Primary election in Chester County

In one of the state's most affluent counties, opposing political leaders agree on one point: Voters have a wealth of candidates in next Tuesday's primary, as well as some local-level drama.

"Our constituents asked for choices, and we've responded," said Joseph "Skip" Brion, who heads the Republican Party in Chester County.

Brion said that most races, including two for row offices, have more than one Republican on the ballot.

For years, Republicans faced little or no opposition in Chester County, a GOP fortress. However, the political landscape has changed.

Figures released last week show 149,842 registered Republicans and 125,728 Democrats, according to the county's Voter Services. A year ago, there were 147,257 Republicans and 111,916 Democrats. Ten years ago, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by a 2-1 ratio.

Michele Vaughn, the county Democratic chairwoman, said her party remains energized from President Obama's victory.

"It's been refreshing to see how our party has come together," said Vaughn, adding that for the second election in a row, Democrats have a full slate of county candidates.

The Democrats vying for county offices are Jim Reilly, controller; Barbara Kipp Stone, treasurer; Mike McGann, clerk of courts; Megan Lynott, coroner; and Martha S. Smith, jury commissioner.

The Republicans in those races are incumbent Val DiGiorgio, controller; incumbent Alan J. Randzin and Ann Duke, treasurer; incumbent Teena A. Peters and Frank McElwaine, clerk of courts; Steven J. Dickter, coroner; and Mimi H. Sack, jury commissioner.

Both party leaders tout the credentials of their candidates for countywide offices, but they predict that the draw for most primary voters will come from closer to home - in races for district judgeships, school boards, and municipal offices.

Brion suggested that the outcome of a district-judge race, for example, had more impact for the typical county citizen than a county judgeship.

District judges typically handle traffic and nontraffic summary cases, civil and landlord-tenant disputes of less than $8,000, and some protection-from-abuse matters. Those judges also preside over criminal preliminary hearings, determining whether cases advance to Common Pleas Court.

One heated contest for district judge is unfolding in Avondale, where three candidates are vying for the seat formerly held by Thomas Martin, who retired.

The Republicans are Matthew Seavey, a deputy constable, and Edgar Larrea, a court translator. Attorney Clay Cauley is running as a Democrat. Both Seavey and Cauley have cross-filed and will appear on both ballots.

Seavey, who was suspended for 30 days this year for failing to attend a required training session for constables, is under investigation for submitting "potentially misleading" reimbursement requests to the controller's office, DiGiorgio said.

Seavey called the probe "dirty politics." Asked why a Republican controller would sabotage a Republican's campaign, he said, "There's no story here."

DiGiorgio said he referred the case to the District Attorney's Office, and is awaiting a decision on whether criminal charges would be filed or whether the case would be turned over to the constable review board. District Attorney Joseph W. Carroll said he was still reviewing a report prepared by county detectives.

In Coatesville - where Carroll urged a government overhaul this year to curtail a "crisis" of crime that has included a yearlong arson spree - four City Council seats are up for grabs. Thirteen candidates are seeking them, including two incumbents, Patsy Ray and Kurt Schenk.

Both Vaughn and Brion also mentioned a host of lively school-board races, including in West Chester, Great Valley and Owen J. Roberts.

"I think there's going to be a larger turnout than usual in some of these areas," Vaughn said.