We did it. May 17 is the official date of the special election.

Today's PG is reporting:

Special election set for Wagner's Senate seat

Special election set for Wagner's Senate seat: "Special election set for Wagner's Senate seat

Friday, January 21, 2005

Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll has set May 17, the day of the primary election, as the day when a special election will be held to fill the now-vacant seat of former state Sen. Jack Wagner, D-Beechview.

The Democratic and Republican committees in Allegheny County will meet soon to choose a candidate to run in the special election in the 42nd Senate District, which includes parts of Pittsburgh and some of its western suburbs.

State Rep. Michael Diven, who is currently a Democratic House member from Brookline, is thinking about switching to the Republican Party and running for the open seat.

At least two Democrats have been mentioned as potential candidates, county Treasurer John Weinstein and county Councilman Wayne Fontana.

Mark Rauterkus of the South Side is running for the seat as a Libertarian.

The district has more Democrats than Republicans, but some Republican officials in Harrisburg are optimistic that Diven's name recognition would give the GOP a chance.

Not being mentioned on the D side is Frank G., Jr. Missing from the GOP side is David J of Scott. Humm.

Thanks to all who have helped put forth the message so as to set the proper election date.