Labor, trial lawyers help Dems raise cash in high court race

    Newly filed campaign finance reports show Democratic candidates for Pennsylvania Supreme Court raised significantly more cash than their GOP opponents, thanks largely to organized labor and trial lawyers.

    David Wecht on Tuesday reported the largest total, collecting $1.2 million during the 13-week period that ended Sept. 14.

    Trailing him were the other two Democrats. Kevin Dougherty took in more than $660,000 and Christine Donohue received more than $560,000.

    Wecht and Donahue are Superior Court judges and Dougherty is a Philadelphia judge. Each received generous support from the Philadelphia trial lawyers’ political committee and labor groups.

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    None of the other candidates raised more than $200,000.

    Among the Republicans, Commonwealth Court Judge Anne Covey raised $175,000, Adams County Judge Mike George took in $81,000 and Superior Court Judge Judy Olson received $78,000.

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