The judge races in Luzerne County are the first in a general election since two former judges in Luzerne County were charged with corruption.
Two current judges were up for retention and voters rejected one of the judges on election night.
Judge Peter Paul Olszewski lost his bid to win a second ten-year term. According to Newswatch 16's unofficial results, more than 30,000 voters opted not to keep the Democrat and former D.A. on the bench.
At his home outside of Dallas, Judge Olszewski reflected on a tough loss.
"I thought we put on a good campaign. We reminded the voters of my record, of all of my accomplishments, and it was a tough atmosphere to run for retention. It just didn't work out," said Olszewski. "Obviously I'm disappointed, but it's not the end of the world."
Olszewski admits it was a challenge running a campaign and trying to overcome a scandal involving two former colleagues. Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella are accused of taking money to help open a juvenile detention center and keep it stocked with young people.
Olszewski was asked if he felt he was unfairly connected to the Luzerne County corruption scandal. "I think that's a question for the public. I'm sure in one way or another that played a role in today's vote, unfortunately," the judge said.
At the Luzerne County courthouse, it was a victory for Olszewski's colleague, Judge Thomas Burke who survived Luzerne County's retention vote.
"I'm enormously grateful to the voters of Luzerne County. I dare say I will redouble my commitment to serve this court and live up to my oath of office on behalf of this electorate to restore confidence to our justice system," said Burke.
As for Olszewski, it will be up to Governor Rendell to appoint a replacement in January. He said he looks forward to returning to private practice as a trial lawyer.
Two current judges were up for retention and voters rejected one of the judges on election night.
Judge Peter Paul Olszewski lost his bid to win a second ten-year term. According to Newswatch 16's unofficial results, more than 30,000 voters opted not to keep the Democrat and former D.A. on the bench.
At his home outside of Dallas, Judge Olszewski reflected on a tough loss.
"I thought we put on a good campaign. We reminded the voters of my record, of all of my accomplishments, and it was a tough atmosphere to run for retention. It just didn't work out," said Olszewski. "Obviously I'm disappointed, but it's not the end of the world."
Olszewski admits it was a challenge running a campaign and trying to overcome a scandal involving two former colleagues. Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella are accused of taking money to help open a juvenile detention center and keep it stocked with young people.
Olszewski was asked if he felt he was unfairly connected to the Luzerne County corruption scandal. "I think that's a question for the public. I'm sure in one way or another that played a role in today's vote, unfortunately," the judge said.
At the Luzerne County courthouse, it was a victory for Olszewski's colleague, Judge Thomas Burke who survived Luzerne County's retention vote.
"I'm enormously grateful to the voters of Luzerne County. I dare say I will redouble my commitment to serve this court and live up to my oath of office on behalf of this electorate to restore confidence to our justice system," said Burke.
As for Olszewski, it will be up to Governor Rendell to appoint a replacement in January. He said he looks forward to returning to private practice as a trial lawyer.
