November 7, 2006
Out like Liberace
That's what Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) is, as of 9:15pm tonight. That would be the senator from my home state.
Thing is, yes, at the moment 69% of the vote is for Casey, but what I don't understand is why they're calling the election with 5% of precincts reporting. I mean, yeah, it looks bad, but we could be looking at two to three times the tabulated votes still uncounted. As Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have already reported, I think Casey has already tabbed the places he's most likely to have a really wide margin.
As of 9:17pm, the lead has already dropped to 66%. I wouldn't put any money on Santorum just yet, but I wouldn't call the race until at least, I don't know, 25% of precincts reported.
I just don't get why Casey is so much more popular all of a sudden than Santorum. It isn't as if Rick has done an awful job, or anything even remotely close to it. And that kind of margin just cannot be explained by anti-Bush sentiment alone. I don't want to believe it, but part of me thinks that there are folks out there who believe that this Bob Casey is the same deceased former governor of PA...and if not that, then the name recognition alone is helping him win votes. I've got to change my first name to John or Robert before I ever decide to run for office. ;)
Posted by: Scott at November 7, 2006 11:27 PMIf you were watching CNN last night when Santorum gave his concession speech, he gave most of it, and then then he said this him and his family wanted to thank God. As soon as he got those words out, one of the political analyst suddenly butted in cut off the clip in the middle of Santorum's speech. The intent was rather conspicuous, and to be honest, it was quite an awkward interuption and rather shocking.
It was quite amusing the extent of awkwardness CNN was willing to go through in order to cut Santorum off the air as soon as he started talking about God...
I second Scott's comments. I was having the same thoughts last night. Particularly as the number three seat for the Republicans, the difference in votes was rather shocking to me.
Posted by: Ryan Musser at November 8, 2006 1:34 PM