Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is gearing up for a local race that holds significant implications for the national political landscape. The county, which has historically been a key battleground area, is once again in the spotlight as Democrats and Republicans vie for control of the county board of commissioners. The outcome of this race could serve as a bellwether for the 2024 presidential election.
In 2019, Democrats won control of the board of commissioners for the first time since 1983. However, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick managed to secure re-election in 2020, even as Joe Biden carried the district. In 2021, Republicans made a comeback and swept a slate of row offices in the county. Now, Republicans are looking to regain control of the county board in a bid to reestablish their dominance.
Both parties recognize the significance of Bucks County in shaping the outcome of the 2024 presidential race. The county stretches from suburban areas to more rural regions, providing a microcosm of the broader electorate. Democrats have been performing well in suburban areas, making the outcome of the county commissioner race a potential indicator of suburban voters’ leanings.
Bucks County has also become embroiled in culture war battles, mirroring similar conflicts in suburbs across the country. Republicans in the county have won school board races by opposing mask mandates and implementing book bans and restrictions on displays of LGBTQ+ pride. Democrats argue that these policies are divisive and have sparked significant backlash.
The race for county commissioner features incumbent Democrats Bob Harvie and Diane Marseglia, along with Republican Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo and challenger Pamela Van Blunk. The unusual statutory setup in Pennsylvania guarantees that the minority party will hold one seat in Bucks. County officials suggest that the race will likely come down to Harvie and Van Blunk, with the other incumbents benefiting from their longer tenures.
Democrats are campaigning on local issues, emphasizing their efforts to modernize county services and address the opioid epidemic. They also highlight the importance of the county commissioner role in determining election policies, such as drop boxes and ballot curing procedures. A loss for Democrats in this race could mean a more challenging electoral landscape for the party in future elections.
Republicans, on the other hand, focus on issues such as crime and public safety. Van Blunk has garnered the endorsement of a local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and pledges to fight the opioid epidemic. She seeks to distance herself from the divisive culture war issues championed by the current Democratic commissioners.
The outcome of the Bucks County commissioner race will undoubtedly have implications for the 2024 presidential election. Democrats hope to hold on to their recently-flipped offices in the county, while Republicans aim to recapture control. The race serves as a microcosm of the broader political landscape, with both parties recognizing the significance of winning over suburban voters. As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen which party will emerge victorious in this critical battleground county.
Original Article: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/21/bucks-county-commissioner-race-pennsylvania-2024-510982
Original Story at www.politico.com – 2023-08-20 11:00:00
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