Legitimacy and faith
Democracy depends on accepting the outcome
Registered voters should head to the polls today to cast ballots in races that will affect the direction of the state and national governments for years to come. Here’s a recap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s endorsements in key races:
Scott Wagner for governor: Voters should take a chance on Mr. Wagner, the GOP nominee and a former state senator, after four years of ineffective leadership by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. Mr. Wolf proved himself an old-style pol when he vetoed legislation that would have privatized the archaic state-owned liquor monopoly, saving public-sector jobs at the expense of a better consumer experience. He’s no friend of transparency, either, having done his best to keep the public in the dark about the departure of the state’s top voting official and denying the public access to the bid for Amazon’s second headquarters.
Bob Casey Jr. for U.S. Senate: Mr. Casey, a Democrat first elected in 2006, is a reassuring figure in these turbulent political times. He is a low-profile, hardworking and scrupulous senator who has done important work on opioids and aviation security. He is a respectful partisan, eschewing the incendiary rhetoric and fear-mongering so prevalent in the national political climate, and enjoys a good relationship with the state’s other senator, Republican Pat Toomey. There is no reason to trade Mr. Casey for his GOP challenger, U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta.
Keith Rothfus for Congress: In an unusual battle of incumbents precipitated by the state Supreme Court’s redrawing of congressional boundaries, Mr. Rothfus, a Republican, and Conor Lamb, a Democrat, are squaring off in the new 17th District taking in parts of Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties. Mr. Rothfus has represented the 12th District for three terms, while Mr. Lamb has represented the 18th District since capturing a vacant seat in the spring. Mr. Rothfus has demonstrated an understanding of the issues crucial to southwestern Pennsylvania, such as unfair trade practices, the continuing importance of coal and the rejuvenation of small towns. He is a more reliable pick than Mr. Lamb, a freshman who will be under pressure to support caucus leader Nancy Pelosi and a Democratic agenda out of sync with this region’s needs.
Reject the Allegheny County Children’s Fund: Allegheny County residents should vote no on a referendum asking them whether they want to increase their county real estate taxes by a quarter-mill to raise $18 million annually for early-learning, after-school and nutrition programs. The referendum is an end run around school boards and the Legislature, who set budgets for education-related programs and can raise taxes if necessary. Supporters of the Allegheny County Children’s Fund haven’t even explained who would get the money or how it would be allocated.
All registered voters should turn out today. Better to cast a ballot — to play a role in deciding our political future — than to hate and complain.
Get out and vote, and then accept the results of the election. Our system depends on the of elections. And legitimacy depends on
— faith that voters can get it right, faith in majority rule and minority rights, and faith that our constitutional checks and balances more than occasionally save us from our leaders and ourselves.