Get the Facts!! Rulings from the Current Justices Who Are Up for Retention
Overturned a Commonwealth Court ruling which blocked rural and small schools from seeking equitable funding. This allowed the petitioners; six Pennsylvania school districts, the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, the NAACP-PA State Conference, and a group of public school parents, to successfully argue the case in Commonwealth Court.
Stopped a voter ID law which would have required people who don’t have drivers licenses to go to a license center to get a picture ID, a move that makes voting harder for people who don’t own cars.
Stopped efforts of Trump allies to throw out votes in Democratic Pennsylvania counties after the 2020 election
Ruled that one of the most gerrymandered legislative maps in the country was unconstitutional, forcing the redrawing of the maps for the 2018 election.
Ensured that Pennsylvania had fair election maps when legislative districts were redrawn after the 2020 census.
Ruled that women have equal protection to healthcare ensuring freedom for reproductive healthcare.
Ruled that the Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees the right to healthy environment.
Outside Money Trying to Influence Our Judicial Elections
Once again outside money is flowing into Pennsylvania to influence our elections. Mailers started to arrive as early as September 20. Read more about these attempts in articles from Spotlight PA.
From the article: “The PACs in question have a tangled web of donors but nearly all the funds can be traced to Yass. Commonwealth Leaders Fund receives most of its money from Commonwealth Children’s Choice Fund, which in turn gets its money from another PAC: Students First. Nearly all of Students First’s donations over the past two years — $34 million — came from Yass.”
Judges Who Are Standing for Retention This Election
Candidates Who Are on the Ballot This Election
Click on their names for more information.
Judge Brandon Neuman is running for Judge of the Superior Court. Brandon is Highly Recommended by the PA Bar Association.
Judge Stella Tsaiis running for Judge of the Commonwealth Court. Stella is Highly Recommended by the PA Bar Association.
Faith Zembower is running as our candidate for Register of Wills / Recorder of Deeds.
Learn about Pennsylvania’s Highest Courts
Bedford County Democrats hosted an event to learn about Pennsylvania’s highest courts. Supreme Court Justice Justice Christine Donohue joined by zoom, and Commonwealth Court Judge Michael J. Wojcik visited us in person at Whispering Hollow Estate to explain
how Pennsylvania’s higher courts operate,
what they have done for us in their position as judges on these courts, and
what you can do to keep them on the courts.
We have three videos from the event. (Links will open in a new window or tab.)
Attorney General Candidate Eugene DePasquale visited with Bedford County Democrats at the Horn O’Plenty Freshtaurant on Saturday, April 6. He also met with Bedford County Democrats on Zoom, Tuesday, April 9. All Bedford County Democrats were invited to attend and ask questions. You can click the video image at the right to view a recording of the meeting. Click the lower right of the small video to expand to full screen.
Johnstown Tribune Democrat, December 15, 2023
currently a a judge on the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia
was a middle school teacher before attending law school where she volunteered to offer free legal services to the needy
has been a law clerk, practiced family law, served as a certified child advocate, served as a major trial attorney, chief legal counsel for a state senator, and judge since 2013
a Supervising Judge in the Philadelphia Municipal Court
the only sitting judge running for Commonwealth Court
25 years of experience as a trial lawyer for civil rights
Army war veteran awarded the Bronze Star
active Army National Guard Reservist
Democrat Judge Candidates Outperform Republicans in Qualification Ratings by the PA Bar Association
The Judicial Evaluation Commission of the Pennsylvania Bar Association evaluates the qualifications of judicial candidates before each election. They evaluate paper submissions from the candidates and conduct personal interviews. Candidates are then rated as highly qualified, qualified, or not recommended.
For the Supreme Court, Democrat candidate Dan McCaffrey and his Republican opponent both received highly qualified ratings.
We will elect two judges to the Superior Court. Democrats Jill Beck and Timika Lane both earned highly qualified ratings from the PA Bar. The two Republican opponents were rated qualified and not recommended for failure to participate.
For Commonwealth Court Democrat Matt Wolf and his Republican opponent received qualified ratings.
The Superior Court judges standing for retention, Democrat Jack A. Panella and Republican Victor P. Stabile, have both been recommended for retention by the PA Bar.
Read the Pennsylvania Bar Association Recommendations for Judges
The PA Bar Association has a rigorous process for evaluating the qualifications of judicial candidates. Our recommended candidates are also recommended or highly recommended by the PA Bar
Supreme Court | Superior Court | Commonwealth Court
The Field of Candidates for 2023 Begins to Form
County Commissioner Candidates Baughman / Wilt Announce
Superior Court Candidate Jill Beck Talks with Bedford County Dems
Bedford County Dems Summer Family Picnic & Chicken BBQ
4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 4 at Egolf Park, 2401 Egolf Road, Bedford, PA
Food, drinks, games for kids and adults, face painting by Jess Benton, and live music provided. RSVP to jleppert62@gmail.com or text 814-494-1028.
Protecting Womens’ Rights! | Protecting the Environment! | Protecting Voting!
