Voters aren't lacking choices this year

Published: March 11, 2010

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More candidates are running for office in the 107th and 108th legislative districts this year than have challenged the incumbent legislators - combined - for at least a decade, probably much longer.

At Tuesday's deadline for filing nomination petitions, six men had entered the race to replace Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr., D-107, and four are in the running to replace Rep. Merle H. Phillips, R-108.

Belfanti, of Mount Carmel, and Phillips, of Sunbury RD, announced earlier this year they won't seek re-election when their terms expire at year's end.

The last time Belfanti had a challenger in the general election was in 2004.

That year, Phillips went unchallenged. In 2006, he had opponents from the Green Party and Democratic Party, and, in 2008, he again had a Democratic challenger.

It could certainly be argued that both veteran lawmakers had little competition and were re-elected repeatedly since they began service three decades ago because a majority of their voting constituents approved of their accomplishments. Still, it's evident with the slate of 10 candidates between the two rural districts that others are - and likely were previously - interested in running for office, but not against longtime incumbents.

Even during an era when legislators have gotten themselves in big trouble - be it through questionable decision-making, such as the late-night pay raise, or through criminal activity, such as Bonusgate - many incumbents retained the power to stay put.

This year, locally, voters do have a choice, and not only with the state legislature. Three Republicans are vying this spring for that party's nomination and the chance to oppose Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Carney in the general election.

There's no reason voters shouldn't get to the polls this spring and fall. And if you're not registered, contact your county courthouse or visit www.votespa.com.

Indeed, 2010 is shaping up to be a critical election year, especially in Northumberland County.

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