Jason Petrella of Monaca has been picked to fill the state Senate ballot spot vacated by state Rep. Sean Ramaley, D-Economy, who dropped out of the race last month after being charged with taking a no-work state job so he could be paid while he ran for the House in 2004.

"It was a clear and concise victory for Petrella," said Abe Amoros, communications director for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. "Folks know his credentials and he is very likeable. We are very confident he can win and succeed Gerald LaValle," who is retiring.

Executive committee members were polled by telephone and e-mail yesterday and overwhelming supported Mr. Petrella, 33, a doctoral student who lost to Mr. Ramaley in the spring primary.

The decision fell to the 50 members of the state executive committee when Beaver and Lawrence County committees could not agree.