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The Democratic candidates vying for Northampton County district attorney continued swinging charges and countercharges Wednesday night in their second face-to-face meeting, this one held at Lehigh Valley Public Media in south Bethlehem that was aired live on PBS39.

And while no Republican candidate has come forward ahead of the May 16 primary election, incumbent Terry Houck, in response to a question from challenger Stephen G. Baratta, said he is asking Republicans to write his name on the GOP ballot.

I intend on organizing a write-in campaign, Houck said. He said his goal is to capture the position outright in the primary rather than face another campaign in the fall. Pennsylvania has closed primaries, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for candidates during partisan spring elections.

No Republican candidate has emerged, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary could effectively have a clear path to the term that starts in 2024. However, Northampton County GOP Chair Glenn Geissinger said earlier Wednesday he might have a Republican contender who would file as a write-in candidate for the primary.

A total of 250 signatures would be required for a candidate to be placed on the November ballot, Geissinger said.

Baratta said afterward he would not seek Republican write-in votes.

If I lose as a Democrat, Im going home, Baratta said. If the Democratic party doesnt want me, then I have to find different work.

Houck is seeking his second term as district attorney after serving several years as first assistant prosecutor under John Morganelli, who is now a county judge.

Baratta also is a former first assistant district attorney under Morganelli before being elected as a county judge in 1997. He served on the bench for 25 years until his retirement at the end of last year.

The candidates clashed over a host of topics in questions posted by moderators Jen Rehill and Tom Shortell during the fast-paced, at times feisty debate.

Baratta said Houck was handed a turn-key operation after winning the 2019 election and succeeding Morganelli, but the office has become an operation in disarray, with low conviction rates, staff turnover and questionable practices such as full-time workers taking on outside jobs.

While his office implodes, he and his assistant make money outside the office, Baratta said.

Houck said Baratta has lied about Houcks record and career, adding he has achieved a 90% conviction rate. He also said Baratta tried to find employment as an attorney in the health care industry and with several law firms. He is now resorting to running for district attorney as his last resort, Houck said. He has made you his last resort.

Baratta, several times saying facts are facts regarding Houcks record, said afterward he has not sought employment elsewhere, except for having a conversation with a law firm.

They also asked each other several questions during a crossfire segment, including Baratta questioning Houck on plans to seek Republican write-in votes.

Houck questioned Baratta on the retired judges stance on the death penalty. Baratta has stated his support for Gov. Josh Shapiros decision to continue Pennsylvanias moratorium on the death penalty, arguing the punishment is inhumane and inequitable.

If you were to go into office [as district attorney], would it be you or one of your subordinates to tell these families to deny what a jury has imposed? Houck asked.

Baratta said he would exercise the discretion regarding the dealth penalty responsibly. And if the law is unfair like it is now, and discriminates against other people, I am not going to impose the death penalty, he said.

The debate can be seen at lehighvalleynews.com.

Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone can be reached at asalamone@mcall.com.

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Democrat Terry Houck says he'll seek Republican write-in votes to ... - The Morning Call