What's the matter with Pennsylvania?

Washington Examiner ^ | May 15, 2022 | Salena Zito

[T Ruth]

MEYERSDALE, Pennsylvania — Unless either Dr. Mehmet Oz or David McCormick pulls out a miracle between today and Tuesday evening, just over 20% of the Republican primary electorate is going to nominate Kathy Barnette for U.S. Senate.

This would mark the first time in modern Pennsylvania Republican primary history that such a complete unknown wins with no statewide infrastructure to support her candidacy, zero money, and little scrutiny. If she succeeds, she will have upended a race between two capable candidates who, up until a week ago, seemed to be locked in a two-man contest.

This would also mark the first time in Pennsylvania Republican primary history that an insurgent candidate has ever won a primary race. ***

***

*** There is no state party to rescue Oz or McCormick, because the party didn’t even have the spine to endorse in this race. ***

As a consequence, the party’s decision not to endorse in the governor's or Senate races has had long-reaching implications. By failing to do so, it left a ridiculous number of candidates in the race for both offices — in particular for the governor's race, where nine candidates stayed in long past their expiration date. This allowed the eccentric, far-right Doug Mastriano to suck up all of the oxygen.

In short, if Barnette wins — and everything at this moment points in that direction — she will undoubtedly run shoulder to shoulder with Mastriano. They’ve endorsed each other, they campaign together all the time, and they hold the same outsider standing — even outside of Trumpworld.

It is hard to find any pathway where either of them will win in November, even in the remarkable conditions available to Republican candidates right now.

***

[winterystorm]

well that is how some of us weaved our way to favor her. The other 2 are not liked. What choice is there?

[McGruff]

Salena Zito: Pennsylvania's Dramatic Shift Rightward Is a Warning Sign for Both Parties about Overreach

Apr 17, 2022

She sounds like a Concern troll.

[T Ruth]

Same problem in PA as there is every election cycle somewhere in America, a conservative/populist outsider enters the race, picks up some support, and the party insiders tell the rubes that it is they who have to compromise because that candidate is unelectable. Again and again, forever and ever.

I think you are right about this. It has to change, and I think it is changing, but so slo-o-o-o-owly. I think what is helping conservative/populists is that the Dems are getting so extreme (e.g. Fetterman) that even the GOPe is becoming unenthused about them.

[winterystorm]

I do not look at her that way and I am white. I like that she home schooled and I liked her views. She is not polished nor was Trump by the way. So she will learn. I as a woman say give her a chance.

[winterystorm]

I can’t stand Rove. I will go against anything he says.

[winterystorm]

No, I do not see it that way. Oz is weak he will not beat his Democrat rival in November.

McCormick has China baggage I do not like.

So a black woman is actually ideal. She is fresh and does not have the baggage.

[Carriage Hill]

She did, on the Chris Stigall AM990 Radio Show (Philly), last week.

3:40 into the podcast:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/867-the-chris-stigall-show-30873205/

[Antoninus]

Who’s payroll is Salena Zito on? This is her second hit piece against candidates not named “OZ” in the PA senate election.

[pfflier]

Maybe voters are choosing who to vote for instead of letting themselves be told who to vote for...ya think??

[winterystorm]

Well maybe Fetterman will have another Stroke that wipes him out. The one he had this weekend didn’t cause any damage but he is batting for a Heart Attack. That is usually what happens after you have a stroke.

[winterystorm]

I am northeast, PA so I have no idea whom Christine O’Donnell is.

[Mrs. Ranger]

“ What’s wrong with Salena Zito is the question.”

Indeed. In fact, as someone who has read her articles for many years, I found this article to be so odd that I scrolled back up to check the byline and even clicked on the article. This article is certainly not written in her usual “style”.

[winterystorm]

I am still voting Barletta

[tomkat]

Are Oz supporters and McCormick supporters going to be so angry if Kathy wins the primary that they prefer the Democrats to win???

Wouldn't much surprise me   :-\

/.02

[Fireone]

“two capable candidates”
What makes Oz a capable candidate? Name recognition is all he’s got. He’s certainly not strong on issues with conservatives, he’s not pro 2A, in the least. He’s never held office, but he’s capable and Barnette is not?

[tomkat]

Goodonya !   :-)

[x]

Christine O’Donnell ran for the Senate in Delaware a few times, once against NE Pennsylvania’s favorite son, Scranton Joe.

[BiglyCommentary]

I said she wasn’t one of the smoky back room selected candidates. You dont see her that way?

[Uncle Miltie]

Dr. OZ is muslim.

Is the other guy a RINO?

[Presbyterian Reporter]

“””So a black woman is actually ideal. She is fresh and does not have the baggage.”””

---

If Kathy had forcefully declined the endorsement from Club for Growth, then she would have no baggage.

The RINO/GLOBALISTS are doing all they can to split the Barnette/Oz vote so they can win with McCormick.

Pennsylvania is the war zone in the GOP right now between the MAGA and the RINO/GLOBALISTS.