Will ‘a lot of interest’ mean a high turnout?

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May 15, 2010

Cambria elections chief expects 42 percent or more

Mike Faher mfaher@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sat May 15, 2010, 11:38 PM EDT

— When it comes to elections, “high” turnout is a relative term.

Aside from always-popular presidential elections, those who coordinate balloting at the county level are happy just to get within shouting distance of the 50-percent mark.

But, at least in Cambria County, elections supervisor Fred R. Smith thinks this might be one of those years.

“There’s a lot of interest,” Smith said.

One factor driving voters to the polls in parts of Cambria and Somerset counties is the hotly contested 12th Congressional District race, in which there is both a special and primary election.

But Smith also noted that the race for governor also will play a role.

“A gubernatorial election is always the second-highest turnout in most counties,” he said.

Smith’s turnout prediction for Tuesday: 42 to 45 percent.

Tina Pritts, who oversees elections in Somerset County, is not quite as optimistic. She expects that turnout countywide could dip below 30 percent.

“Honestly, I don’t look for a big turnout,” Pritts said. “But hopefully, there will be.”

Part of the reason is that the 12th Congressional District covers only 26 of Somerset County’s 68 precincts. Also, there is no primary race in either of the county’s state House districts.

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

There are state and federal races in all or parts of both Cambria and Somerset counties:

• U.S. Senate: On the Democratic side, voters will choose between incumbent Arlen Specter and Joe Sestak – a tight race that has drawn a lot of attention. Republicans will pick either Pat Toomey or Westmont resident Peg Luksik.

• For governor, there are four Democrats and two Republicans in the mix. None is an incumbent, with Gov. Ed Rendell leaving office after two consecutive terms.

• Republicans can choose from among nine candidates for lieutenant governor, while Democrats will see three names on their ballot.

• In the 12th Congressional District (parts of Cambria and Somerset counties), there are two ballots.

The special election, determining who fills the remainder of the late John Murtha’s unexpired term, features Republican Tim Burns, Democrat Mark Critz and Libertarian Demo Agoris.

The primary ballot on the Democratic side includes Critz, Ryan Bucchianeri and Ron Mackell Jr. Republicans will choose between Burns and William Russell.

• In the 9th Congressional District (portions of Cambria and Somerset counties), Republican incumbent Bill Shuster is the only name on the ballot.

• The state Senate 32nd District (part of Somerset County) features two Democrats: Incumbent Richard Kasunic and Ronald Gallo. There are no Republicans on the ballot.

• The state House 69th (part of Somerset County) features only one candidate – Republican incumbent Carl Walker Metzgar.

• The state House 71st District (part of Cambria County) also features no primary contest, with Democratic incumbent Bryan Barbin and Republican Jim Rigby the only representatives from their parties.

• In the state House 72nd District (parts of Cambria and Somerset counties), incumbent Democrat Frank Burns is the sole candidate on the ballot.

• There is a primary race in the state House 73rd District (part of Cambria County), with Republicans Michael Duman and Stephen Shuagis facing off. Incumbent Gary Haluska is unopposed on the Democratic side.

There also are various Republican and Democratic committee assignments up for grabs.

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Cambria elections chief expects 42 percent or more

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