Wrong Party Affiliation Signers Lose Candidate Ballot Spot

Over in Westmoreland County, a challenge against a Republican opponent for the office of county commissioner resulted in the invalidation of nomination petititions. According to the Tribune-Review report, 27 signatures were ruled invalid because they were from registered Democrats or voters affiliated with political parties other than Republican.

Because of slightly over two-dozen petition signers, the candidate didn't have enough signatures to qualify for a position on the Primary Ballot.

Would-be voters need to brush up on their duty - know what you can and cannot sign for a Primary Election.

Westmoreland Co. commissioner candidate tossed
By Rich Cholodofsky
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, March 16, 2007

Westmoreland County commissioner candidate James Bortz was thrown off the Republican primary ballot Thursday after his nominating petitions were invalidated by a county judge.

Bortz, outside the courtroom yesterday, blamed Republican Party leaders for orchestrating his ouster from the primary and said he would actively work against the GOP's endorsed candidates for county commissioner.

Earlier this month, Bortz, a Delmont councilman and owner of Fontana's Cafe in North Huntingdon, lost out on the GOP endorsement to Hempfield Township Supervisor Kim Ward and Penn Township Commissioner George Dunbar.

Bortz, attorney Wayne McGrew and Mike Reese, the chief of staff to outgoing county Commissioner Phil Light, remained in the race...

... Westmoreland County Judge Gary Caruso yesterday ruled 27 signatures on Bortz's nominating petitions were invalid because they were from registered Democrats or voters affiliated with political parties other than Republican.

As a result, Bortz had just 246 valid signatures, four shy of what he needed to qualify to appear on the primary ballot...

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_498062.html