Politics in Pennsylvania is complicated. In the general sense, it's socially conservative (pro-life, pro-gun, pro-family), but economically liberal (anti-free trade, pro-labor union, pro-pork barrel) and split on foreign policy (pro strong defense, but skeptical of overseas involvement).
It's a difficult combination to juggle for any politician, which explains the high turnover in most statewide elections.
It's a difficult combination to juggle for any politician, which explains the high turnover in most statewide elections.
Very well put - so few people (include PA residents) really understand what an odd mix it is, especially compared to the hard red/blue divide in most of the country.
"pro strong defense" is going down hill in the Philly Burbs.
I think that will eventually swing this area further left. Part of the problem is the BRAC. We love our bases in PA and the last of the major ones are goin' fast. Willow Grove gets 250,000 plus to it's Air Shows and is a giant recruiting poster. It doesn't hurt havin' lots of Warthogs, Herky Birds and others buzzin' around. That's gonna be the end of the last connection to the military that many SE Pennsylvanians have besides the MSM. I think a strong military presence in all 50 states is esential for maintaining the all volunteer armed forces and keeping Patriotism front and center.
It really depends on where you are in PA