High court race draws large contributions
HARRISBURG — Political contributions to candidates competing for an unprecedented three open seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court surpassed the $10 million mark heading into the final week, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday.
The fundraising total far exceeds that of any previous election for the high court; candidates in 2007 raised about $7 million.
Democrats continued to outraise Republicans in the five-week reporting period that ended Monday.
Philadelphia Judge Kevin Dougherty, a Democrat whose support from organized labor has enabled him to lead the field in fundraising throughout the campaign, reported $1.3 million in contributions. Overall, he has raised $3.6 million.
Fellow Democrat David Wecht, a state Superior Court judge from Pittsburgh, reported about $780,000 in contributions. Overall, he has raised $2.9 million.
Democrat Christine Donohue, also a Superior Court judge from Pittsburgh, reported contributions of more than $838,455, which pushed her total to $1.8 million.
Among the Republicans, Commonwealth Court Judge Anne Covey reported nearly $250,000 in new contributions, pushing her total to nearly $744,000.
Judy Olson, a Superior Court judge from Pittsburgh, reported contributions of nearly $178,000 for a total of $447,000.
Adams County Judge Mike George took in less than $90,000 in contributions.
