Below is a series of candidate endorsements for contested nominations in the Nov. 8 general election. This page will be updated with the latest endorsements as they are published.
Rick Saccone Pennsylvania's 39th Legislative District
With stints as an Air Force counterintelligence officer, journalist, professor, international businessman and one of the few Americans to live in North Korea, Mr. Saccone has an exceptional resume. In the House, he has demonstrated a commitment to holding the line on personal income and sales taxes and finding a way to ease the burden of local property taxes. He embraces the need for pension reform, a ban on politically motivated gifts to state officials and liquor privatization.
If Washington is known for one thing these days, it is rank partisanship. As they prepare to cast their ballots Nov. 8, voters should be wondering what might be done about this. One step would be to re-elect Sen. Pat Toomey, a moderate Republican who has demonstrated a willingness to reach across the aisle. Democratic challenger Katie McGinty has many fine qualities, including what she describes as a cooperative streak of her own. However, Mr. Toomey has a credible record. There is no reason to upend the balance he gives the Pennsylvania delegation — our senior senator, Bob Casey, is a Democrat — or to dispense with the seniority he acquired during his first term.
Mike Turzai state House of Representatives, 28th District
As long as the speaker of the state House of Representatives hails from our neck of the woods, there’s little chance the issues important to Pittsburgh will get buried in Harrisburg. But that is just one reason that the Post-Gazette supports the re-election bid of state Rep. Mike Turzai, R-Marshall, who faces Democratic challenger John Craig Hammond, a history professor from Franklin Park, in the Nov. 8 election.
Erin McClelland Representative, 12th Congressional District
In the 12th Congressional District, voters have a choice between two-term incumbent Rep. Keith Rothfus, R-Sewickley, and the Democratic challenger, Erin McClelland of Harrison. Ms. McCllelland, who failed in her effort to unseat Mr. Rothfus in 2014, is taking another run at him. She has brought sound ideas, a keen grasp of the issues and an infectious enthusiasm to the campaign, and she deserves support this time.
Guy Reschenthaler, John Maher, Jason Ortitay Senate and House Representatives
It was gratifying to see Democrats step forward to challenge three local Republican lawmakers — Sen. Guy Reschenthaler of Jefferson Hills and Reps. John Maher of Upper St. Clair and Jason Ortitay of South Fayette — in the Nov. 8 election. Opposition helps to keep opponents on their toes. These lawmakers, however, have been doing respectable work, and the Post-Gazette endorses their re-election.
John Rafferty Jr. Pennsylvania attorney general
Kathleen Kane’s term as Pennsylvania attorney general started in hope, turned into a fiasco, ended with a perjury conviction and led to jail time. The office, staffed by dedicated professionals, deserves a leader who can restore its integrity. Pennsylvania needs a drama-free attorney general who will protect citizens and vigorously enforce the laws of the commonwealth. This year, Pennsylvania voters are lucky to have two serious and well-qualified candidates for the position, Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican John Rafferty Jr. While either would serve the state well, we believe that Mr. Rafferty is the better choice for attorney general in 2016.
Ballot question on mandatory retirement age for state judges
On the Nov. 8 ballot, Pennsylvania voters will be asked whether they want to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges — now 70 — to 75. However, the question isn’t worded in so straightforward a manner, and the subterfuge behind the phrasing makes a bad proposal worse. The Post-Gazette recommends a “no” vote on the proposed constitutional amendment. The mandatory retirement age for magisterial district judges, trial and appellate court judges and justices of the state Supreme Court should remain at 70.
Eugene DePasquale Auditor general
The auditor general — responsible for ensuring that taxpayers get the best bang for their buck and that services are delivered efficiently — has a critically important role in a state often derided for corruption and inadequacy. In the Nov. 8 election, the major-party candidates for this office are the Republican challenger, Northampton County Executive John Brown, and the incumbent Democrat, Eugene DePasquale. While Mr. Brown has an impressive record in local government, Mr. DePasquale already has done yeoman’s work and deserves a second term.
Joe Torsella Pennsylvania treasurer
The next treasurer of Pennsylvania will have a full plate. In addition to the regular duties — safeguarding about $100 billion in public assets — the treasurer will have to rebuild public trust in an office tainted by corruption, weigh in on pressing matters such as pension reform and consider how to expand the treasury’s impact on Pennsylvanians. Both major-party candidates in the Nov. 8 election, Republican Otto Voit and Democrat Joe Torsella, are well-versed in fiscal management. Both have good ideas and impressive records of public service. However, Mr. Torsella has broader, more practical experience, and he receives our endorsement.
Mike Doyle 14th Congressional District
To demand action on gun-control legislation, Democratic members of Congress, including Rep. Mike Doyle of Forest Hills, staged a 26-hour sit-in on the floor of the House of Representatives in June. It was an unusual step into the spotlight for Mr. Doyle, who is neither flashy nor a leader of his caucus. He has benefited the 14th District, however, and we endorse his bid for a 12th term. In the Nov. 8 election, Mr. Doyle, 63, faces Republican Lenny McAllister, 44, a Penn Hills resident who works as a political analyst both locally and nationally.
First Published: October 31, 2016, 6:43 p.m.
