Points to Ponder

A More Thoughtful Electorate?

The primary election turnout on Tuesday was light at both the city and state level, and that has been the case for quite some time, particularly in a city where there are often no opposition candidates and the political machine promises some WAM (Walking around money) for those who do participate. The message has been the same for years — “vote for the endorsed candidate and we will tell you who they are”. Many have just gotten so disgusted with the process they just don’t bother, but there is some encouragement on the horizon.

Despite an all-out effort by the Philadelphia and State Democratic Machine to endorse Patrick Murphy for Attorney General, an Independent Democrat, with significant political experience in high-profile prosecution, won this race, and if Kathleen Kane is successful in the general election, she will be the first woman and the first Democrat to hold that office since it went from an appointment to elected office in 1980.  This is a victory on more than one level.

Locally, Rosita Youngblood won another term as State Rep in the 198th, although she was not the endorsed candidate from the party machine and she faced two opponents. For years the DSC has been trying to remove her from this office as she does not take orders, challenges the non-transparent use of public money, and may on occasion vote with the opposition party if she believes the legislation can help her constituents. While that kind of representative government is applauded in theory, in this state and city it is often political suicide.  Youngblood takes her chances, pulls no punches in the public arena, and apparently — gets re-elected.

Another interesting outcome was the five way primary Republican race for U.S. Senator to challenge Senator Casey.  Here again, machine endorsement and political history lost out to an individual and his appeal as a clear independent voice in a maelstrom of propaganda.  Tom Smith, a self-made businessman without a political history beat four experienced candidates.  Despite the fact he was a registered Democrat for 40 years, a conservative by background , and now a Republican; those non-standard credentials probably helped him in a world where few are trusted within party circles.

Maybe there is some hope that the days of pulling levers “as instructed” are over.

Jim Foster

Editor