United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 2016

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2016 U.S. Senate Election in Pennsylvania
General Election Date
November 8, 2016
Primary Date
April 26, 2016
November 8 Election Winner:
Pat Toomey Republican Party
Incumbent prior to election:
Pat Toomey Republican Party
Pat Toomey.jpg
Race Ratings
Cook Political Report: Toss-up[1]
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean D[2]
Rothenberg & Gonzales: Pure Toss-Up[3]
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Voters in Pennsylvania elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the election on November 8, 2016.

The race for Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate seat was one of nine competitive battleground races in 2016 that helped Republicans keep control of the upper chamber after the November 8 general election. Incumbent Pat Toomey (R), who began serving in the Senate in 2011, defeated Katie McGinty (D), Edward Clifford III (L), and write-in candidate Everett Stern (I) in the general election.

Toomey ran his campaign separately from Donald Trump, and he did not tell people who he would vote for on Election Day. Toomey said, “You know, I’m not campaigning with Donald Trump. He’s running his campaign. I’m running mine.”[4][5][6]

Hillary Clinton, who campaigned with McGinty in October, criticized Toomey for not rejecting Trump as his party’s nominee. She said, “How much does he have to hear or to see? If he doesn’t have the courage to stand up against Donald Trump after all of this, then how will he stand up to special interests and powerful forces that are going to be trying to have their way in Washington?”[6]

Speaking about his campaign strategy, Toomey said, “I am convinced that Pennsylvania voters are going to make a complete separation in their minds. … There’s a presidential race going on, quite obviously, lots of attention, lots of focus, everybody’s got their opinion about it, and then there’s a totally separate thing happening in the Senate race — an incumbent senator most people know and an opponent. Totally separate campaign and totally separate judgment.”[6] Toomey stated on Election Day that he voted for Trump.[7]

This election was one of Ballotpedia's top 10 congressional races in 2016. Click here to read the full list.

HISTORICAL FACTS
  • Incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R) held Pennsylvania's Senate seat since 2011.
  • Sen. Joseph S. Clark was the last Democrat elected to the seat. Clark served from 1957 to 1969.
  • The Senate seat had changed party control 12 times.
    • Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
    February 16, 2016
    April 26, 2016
    November 8, 2016

    Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Pennsylvania utilizes a closed primary process. Voters are required to register with a political party to vote in the primary election.[8][9][10]

    For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.


    Incumbent: The election filled the Class 3 Senate seat held by Pat Toomey (R). He was first elected in 2010.

    Election results

    General election

    U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania General Election, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPat Toomey Incumbent 48.8% 2,951,702
         Democratic Katie McGinty 47.3% 2,865,012
         Libertarian Edward Clifford 3.9% 235,142
    Total Votes 6,051,856
    Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

    Primary election

    U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania Democratic Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngKatie McGinty 42.5% 669,774
    Joe Sestak 32.6% 513,221
    John Fetterman 19.5% 307,090
    Joseph Vodvarka 5.4% 85,837
    Total Votes 1,575,922
    Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

    Candidates

    General election candidates:

    Republican Party Pat Toomey Approveda
    Democratic Party Katie McGinty
    Libertarian Party Edward Clifford III
    Grey.png Everett Stern (Write-in)

    Primary candidates:[11]

    Democratic

    Joe Sestak - Former U.S. Representative[12][13]
    Kathleen "Katie" McGinty - Former Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf[12][14] Approveda
    John Fetterman - Braddock Mayor[12][15]

    Republican

    Pat Toomey - Incumbent[12] Approveda

    Third Party/Other

    Everett Stern (Independent)[16]

    		Withdrew:
    Ed Pawlowski - Allentown Mayor[12][17]


    Race background

    New campaign manager
    In May 2016, Kathleen McGinty replaced her campaign manager after winning the primary election. Jordan Marks, who previously worked with Ed Rendell and Hillary Clinton, took over for Mike Mikus after national Democrats "were unimpressed with the campaign's early effort."
    Read more about her new campaign manager »

    Republican coattails

    Toomey and President Donald Trump finished just a 0.1 percent apart on Election night. Toomey won 48.9 percent of the vote, while Trump won 48.8 percent of the vote.

