Aspinwall Democrat earns enough write-ins to be on Republican ballot in November
An Aspinwall Democrat who lost his bid for a party nomination for a council seat in November earned enough write-in votes to be on the Republican ticket, according to returns from the Allegheny County Elections Division.
Lou Curcio Jr. came in fourth in a five-person race for the Democratic nod for three seats in the May primary.
Curcio (325) and David Brown (286) were knocked out by Patti McCaffrey (360), Mark Chimel II (363) and top vote-getter incumbent Heth Turnquist (381).
However, Curcio’s 79 write-in votes on the Republican side just barely bumped off Sharon Donnick (78). She and Terry Nelson Taylor (110) and top vote-getter incumbent Timothy McLaughlin (141) were the only three Republicans on the primary ballot.
Multiple attempts to reach Donnick were unsuccessful.
Curcio, 32, is a 2009 Fox Chapel Area graduate and general manager of Luke & Mike’s Frontporch Grille along Commercial Avenue in Aspinwall.
He studied at Community College of Allegheny County and Duquesne University and took courses in political science at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla.
He received a letter from Alleghey County officials a few weeks ago about the election results and formally accepted the Republican nomination June 14.
Curcio moved in the mid-1990s from Sharpsburg to Aspinwall.
He hopes people vote with their heart and not just along party lines in November.
“I think this town is truly the hidden gem of America,” he said “The federal politics have this country so divided. It’s been my message from the very beginning that I want to represent everybody in Aspinwall. I love this town. I’ve been here 27 years.
“I think (my nomination) shows the support that I have, and the message (connects). Whatever party you’re a part of should not show who you are.”
He also said he does not mind being the one in a 6-1 vote if something comes before council that is not good for the community, adding he can bring a different perspective as a renter in the borough.
The general election is Nov. 7.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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