Dems pick Petrella to replace Ramaley

August 14th, 2008, posted by RobHop

The Lawrence County Democratic Committee’s executive board Wednesday picked Monaca resident Jason Petrella as its nominee to fill the ballot vacancy for state Senate left by the withdrawal of state Rep. Sean Ramaley.

“I was a bit stunned,” Petrella said after Lawrence County party leaders voted 17-0 for him over Beaver County Commissioner Joe Spanik, Union Township resident Anthony Razzano and Brighton Township resident Bob Grotevant.

Earlier in the day, Economy Mayor David Poling withdrew as a candidate to replace Ramaley, who resigned last month after he was indicted on six criminal charges as part of “Bonusgate,” the probe by state Attorney General Tom Corbett’s office into legislative corruption.

Two other state Senate hopefuls, Center Township residents Stevan Drobac Jr. and Bob Villella, didn’t compete for Lawrence County’s nomination. The district covers nearly all of Beaver County, half of Lawrence County and Crescent Township in Allegheny County.

It was unclear Wednesday night what role the Allegheny County Democratic Committee will play in the process.
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what a joke

On August 14th, 2008 Anonymous said:

Petrella’s “endorsement” by Lawrence County was a predetermined farce. Beaver County’s response to the force feeding of this Republican (until late last year) should be VERY interesting tonight

Their response was predicatable…. Spanik, the county commissioner, won on an open vote. His election was a given, but importantly now guarantees the selection will be made by State Committee. Allegheny County weighs in next week… word is they might support Grotevant to give State Committee all options. Word is Grotevant was very impressive at Beaver, but his vote total won’t reflect that.

BeaverPirate

On August 20th, 2008 Anonymous said:

Go Petrella! He’s the best man for the job. Here’s to a new era in Beaver County politics!!