Where Obama Did Better — And Where He Did Worse

Editor’s note:  Very interesting election analysis regardless of which side you are on.  Shows the differences between McCain and Romney’s efforts in their respective run for President again Obama.

President Obama carried fewer states than he did four years ago.  He won a second term by dominating the nation’s large urban areas — although mostly by smaller margins compared to his 2008 vote totals.

To view interactive maps for each state, by county, for 2008 and 2012 click here:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/obama-better-or-worse/?hpid=z3

Pennsylvania Sets Tone For New Era Of Civility

Image via Wikipedia

I am and have always been proud to be a Pennsylvanian.  When I read about things like this it makes me even more proud to be from this great state!

Our two U.S. Senators, Bob Casey, Jr. (D) and Pat Toomey (R) will sit together during the State of the Union address on Tuesday.  This is significant because both parties normally segregate themselves, on opposite sides of the room.

In light of the tragedy in Tucson and the very uncivil political climate in our country, I am pleased that our U.S. Senators will be showing the rest of America that Pennsylvania leads the pack when it comes to bipartisan cooperation!

Pennsylvania Election 2010

Now that the dust has settled, we have some new elected officials and hopefully those annoying phone calls and all the junk mail is over until the next election!

Some interesting facts about the election and maybe something Democrats need to think about for the future.  Winning an election in Pennsylvania can’t be done by concentrating on Allegheny and Philadelphia Counties.  Corbett carried Allegheny County, not by much, but he did.  Can’t say that Onorato should feel too good about losing the county he is Executive for.  Onorato lost Allegheny County by 649 votes.  Another reason everyone should vote!  Toomey didn’t lose by much in Allegheny County and he carried most other large counties.  He did take a beating in Philadelphia as expected.

Pennsylvania is a diverse state.  There are other heavily populated areas that are or lean Republican.  Lancaster County has over 500,000 people, York County has over 400,000 residents, Chester County has almost 500,000 residents, Berks has over 400,000 residents so I submit these counties more than make up for Philadelphia.  Bucks County with its 600,000+ residents swung Republican for governor and the US Senate races.  Can’t put all your eggs in one basket and win in PA.

We congratulate the winners.  We expect big things.  We will be watching and reporting in our usual no-nonsense style so don’t screw up!

Tom Corbett has a big task ahead of him.  This editorial from the Harrisburg Patriot outlines the road ahead: http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/11/governor_corbett_hit_the_groun.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/11/governor_corbett_hit_the_groun.html

Republicans Fare Well In Elections

Many people are analyzing the election results in various ways.  Some are saying it is Obama backlash, some as saying it was time for change in their corner of the world and so on and so forth.  For whatever reason(s) there were some major shake-ups yesterday.

New Jersey governor Jon Corzine (D) was defeated by Chris Christie (R) and Virginia governor Creigh Deeds (D) was defeated by Bob McDonnell (R). 

Closer to home, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was returned to a 4-3 Republican majority with Joan Orie Melvin’s victory over Jack Panella.  One experienced state court watcher said he doesn’t see this change moving the court away from being ideologically centrist.

That being said there were plenty of Democrats who won races as well.  The mayoral race in Harrisburg made history yesterday when the first African-American female became the mayor of our state capital.  After 28 years as Harrisburg Mayor, Stephen Reed was defeated in the Democratic primary.  City Council President, Linda Thompson (D) defeated Nevin Mindlin (R) to make history.

In Pennsylvania’s second largest city, Pittsburgh Mayor, Luke Ravenstahl (D) was re-elected.  Ravenstahl, who is only 29 years old, inherited the job in 2006 after then Mayor Bob O’Connor died in office.  He won an election in 2007 to complete O’Connor’s term.

Bill Owens (D) defeated Doug Hoffman (R) in the 23rd Congressional District in New York state.  The race has drawn national attention.  This district is a GOP stronghold and Republians haven’t lost in the region for over a century!  While some are viewing this race as a referendum on Obama, others are viewing this election as local people voting for the candidtate who will best represent their interests in Washington.