Pa. court says felon can appear on primary ballot

[April 17, 2009]  SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) -- An appeals court says a northeastern Pennsylvania businessman with three felony convictions can appear on a primary election ballot.

If Bob Bolus were to be elected mayor of Scranton, he couldn't serve because the Pennsylvania Constitution says those convicted of "infamous crimes" can't hold public office. The state Supreme Court says that means any felony.

Bolus said he should be allowed to run even if he can't serve. But a Commonwealth Court panel had another reason Thursday for keeping Bolus on the ballot for the May 19 Republican primary: A challenge was filed one day too late.

Bolus was convicted in 1991 of receiving stolen property. He is the only Republican running for mayor of Scranton.

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Information from: The Times-Tribune, http://thetimes-tribune.com/

[Associated Press]

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