Editorial: Joe Manchin’s decision could mean more political ads in Pennsylvania
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It is exhausting to be politically important.
Pennsylvanians have barely recovered from the 2022 U.S. Senate campaign between then-Lt. Gov. John Fetterman on the Democratic side and Republican nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz. That was followed by Fetterman’s post-inaugural hospitalization for depression. Then there was the controversy over his penchant for hoodies and shorts and whether it demeaned the hallowed halls of the Senate.
We are a week out from the off-year election that once again focused national attention on the Keystone State. Neighboring Ohio’s ballot questions about marijuana legalization and a constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights are the big story. However, Pennsylvania’s state Supreme Court, Allegheny County Executive-elect Sara Innamorato and the Philadelphia mayoral race also have been talking points.
The 2024 election already was going to focus political binoculars on Pennsylvania as a perennial swing state.
We knew that. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, is running for reelection with a left-wing challenger from his own party, Blaine Forkner of Allegheny County. There could be a Republican replay of the 2022 primary race with hedge fund millionaire David McCormick running again after a narrow loss to Oz. No other Republicans have announced yet.
But now U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin has decided to make things more complicated.
The West Virginia Democrat announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection. It’s a move that comes after lots of speculation in recent years over Manchin’s place in a blue party while representing a red state. He has definitely enjoyed exercising his newfound political importance in a razor-thin Democratic majority.
Literally, as goes Manchin, so goes the Senate. But without Manchin, the math becomes uncertain, and that makes the future of the Pennsylvania seat all the more important.
What does that mean for Pennsylvania voters?
It’s likely to mean a lot of heavy-handed messaging courtesy of high-dollar fundraising. That was what happened with the state Supreme Court race this year. It happened with the Fetterman-Oz Senate race and the gubernatorial race in 2022.
Not surprising. Money is a megaphone for speech in elections. With Pennsylvania’s critical role as a balance point for the scales of politics, this is where the ads will be heavy.
But like Manchin’s decision, out-of-state activity is likely to have an impact. Outside money has driven campaign and PAC spending in the big races in recent years, and as long as Pennsylvania is a major player on the national scene, that’s unlikely to change.
So when you get blitzed with election commercials next year, close your eyes and grit your teeth. And blame Joe Manchin.