2011 Montgomery County Primary Election Results

Despite a lower than expected turnout, Tuesday's primary elections solidified the Montgomery County ballot for November, and gave political hopefuls a chance to get out and meet those residents whose votes will ultimately end up deciding their fate.

"It was a great day.  We were really encouraged by the enthusiasm and warm reception we felt from not only Democrats, but Republicans and Independents as well," said Josh Shapiro, who along with running-mate Leslie Richards, will square off against the Republican tandem of Bruce Castor and Jennifer Brown in November for seats as county commissioners.

"It will be a competitive race, but we are confident that at the end of the day, we'll come out on top," said Shapiro.  "Right now, we're just excited about the public's awareness of the race, and their belief that Leslie and I can bring a new approach to Norristown and help turn the county around."

The race for Montgomery County Commissioner will certainly be the biggest race in November, but on Tuesday night, a different race came to an end, with Eileen Whalon-Behr securing the Republican endorsement for County Sheriff over Robert J. Durante by a wide margin.

"It feels good.  It's been a lot of work, and I'm very grateful for all the voters who came out in this nasty weather.  I'm very honored," said Whalon-Behr, who will face Democrat hopeful William A. Holt Jr. in the upcoming November elections.

"It'll be a tough race.  He's a highly respected retired officer from Abington, and I think I'll have to continue working as I have been regarding reaching the voters.  In the mean time, I'm looking forward to continuing to serve as sheriff," said Whalon-Behr

Current District Attorney Risa Ferman had no opposition from either party, as she looks to secure another four year term as Montgomery County D.A.

"She has earned that.  With her credibility and her record, she's invincible.  It's because of what she does, and how she cares for people," said Whalon-Behr.

As the final polls submitted their numbers, the contested race for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas came down to the wire, with three candidates cross-filing, and only Democrat Cheryl Austin running along party lines.  Dan Clifford, who cross-filed, won the Republican nomination by a narrow margin over Maureen Coggins, while Cheryl Austin secured the Democrat nomination by nearly ten percentage points over Richard Haaz.

Here is a full list of Montgomery County election results, as of 12:00 a.m.

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas - 38th District

Republican:

Dan Clifford

20,727

41.07%

Richard Haaz

9,328

18.48%

Maureen Coggins

20,409

40.44%

Democrat

Maureen Coggins

7,415

15.10%

Richard Haaz

15,861

32.29%

Cheryl Austin

20,349

41.43%

Dan Clifford

5,488

11.17%

County Commissioner

Republican

Jenny Brown

23,838

46.65%

Bruce Castor

27,261

53.35%

Democrat

Leslie Richards

22,827

48.28%

Josh Shapiro

24,454

51.72%

Clerk of Courts

Republican

Moon Ahn

25,390

100.00%

Democrat

Ann Thornburg Weiss

23,975

100.00%

Controller

Republican

Stewart Greenleaf, Jr.

28,552

100.00%

Democrat

Diane B. Morgan

24,370

100.00%

Coroner

Republican

Gordon S. Clement

27,211

100.00%

Democrat

Walter I. Hofman

24,023

100.00%

District Attorney

Republican

Risa Vetri Ferman

29,572

100.00%

Prothonotary

Republican

William E. Donnelly

28,316

100.00%

Democrat

Mark Levy

24,904

100.00%

Recorder of Deeds

Republican

Nancy J. Becker

27,212

100.00%

Democrat

Linda M. Hee

23,677

100.00%

Register of Wills

Republican

Patricia A. Mosesso

25,724

100.00%

Democrat

D. Bruce Hanes

23,085

100.00%

Sheriff

Republican

Eileen Whalon Behr

21,158

68.60%

Robert J. Durante

9,685

31.40%

Democrat

William A. Holt, Jr.

24,043

100.00%

Treasurer

Republican

Chuck Wilson

27,073

100.00%

Democrat

Jason E. Salus

23,583

100.00%

Stay tuned to Patch for the most up to date election results, as well as interviews with the winners and losers of each race.