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Politics & Government

Your 2011 Montgomery County Primary Election Results

Few surprises as only two races were contested.

Despite a lower than expected turnout, Tuesday's Primary Elections solidified the ballot for November, and gave political hopefuls a chance to get out and meet those residents whose votes will ultimately end up deciding their fate.

"It was a great day.  We were really encouraged by the enthusiasm and warm reception we felt from not only Democrats, but Republicans and Independents as well," said Josh Shapiro, who along with running-mate Leslie Richards, will square off against the Republican tandem of Bruce Castor and Jennifer Brown in November for seats as county commissioners.

"It will be a competitive race, but we are confident that at the end of the day, we'll come out on top," said Shapiro.  "Right now, we're just excited about the public's awareness of the race, and their belief that Leslie and I can bring a new approach to Norristown and help turn the county around."

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The race for Montgomery County Commissioner will certainly be the biggest race in November, but on Tuesday night, a different race came to an end, with Eileen Whalon-Behr securing the Republican endorsement for County Sheriff over Robert J. Durante by a wide margin.

"It feels good.  It's been a lot of work, and I'm very grateful for all the voters who came out in this nasty weather.  I'm very honored," said Whalon-Behr, who will face Democrat hopeful William A. Holt Jr. in the upcoming November elections.

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"It'll be a tough race.  He's a highly respected retired officer from Abington, and I think I'll have to continue working as I have been regarding reaching the voters.  In the mean time, I'm looking forward to continuing to serve as sheriff," said Whalon-Behr

Current District Attorney Risa Ferman had no opposition from either party, as she looks to secure another four year term as Montgomery County D.A.

"She has earned that.  With her credibility and her record, she's invincible.  It's because of what she does, and how she cares for people," said Whalon-Behr.

As the final polls submitted their numbers, the contested race for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas came down to the wire, with three candidates cross-filing, and only Democrat Cheryl Austin running along party lines.  Dan Clifford, who cross-filed, won the Republican nomination by a narrow margin over Maureen Coggins, while Cheryl Austin secured the Democrat nomination by nearly ten percentage points over Richard Haaz.

Here is a full list of Montgomery County election results, as of 12:00 a.m.

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas - 38th District

Republican:

Dan Clifford 20,727 41.07% Richard Haaz 9,328 18.48% Maureen Coggins 20,409 40.44%

 

Democrat

Maureen Coggins 7,415 15.10% Richard Haaz 15,861 32.29% Cheryl Austin 20,349 41.43% Dan Clifford 5,488 11.17%

 

County Commissioner

Republican

Jenny Brown 23,838 46.65% Bruce Castor 27,261 53.35%

 

Democrat

Leslie Richards 22,827 48.28% Josh Shapiro 24,454 51.72%

 

Clerk of Courts

Republican

Moon Ahn 25,390 100.00%      
 

Democrat

Ann Thornburg Weiss 23,975 100.00%

 

Controller

Republican

Stewart Greenleaf, Jr. 28,552 100.00%

 

Democrat

Diane B. Morgan 24,370 100.00%

 

Coroner

Republican

Gordon S. Clement 27,211 100.00%

 

Democrat

Walter I. Hofman 24,023 100.00%

 

District Attorney

Republican

Risa Vetri Ferman 29,572 100.00%

 

Prothonotary

Republican

William E. Donnelly 28,316 100.00%

 

Democrat

Mark Levy 24,904 100.00%

 

Recorder of Deeds

Republican

Nancy J. Becker 27,212 100.00%

 

Democrat

Linda M. Hee 23,677 100.00%

 

Register of Wills

Republican

Patricia A. Mosesso 25,724 100.00%

 

Democrat

D. Bruce Hanes 23,085 100.00%

 

Sheriff

Republican

Eileen Whalon Behr 21,158 68.60% Robert J. Durante 9,685 31.40%

 

Democrat

William A. Holt, Jr. 24,043 100.00%

 

Treasurer

Republican

Chuck Wilson 27,073 100.00%

 

Democrat

Jason E. Salus 23,583 100.00%

 
Stay tuned to Patch for the most up to date election results, as well as interviews with the winners and losers of each race. 

 

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