Governor Josh Shapiro
Josh has a plan to grow Pennsylvania’s rural economy, invest in needed infrastructure, and ensure better access to broadband, healthcare, and jobs.
Josh will prioritize and ensure access to broadband across rural Pennsylvania.
Josh will also invest in agricultural infrastructure and ensure that farmers have the financing and investments necessary for agricultural production and remain competitive and profitable.
He’ll keep rural hospitals from closing by ensuring the financial viability and expand telehealth for rural communities that lack easy access to transportation.
Josh will expand opportunities for good paying jobs in rural communities by increasing funding for rural apprenticeships, investing in workforce development initiatives, capping abandoned wells, fixing our sewer and stormwater systems, and repairing structurally deficient bridges and roads.
Senator John Fetterman
Right-wing extremists have been passing laws aimed at banning abortions without exceptions for rape or incest and even putting women who seek abortions and doctors who perform them behind bars.
As your senator, I will vote to enshrine access to safe and legal abortion into federal law because deciding how and when to become a mother is a decision that should always be made by a woman and her doctor — not politicians. I will also stand up to attacks on Planned Parenthood, and fight to repeal the Hyde Amendment.
In the Senate, I will fight to expand voting rights and push for reforms that get big money out of politics and prevent politicians from picking their voters through partisan gerrymandering.
I’ll make sure that long-promised investments in rural broadband and other critical infrastructure make their way to where they’re actually needed, because in this day and age, broadband internet access is almost as fundamental as electricity or running water.
More on Josh Shapiro
As a State Representative, Josh wrote and passed some of the toughest ethics laws in state history. Philadelphia Magazine wrote that Josh “has been a blast of oxygen in the smoke-choked back rooms of quid-pro-quo Harrisburg,” and his work earned him a national reputation as a bipartisan consensus builder.
Then, as Chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, he led a fiscal and ethical turnaround, took early steps to combat the heroin epidemic, helped the first LGBT couples in Pennsylvania marry and fired Wall Street money managers to save retirees millions. His work on behalf of victims and for criminal justice reform as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has earned him the trust of law enforcement leaders from both parties.
Josh’s office’s release of an extensive grand jury report alleging the sexual abuse of children at the hands of 300 “predator priests” in six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania garnered attention around the globe. More recently, Mr. Shapiro sued Pittsburgh-based health care giant UPMC for restricting access to its doctors and facilities as a result of its years-long battle with rival Highmark.
Josh Shapiro earned his law degree at night from Georgetown University, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. Josh was raised in Montgomery County, where he met his high school sweetheart, Lori, and where they are raising their four young children.
Josh talks about rural broadband, campaigning, working with Republicans, and Doug Mastriano at Egolf Park.
Candi Bussard – Candi is running as a write in candidate for the second Democratic spot for commissioner. Candi represents local Democratic values, and is our endorsed write in candidate.
County Auditor
Karen Williams – Karen is the incumbent minority auditor for Bedford County. She has a degree in business from California University and has served in this position for many years.
Superior Court
Judge Dan McCaffery – rated highly qualified by the PA Bar Association, also endorsed by PA Democratic State Committee
Fall 2019 Municipal Election
The November 5, 2019 election will in
We have two candidates running for County Commissioner. Deb Baughman and Candi Bussard.
Candi Bussard – Candi is the candidate for the second Democratic spot for commissioner. Candi represents local Democratic values, and is our endorsed write in candidate.
County Auditor
Karen Williams – Karen is the incumbent minority auditor for Bedford County. She has a degree in business from California University and has served in this position for many years.
Superior Court
Judge Dan McCaffery – rated highly qualified by the PA Bar Association, also endorsed by PA Democratic State Committee
Bedford County Democrats’ & Helen B. Hughes Federation of Democratic Women’s Spring Fling
The event will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Bedford Elks County Club and will include live music provided by local artist, Diana Lee, an appetizing menu of hors d’oeuvres from Chef Nicole, a cash bar, and a silent auction.
Tickets are available from Valerie Pawuk, 327-6383 or Chris Smith, 494-3187.
Petition Party Tuesday, February 26
The BC Dems will hold a petition party starting at 5:30 Tuesday, January 26 at the lower level of the American Legion. park behind the building for direct access.
Enjoy food and fellowship from 5:30-7:00. We will have soups and bread from the Horn O’Plenty Farm to Table Restaruant, an artisanal cheese platter from Hidden Hills Dairy, and homemade cookies and brownies from The Bird’s Nest Cafe,
Candidates and/or surrogates will be there with their petitions. We will have a notary present as well.
The monthy business meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m.
Local Candidates Who Will Have Petitions Available
Deb Baughman, County Commissioner
Brandi Hershey, Judge, Court of Common Pleas
We will also have petitions available for the following Superior Court Candidates.
Attorney Amanda Green Hawkins
Judge Daniel McCaffrey
They are working to get on the ballot for the three Superior Court openings that will be on the ballot in 2019.
The current Superior Court Justices whose terms end in 2020:
PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro will headline BC Dems fall gathering, September 26.
