William Russell’s campaign to unseat U.S. Rep. John Murtha could meet an untimely end.
A challenge filed in the state’s 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 year’s elections.
“Certainly, I intend to fight this,” Russell said Thursday.
A hearing is scheduled next week in Harrisburg.
Murtha’s 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.
Murtha’s 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.”
Local News
Challenge may be death blow for Murtha rival
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Independents, minor-party members locked out of primary election
More than 1 million registered voters in Pennsylvania will be barred from casting a ballot today because the state only allows registered Democrats and Republicans to participate in the primary election.
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Permit path cleared: Construction soon on Rt. 219 project
The final permit is on the way for a Somerset-to-Meyersdale Route 219 improvement project to begin.
It’s a years-in-the-making step that will allow the estimated $300 million plan to be advertised for bids in the coming weeks – and if all goes well, move it to construction this fall, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster said Monday. -
Emergency response team hones skills at training camp
Almost certainly, no Cambria County Special Emergency Response Team members will ever be called upon to create a small bridge out of two pieces of wood and rope, use the newfangled walkway to get a group of individuals from one point to another, pick up an object at the end of the course and then figure out a way back to the starting point.
But the skills SERT officers gain by participating in drills like those – leadership, teamwork, trust and creativity – can be invaluable when they are serving and protecting the community. -
Fun Day event to spotlight YMCA expansion
The Y logo may be seen from the sky June 15 when Greater Johnstown YMCA community members get together to form a logo comprised of people at a Community Fun Day.
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Agency will provide produce vouchers to eligible seniors
Income-eligible residents ages 60 and older will have a chance to stock up a bit on locally grown produce through a voucher program offered in Cambria and Somerset counties this year.
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Poverty simulation slated for today
Annamarie Pihs experienced firsthand the kind of harsh economic times she will be helping educate Johnstown community leaders about during today’s Walk a Day in My Shoes: Understanding Poverty event at Greater Johnstown High School.
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In Brief | 27 students escape injury in bus crash
State police in Ebensburg are investigating a school bus crash that happened Monday on Route 36 in Clearfield Township.
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State police investigating school bus crash
State police in Ebensburg are investigating a school bus crash that happened Monday on Route 36 in Clearfield Township. The Cambria Heights school bus was carrying 27 students when the driver apparently blacked out and sheared off a pine tree between the Chest Spring and Patton areas, schools superintendent Michael Strasser said. None of the high school or elementary students was hurt, he said. The students were triaged at the scene and released to their parents, Strasser said.
The driver was taken to Altoona Regional Hospital, he said. -
Study: Hospitals’ finances are healthy
Hospitals across the region maintained financial health last year, a new state report shows.
But leaders say the continued strength required constant scrutiny and creative programming to identify new opportunities in a dynamic industry. -
Local politicians will feel impact of redistricting
This time next year, as primary election day draws near, two close friends and colleagues likely will find themselves in a face-off, each in the hopes of holding his job in the state House.
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