Penn alumna seeks state Superior Court judgeship

She's worked as a county prosecutor, a private attorney and a children's advocate, and now she wants to serve the state of Pennsylvania.

Susan Peikes Gantman, graduate of the College for Women Class of 1974, is a Republican candidate for the Superior Court judge for the state of Pennsylvania. The Superior Court, which has 15 members, is one of the busiest appellate courts, and is usually the final step in the judicial process for most cases in Pennsylvania.

Gantman, an active alumnus, served as the Penn Class of 1974 Gift Chair for many years, and enjoys reminiscing about her undergraduate years.

"I was extremely excited about starting college," Gantman said. "I was from a small town and coming to Penn and being exposed to all the opportunities which were afforded to students at that time was unbelievable. The diversity of the student population, the stimulating lecture and movie series, the opportunity to meet and study with an outstanding faculty were some of the benefits."

During her undergraduate years, Gantman was a member of the Kite and Key organization, one of the largest community service groups on campus, and received numerous awards upon graduation. One such award was the Harnwell Award, which is bestowed upon a woman who has shown extraordinary service to the University. Gantman simultaneously graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees with a double major in American civilization and sociology.

Even before attending Villanova Law School, Gantman expressed an interest in the field.

"I have known her in the last few years as a highly accomplished lawyer with a very well-respected national law firm, Cozen O'Connor," said Legal Studies Professor Arnold Rosoff, who had Gantman as a student in Legal Studies 101 and continues to have a working relationship with her today.

"She is sharp, very knowledgeable, a skilled negotiator and -- most [importantly] in the present context -- an exceedingly fair, objective, analytical and open-minded person."

Since her days at Penn, Gantman has spent much of her career working to protect children. She was involved with legislators in passing Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Act, and regularly serves as a guardian advocate for children who come from abusive homes. She continued this work for children's welfare as the former assistant district attorney for Montgomery County.

Gantman is also a frequent lecturer and instructor at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Department of Public Welfare, amongst other organizations.

Hoping to fill one of the three openings on the court this election cycle, and facing opposition from two other Republicans -- Grainger Bowman and Palmer Dolbin -- and three Democrats -- Jack Panella, John Driscoll, and Seamus McCaffery -- Gantman has so far visited 66 of the 67 counties in the state.

"It's been hard work, but I've enjoyed meeting people and sharing ideas," Gantman said. "Pennsylvania is such a diverse state, the experience has been unbelievable."

What makes this campaign different from most election bids is that the position of Superior Court judge is an impartial judicial seat. As a result, despite running with the endorsement of the Republican State Committee, Gantman is not supposed to have a platform, forcing voters to make a judgment call based on her past record and character.

As Gantman traverses the state, she is supported by an all-volunteer campaign team consisting of family and friends. But perhaps her most ardent supporters are her immediate family: her husband, Lewis, who graduated from Penn's undergraduate and law schools and her children, Jon, a Wharton senior and Stephanie, a College sophomore.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters will go to the polls for the general election and will need to make some choices. For one man, the decision is easy.

"I think she would bring an exceptional level of competence and class to the bench if she is elected," Rosoff said. "I would certainly say that she has 'judicial temperament.'"

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