Three hope to replace retiring state senator

Three big names in Luzerne County politics have risen to the top of the discussion about who will replace retiring state Sen. Ray Musto in the 14th Senatorial District.

State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, Wilkes-Barre Democratic Mayor Tom Leighton and Republican Luzerne County Commissioner Steve Urban all have expressed interest in the seat – at least to the extent that they are conducting meetings to determine the viability of their chances.

One person said he has decided to not seek the post – assistant Luzerne County District Attorney Jarrett Ferentino, who said he gave the matter some thought but decided now is not the time for him to pursue the Senate seat.

Yudichak, 39, said Thursday he plans to meet with Democratic Party leaders, his family and constituents to measure the political climate before he makes a formal announcement.

“We’ve been working the phones, talking to a lot of people,” Yudichak said. “This ultimately is the people’s seat; the folks that live and work and raise families in 14th Senatorial District will be the ones to decide who they want to represent them.”

He said voters want someone who has a reputation as a fierce independent advocate who will work on behalf of their priorities. Yudichak is paid $77,000 as a state representative, the same salary as that of a state senator.

Leighton said his phone started ringing early Thursday morning from people encouraging him to get in the race.

“I haven’t had a chance to return a lot of those calls,” he said. “I continue to work hard in the mayor’s office tending to city business. I expect to talk to a lot of people over the next few days; I have to determine if this is something I want to commit to.”

He said being the mayor of the county’s largest city has provided him with extensive experience.

“Since I became mayor in 2004 the city has seen a significant turn-around,” Leighton said. “Being mayor has given me valuable leadership experience as far as getting things done.”

Urban said Musto’s decision to not seek re-election has left him with a decision – should he run for the Senate seat or pursue the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. Urban announced recently that he intended to seek the lieutenant governor’s nomination, but now he is having second thoughts.

“I’m going to weigh all my options at this time,” Urban said. “All I can say is that I’m giving this very serious thought.”

Terry Casey, chairman of the Luzerne County Republican Committee, said Urban would make a strong candidate.

“This is an opportunity for him to serve the county in a legislative capacity where he could promote the fiscal conservative agenda,” Casey said. “I’m not surprised at his interest in the Senate seat; Steve feels he has a higher calling than a minority commissioner role.”

Ferentino, 32, of Laflin, said he was overwhelmed by the number of calls of support he received regarding a possible candidacy.

“Right now I have a wife and a toddler at home and they are my top priority,” Ferrentino said. “I have a few big cases at the DA’s office and I want to see them through.”

Wilkes University political science professor Thomas Baldino said, “Musto’s retirement is a loss for the area as his leadership and seniority were critical in bring state resources into the region.”

Baldino said Yudichak, Leighton and Urban all possess name recognition and some degree of an electoral base from which to run.

“I wouldn’t want to handicap a race at this time, however, as others who we haven’t considered as potential candidates are likely to announce in the future,” Baldino said. “In a multi-candidate primary race to succeed Musto, the ability to pick the winner is more difficult.”

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Musto, who’s held public office for 4 decades, is retiring at end of year.

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