“THERE IS SOMETHING HAPPENING HERE, WHAT IT IS AIN’T EXACTLY CLEAR”

There is something happening here when the attention of the national political juggernaut turns toward Southwestern Pennsylvania and will keep us in the spotlight until March 13th, 2018. What may not be exactly clear is that this is the day that has been set aside for a special election to decide who will fill the remainder of disgraced Republican Congressman Tim Murphy’s seat in the 18^th Congressional District. 

This unusual special election involves voters in portions of Greene, Washington, Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.  What is also not exactly clear is which voters will be voting in the special election and again in the May 15, primary in the 18^th District.

  On January 22, 2018 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued an order finding unconstitutional the Congressional Redistricting Act of 2011.  The court held that the Act cannot be used: “In elections for Pennsylvania seats in the United States House of Representatives commencing with the upcoming May 15, 2018 Primary.”  But for March 13th an exception was carved out and the special election: “shall proceed under the Congressional Redistricting Act and is unaffected by this order.”  The end result is that voters for the March 13th special election may not be the same voters on May 15^th, the scheduled primary for the full two-year term in the 18^th District.  Confusing yes.  But the show must go on. 

To emphasize the importance of this contest President Trump flew into Pittsburgh on February 18^th to heap praise on the Republican candidate, Rick Saccone.  Mr. Saccone is in many ways Trump’s “Mini-Me” avatar who proudly boasts he was: “Trump before Trump was Trump.”

 That is, Trump without the billions of dollars, golf courses or trophy wife. But Trump in all things political when it comes to: racist immigration policies that fly in the face long accepted norms; contempt for women’s rights; a tax bonanza for the wealthy and corporations; and a promise to cut social programs for the less fortunate. 

Mr. Saccone has further endeared himself to President Trump by introducing a Resolution in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives calling for 2012 to be declared the “Year of the Bible.”  During his tenure in the House he has received a 0% rating from Planned Parenthood and a 6% rating from the Sierra Club on environmental issues.

Saccone’s Democratic opponent is attorney Conor Lamb, a fresh political face with impressive credentials to bring to the table.  He attended the University of Pennsylvania as an undergraduate and earned his law degree from its prestigious law school. Lamb’s stellar professional career has been as a federal prosecutor, bringing to justice drug dealers responsible for the opioid crisis.  Prior to that he served as a Captain in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves, where he prosecuted and obtained a conviction from an officer charged with sexual misconduct.

Unlike Saccone who has hitched his wagon to the Trump party line, Lamb is running as a moderate Democrat with an independent voice to bring to Congress. He has said: “It is clear this Congress is not working for the people.  I think we need new leadership (including Nancy Pelosi) on both sides.”  The bedrock issues of his campaign include: bringing an end to the opioid crisis; seeking an immediate infrastructure bill; fighting for continuation of affordable health care; protecting Medicare & Social Security; finding a solution for student loan relief and supporting modern energy development.

Even though the special election is almost two months away, both Saccone and Lamb have bought up blocks of media to place their respective positions before the local voters.  Significantly, Saccone is relying on large conservative and corporate Super PACS to raise money while Lamb is counting on individual donations to fund his campaign.

So what is all the fuss about and why should voters trudge to the polls for a one off election in early March?  First and foremost, political pundits of all persuasions view this special election as an advanced preview of the all-important November 2018 midterm elections, where the Democrats hope to recapture the House of Representatives.

Many nationwide political questions will become clearer after our local March 13^th special election.  Can a moderate Democrat win in a conservative Pennsylvania House district?  What will be the Democratic Party’s appeal with white working class voters in the rust belt who voted for Trump in 2016?  Will these voters feel betrayed by a President who promised he would fight for them, but instead has favored corporate America?  Does the 58% of Americans who disapprove of the President’s job performance include a majority of voters in the 18^th Congressional District?  

The optics of this election are enormous and the result far outweighs the importance of this one congressional seat.

Apart from the campaign and the candidates, much work is still to be done by local elected officials, local newspapers and organizations like the League of Women Voters in getting the word out and explaining the background and need for this special election. It is not enough to leave voters with the idea that “something is happening here” without ‘making clear” the purpose and importance.

Luckily, voters need only look back to last month to understand the significance of special elections.  The historic Alabama Senate special election which saw another moderate Democrat and prosecutor, Doug Jones, capture the seat over a Trump supported candidate, Roy Moore, gained national attention in the weeks before Christmas.  While Moore had been accused of pedophilia and other improprieties, he was expected to win because Alabama had not elected a Democratic Senator since 1992.

Moreover, it will be hard to miss the fact that an election is taking place given all the media attention that will be focused on this race.  The outcome will be viewed as a referendum on President Trump’s first year in office.

 I have met Mr. Lamb and was struck by his calm demeanor and young vibrant Kennedyesque appearance.  You know right away that you are in the presence of the real deal.  Many voters will experience this face to face opportunity with the candidate as Conor schedules events and knocks on doors throughout the district.  Those who take the time to meet with him will find a candidate more than ready for the challenge.

 It is not often that local voters get to decide an election with such national implications and to make a statement to the rest of the country.  It is not often that the two candidates offer such a stark contrast on their views of the nation and how to address its problems.  But this special election offers more opportunity than simply meeting the candidates and voting.  

If you are depressed with the Steeler’s loss or the weather, bring some excitement your way and get involved in the process.  Become a volunteer for a candidate and see for yourself what is happening here.  Help clarify for your friends and neighbors why this special election is so important. 

 You will be helping to make history in this landmark political year of 2018.  And when the May primary and November midterm elections roll around, you can do it all over as Lamb again battles Saccone for a full two-year term as your elected representative in Congress.