Westmoreland County Republican primary challengers can stay on ballot, judge rules
Two challengers are allowed to stay on Westmoreland County ballots after a judge ruled for them Friday in a lawsuit accusing the candidates of not submitting all required paperwork to run.
The main lawsuit was filed by the county's Republican committee chair, Bill Bretz, accusing two of three county commissioner candidates, who are challenging current incumbents, of not submitting all the required documents in order to run for office.
The lawsuit claimed John Ventre and Paul Kosko did not file financial disclosures with the county as required.
A press release from David Colecchia, attorney for one of the candidates, said the ruling in his client's favor meant "the Republican voter of Westmoreland County will be able to choose their elected candidate instead of the selected candidates of the Republican oligarchs."
The press release also called for Bretz's resignation.
Prior to the ruling, Colecchia had told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that this is nothing but political maneuvering to get two challengers out of contention.
"For the county itself, and for the voters, it's that they have the ability to choose the candidate of their choice. That's the best outcome for everyone, both the county and the electorate," Colecchia said.