State Senator Jane Orie announced her resignation on Monday, May 21, 2012. Last week, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley announced that a Special Election will be called to fill the vacant seat in the 40th State Senatorial District, which encompasses portions of Allegheny and Butler counties. The date of the Special Election is scheduled for August 7, 2012.
Due the fact that the 40th State Senate District is made up of more than one county, the Rules and Bylaws of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania dictate that the PA GOP preside over a conferee meeting to select a Republican nominee who will participate in the Special Election to fill her seat.
Each of the counties that comprise the 40th Senatorial District will be represented by their respective number of allotted conferees based on the electoral results of the 2008 presidential race. Conferees must be registered Republican electors that reside in the 40th State Senate District.
There will be a total of 84 conferees, 29 from Butler County and 55 from Allegheny County. The names of conferees will be released to the public prior to the meeting.
During the conferee meeting, each candidate will have the opportunity to make a short presentation and answer questions. After each candidate has an opportunity to be heard, the conferees will vote to nominate candidates to fill our Party’s position on the ballot. A nominated candidate must secure a majority plus one of the votes cast to earn the nomination. No proxies will be permitted at this meeting, and only conferees will be permitted to vote. Candidate presentations will be open to the public and press.
Any registered Republican 25 years or older, who resides in the 40th State Senate district for at least one year, resides In Pennsylvania for at least four years and is a US citizen for at least 4 years may seek the Party’s nomination. We would ask that all candidates interested in seeking the Party’s nomination contact Republican Party of Pennsylvania Director of Political Projects Tyler Ayers by calling 717-234-4901, ext 151 or by emailing tayers@pagop.org so that we can ensure that every interested candidate is included in the process.
