As President Donald Trump expressed confidence in recent days that Republican state Rep. Rick Saccone would hold on to a U.S. House seat in Pennsylvania, leaders of both parties in Congress - along with political handicappers on Capitol Hill - were waiting Tuesday to see what signs both parties might draw from today's voting, and the predictions they might make for this year's 2018 mid-term elections.
"The Economy is raging, at an all-time high, and is set to get even better," the President tweeted shortly after the polls opened on Tuesday in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District.
"Vote for Rick Saccone and keep it going!" the President said, as Saccone faces Democrat Conor Lamb, who has led in recent polling.
TRENDING NOW:
- SPECIAL ELECTION: Things to know about Tuesday's 18th Congressional District special election
- Lawmaker proposes fining parents $500 for child's bullying
- 65-year-old woman has had pet tortoise 56 years
- VIDEO: Police: Key witness helped officers make drug bust at apartment complex
Here are five things to think about as we wait for the votes to come in this evening:
1. The GOP has won every House special under Trump. Despite some very close races, it is important to note that Republicans have been able to hold on to every House district which has had a special election over the past year. But they have been much closer outcomes than should have been the case, based on past results. The one big loss was the Alabama U.S. Senate race in December, which was a huge setback for the President and the GOP in general. A loss on Tuesday in Pennsylvania for Republicans would be another sign of possible distress in November of this year.
I see a pattern here... pic.twitter.com/MIjW1tkhNy
— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) March 12, 2018
2. This is a Republican district - no matter what the GOP says. There were some raised eyebrows among political junkies in recent days, when the chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party said the 18th Congressional District was a "Democratic district." It is not. This is a reliably Republican area which has much of the southern suburbs and exurbs near Pittsburgh. President Trump won here by 20 points. The former GOP Congressman - before he resigned in disgrace - didn't even have any Democratic opponents in 2016 or 2014. Don't let anyone kid you - this is GOP territory in the Keystone State.
2008 presidential: McCain +11%
— Carrie Dann (@CarrieNBCNews) March 12, 2018
2008 House: Murphy +28%
2010 House: Murphy +35%
2012 presidential: Romney +17%
2012 House: Murphy +28%
2014 House: Murphy unopposed
2016 presidential: Trump +20%
2016 House: Murphy unopposed https://t.co/HQCpzLEEHD
3. The basics of this election are familiar. What have we seen in other special elections over the past year? Lots of Democrats turning out to the polls. Many Republicans seemingly not interested and staying home. That turnout edge has made things close in Montana, Georgia, and other states, but Republicans have been able to hold on. All that being said, this is a big election because it comes as the Congress heads into a mid-term election campaign season. Republicans think the new tax cut law will help them overcome any troubles linked to President Trump. Democrats think a "blue wave" is coming. The outcome will be important, no matter which party wins.
Beware downplaying of #PA18 as a special for a district that's "going extinct." Tomorrow's outcome matters a great deal not only for what'll unfold in new Pittsburgh area districts (#PA14, #PA17, etc.) in Nov. , but for both parties' morale in larger fight for the House.
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) March 12, 2018
4. Is this a test for the Trump tax cut? While Democrats attack the President on the details of the tax cut law, Republicans hope that the plan can help them in Pennsylvania, and then later on in November. Donald Trump Jr. was highlighting exactly that during his visit to the Keystone State, as he visited a candy making business which expanded its work force. It's an issue that his father, the President, has been talking about every chance he gets as well.
The Republicans are 5-0 in recent Congressional races, a point which the Fake News Media continuously fails to mention. I backed and campaigned for all of the winners. They give me credit for one. Hopefully, Rick Saccone will be another big win on Tuesday.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 11, 2018
5. Another special election that's an economic stimulus. Remember the stories of how much money was spent in the Georgia special election last year? That was over $50 million by the time the voters elected Rep. Karen Handel (R-GA). Handel was in Pennsylvania over the weekend helping GOP candidate Rick Saccone - this race hasn't totaled that much, but it's estimated outside groups have poured in about $18 million in money - still a hefty chunk of political change, which probably bought more than a few signs, meals and hotel rooms along the way.
NEW: Approximately $18 million has been invested in #PA18 special election, @IssueOneReform analysis of @FEC data shows. Outside groups account for about 70% of funds in the race — more than $12 million and counting https://t.co/pdOwSgHWiG pic.twitter.com/dyTLzatThV
— Michael Beckel (@mjbeckel) March 12, 2018
Cox Media Group