Politics
Mayoral candidates trade barbs
By Bob Bauder and David ContiLess than a week before the Democratic primary, three candidates running for Pittsburgh mayor spent part of Thursday calling each other a liar. The candidates traded campaign punches over negative TV ads that Jack Wagner and Bill Peduto have aired. …
South Hills candidates for 42nd District seat want smaller House
By Matthew SantoniAll three candidates seeking to represent the South Hills in the state House seat formerly held by Matt Smith said Wednesday night in their only joint appearance of the campaign they want to downsize and reform the Legislature. Democrat Dan …
Records show Mayor Ravenstahl spent $161K to aid Peduto foes
By Bob BauderPittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl spent more than $160,000 in campaign funds helping candidates who oppose his City Hall nemesis Bill Peduto in the primary election, …
Sestak: Not interested in Corbett’s job, but maybe Toomey’s
By The Associated PressHARRISBURG — Former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he won’t run for governor next year but is strongly considering a rematch against Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in 2016. The Democrat told the AP in …
Incumbent defends seat vs. 2 challengers in Pittsburgh City Council race
By Jeremy BorenAn incumbent, his predecessor and a former mayoral candidate are battling to represent a Pittsburgh City Council district known as much for penthouses as public …
Alllegheny County Council District 9 contest gives voters options
By Patrick CloonanVoters have primary and general election choices in Allegheny County Council District 9. Arlene Jabbour, 62, of West Mifflin, is challenging seven-year incumbent Bob Macey, 64, also of West Mifflin, in the May 21 Democratic primary. “I’m someone you can …
Solid relationships overriding theme of Wagner campaign
By Mike WereschaginJoe King delivered some bad news. King, the head of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local No. 1, had backed Jack Wagner in all …
Immigration overhaul too late to fix America’s migrant labor system
By The Christian Science MonitorTwo studies suggest that the immigration bill making its way through the Senate may not be able to solve one of the core long-term challenges it seeks to fix. Beyond the weighty issues of border security and a path to …
Cooper says years in court give perspective for Common Pleas judge seat
By David ContiMarcia L. Cooper was surrounded by lawyers growing up in the South Hills, including her grandfather, father and brother. “I grew up in a family …
Satler says trial experience makes her case for judicial post
By David ContiJennifer Satler has several answers for the people who ask if she’s too young to be a judge. “I’m the only candidate who can serve …
As judge, Tranquilli wants to intervene early
By David ContiMark Tranquilli remembers prosecuting a man in 1994, and then trying a case against his son 10 years later. Just before Tranquilli took leave this …
Mayoral candidate would encourage whistleblowers to come forward
By Bob BauderPittsburgh mayoral candidate Jack Wagner outlined plans on Thursday that he said would help stamp out corruption in City Hall. Wagner said he would create a special ombudsman’s office where whistleblowers could report fraud and corruption. He would also increase …
Lawyers’ trainer Bush ready for family court role
By David ContiIf Eleanor Bush wins election as an Allegheny County judge, she’ll likely end up exactly where she wants to work. Most new Common Pleas judges …
Judge Cozza aims to stay on family court
By David ContiCommon Pleas Judge Paul E. Cozza wants to stay in family court. “I love working with the kids,” said Cozza, 52, of Baldwin Township, who …
3 Democrats vie for District 8 Pittsburgh City Council seat being vacated after 12 years
By Bob BauderThree former political allies are vying for the Democratic nomination in Pittsburgh’s heavily populated City Council District 8, which will have new representation for the …
State Supreme Court upholds legislative reapportionment plan
By Brad BumstedHARRISBURG — The state Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a revised Pennsylvania legislative reapportionment plan, setting the stage for a 2014 election showdown between two Allegheny County senators. The high court dismissed all appeals to the plan, which sets legislative …
Allegheny County Bar claims lawyer Luvara ‘unqualified’ for Common Pleas judge
By Adam BrandolphJoseph Luvara is not concerned that the Allegheny County Bar Association deemed him “unqualified” to be a Common Pleas judge. Luvara declined to sit for …
Ward wants chance to make difference in family court
By David ContiBill Ward heard from fellow lawyers about the despair they encounter in family court. “I sensed on the juvenile court side there was dysfunction, but …
Allegheny County Common Pleas Court judge candidate Behrend Ernsberger cites variety of cases handled in court
By David ContiBarbara Behrend Ernsberger believes in the axiom that justice delayed is justice denied. While representing people who sued the life insurance industry with consumer fraud …
