Tuesday is Pennsylvania primary day

PIKE COUNTY - Voters will go to the polls May 16 in the spring party primary elections. Aside from party committee positions, all the races are for state and federal positions. Many, especially among the majority party Republicans, are contested. Closest to home, Pike County Treasurer Mike Peifer and Margaret Mitchener are seeking the GOP nod for the 139th District state House seat, which is vacant after incumbent Jerry Birmelin decided not to seek reelection. A primary victory is tantamount to a fall victory as no Democratic candidate is announced. Both are from Greene Township. Democratic Incumbent John Siptroth is unopposed in the primary election for the 189th District state House seat, as is his fall challenger Republican Donna Asure. Both are from Monroe County. Five Luzerne County Republicans, Lisa Baker, Jim Haggerty, Carl Sutton, Russ Bigus and David J. Madeira, are seeking the party nomination for the 20th District state Senate left vacant by the retiring Charles Lemmond. Robert G. McNamara of Susquehanna County is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. In the 10th U.S. Congressionial District, incumbent Republican Don Sherwood of Wyoming County is trying to get by publicity arising from an out-of-court settlement of sexual abuse charges filed by a former mistress. Sherwood faces an unusual primary challenge from Kathy Scott of Lycoming County. Democrat Christopher Carney of Susquehanna County is running opposed. Four Democrats, William A. Hall, Catherine Baker Knoll, Valerie McDonald Roberts and Gene Stilp, are seeking the party nomination for Lieutenant Governor. Republican Jim Matthews is unopposed. Incumbent Governor, Democrat Ed Rendell is unopposed in the primary as is his Republican opponent, former professional football player, Lynn Swann. The polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.