    A full breakdown of the Republican presidential and Senate races appears below.

    *Ballotpedia identified the highlighted races as battleground races and races to watch. The vote percentages are from CNN and will be updated after the final results are released.

    Debates

    Second debate

    During the second debate on October 24, 2016, Toomey and McGinty debated the following issues: equal pay, using ground forces to fight ISIS, jobs, small businesses, abortion, the future of the Supreme Court, college tuition, and energy policy, among other issues. The full debate can be viewed here.

    The candidates also traded personal insults and discussed Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. According to ABC News, “At one point, the two quarreled over whose side had to pull down a TV ad. At times, whole questions went unanswered while they attacked each other. They even squabbled over a question about whether months of negative campaign ads in the expensive race contributed to a general sense of distrust of and distaste for politics and government.” The hostile exchanges prompted debate moderator Jim Gardner to say, "I'm not sure your respective answers have done much to eliminate distrust and distaste."[18]

    First debate

    In the first debate on October 17, 2016, Toomey criticized McGinty for supporting Hillary Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee, and McGinty criticized Toomey for not making his stance on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump clear to voters. They also discussed their differences on the future of the Supreme Court, the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, energy policy, policing, the Second Amendment, Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and Citizens United.[19] The debate can be viewed here.

    Primary election

    Toomey was unopposed in the 2016 Republican primary, while McGinty defeated Joe Sestak, John Fetterman, and Joseph Vodvarka to win the Democratic nomination. The primary elections took place on April 26, 2016.[20][21][22][23][24][25][26]

    DSCC spending

    The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spent $425,000 on TV ads supporting McGinty in the primary election. The expenditure was unusual because the money was spent as a coordinated expenditure from the DSCC, not the usual independent expenditure. This could have potentially harmed the Democratic Party in the general election, as there is a limit of $1.9 million that can be spent on these types of expenditures in Pennsylvania, unlike independent expenditures which have no monetary limit.[27]

    The DSCC also reserved $1.1 million in ad time to support McGinty in the last two weeks before the primary.[28]

    Issues

    Supreme Court vacancy

    See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2016: An overview

    During the debate on October 17, 2016, McGinty criticized Toomey for not agreeing to hold a confirmation hearing for Judge Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama’s nominee to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

    McGinty said, “The Constitution doesn't have many enumerated responsibilities for a United States Senator, but one of them is that you advise and consent, all hearings where the president nominates someone to stand on the bench. Senator Toomey has been part of a hyper-partisan cabal that, for the first time in our country's history, has refused a hearing to a nominee the president put forward. The president is not asking for a rubber stamp, but a hearing. I would stand up and make sure any nominee got that hearing.”[19]

    Toomey replied, “The Constitution is very clear that the power to seek a justice is a shared power between the president and the Senate. The American people will have a say with virtue of who they elect as President of the United States. I think that is the right way to move forward with the court.”[19]

    Toomey on Garland

    • After meeting with Garland on April 12, 2016, Toomey published an op-ed on April 15, 2016, explaining his reasoning for opposing Garland’s nomination. He wrote, “[T]he balance of the Supreme Court is at stake, and we have an election right around the corner. With lifetime tenure, the next justice will determine the Court's balance for a generation. In that light, I believe it is sensible to allow the American people to participate in the choice of Justice Scalia's successor less than seven months from now.” Toomey also explained that he opposes Garland because “his record raises serious doubts that he would serve as an adequate, independent legal check on the EPA and other federal agencies” and because of his record on terrorism cases. Toomey wrote, “In sum, while Judge Garland is highly credentialed, areas of his legal thinking deeply concern me, particularly his excessive deference to overreaching agency regulations and his approach to the War on Terror.”[29]
    • On March 24, 2016, Toomey released the following statement explaining his decision to meet with Garland: "President Obama's team has asked if I would meet with Judge Merrick Garland, and I have agreed to do so out of courtesy and respect for both the president and the judge. The vacancy left by Justice Scalia's passing will not be filled until after the American people weigh in and select a new president, and I believe that is the best approach for deciding whether to alter the balance of the Supreme Court. I plan on making that clear to Judge Garland when I meet with him."[30]
    • On March 16, 2016, Toomey released the following statement regarding Garland’s nomination: "With the U.S. Supreme Court's balance at stake, and with the presidential election fewer than eight months away, it is wise to give the American people a more direct voice in the selection and confirmation of the next justice. Should Merrick Garland be nominated again by the next president, I would be happy to carefully consider his nomination, as I have done with dozens of judges submitted by President Obama."[31]

