A Republican seeking to run for the seat held by U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha expects to find out next week if his name will appear on his party's ballot.
Bill Russell, a 44-year-old Army veteran angered by the Democratic congressman's opposition to the war in Iraq, declined to predict victory prior to a Commonwealth Court hearing on a challenge to his nominating papers.
"We will see where things end up," Russell, of Johnstown, said Friday.
Two Republicans, including former Johnstown mayor Don Zucco, took the action that could result in Russell's name being removed from consideration.
Murtha, also of Johnstown, is seeking another two-year term in Congress -- his 18th. He is unopposed in the April 22 primary election.
Neither Zucco nor Johnstown attorney Jeanne McKelvey, the other petitioner, were available for comment.
The petition to Commonwealth Court claims Russell's nominating papers fall short of the 1,000 valid signatures he needs to qualify for the ballot.
The Murtha re-election committee, in an e-mail message on Friday, said that "it appears to us" that Russell's nominating papers contain "over 180 invalid signatures or unregistered voters in the 12th Congressional District."
Russell, who said he collected more than 1,000 signatures, is banking in part on an error by the petitioners, who listed his name on the court document as "William M. Russell." Russell said his legal name in "William T. Russell."
"If they can't get my name right, what validity do their complaints have?" Russell said.
Cambria County Election chief Fred R. Smith said the court faces a Feb. 29 deadline to render a decision. The hearing is slated for Tuesday.
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