AC Repubs snub Heidelbaugh

Allegheny County Council's Republicans have snubbed Heather Heidelbaugh in favor of Ed Kress -- a former member of the body.

With executive candidates Chuck McCullough and Rich Fitzgerald forced to resign from council under county charter rules, their choice for their replacements was up to their respective caucuses: Democrats named Barbara Daly Danko, who is running for Fitzgerald's full term, to his seat. Republicans faced a stiffer test in McCullough's at-large seat, picking Heidelbaugh, an attorney who has spoken to tea party audiences on election fraud, over Kress, who was edged out by current council prez (and state Democratic chairman) Jim Burn in 2003.

Here's Len Barcousky's story for the P-G's Breaking News site:

One new and one familiar face will become part of Allegheny County Council next week.

Council's two party caucuses have selected replacements for members who recently resigned to run for nomination as county executive.

The Democratic caucus chose Barbara Daly Danko, of Regent Square, to fill the District 11 seat. That district includes Pittsburgh's eastern neighborhoods, part of the South Side and several Mon Valley communities. Ms. Danko is Democratic Party chair for the city's 14th Ward. She will serve at least until the end of the year, completing the term of Councilman Rich Fitzgerald.

She and Adam D. Grodin, of Squirrel Hill, are seeking the Democratic nomination for a four-year term representing District 11.

The Republican caucus selected former County Councilman Edward J. Kress, of Shaler, to complete the at-large term of Chuck McCullough. At-large council members, one from each of two parties, represent residents of the entire county.

Mr. Kress had been appointed by the GOP caucus to represent District 3, but he lost a race to hold that seat to Jim Burn, who now serves as council president.

Mr. Kress, a lawyer, is facing attorney Heather Heidelbaugh, of Mt. Lebanon, in the May primary for the Republican nomination for the post.

Mr. Kress and Ms. Danko will be sworn in to their new jobs at council's next regular meeting on April 5.