Candidates Prepare for 2012 Primary Election

Candidates have filed their election petitions for the upcoming primary, and several local candidates will face challenges.

Unless a challenge by Republican state lawmakers to push the election back is upheld or the districts are properly formatted, the primary is scheduled for April 24.

Below are the races that residents in  will want to keep an eye on during the primary and the November general election. To view the entire candidate roster, see the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.

Pennsylvania U.S. Senator

U.S. Senator Bob Casey will face one challenger, Joe Vodvarka of Findlay Township, who was booted from the Democratic Senate primary two years ago for not having enough signatures on his petition. Five Republican state representatives, Sam Rohrer, Steven Welch, Marc Scaringi, Tom Smith and David Christian are vying to unseat Casey.

18th Congressional District

Two Upper St. Clair residents will face off in the Republican primary as Evan Feinberg tries to unseat U.S. Rep Tim Murphy in the 18th congressional district. The winner will then face , who is running as a Democrat, in the November general election.

37th State Senate District

Three Republicans and no Democrats filed to replace state Sen. John Pippy in his 37th district seat. , former Mt. Lebanon Commissioner  and Sue Means of Bethel Park will face-off in the primary to decide who wins the position.

40th State House District

No one filed to run against current state Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair.

Pennsylvania Auditor General

Maher is also running for state auditor general. He will face Frank Pinto in the Republican Primary. The winner will face state Rep. Eugene Pasquale, a Democrat, in November. Peters resident Pinto's nominating petition.

Who will have your vote and why? Tell us in the comments.