Philly voters put to the test: Do corruption charges matter?

Should corruption charges preclude one from being a state lawmaker? What about allegations of taking unreported gifts?

On Tuesday, voters in Philadelphia will decide the fate of three embattled legislators: state Sen. LeAnna Washington, Rep. J.P. Miranda and Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, all Democrats.

Washington was charged in March with using taxpayer dollars for political work. Former nonprofit leader Brian Gralnick and Cheltenham Township commissioner Art Haywood are now vying for her seat. Both Democrats say she hasn’t been active in her district, which is located in Northwest Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

Miranda was indicted for allegedly devising a ghost-employee scheme for his sister’s benefit. Democrats Danilo Burgos, Ben Ramos and Leslie Acosta are running against him on the May 20 primary ballot.

Meanwhile, only one of four city lawmakers who were targeted in an undercover investigation is facing primary opposition. Rep. Brown allegedly took unreported cash gifts in an aborted sting by the Attorney General’s office.

Charter school board member Isaac Patterson and former nonprofit director Wanda Logan are seeking to unseat her.