Primary Election Sets Nominees In Statewide Judge Races

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) --- Pennsylvania primary voters have picked nominees for four open seats on the state's appellate-level Superior Court. Democrats also picked two nominees in a big field for two open seats on Commonwealth Court. The races made up the only statewide contests on the primary ballot.

Democrats picked Philadelphia judges Carolyn Nichols and Maria McLaughlin, Beaver County Judge Deborah Anne Kunselman and Superior Court Judge Geoff Moulton for four open seats on Superior Court. Moulton is trying to retain the position to which he was appointed last year.

Republicans picked Blair County Judge Wade Kagarise, Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman, Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano and Mary Murray, a district judge in Allegheny County.

Each party had five contestants on the ballot.

Meanwhile, Democrats picked Philadelphia Judge Ellen Ceisler and Pittsburgh attorney Irene Clark for two open seats on Commonwealth Court.