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Blair judge earns party support for Superior Court post

A Blair County judge has earned his party’s support for a Superior Court position, even though candidates haven’t started circulating petitions.

Judge Wade A. Kagarise was among four candidates endorsed for the Superior Court by the state Republican Party last weekend. Also earning state backing were Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman and Judges Emil A. Giordano of Northampton County and Paula A. Patrick of Philadelphia for the four open seats on the Superior Court.

Kagarise said, “Obviously receiving the Republican Party endorsement is a big step for my campaign.”

In view of the large number of seats up for election, Kagarise expects others may join the nomination quest, despite not receiving the party’s endorsement.

The Democratic Party Committee will hold its endorsement meeting at

1 p.m. Saturday.

The Republicans also endorsed one candidate for the Supreme Court, Justice Sallie Updyke Mundy of Tioga County and two candidates for Commonwealth Court seats, Judge Christine Fizzano Canon of Delaware County and Paul N. Lalley of Allegheny County.

The only Blair County judge ever elected to the state Superior Court was Thomas Baldridge from Hollidaysburg, who assumed office in 1929 and served on the bench for 20 years.

Beginning Tuesday, judicial candidates will be able to circulate petitions to obtain a thousand names required for placement on the May ballot. The petitions also must contain 100 names of residents from each of five counties.

Kagarise said his goal, however, is to submit petitions containing thousands of names, demonstrating that he has statewide support.

“I already know the commonwealth is a big state. This process reminds me of just how big it is,” the Kagarise said Tuesday.

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