http://www.pabar.org/public/news%20releases/pr100809.asphttp://www.pabar.org/public/committees/JEC/09superiorjec.aspThe above links provide recommendations by the PA. Bar Association concerning Statewide judge candidates. At the beginning is a summary, followed by more detail about each candidate.
Both Supreme Court candidates are rated highly recommended, the highest level.
There are 3 openings for the Superior Court. 3 of the candidates were highly recommended: Lazarus, Sarmina and Olson. The Superior Court mainly handles criminal appeals, plus non-governmental civil matters.
There are 2 openings for the Commonwealth Court, which mainly handles governmental matters. 3 of the candidates were rated recommended, while the fourt, Ernsberger, was rated not recommended, mainly because she does not have much appealate court experience. However, she does have experience in zoning matters, which is a big part of the court's work.
They also recommend voting to retain the current judges, which involves yes or no questions on the ballot.