Our latest edition (which can be found online right here) takes a quick look at some fallout in three key elections (president, Pa.'s U.S. Senate seat and the 8th congressional district) and sets the table for a lot of discussion to come. A few things kind of jump out.
1) Despite Mitt Romney's late showing here and despite all the GOP rhetoric to the contrary, it seems our state was never really in play. It went blue and it went blue fast. Philadelphia and most of the surrounding counties went to the president and it now appears that the Romney campaign was throwing a Hail Mary rather than capitalizing on any real momentum.
2) History will not show that Sen. Bob Casey was threatened because the final results are a thrashing for his opponent. But Tom Smith's well-funded campaign clearly had Sen. Casey's attention; the Casey campaign went from dismissive to annoyed to concerned to engaged in pretty short order. That said, Sen. Casey won handily, which makes you wonder - if a guy like Mr. Smith (no relation, by the way) can make it a close race with a huge mountain of cash, who can? Or, more simply, can anyone?
3) The race for the 8th district was listed on numerous websites as one of the nation's most hotly contested. But both parties eventually pulled out the big money and Mike Fitzpatrick rolled to re-election. Given the trends and cycles, he's likely safe for four years as his mid-term election should be a walk in the park.
So lots of politics to chew on. But if you're looking for something different, take a moment to check out this week's Q&A with Jill Weber, a charming and fascinating archaeologist who happes to own two cool spots on South Street - Jet Wine Bar and Rex 1516 restaurant. Really cool lady.
It's been an interesting week and the year will not end with a whimper, that's for sure.
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