    Healthcare

    See also: Effect of the Affordable Care Act in Pennsylvania

    As citizens across the country dealt with rising healthcare premiums, the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, became a central issue in the Senate race. According to PennLive.com, “Premiums for Pennsylvanians who buy individual coverage from the Obamacare online marketplace will rise by an average of 33 percent, according to 2017 rates just approved by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Premiums for small group plans will rise by 7.1 percent.”[32] Toomey favored repealing and replacing the ACA, while McGinty favored fixing the healthcare law.

    Toomey: Repeal and replace the ACA

    During the debate on October 17, 2016, Toomey called the ACA “a disaster” that “is flawed at the core.” He said, “Let's remember all the false promises made about Obamacare. We were told, if you like your insurance, you can keep it. We were told that while they were systematically disqualifying whole categories. We were told, if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. We were told that, even though we knew that the replacement plans would exclude all kinds of doctors. We were told we would save $2500 per family on average. All completely untrue. Costs have gone through the roof, options have collapsed. Deductibles have gone up. It has been the disaster I was afraid it could be. We tried to let a portion of the economy in the hands of Washington bureaucrats. Men and women sitting around the kitchen table should be making decisions about their family's health care, not bureaucrats in Washington.”[19]

    He then said that he favored repealing and replacing the law. He said, “I will have a transition for people currently in Obamacare. A transition to a competitive, multi-marketplace across state lines. We need to bring out some of the excess cost, like excessive litigation.”[19]

    McGinty: Fix the ACA

    During the debate on October 17, 2016, McGinty said the ACA needed to be fixed by making the law more affordable and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. She said, “We have to bring down the cost. I would take down the cost of prescription drugs. Under the law, we are not allowed to negotiate the cost. That is wrong. No other country in the world does that. We need transparency, so that consumers know before they have a procedure what it is going to cost.[19]

    McGinty also said that she opposed repealing the law and putting “the insurance companies back in charge” because “they can charge women more than men” and can “kick you off your insurance if you have a pre-existing condition.”[19]

    The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal

    See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal: An overview

    Toomey and McGinty both opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership) (TPP), which is a trade deal between the United States and 11 Asia-Pacific countries. The deal seeks to promote trade and strengthen the relationships between the 12 nations by reducing and eliminating tariffs, fostering competition, and creating greater opportunities for businesses. The countries involved have also agreed to promote environmental protection practices and enforce laws protecting workers. Congress has not voted on the final agreement.

    Although Toomey voted to give President Barack Obama trade promotion authority (TPA) to negotiate the TPP and praised the deal during a 2015 interview, he opposed voting in favor of the TPP.[33]

    In a 2016 op-ed, Toomey praised free trade, but he explained that TPP was not a good free trade deal. He wrote, “In the TPP, the Obama administration has not gotten a good enough deal for Pennsylvania workers. … As it now stands, TPP is not a good deal for Pennsylvania. I cannot support it.” He argued that the TPP would hurt Pennsylvanians who work in the life science and pharmaceutical sector and the dairy industry. He wrote, “TPP will make it too easy for other countries to steal innovations that we create in Pennsylvania and take the jobs tied to those innovations.” He added that the deal will not open up foreign markets, specifically the Canadian market, to dairy exports from farmers in the state.[33]

    McGinty accused Toomey of changing his position on TPP, and PolitiFact rated Toomey’s stance on the trade deal a “Full Flop.” Citing a 2015 interview on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe," PolitiFact noted that Toomey expressed his support for TPA and the TPP without saying that he would reserve judgment until the final deal was released. Toomey said during the interview, "This [TPP] helps to encourage economic growth in the United States, job creation in Pennsylvania and the United States, and importantly Joe, you know these countries that we’re dealing with, they’re changing, they’re evolving some of them are rapidly developing. They’re either going to do that under the influence of the Chinese, who are very aggressively trying to insert themselves, or they’re going to do it with us."[34]

