Politics of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, like neighboring New Jersey, has swung from being a Republican-leaning state during much of the 20th century to a more competitive state in national presidential elections. Pennsylvania has backed the Democratic Presidential candidate in every election since 1992.

Philadelphia is the Democratic stronghold of the state, often delivering huge margins for the Democrats in state-wide elections. Other urban areas, such as Pittsburgh, lean Democratic as well. Like most states, Pennsylvania's rural areas tend to be more conservative and support Republicans. The resulting political map of Pennsylvania is therefore a red "T" in the center of the state with the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas a strong blue. The true swing areas of the state are the suburbs of the large cities, notably Philadelphia, which change year to year. The reason for this is the relatively moderate social and fiscal positions held by the citizens of the suburbs.

It has been said that the ideal Pennsylvania candidate is a gun-supporting, pro-life, dynastic Democrat, similar to current senator Bob Casey.

On the state level, Pennsylvania has been a traditionally liberal Republican state, with a dominant Republican party that is much more oriented towards social spending than more conservative Republican parties in other regions of the United States. However, the recent Democratic trend in Pennsylvania has affected state politics, and the Democrats have now controlled the governor's mansion for two terms under Governor Ed Rendell.

External links

*dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Pennsylvania/Society_and_Culture/Politics