HARRISBURG -- The cash is flowing into the two-way race for Pennsylvania's highest court.

Campaign finance reports on file today showed Democrat Jack Panella and Republican Joan Orie Melvin pulled in more than $2.5 million this year through Oct. 19 -- two weeks before Tuesday's election.

Both candidates are currently judges on the state Superior Court.

Judge Panella took in $667,000 during the recent five-week reporting period, pushing his total for the year to $1.8 million. Judge Melvin collected less than half that much in the latest period and has raised about $725,000 this year.

In the latest reporting period, both candidates received five-figure contributions from trial lawyer groups. Judge Panella also received heavy financial support from organized labor and elected Democrats such as Gov. Ed Rendell.

Both candidates are judges on state Superior Court.

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