Politics & Government

A Quiet Primary in Store for L.M., Montgo

Most of the real contests start tomorrow, but there are a few key decisions for Lower Merion voters to make.

Wynnewood Democrats vote today on whether to give Lower Merion Board of Commissioners President Liz Rogan a chance at re-election this fall. Aside from that, most candidates in the township and countywide are running unopposed within their own parties.

The Ward 7 contest pits Rogan against fellow Democrat Ted Erfer. It is the township's only contested primary race for the Board of Commissioners. In November, however, the Democratic incumbents in Wards 1, 3, 9 and 13 all will face Republican challengers.

For Montgomery County Republicans, only the race to be the GOP nominee for sheriff is up for grabs. Both are veteran cops: Eileen Whalon Behr is a former police chief in Whitemarsh Township who was appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett to the post earlier this year to supplant the late John P. Durante. Her opponent is Robert Durante (no relation, incredibly), who spent more than three decades with the Sheriff’s Department in Norristown. The winner faces Democrat William A. Holt. Jr., in the fall general election. Holt is a former detective from Abington. 

Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Residents who are registered as Democrats or Republicans may vote Tuesday in their respective parties' primary elections, any time between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. at their designated polling places. 

Two judge positions are up for grabs in Montgomery County's district of the Court of Common Pleas. Three candidates—Dan Clifford of Springfield, Maureen Coggins of Hanover and Richard Haaz of Springfield—appear on both parties' primary ballots, while Cheryl Austin of Abington is a fourth option on the Democratic ballot. 

Find out what's happening in Ardmore-Merion-Wynnewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In statewide judicial races, Republicans can pick between Vic Stabile of Cumberland County or Paula A. Patrick of Philadelphia for Superior Court Judge, as well as between Anne Covey of Bucks County and Paul P. Panepinto of Philadelphia for Judge of Commonwealth Court. Democrats' options for Commonwealth Court are Kathryn Boockvar of Bucks County and Barbara Behrend Ernsberger of Allegheny County.

for a list of polling places in Ardmore, Merion and Wynnewood. Check back later today and this evening for full results of the primary here at Patch.


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