Chesco district race flap goes to Commonwealth Court

CHESTER COUNTY

District race flap goes to Commonwealth Court

HARRISBURG Democrats have asked Commonwealth Court not to allow State Rep. Chris Ross (R., Chester) to replace a candidate who withdrew from the 158th District race weeks before November's election.

In a court filing Tuesday, a lawyer representing the three Democrats and three Republicans listed as objectors to the court ruling cited a Pennsylvania law that vacancies due to withdrawals must be filled at least 75 days before a general election.

Democrats have questioned the reasons behind and the timing of Cuyler Walker's withdrawal, which came Sept. 22, more than a month after the deadline. Walker cited unspecified personal reasons.

"The statute is clear; it's too late for Republicans to engage in a switcheroo and add Ross to the ballot," lawyer Adam C. Bonin said in a statement.

Susan Rzucidlo, the district's Democratic candidate, is among the objectors. Rzucidlo ran against Ross in 2012 and 2010.

At least 45 people have already voted using absentee ballots. The court filing suggests that Ross run as a write-in candidate.

A judge ruled Friday that Republicans could replace Walker on the ballot. County Republican committee members voted Sunday for Ross to run for his 10th term. - Michaelle Bond