Democrats well on the way to sweeping judicial races in Phila.
Thirteen candidates were up for 12 seats on Philadelphia Common Pleas Court for this election. Someone had to lose. Would it be Vincent Furlong, the only Republican?
Thirteen candidates were up for 12 seats on Philadelphia Common Pleas Court for this election. Someone had to lose. Would it be Vincent Furlong, the only Republican?
After almost all of the vote was tallied Tuesday, it was clear that would be the case. The 12 Democrats on the ballot far outpaced Furlong, a former prosecutor.
The 12 seats were the result of vacancies, and only three had been filled by appointments. The three appointed judges - Democrats Abbe Fletman, Ken Powell, and Michael Fanning - were running for fresh 10-year terms.
Fletman was rated "highly recommended" by the Philadelphia Bar Association. Powell and Fanning were rated "recommended."
Furlong was rated "not recommended," as were three of the Democrats: Lyris Younge, Scott DiClaudio, and Tracy B. Roman.
Candidates Chris Mallios and Kai Scott were "highly recommended" while Daine Grey Jr., Rainy Papademetriou, Stephanie M. Sawyer, and Mia Roberts Perez were "recommended."
The salary for Common Pleas Court judges is $176,572.
For Municipal Court, Democrats Sharon Williams-Losier, Christine Hope, Joffie C. Pittman, were well on their way to winning the three contested seats.
Municipal Court judges are paid $172,486.
Sixteen Common Pleas Court judges and eight Municipal Court judges were up for retention. With most of the vote counted, all were on the way to keeping their jobs.
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Editor's note: This story was modified to reflect that Chris Mallios and Kai Scott were "highly recommended," not simply "recommended."