    When host Joe Scarborough asked Toomey, "Isn’t this one more step in a globalization process that has gutted manufacturing not only in Pennsylvania, but across America?" Toomey replied, "no.” He added, “[W]e’ve got an opportunity with this trade agreement to knock down some of the barriers that keep our products out, so I think this is going to be very constructive."[34]

    McGinty explained her opposition to the TPP during the debate on October 17, 2016. She said, “I have opposed the TPP in pushing it through and fast tracking it. Even the proponents say it will cost us 50,000 good manufacturing jobs a year. The senator flip-flopped on that recently but I think it is just like with Donald Trump, that the senator doesn't want to be straight about this. My view is, the rules matter, we need a level, fair playing field. When the playing field is fair, nobody can outcompete the American worker.”[19]

    Second Amendment

    In a split from his party, Toomey supported expanding background checks on gun sales, which earned him the endorsements of gun control activists former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and former Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg. Despite these high-profile gun control endorsements, McGinty said that Toomey “has sided with the gun lobby instead of doing what's right to keep communities safe. Pat Toomey has completely run away from legislation to expand background checks, since it failed to pass the Senate three years ago."[35]

    According to Reuters, McGinty supported stronger gun control measures, including “bans on military-style ‘assault weapons’ and high-capacity ammunition clips that Toomey opposes.” In an effort to downplay the endorsements from Giffords and Bloomberg, McGinty ran an ad showing Toomey touting his “perfect record” with the National Rifle Association.[35]

    In response to the ad, Toomey said, "The idea that somehow they've [Giffords and Bloomberg] all got it wrong and Katie McGinty, my opponent, has it right is just laughable.”[35]

    Toomey on the Second Amendment

    • During the debate on October 17, 2016, Toomey said, “I'm a big believer in the Second Amendment. I think it is a personal, individual right, and an important one. I just don't think there's a conflict between the second amendment and a three-minute background check. We have had votes three times when we introduced that. When we had a debate this summer about keeping terrorists from buying firearms, I supported three different versions of that to find common ground, including working with Susan Collins. Gabby Giffords, Democratic Congresswoman, she has endorsed me in this campaign, because she has recognized my leadership, and the fact that it has to be bipartisan. … Senator Manchin and I worked really hard to bring as many people together as we could. We introduced legislation repeatedly. We had three votes on it. When I saw an opportunity to have a background check on people on the no-fly list, I crafted the legislation to do that. When the Democrats refused to help, I worked with Susan Collins to get that done. I will continue to defend the Second Amendment of law-abiding citizens, but I will also try to get guns out of the hands of filing criminals, dangerously mentally ill people, and people on the no-fly list.”[19]
    • During an interview with Reuters in September 2016, Toomey said, "I'm a strong Second Amendment supporter. I see no contradiction between that support and insisting on background checks, so that people who've got no right to the Second Amendment because they're dangerous criminals or they're dangerously mentally ill or they're terrorists, should be denied a firearm any way we can."[35]
    • In June 2016, after Democrats called for increased gun control measures, Toomey voted against an amendment that would have required a background check for every firearm sale and an amendment that would have allowed the U.S. attorney general to prohibit individuals who were suspected of being involved in acts of terror during the previous five years from purchasing a gun. Both were rejected by the Senate. He voted for an amendment that proposed allowing the U.S. attorney general to "delay the transfer of the firearm or explosive for a period not to exceed 3 business days" to an individual "investigated as a known or suspected terrorist." The waiting period would have given the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) time to investigate an individual who was suspected of terrorist activities during the previous five years and would have allowed the DOJ to obtain a court order to prevent the individual from obtaining a firearm or explosive. He also voted for an amendment that proposed reauthorizing funding for the National Criminal Instant Background Check System and providing incentives for states that submitted mental health records to the federal government to prevent the sale of firearms to mentally ill individuals. Both amendments were rejected by the Senate.[36][37][38][39]
    • In April 2013, after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Toomey and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced an amendment which proposed expanding background checks to guns sold online and at gun shows, but it failed to earn enough support in the Senate to pass.[40][41]

