The Keystone State used to have a tradition of moderate Republicans. Senators Arlen Specter and John Heinz as well as William Scranton were bi-partisan Rockefeller Republicans who were not run lock, stock, and barrel by the right wing of the National Party.
That of course has changed. But PA Republicans are still clinging to the old picture of Rockefeller Republicans, because our news media loves to buy this. Pat Toomey in his tough Senate re-election is hoping to use this to cover up his far right wing economic voting record. We have collectively defined moderation way down.
Case in point...Rep. Pat Meehan of the 7th District.
Pat has cultivated a moderate image. Well when he is basically not hiding, which is most of the time. (I tend to think he is afraid of answering questions about the disgusting racial nature of the gerrymandering that helps him stay in office.)
Meehan gave the response to the President’s address once and touted his bi-partisan street cred by saying he was in favor of infrastructure spending.
Pat then went and voted for the Paul Ryan/Ayn Rand budget which all but zeros out spending on Infrastructure.
Pat has also signed Grover Norquist’s pledge to never have the rich pay an extra dime in taxes even in the face of World War III. (We have to drown the government in a bathtub.)
Pat has a 96 percent rating from Right to Life.
Pat voted lockstep with the NRA.
In short, we have defined GOP “moderation” down so low, that all Pat Meehan had to do was sign a letter saying he believed in climate change. Mind you, not that we should do anything about it. I guess it would be the same as saying that he signed a letter saying he believed in gravity.
Democrats had nominated a very appealing candidate in Mary Ellen Balchunis, a political science professor at La Salle University. Mary Ellen has been active in women’s issues and has won the endorsement of a wide range of advocacy groups and labor. She has been fighting in the community for years.
Please visit her site for more information:
Mary Ellen Balchunis