at the helm...yeah, right.
Disgusting.
What happened to that Irey woman? She decided one try was enough?
I see that they don’t care to identify William Russell as Lt. Col, USAR.
Way to attack a fellow soldier, Murtha...
Murthas committee supports the challenge: “ We believe that all candidates running for office should follow the law.
Wouldn’t that exclude Murtha from running?
PA has Republicans?
“Lots of ways to support the congressman”???
Ssssh! You'll blow his cover!
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