The ballot in Pennsylvania

By TOM KANE

PIKE AND WAYNE COUNTIES, PA - Voters in Wayne and Pike counties will select a governor, a federal senator, a congressman, a state senator, a state representative and will vote on one referendum when they go to the polls on Tuesday, November 7.

Running for governor is Democrat incumbent Governor Ed Rendell, who is being opposed by Republican Lynn Swann. According to the latest poll from West Chester University, Rendell is 24 points ahead of Swann by a margin of 56 to 32 percent.

Running for federal senator is Republican incumbent Senator Rick Santorum, who is being opposed by Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. The same poll from West Chester University found that Santorum has the support of 39 percent of respondents, while 49 percent support Casey.

Running for federal representative is incumbent Don Sherwood, who is being opposed by Democrat Chris Carney. In the latest poll from Momentum Analysis, Carney was 15 points ahead of Sherwood in a 52 to 37 percent split.

Running for state senator is Republican Lisa Baker, who is being opposed by Democrat Robert McNamara. No poll for that contest was available.

Running unopposed for the state Assembly is Republican Michael Peifer.

Referendum Explained

Voters will be asked to approve or disapprove a referendum called the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans’ Compensation Fund Referendum. If approved, the Commonwealth will borrow $20,000,000 to create a fund for the payment of compensation to veterans of the Persian Gulf Conflict, who were state residents at the time of such service. Payments of up to $525 would be paid to a veteran of the conflict, $5,000 would be paid to a veteran who was a prisoner of war, and $5,000 would go to the survivors of a veteran who died in the conflict or from a disease or injury sustained during the conflict.