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12th District primer: Get ready for a mad dash
This could get complicated—and maybe a little confusing.
Because of a confluence of state law and party politics, it’s likely a special election to replace the deceased Congressman John Murtha (D-12) will be held on May 18, primary day. Gov. Ed Rendell must set the date of a special election within 10 days of when a vacancy in the 12th District is formally declared, which will happen in Washington any day—if not any moment. That election must be scheduled for at least 60 days after when he sets the date. Because of both the costs of a special election and Democrats’ desire to hold the seat, the special election is almost certain to be scheduled for primary day, when Democratic turnout is expected to be high because of races for governor and senate.
Now here’s where things get odd.
There would actually be two simultaneous elections that day—the special election to serve out Murtha’s term, and the primary contests to win a spot in the November general election. Here at pa2010.com, we’re still sorting out the legal details, but we’re pretty sure candidates could simultaneously run in both races. We’ll be fleshing out all the behind-the-scenes action in the days to come, but here’s a quick guide to what happens next.
SET A DATE: Look for Rendell to do this soon. “I don’t have time to think about that,” Rendell told reporters on a conference call Monday afternoon. But he acknowledged that costs were a concern, and said the “first instinct is to hold a special election on primary day.”
PICK SPECIAL ELECTION NOMINEES: There will be an incredible rush for both state parties to do this quickly. Both congressional campaign committees in Washington will surely get intricately involved, with Democrats determined to hold what is now a vulnerable seat and Republicans just as determined to capture a district that hasn’t been truly in play for years. Look for both parties to seek out established political figures with reputations and name recognition in the district.
FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH THE OTHER CANDIDATES: There are folks already in the race, including Democrat Ryan Bucchianeri and Republican Bill Russell. With little money or organization, it’s unlikely that Bucchianeri could convince party leaders to make him the nominee. Russell may have a better shot, with tens of thousands in the bank and name recognition from running against Murtha in 2008. But anyone planning a primary run who doesn’t get the party nod will be under extraordinary pressure to step aside and husband resources for May and November.
BATTLEGROUND NOVEMBER: As if there weren’t enough competitive House races in Pennsylvania, add one more to the mix. Both parties will be going all out to win the seat, regardless of who their nominees are.
February 8, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Tags: Bill Russell, John Murtha, PA-12, Ryan Bucchianeri
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Adam B.
Feb 8th, 2010
There’s no reason why someone can’t run both in the special election and general primary for the seat.
Another Candidate
Feb 8th, 2010
There is another Candidate in Tim Burns…
He has the ability to put in some major resources
Beth
Feb 8th, 2010
Just wanted to point out one thing here. Ryan Bucchianeri is much more organized than you might know. He’s been out meeting constiutents and has been interviewing staff. I have spoken with Ryan and he is sad for the Murtha family and all those who knew Rep. Murtha, but he continues to move forward as the primary election nears.
David Diano
Feb 8th, 2010
Since Ryan was willing to challenge Murtha in the first place, he certainly should be on the primary ballot.
I don’t know the rules regarding special election candidates, if more than one Dem seeks the seat.
Ryan’s chances of becoming a congressman, or the Dem candidate, have certainly improved.
James
Feb 8th, 2010
Ryan Bucchianeri can’t win. He’s a nice kid and I like him, but there is no way he can win in Western PA claiming to be pro-choice, for more gun laws, and for gay marriage. Ryan Bucchianeri is liberal, the people of western pa are not. simple as that. he can’t win. also, few people know him that well. my guess is that bill russell wins the seat. the only way for dems to keep it is if they nominate someone else, preferably some well-known, local democrat that is conservative on social issues, but will bring home the bacon….a career political machine hack.
Chris
Feb 8th, 2010
I disagree. People care a lot more about jobs and bringing back industry to a struggling area. I doubt he’s going to be really emphasizing issues like gay marriage beyond making his position known. It’s admirable that he put some issues on the site that don’t necessarily pander to what the voters want to hear. I think that people tend to respect a candidate who is honest, even when they disagree.
David Diano
Feb 8th, 2010
There will probably be a lot of interest in the race, so I think all the candidates will get a lot of local press and a chance to debate the issues.
WESTPADEM6
Feb 9th, 2010
Ryan is a progressive democrat. Not a good fit for my district. We’re more interested in bread and butter democratic kitchen table issues. JOBS. We dont particularly embrace making issues such as abortion and gay marriage the base of our platform. Do it… and you’ll see why its foolish.
Shortly put… respectfully, ryan couldnt fight his way out of a wet paper bag in the 12th being a progressive, and an unknown in Democratic politics.
librarian
Feb 9th, 2010
I concur with a lot of the sentiment posted. If Bucchianeri was running for a seat in New York City he might win. But even hard core steel/coal union democrats won’t vote for a pro-abortion, anti-gun, pro-gay marriage guy.
Also, it looks as if he might be gay himself. While I have gay friends I doubt Western PA voters are ready for that yet.
WESTPADEM6
Feb 9th, 2010
I agree librarian-
The most dispicable…
Is going to be when we have all these folks coming out of the wood works… and everyone will be an over night political expert w longtime ties to the PA12TH… when before this no one gave a damn about the 12th or its constituents except Jack.
Patrick
Feb 9th, 2010
librarian,
Want to offer proof to your accusation about Bucchianeri?
Aside from him having nice hair, that is?