It is now "Dinner season" here in the PA-09th. Democrats are putting on the ritz and slapping on the feedbag all over South Central PA. Last night, there were two dinners, in Juniata County, the turnout might not have been stadium capacity but the room was buzzing with tales of excited Democrats, teed-off Independents and disgusted Republicans.
The Democrats were as fired up as an undefeated college football squad and ready to tackle the streets and get out the vote. During my drive from Blair County to Juniata County, I did see a few clusters of GOP yard signs littering the highway but their numbers were insignificant compared to the blossoming of Democratic candidate signs that bejeweled the bi-ways of the 9th Congressional District.
I don't have any evidence that correlates yard signs to actual voter performance but, I can't help but comment on the energy in the atmosphere, even in a county that is traditionally Republican like Juniata County. The stage, it would seem, is set for an election that will stun many a professional political pundit.
Juniata County keynote speaker, former Lt. Governor Mark Singel, commented on the enthusiasm and fervor that filled the room. Praise due, in no small part, to the efforts of the Candidates and Volunteers in Juniata County
In Blair, the story was much the same but with more people, Democrats put on the dog and came out to celebrate and to let off some steam before the final push to victory on November 7th.
Pennsylvania Auditor General, Jack Wagner, who spoke at the Blair County dinner was moved to commend 9th District House Candidate Tony Barr for the vigor his campaign has delivered to South Central PA.
The Get Out The Vote effort is on full swing here. Democrats are coming out of the woodwork, here in South Central Pennsylvania. Independent voters and even a few Republicans are flocking to our candidates, November 7th 2006, will be something to see.
On November 7th , South Central PA votes for change.