Jay Paisley

MONACA -- Former Mike Veon foe and Beaver County political fixture Jay Paisley has thrown his support behind Democratic state Senate candidate Jason Petrella in his neck-and-neck race against Republican Elder Vogel Jr.

Paisley, who attended Tuesday night's debate between the two candidates, had originally committed to remaining neutral. But he said a series of attacks against Petrella linking him to the scandal-plagued Beaver County Democratic Party made him "feel obligated" lend his support.

Petrella isn't part of the party machine run by former Minority Whip Veon no matter what Vogel and the State Republican Party say, Paisley told PolitickerPA.com. Petrella was enemy No. 1 to Democrats in the county after running just six months ago against their anointed choice to take the reins in the 47th Senatorial District, state Rep. Sean Ramaley. Petrella lost to the now indicted lawmaker by an unexpectedly close margin.

Paisley's words might carry more weight with voters because of his well-known challenge to Veon in the 2006 Democratic primary. Veon later lost to state Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver County), who Paisley backed in the general election.

Independent candidate Jay Paisley will not be on the ballot in the 47th Senatorial District after collecting 200 fewer signatures than required, the candidate told PolitickerPA.com.

He needed about 1,900 supporters to sign his petition to be placed on the ballot.

"We came close, but no cigar," Paisley said. "If the deadline had been Monday instead of Friday, we would have been in no problem ... but I'm not complaining."

Arlen Specter put the state on notice, he's not going anywhere. Find out who joins the senator on this weeks Winners & Loser list.

Current state Rep. and now former state Senate candidate Sean Ramaley announced Thursday he is dropping out of his Senate race, ending weeks of speculation about his political future.

Earlier this month, Ramaley was one of 12 people implicated in "Bonusgate." He surprised some immediately following the allegations when he said he wanted to stay in the Senate race. 

Whoever replaces Ramaley faces an uncertain campaign. Beaver County Democrats, including former House Minority Whip Mike Veon, are heavily implicated in the Bonusgate charges, and the candidate would already have to make up for lost time on the campaign trail.

Further complicating matters is the potential candidacy of Jay Paisley, who is trying to collect enough signatures by Friday's deadline to be placed on the ballot. The former Democrat would likely siphon votes from whoever replaces Ramaley, potentially opening the door for Republican Elder Vogel Jr. 

Replacement speculation has centered on Beaver County Commissioner Joe Spanik and Ramaley's rival for the  Democratic nomination this April, Jason Petrella.

Independent candidate Jay Paisley's chance at earning a spot on November's ballot will likely come down to Friday's deadline.

The former Democrat, who is challenging Republican Elder Vogel and Democrat Sean Ramaley in the 47th Senatorial District, told PolitickerPA.com he has collected 1,000 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon -- half the number needed to be put on the ticket. About 60 of his volunteers will continue scouring for signatures until Friday morning if necessary, Paisley said.

He gave himself about a 55 percent chance of success.

"But if we don't," he said, "the honest to goodness reason is we just ran out of time."