    McGinty on the Second Amendment

    • During the debate on October 17, 2016, McGinty said that she supports closing “the background check loopholes” and not allowing “terrorists to buy weapons of war in our country.” She said, “I come from a family where my brothers were hunters. We had guns, and hunting guns in the house. I don't think this is -- Senator Toomey did a photo-op about one piece of legislation. When it came to closing the loophole that allows terrorists to buy guns in our country, he voted no, not once, but twice. What I would do is bring people to the table, and stay at the table, respectfully, with different points of view. I think we can achieve consensus around those kind of common ground, common sense measures. Really, two of them. Closing the background check loopholes for criminals and the mentally infirm. It only lost by five votes. Yet, Senator Toomey says the Senate has spoken, let's move on. I most certainly would work to close the loophole that allows terrorists to buy guns.”[19]
    • According to her campaign website, McGinty “will advocate for universal background checks and work to close the terror loophole. It makes no sense that we turn a blind eye to some gun sales but not others, and that we allow those who present enough risk to be barred from a commercial flight to buy weapons. I will also work to reinstate the civilian ban on military-style weapons and end civilian access to high-capacity magazines. As someone who comes from a family of hunters and gun-owners, I see no clear reason for private citizens to buy and own military assault weapons and magazines that allow people to shoot multiple rounds at a time.”[42]

    Clifford on the Second Amendment

    • During an interview on October 8, 2016, Clifford discussed his stance on gun control regulations. He said, “The federal government vastly exceeds its authority when it regulates guns. The regulations in place create victims of law-abiding citizens by restricting their ability to defend themselves from those who would do harm to them in places law-abiding citizens have a right to be. Criminals do not follow the law and will not respect so called ‘gun-free’ zones, prohibitions on weapons purchases, or apply for permits for concealed carry. All these regulations do is punish peaceful people by making them easy prey for criminals.”[43]
    • During an interview on October 8, 2016, Clifford discussed his stance on background checks. He said, “The background checks in place now for purchasing a firearm are adequate. Legislating universal background checks introduces another opportunity for the government to disrupt people’s lives and create a list riddled with errors. Once these lists are compiled and mistakes appear, it is nearly impossible to correct errors or get rid of the lists.”[43]
    • When asked if he would support an “assault weapons ban,” Clifford said, “I am against assault weapons bans because they are ineffective. Any assault weapons ban only punishes peaceful and law-abiding people. Independent studies have shown that the 1994 assault weapons ban had little impact in reducing violence and that future legislation would have little to no impact as well.”[43]

    Stern on the Second Amendment

    • According to his campaign website, Stern was an "absolute supporter of the Second Amendment." His website stated, "Too many politicians, such as President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Senator Patrick Toomey, will seize every opportunity to advance a gun-grabbing agenda. Senator Toomey believes in restricting gun rights for all Pennsylvanians. I am an absolute supporter of the Second Amendment. I believe every law abiding Pennsylvania citizen should always have the right to bear arms. As a US Senator, I will make sure Pennsylvania’s large and small businesses do not have their American rights violated by federal mandates that infringe on the morals of Pennsylvania’s constituents. I will fight to repeal the work Senator Toomey has done with the Obama Administration. I will oppose all legislative actions that impose unnecessary burdens on law-abiding gun owners. I will fight for conservative judges who have a deep respect for the Constitution and the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment is the original homeland security act. I will tirelessly fight to defend this basic Constitutional right."[44]

    Campaign themes

    Republican Party Pat Toomey

    The following issues were listed on Toomey's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