Pennsylvania Attorney General, Josh Shapiro will headline the fall gathering of the Bedford County Democrats on Thursday, September 26. The event will be held at Whispering Hollow Estate, which is a 5 mile drive from Pleasantville or a 10 mile drive from Schellsburg. You can find more detailed directions farther down the page.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with heavy hors d’ouvres and an open bar. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. with local candidates Karen Williams and Deb Baughman speaking. State Representative Scott Conklin will follow Baughman and Attorney General Shapiro will keynote the program. Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased in advance or ordered for pick up at the door. Email davepopp@embarqmail.com to order your ticket.
As a State Representative, Josh wrote and passed some of the toughest ethics laws in state history. Philadelphia Magazine wrote that Josh “has been a blast of oxygen in the smoke-choked back rooms of quid-pro-quo Harrisburg,” and his work earned him a national reputation as a bipartisan consensus builder.
Then, as Chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, he led a fiscal and ethical turnaround, took early steps to combat the heroin epidemic, helped the first LGBT couples in Pennsylvania marry and fired Wall Street money managers to save retirees millions. His work on behalf of victims and for criminal justice reform as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has earned him the trust of law enforcement leaders from both parties.
According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, “In the two years since he took office, Mr. Shapiro has levied his influence to scale that grand institutional tower. His office’s release of an extensive grand jury report alleging the sexual abuse of children at the hands of 300 “predator priests” in six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania garnered attention around the globe. More recently, Mr. Shapiro sued Pittsburgh-based health care giant UPMC for restricting access to its doctors and facilities as a result of its years-long battle with rival Highmark.
On the street corner, Mr. Shapiro says his office has arrested five drug dealers per day on average, and increased the arrests of doctors for illegally diverting prescription drugs. As for the White House? Mr. Shapiro, a Democrat, has sued President Donald Trump’s administration nearly two dozen times. (https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/25/Pennsylvania-attorney-general-Josh-Shapiro-embraces-high-level-battles-upmc/stories/201902230023).
Josh Shapiro earned his law degree at night from Georgetown University, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. Josh was raised in Montgomery County, where he met his high school sweetheart, Lori, and where they are raising their four young children.
Traveling through Pleasantville and Route 96 South
Take Route 56 to the intersection in Pleasantville.
Turn onto Route 96 South and travel 2.7 miles.
At the Ridge Market (store / gas station), turn right onto Dunkard Hollow Road. Dunkard Hollow Road is very curvy at the start with several side roads turning off. Stay on the road with the painted center line.
Stay on Dunkard Hollow Road for 2.5 miles.
Whispering Hollow Estate will be on your left. There is a fork in the road (with Barefoot Road) just past the entrance to Whispering Hollow Estate. If you reach the fork, use it to turn around. The Whispering Hollow entrance will be almost right across from you.
Traveling through Schellsburg and Route 96 NorthTake Route 30 to the intersection in SchellsburgTurn onto Route 96 North and travel 7.5 miles.
At the Ridge Market (store / gas station), turn left onto Dunkard Hollow Road Dunkard Hollow Road is very curvy at the start with several side roads turning off. Stay on the road with the painted center line.
Stay on Dunkard Hollow Road for 2.5 miles.
Whispering Hollow Estate will be on your left. There is a fork in the road (with Barefoot Road) just past the entrance to Whispering Hollow Estate. If you reach the fork, use it to turn around. The Whispering Hollow entrance will be almost right across from you.
Fan Giveaway a Big Success
Bedford County Democrats provided a total of 177 fans, at no cost, to seniors and families in need. Thanks to all who donated and Bedford True Value for making this possible.
Superior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin is Running for a Seat on the PA Supreme CourtSuperior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin is Running for a Seat on the PA Supreme CourtSuperior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin is Running for a Seat on the PA Supreme CourtSuperior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin is Running for a Seat on the PA Supreme CourtSuperior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin is Running for a Seat on the PA Supreme Court
Faith Zembower is running as our candidate for Register of Wills / Recorder of Deeds.
Johnstown Tribune Democrat, December 15, 2023
Josh will prioritize and ensure access to broadband across rural Pennsylvania.
Josh will also invest in agricultural infrastructure and ensure that farmers have the financing and investments necessary for agricultural production and remain competitive and profitable.
He’ll keep rural hospitals from closing by ensuring the financial viability and expand telehealth for rural communities that lack easy access to transportation.
As your senator, I will vote to enshrine access to safe and legal abortion into federal law because deciding how and when to become a mother is a decision that should always be made by a woman and her doctor — not politicians. I will also stand up to attacks on Planned Parenthood, and fight to repeal the Hyde Amendment.
In the Senate, I will fight to expand voting rights and push for reforms that get big money out of politics and prevent politicians from picking their voters through partisan gerrymandering.
I’ll make sure that long-promised investments in rural broadband and other critical infrastructure make their way to where they’re actually needed, because in this day and age, broadband internet access is almost as fundamental as electricity or running water.
We are all stronger together! 