The next special?

Should state Rep. Randy Vulakovich, R-Shaler, win the 40th District special tonight and move on to the state Senate he'll only have until next week -- Aug. 13 -- to take his name off the Nov. 6 ballot for his current state House seat. When/if that happens local Republican party officials will have nominate a candidate to take on Democrat David Tusick of Fox Chapel.

There are already names circulating. They include Hampton GOP committeeman Mike McMullen; Vulakovich aide and Shaler commissioner David Shutter; and Pittsburgh Tea Party leader Patti Weaver of Fox Chapel.

UPDATE 9:42 PM: Vulakovich and Allegheny GOP chair Jim Roddey have just endorsed attorney/Marine Corps vet Hal English to replace him in House