ELECTION 2014 RECAP
GOP TAKES CONTROL
The Senate now is back in the hands of the Republicans. With resounding wins all cross the country, the GOP has control of both houses of Congress. At last glance they now have 52 votes in the upper chamber with Alaska and Louisiana still in doubt.
It will e interesting to see if that conversation at the White House will bear fruit or venom. The two sides have to start to work together. The President though will go the path of Executive Order for immigration. My opinion, if he had done that sooner instead of waiting until after the election, he might have energized his base more.
If the President refuses to budge on issues like the Keystone Pipeline and if the Republicans start to talk about Impeachment, then we're in for essentially another two years of gridlock.
Let's hold our breath (and hope the GOP and the President hold their noses on compromises they might not want to make) and hope for the best.
KAUFER'S WIN: NOT AN UPSET
Some people are saying that Aaron Kaufer's win in the 120th is a major upset. Not so much in my opinion. Kaufer, making a second run at the seat held by Phyllis Mundy ran a well funded campaign. So did Eileen Cipriani. I have spoken to many people in that district that were visited personally by both candidates.
Both had good organization with volunteers who went to the wall for both. But here's why Kaufer won.
1. No primary challenger. Kaufer had the opportunity to run for "the seat" since filing. Cipriani had to contend with a challenge from Edwardsville's Gary Mack.
2. Ever since this district was reapportioned in 1966, a Republican from Kingston or Forty Fort has held this seat. In 1990 Phyllis Mundy won when her Republican opponent was indicted. Wisely she took a bi partisan approach to the District in her early years while building up loyalty. When the seat came open, that long standing loyalty was not transferred to Cipriani. Cipriani though is a talented, competent public official that in any other time would win handily. But, and I know this is going to sound parochial, but Kingston/Forty Fort wanted that seat back. In past years when challengers like Joe Carmondy and the late Bill James (both from up the line in Exeter and Falls ran) Kingston held steady for Mundy, a resident. It was not unlikely that they would do the same for Mr. Kaufer.
3. Some of the ads on both sides were sketchy. The one that I was surprised at was where Mr. Kaufer's work history was denigrated. Whatever his job is at Mohegan Sun, you don't diminish that because all work is noble. That had to have a backlash.
4. Finally the state GOP put a lot of money into the Kaufer campaign. This was a way for the GOP leadership in Harrisburg to add to their total in the House.
You put all that together and this race is no longer a surprise once you look under the surface.
WILKES BARRE/SCRANTON MIGHT BENEFIT FROM WOLF WIN
With a Democratic Governor now set to take office, look for Wilkes Barre and Scranton to possibly get some more traction in its funding efforts from the new Governor. There were key Democrats who came out early for Wolf and that might translate into more help for projects or those towns.
WOLF SAYS THANKS
Tom Wolf at the Utz Arena in York last night. (Photo: CNN).
Here's an e mail Tom Wolf sent to his supporters last night:
Throughout my life, I've found that the only way to get things done right is to listen, to treat people fairly, and to include everyone in the process. It's that kind of collaboration that allowed me to turn my former business around, and it's the approach we need to take to bring about the bright future this great commonwealth deserves.
Governor Tom Corbett, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, and their many supporters deserve our respect and admiration for running a campaign focused on the issues. While we may disagree on ideology, we all agree that Pennsylvania's best days are ahead of us.
I hope you keep your passion for Pennsylvania alive by continuing to connect with residents all across our commonwealth. In the days and weeks ahead, I urge you to reach out to your neighbors -- especially those who didn't support this campaign -- and ask them what you can do together to improve your community.
The conversations you have may surprise you.
If we're going to fund a world-class public education system, create family-sustaining jobs, bring about fairness and equality under the law, provide access to affordable health care, build safe communities, and keep Pennsylvania beautiful, it's going to take all of us doing our part.
Democracy requires healthy debates, but our duty to Pennsylvania requires that we listen, that we roll up our sleeves, and that we come together to do what is right.
As your governor, I'll be there working with you -- and I can't wait to see what we do together to help give Pennsylvania a fresh start.
Thank you so much,
Tom Wolf
WOLF'S WIN BREAKS THE CYCLE
The win by Tom Wolf broke the famous Pennsylvania cycle where administrations changed by party every eight years. Here's that list of the streak that is now broken.
THE PA “CYCLE”
Since 1954 Democrats and Republicans have exchanged the office of Governor every eight years.
1955-1961 George Leader & David Lawrence (D)
1961-1969- William Scranton and Ray Shafer (R)
1971-1979 Milton Shapp. (D)
1979 1987 Richard Thornburgh.(R)
1987 1995 Robert P. Casey Senior (D)
1995 2003 Tom Ridge Mark Schweiker (R)
2003 2011 Ed Rendell. (D)
2011 2015 Tom Corbett (R)