    “
    • Pennsylvania Jobs: Pat has worked tirelessly to protect Pennsylvania jobs across the state. Our state is blessed with hardworking, honest citizens. Unfortunately, top-down regulations and a sluggish economy have wreaked havoc on Pennsylvania’s economy, hurting our workers. At every opportunity, Pat has fought to save these jobs and encourage the creation of new employment opportunities.
    • Eliminating Corporate Welfare: Too many politicians in Washington reward their high-powered friends with government favors and contracts. This outrageous practice is known as corporate welfare, and Pat has been fighting against it from day one. Whether it is the big banks or the mammoth sugar producers, no one deserves special favors from Washington at the expense of the American taxpayer.
    • National Debt: Washington is suffering from a spending addiction, and it’s time to tackle this addiction head-on for the sake of our economy and future generations of Americans. In 2015, our national debt exceeded $18.5 trillion—and it’s still growing! We are on an unsustainable, dangerous fiscal path.
    • Taxes & Spending: Lastly, Pat has been a champion for taxpayers and an opponent of Washington’s never-ending thirst for more tax dollars. Rather than more tax hikes, Pat believes that our tax system is broken and needs to be overhauled. He supports closing special-interest loopholes and lowering rates for all Americans. Pat believes that tax reform—if done the right way—would increase paychecks for middle-class families and boost job creation across Pennsylvania.
    • Health Care: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as ObamaCare, is neither affordable nor caring for patients and taxpayers. Millions of Americans have discovered that if you liked your health care plan, you can’t keep it under ObamaCare. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. ObamaCare has unleashed a wave of destructive consequences, including new tax increases, higher health care costs, less freedom and patient choice, botched websites, and more job-killing red tape.

    [45]

    		”
    —Pat Toomey's campaign website, https://www.toomeyforsenate.com/issues

    Democratic Party Katie McGinty

    The following issues were listed on McGinty's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

    “
    • Creating Jobs and Growing the Economy: I believe that Pennsylvania’s middle-class and working families have gotten the short end of the stick for too long. As the daughter of a Philadelphia police officer and restaurant hostess, I know how hard my parents worked to provide for our family. However, today, even households with two working adults are struggling to make ends meet. As Senator, I will fight to bring home good paying jobs and advance policies that protect working families.
    • Investing in High Quality Education : I believe that a quality education begins with investing in early childhood programs, which is why I will champion programs like universal pre-K. Education is a right, not a privilege. I will fight to expand the promise of high-quality public education from elementary school to college to give our students the building blocks for higher achievement and create pathways for life-long success.
    • Expanding Energy Opportunities and Protecting the Environment: Climate change presents a serious global threat to our health, economic well-being and national security. In the Senate, I will lead the way to a healthier and safer environment by working to pass commonsense climate protections with investments in energy efficiency and clean energy.
    • Ensuring Affordable and Accessible Healthcare: All Pennsylvanians should have access to affordable and quality healthcare. While serving as chief of staff to Governor Tom Wolf, I was proud to help expand Medicaid coverage to half a million Pennsylvanians. It was the right thing to do, and it cut costs for both hardworking families and the state. However, Pat Toomey and Republicans have repeatedly tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a move that would cut off millions of Americans from the healthcare they need.
    • Strengthening National Security: These are challenging times, and nothing is more important to me than keeping our families safe and secure. Fighting terrorism both at home and abroad is a growing challenge but we can defeat terrorist threats while upholding America’s values and principles.

    [45]

    		”
    —Kathleen McGinty's campaign website, http://katiemcginty.com/issues/

    Presidential preference

    Clinton and Trump

    See also: Presidential election in Pennsylvania, 2016

    During the first debate on October 17, 2016, Toomey and McGinty argued about Hillary Clinton (D) and Donald Trump (R).

    When asked why she was supporting Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee, McGinty said, “[B]ecause she will work for families, the same reason I am in this campaign.” She then criticized Toomey for not definitively stating if he would vote for Trump.[19]

    Toomey replied, “Because Katie is so extremely partisan, she might not grasp the idea that someone might have trouble with a candidate in their own party. I have been willing to criticize Donald Trump because I think he is a badly flawed candidate. I also know that, if he were president, he would also signed legislation that would be productive. Like repealing Obamacare and restoring sanctions on Iran.”[19]

    Toomey then criticized McGinty for not pointing out Clinton’s flaws as a candidate. He said, “What I can't believe is that Katie McGinty can't criticize anything about Hillary Clinton, including all of her lies.”[19]

