Two Common Pleas Court judges -- one from Allegheny County, the other from Philadelphia County -- and an assistant Allegheny County prosecutor were poised to compete for three seats on the state Superior Court in the fall general election.

With more than 90 percent of ballots counted last night, Robert J. Colville, who has spent the last 10 years as an Allegheny County judge, was the apparent top vote-getter in a tight race for the top three spots. The crowded Democratic primary had six candidates, while only three Republicans ran.

Judge Colville, 43, of Ross, previously served as a law clerk for the state Supreme Court, was a trial lawyer and served in three of five divisions on the county bench. His father, Robert E. Colville, is a senior judge on the Superior Court.

"We're really pleased to be part of such a strong ticket and we're so grateful to the voters of Pennsylvania," said Danika Wukich, Judge Colville's campaign manager.

"There was low voter turnout [yesterday]. But typically when you see that, you see the super voters and the voters who truly believe in the values of the Democratic party come out."

The apparent winner of a second spot was Assistant District Attorney Kevin F. McCarthy, 47, of Dormont, who worked in the office's appellate division for 18 years and also has been an arbitrator for Allegheny County.

"I couldn't be more pleased," said Marc Clark, a spokesman for Mr. McCarthy. "We're obviously very happy."

Following closely behind Mr. McCarthy for a third spot on the fall Democratic ballot was Judge Anne Lazarus, 56, who has been on the Philadelphia County Common Pleas bench for 18 years. She ran unsuccessfully for Superior Court in November 2007.

Other Democratic candidates were Thomas J. Munley, of Jessup, Lackawanna County; and Paula A. Patrick and John Milton Younge, both of Philadelphia.

Republican candidates included Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Judith F. Olson and attorneys Sallie Updyke Mundy and Templeton Smith Jr.

Judge Olson, 51, of Franklin Park, an appointee to the county court whose seat expires at the end of this year, captured the highest number of votes.

Following her were Ms. Mundy, 46, of Tioga, whose legal practice has focused primarily on defending medical malpractice and insurance cases; and Mr. Smith, of Mt. Lebanon, whose work has focused primarily on medical malpractice appeals, products liability, zoning and commercial tax appeals.

Also up for 10-year retention votes were Judges Kate Ford Elliott and Maureen Lally-Green. The openings on the court come from the move in November 2007 of Judges Seamus P. McCaffery and Debra Todd to the state Supreme Court, as well as the mandatory retirement of Judge Richard Klein.