Candidates file papers  fo April 24 primary election

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

HARRISBURG (AP) - Candidates for scores of public offices ranging from the state Legislature to the presidency lined up to file petitions Tuesday to qualify for the Pennsylvania ballot.
The filings set the stage for the state's April 24 primary and confirmed expectations of nomination fights for U.S. Senate, state attorney general, state auditor general and several congressional districts altered by redistricting.
Tuesday was the deadline for all offices except the state Legislature, which has two extra days this year.
Tri-County Area
races of interest
In the 5th District Congressional race, incumbent Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson of Howard is unopposed for renomination.
One Democrat, Charles Dumas of State College, filed for the seat.
Incumbent state Sen. and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, is unopposed for renomination for a fourth four-year term. There are no Democratic candidates on the latest unofficial list from the Department of State.
Incumbent state Sen. John Wozniak, D-Johnstown, is unopposed for renomination. Timothy Houser is the sole candidate listed on the Republican ballot as of Tuesday.
Incumbent state Rep. and House Speaker Sam Smith of Punxustawney faces two challengers on the Republican ballot in his bid for another term from the 66th District, which includes all of Jefferson County.
Also seeking the GOP nomination are James Brown of Washington Township and Cris Dush of Pinecreek Township.
There are no Democratic candidates listed.
In the race to succeed retiring state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-Houtzdale, Thomas Sankey is the only Republican listed.
Clearfield County Commissioner Mark McCracken has announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for the 74th District seat but his name does not appear on the updated Department of State list.
Incumbent state Rep. Matt Gabler, R-DuBois, is unopposed for renomination. There are no Democrats listed for the seat, which inlcudes all of Elk County and t