“...Defense contractors are going to unass PA-12...”
You MUST have been in the military, the only place where ‘ass’ is used as a verb (with the ‘un’ prefix, of course).
Here is how Burns lost:
When Gov. Ed Rendell decided to hold the 12th Congressional District special election on the same day as the May primary, he was looking to save Pennsylvania the hefty price tag associated with another stand-alone election—not to mention his likely interest in giving his party the edge from the higher turnouts its expecting for competitive statewide primaries.
But his decision also had another consequence—giving the special election candidates in the 12th a huge advantage in their respective party primaries.
The advantage is particular important for Republican Tim Burns, who, despite winning the GOP’s nomination for the special election, still faces a fierce challenge from military veteran Bill Russell in the primary. And Russell’s challenge is a daunting one, according to one pollster. Faced with two ballots and two sets of candidates vying for the same House seat, confusion among voters is almost certain to impact the primaries, Franklin & Marshall College political scientist G. Terry Madonna said.
“It may sound crazy, but a significant part of the May vote could hinge on how many voters are aware that there is a major difference between the special election and the primary, and what exactly that difference is,” Madonna told pa2010.com.
While those voters dedicated enough to participate in a primary during a midterm election cycle are often among the most well-informed constituents, they are not necessarily immune to the confusions and pressures presented by a special election being held the same day, Madonna said. The degree to which people understand the difference between the elections—and what party members do to educate the public about that difference—is going to impact the outcome of both races.
The prize in the special election is getting to serve out the final months of the late John Murtha’s term. The winners of each party primary, on the other hand, get to compete in the November election for a new, two-year term. Considering how unlikely it is that voters would pull the level both for and against the same candidate on the same ballot, Burns and Democratic special election nominee Mark Critz clearly have the edge to face off again in November.
“I don’t see how a voter would feel comfortable going for Tim Burns in the special election and immediately voting against him in the primary,” Madonna said. “I can’t say for sure that the issue will directly harm one candidate or another, but I think it is certainly possible. If Burns were to win the special election and not the primary, that would be a stunner.”
Entire article here:
http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/for-12th-district-candidates-not-being-the-special-election-nominee-makes-for-a-daunting-path/
Yes. I spent some time with Northrorp Grumman recently and they hated Johnstown with a passion. Next year’s Apple Blossom Parade (or whatever the eff they call it) is going to be a ghost-fest.