Scranton, PA Mayoral Election

[Jake]

I figure if we can discuss the LA mayors election, we can discuss good ole Scranton, PA......Or maybe not, but I'll ramble on anyway.   

Incumbent and popular mayor Chris Doherty is opposed by two Democrats, and suprise, no Republicans.  He is opposed by City Council President Gary DiBileo and School Board Rep Kathleen McGuignan.  DiBileo is popular and was expected to finish a close second to Doherty in the primary, but when McGuignan jumped in, he lost a chunk of his support. DiBileo still is expected to be able to challenge Doherty, but I guess we'll see. The primary is on May 17th.  I'm going to go volunteer for Doherty, mostly because I need school service hours and I really like the guy.  Anyone following this race......(Crickets chirp) 

[muon2]

I'm not following it, but I'm interested to see your reports on this thread.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Didn't Scranton actually have a Republican Mayor a while ago?

[Jake]

Didn't Scranton actually have a Republican Mayor a while ago?

John Connors (R) was mayor from '97 to '01 I believe

[Jake]

In the Primary last night, Mayor Doherty was able to hold off DiBileo to win it 50-47. McGuignan's support was extremely low due to her overall lackluster campaign. All in all, I'm very happy that Doherty will be coming back for the next four years (He will be unopposed as he won the Republican nod also).

[Erc]

In the Primary last night, Mayor Doherty was able to hold off DiBileo to win it 50-47. McGuignan's support was extremely low due to her overall lackluster campaign. All in all, I'm very happy that Doherty will be coming back for the next four years (He will be unopposed as he won the Republican nod also).

So...if he had lost, he'd have run has a Republican against DiBileo?

[Jake]

Yes, interestingly enough

[muon2]

In the Primary last night, Mayor Doherty was able to hold off DiBileo to win it 50-47. McGuignan's support was extremely low due to her overall lackluster campaign. All in all, I'm very happy that Doherty will be coming back for the next four years (He will be unopposed as he won the Republican nod also).

A fascinating idea. I don't think you can run on both party ballots in IL. When there is support from the other party, they run nobody in the primary. If their favorite of the other party loses, they slate that candidate into their vacant slot on the general ballot.

[danwxman]

The Mayor of Harrisburg, Steve Reed, was easily re-elected with about 70% of the vote. His most serious challenger, Jason Smith, posts on this message board (under the nickname smith4mayor) and is pretty much getting totally trashed: http://www.pennlive.com/forums/harrisburg/