HARRISBURG -- A state judge today ordered the Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate removed from ballot because the party did not have enough valid signatures in its nominating petitions.

Carl Romanelli's candidacy had been challenged by state Democrats. Mr. Romanelli's bid was backed by Sen. Rick Santorum, who hoped that Mr. Romanelli could siphon votes from his Democratic opponent, state Treasurer Bob Casey.

Commonwealth Court Judge James R. Kelley ruled that Mr. Romanelli, a railroad industry consultant from Wilkes-Barre, was 8,931 signatures shy of 67,070 he needed to qualify as a minor-party candidate.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.