Prosecutor Chosen To Run For State Senate Seat Vacated By Mike Folmer

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Republicans have chosen a prosecutor to run to replace a four-term Pennsylvania state senator who resigned last month after being arrested on child pornography charges.

Lebanon County District Attorney David Arnold easily outpaced four other candidates during Saturday's nomination conference at Lebanon Valley College, receiving 50 votes out of 72 cast.

Democrats are expected to choose their candidate Sunday for the Jan. 14 special election to represent the commonwealth's heavily Republican 48th Senate district.

Authorities allege that they found two images of child pornography on the cellphone of former senator Mike Folmer. The state attorney general's office said it was acting on a tip from a social media website.

Folmer, who hasn't commented, waived his preliminary hearing Friday. His resignation left the 50-seat Senate with a 27-22 Republican majority.