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Wednesday, May 22, 2002

By Mark Belko, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Jim Ferlo has amassed a number of titles in his 30 years in politics, from activist to City Council president to a few not fit for publication. Last night, he moved a step closer to adding a new one: state senator.

	More Primary Coverage: State senate race results

Ferlo, in his first run for state office, easily defeated Highland Park financial planner Bonnie DiCarlo to capture the Democratic nomination in the 38th Senatorial District.

The victory in the heavily Democratic district gives Ferlo an inside track to the seat held for 24 years by Leonard Bodack, who is retiring at the end of the year.

He will face Republican Ted Tomson, 27, of Fawn, in the November general election. Tomson won the GOP nomination unopposed yesterday.

"I'm tremendously honored and thankful," Ferlo said after giving his victory speech. "I appreciate Bonnie. She ran a very spirited campaign."

For DiCarlo, 59, the loss had a familiar feel. She previously ran two strong but losing campaigns against Bodack, capturing 42 percent of the vote against the incumbent four years ago.

"I thought the third time would be the charm and at this point I'm not quite sure that is going to materialize," DiCarlo said late last night.

Ferlo, 50, credited his victory not only to organized party and union backing, but also to support he was able to build within many of the communities in the district, not only in Allegheny County, but also in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties.

	Online Map Senate Districts: Western Pennsylvania
	Allegheny County
	City of Pittsburgh

"We ran an aggressive grassroots campaign and it obviously paid off," he said.

Ferlo also capitalized on his popularity and name recognition in the city's East End neighborhoods he has represented during his 15 years on City Council. Many of those are part of the 38th District, which includes most of the city's eastern and northern neighborhoods, 10 Allegheny County suburbs, and portions of Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.

While Ferlo often is identified with controversy and the circus-like atmosphere that sometimes permeates City Council, he also is known as a tireless worker for constituents on matters like roads, parks and zoning. He said during the campaign that he would extend that expertise to suburban constituents.

"His 15 years in the public eye on City Council is the greatest factor and elected office is always a good headline-getter," DiCarlo said in assessing Ferlo's strong showing. "I think Jim ran a fine campaign. I think I ran a fine campaign. I think the name recognition was a main factor."

DiCarlo, who runs a Shadyside consulting firm, has been affiliated with the party for years, serving as a Democratic committeewoman, a delegate to the 1980 Democratic convention and a campaign consultant.

The two candidates held similar pro-choice views and supported initiatives to help businesses and public education. DiCarlo backed Ed Rendell for governor, restrictions on automatic guns and privatizing state-owned liquor stores. Ferlo supported Casey and did not favor changes in gun laws or state stores.

Ferlo's entry to the race was not entirely altruistic. He said in one interview that he ran to block Bodack's son from taking the job and to be a "strong voice" for city Democrats.

Should Ferlo win the general election, a special election would be held to fill the final year of his four-year council term.

The Ferlo-DiCarlo state Senate race was the only one in the region where the outcome was in doubt. Candidates in all other districts had free passes.

Two Democratic incumbents, J. Barry Stout, 65, of Somerset Township, in the 46th District, and Richard A. Kasunic, 55, of Dunbar, in the 32nd, virtually assured themselves another term last night, barring independent candidacies. No Republican sought the nomination in either district.

In the 40th District, Republican incumbent Jane Orie of McCandless won the nomination unopposed and will run in November against Democrat Dan DeMarco, 37, of Ross, who also was unopposed.

In the 42nd, Republican Thomas Stepnick had no challenger. The Democratic incumbent, Jack Wagner, 54, of Beechview, also was unopposed. He simultaneously was bidding to become the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.

In the 50th District, Republican incumbent Bob Robbins, 57, of Greenville, and Democrat Kyle Klaric, 39, of Hermitage, also won their respective nominations unopposed and will meet in November.

On the Senate side, no incumbents faced contested primaries, but there were races in three districts with open seats, including the 38th.

None of the primary races will change the partisan lineup in the General Assembly, where Republicans control both houses -- 104-98 with one vacancy in the House and 29-21 in the Senate.