Berks County Register of Wills Larry J. Medaglia Jr. is the Republican choice to run for the unexpired state Senate term of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake.

The special election is scheduled for March 15 and should be the best chance Republicans have of taking the seat held by O'Pake for nearly 40 years.

Medaglia, of West Reading, faces former county commissioner Judith A. Schwank, who is the Democratic Party's pick.

While well-known, Schwank does have one big drawback. She voted to raise county property taxes by 30 percent when she served as a commissioner, something Berks County residents won't soon forget.

Berks Republicans tab Medaglia for O'Pake seat - pottsmerc.com