State Rep. Carole A. Rubley, who has held the 157th state House seat since 1992, is leaving on top.

Unlike many of the two dozen incumbent lawmakers who chose to retire at the end of this year rather than face voters, Rubley remains popular with constituents and would have won re-election easily had she chosen to seek another two-year term in the state House.

The Phoenix has a story today about the two candidates attempting to fill Rubley's shoes: Republican Guy Ciarrocchi and Democrat Paul Drucker.

Drucker, knocking on doors to introduce himself to voters, had trouble connecting with a potential voter until he told the woman he's running for "Carole Rubley's district."

From The Phoenix: "I said I was the Democratic candidate for the 157th district," Drucker said. "The woman who opened the door had a kind of blank stare. I said 'Carole Rubley's district.' Then she got it."

Drucker is an attorney and a former Tredyffrin supervisor.

Ciarrocchi, also a lawyer and a former Tredyffrin supervisor, is on leave as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-6th).

Both are pushing a reform agenda, according to The Phoenix.

This is going to be a close race and Rubley will have a big say on who succeeds her.

If Rubley makes a very public and very enthusiastic endorsement of Ciarrocchi, the GOP should retain the seat.