SCRANTON, Pa. — After nearly a year of political backbiting and intrigue, voters today are set to finally settle the succession of former Democratic Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin.

Three candidates are competing in a special election to fill the unexpired term McGloin vacated in February, when he stepped down from the board. The term runs through the beginning of 2028.

Those running are Democrat Thom Welby, a former state representative, Republican Chet Merli, the nephew of decorated World War II hero Gino Merli and Michael Cappellini, a former Democrat turned independent.

Cappellini is endorsed by Democratic Commissioner Bill Gaughan, who has been at loggerheads with the leadership of the county Democratic Party over the process to name McGloin’s replacement.

Though her

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