Pennsylvania Supreme Court upholds striking Cavanagh from ballot

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's decision to strike a Fayette County man's name from the primary ballot.

The court on Wednesday affirmed a Commonwealth Court ruling that struck Michael Cavanagh's name from the ballot as a candidate for the Republican nomination for state representative in the 51st District. The lower court found Cavanagh cannot run for the office because of a criminal record.

Four registered Republican voters -- Thomas R. Murray II, Robin Lynn Amend, Bill Hubbard and Robert Smith -- sought Cavanagh's removal because of a 2001 felony conviction of insurance fraud.

Cavanagh appealed, arguing he does not believe insurance fraud rises to the level of an infamous crime.

Cavanagh, of Uniontown, said on Thursday he intends to appeal the decision through the federal courts.