Skip to main content

Will Democrat Surge Continue in Pennsylvania's Special Election?

Share This article

Will blue collar workers vote Republican because of President Trump's tariffs on steel? Watch Gary Lane's interview with Pennsylvania Rep. Glenn Thompson for some insights on tomorrow's special congressional election near Pittsburgh.

A new poll suggests Democrat Conor Lamb may likely defeat Republican Rick Saccone in tomorrow's special election in Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District. If accurate, the result would likely continue a post-2016 presidential election surge in favor of Democrats. 

According to the Manmouth University poll, Lamb leads state legislator and Air Force veteran Saccone 51 percent to 45 percent. The survey is based on a voter turnout model similar to other special congressional elections held last year.

The Manmouth poll suggests even if Democrat voter turnout is low, Lamb could still possibly defeat Saccone 49 percent to 47 percent.

The two candidates are competing to fill the vacant seat of Republican Representative Tim Murphy who resigned last fall.

Donald Trump won the 18th Congressional District by 20 points against Hillary Clinton in the last presidential election. 

Rep. Glenn Thompson, (R) Pennsylvania, told CBN News that despite the Manmouth poll, Saccone still could pull off a victory if he can get evangelicals and Republicans to show up at the polls.

"He is a friend of mine and he's a brother in the Lord. Rick would do a great job in Congress...This race will be about turnout," Thompson said. 

Thompson represents Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District and on Saturday, he joined President Trump at a rally in Moon Township near Pittsburgh. He said he believes the enthusiasm of the crowd may prove pollsters wrong.

"We had five to six thousand people in there. It was shoulder-to-shoulder, the energy and enthusiasm in there was amazing.To see that 72-hours before a congressional race, I take that as a good sign."

Thompson admits "turnout is everything" and he is optimistic that voters will show the same enthusiasm for Saccone as they did for President Trump during Saturday's rally.


 

Share This article

About The Author

Gary Lane
Gary
Lane

Mr. Lane currently serves as International News Director and Senior International Correspondent for CBN News. He has traveled to more than 120 countries—many of them restricted nations or areas hostile to Christianity and other minority faiths where he has interviewed persecution victims and has provided video reports and analysis for CBN News. Also, he has provided written stories and has served as a consultant for the Voice of the Martyrs. Gary joined The Christian Broadcasting Network in 1984 as the first full-time Middle East Correspondent for CBN News. Based in Jerusalem, Gary produced