Special election generating interest
county is given one “conferee” gatherings but also decide for every 1,000 votes them. So far, at least, its voters cast for President the county lacks a high-profile Donald Trump last year. candidate of its own, That grants 80 votes to meaning its votes may be Westmoreland County, 79 up for grabs for candidates to Allegheny, 50 to Washington, from elsewhere. and six to Greene. “You could make a case
Conferees must be for us making the difference, named by Nov. 2, and in I don’t know,” Mr. most counties, a party chair Ball said. “There is no favorite can fill a slot with any Republican son here.” registered to vote The rules for Democrats in the district. In theory, a and Republicans alike require chair could pick a bloc of a nominee to get over conferees to back a particular half of the caucus’ votes. candidate, but “I don’t That may require multiple think there’s anybody out rounds of voting, with the to stack the deck,” said lowest vote-getter dropping David Ball, vice chair of out after each round. “The Washington County’s Republican most interesting question committee. “The may be where do people go chairmen are a very fair on that second vote,” Mr. group,” who would select Korns said. conferees on the basis of BecauseMr. Korns’ home party dedication and geographic lies in the 12th Congressional diversity. District rather than in
Geography may play a the 18th, he won’t be part of key role on both sides of the the drama. And he said the ticket. Both parties have a political process would be single female candidate better off without it. from Westmoreland “Pennsylvania should County — Democratic move to having a primary county Commissioner Gina even for a special election,” Cerilli and Republican he said. “Other states do it. state Sen. Kim Ward — and And even though we try to multiple candidates from make this process as fair as southern Allegheny possible, it’s still the party County. That may split Allegheny picking.” County’s vote, while Washington County may not just host both parties’