In a strategic political maneuver, the Philadelphia Republican Party is orchestrating a write-in campaign to nominate Democratic district attorney candidate Pat Dugan as their nominee for the upcoming general election, aiming to unseat incumbent DA Larry Krasner.
This initiative seeks to exploit a loophole in Pennsylvania's "sore loser" law, which typically prevents primary losers from running in the general election under a different party affiliation.
Despite the GOP's efforts, Dugan has publicly stated his commitment to the Democratic Party and has pledged not to accept the Republican nomination if he loses the Democratic primary.
His campaign manager, Dan Kalai, confirmed this stance, emphasizing that Dugan has no intention of running as a Republican and has not collaborated with the GOP on this write-in effort.
The Republican Party's strategy, according to Axios, involves encouraging its members to write in Dugan's name during the primary election. If at least 1,000 valid write-in votes are cast, Dugan would be eligible to appear on the general election ballot as the Republican nominee.
This tactic mirrors a successful 2023 campaign in Allegheny County, where a Democratic incumbent secured re-election by winning the Republican nomination through a write-in campaign after losing the Democratic primary.
Dugan, a U.S. Army veteran and former Municipal Court judge, is challenging Krasner in the Democratic primary scheduled for May 20. He has criticized Krasner's approach to criminal justice reform, arguing that it has led to increased crime and a decline in public safety. Dugan's campaign focuses on restoring accountability and improving the effectiveness of the district attorney's office.
Krasner, seeking a third term, has defended his progressive policies, highlighting efforts to reduce mass incarceration and address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. He has dismissed the Republican-backed write-in campaign as a political stunt, emphasizing his commitment to reform and justice.
As the primary election approaches, the outcome will determine whether Dugan continues his campaign solely as the Democratic nominee or if the Republican write-in effort succeeds in placing him on the general election ballot under both party lines.