    Toomey explained why he was not able to support Trump, saying, “I have not reached a point where I can endorse Donald Trump. The things I have mentioned. I do also acknowledge that he would sign some legislation that would be constructive. I feel like I am in the same position as an awful lot of Pennsylvanians. We have two badly flawed candidates. I can believe in a country of 300 million this is what we've got. But Katie McGinty, she can't even bring herself to acknowledge the incredible flaws of the candidate of her party.”[19]

    When asked a final time if he would tell the people of Pennsylvania who he would vote for, Toomey said, “At a certain point, I probably will. But there is more we need to talk about on ethics.”[19]

    Republican Party Pat Toomey

    See also: Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump and Republican reactions to 2005 Trump tape
    • On October 10, 2016, Toomey said that he would not endorse Donald Trump, but he did not say whether he would vote for Trump. He also said that he would not vote for Clinton. In a news release, Toomey said, "Sadly, last night’s debate again showed the shortcomings of both presidential candidates. I have not endorsed Donald Trump and I have repeatedly spoken out against his flawed policies, and his outrageous comments, including his indefensible and appalling comments about women."[46]
    • On May 9, 2016, Toomey was unsure whether he would endorse or vote for Trump. Toomey said, "I've got this set of doubts. And I hope we don't get to a point where I decide I just can't support him. My message to Donald Trump is: You need to unite the Republican Party if you want to win this general election. I hope to get to the point where I can enthusiastically support Donald Trump. I'm not there right now."[47]

    Democratic Party Katie McGinty

    See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton

    On January 17, 2016, McGinty sent the following tweet: “I'm supporting @HillaryClinton because she's a proven champion for middle class and working families. #DemDebate #ImWithHer.”[48]

    Endorsements

    Republican Party Pat Toomey

    • Altoona Mirror - "Toomey’s agenda reflects a common sense approach that would be especially helpful in solving the problems surrounding health care, the Middle East and immigration. We would heartily recommend Pennsylvania voters pull the lever for Toomey in a race that may well determine which party controls the U.S. Senate in 2017."[49]
    • The Tribune-Democrat - "The Republican has been a friend to our region, and has represented Pennsylvania’s interests in Congress. We endorse Toomey for a second term in the Senate."[50]
    • PennLive.com - "When it comes to making the hard decisions, merely agreeing with someone is sometimes not enough. You need someone to make the tough decisions and to break with the White House when the occasion dictates. We are not confident that McGinty is possessed of that kind of independence and are profoundly concerned that she would be little more than a rubber stamp for a putative Democratic White House. Toomey, with an actual track record of bipartisanship, does have the instinct for compromise. And he has earned another six years in Washington."[51]
    • The Courier Times and The Intelligencer - "For voters at political odds with Toomey or simply seeking change, McGinty is a credible and qualified option. But our board sees no reason to change. We recommend Sen. Pat Toomey for another term."[52][53]
    • York Daily Record[54]
    • Americans for Responsible Solutions - In an op-ed, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Captain Mark Kelly, co-founders of the gun violence prevention organization Americans for Responsible Solutions, wrote, "In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, Republican Sens. Pat Toomey and Mark Kirk broke from the gun lobby and supported a bill to help prevent felons, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill from obtaining firearms at gun shows and online. This week, they are earning our organization's endorsement."[55]
    • Independence USA - "Independence USA highlighted United States Senator Pat Toomey’s work with West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin to try and broker a compromise that would close the gun-show loophole and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally infirm - a policy supported by the overwhelming majority of gun owners in the United States - as a major reason for supporting him."[56]
    • Founder of Independence USA former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg - “In the wake of Newtown, Pat Toomey crossed party lines to lead the fight to reduce gun violence in America by co-sponsoring legislation to close the background check loophole. His pragmatic leadership in Washington deserves the support of every Pennsylvanian.”[56]

    Democratic Party Katie McGinty

    • Lancaster Online - "As a community newspaper, our primary concern is Lancaster County. Thus, our decision to endorse must come down to which candidate we believe will best serve the interests of people here. Toomey, of course, has a legislative record that McGinty cannot match. But we believe McGinty’s record of public service has prepared her to serve in the Senate. And she seems committed to Lancaster County — she has made an effort to connect with the county and its people, and she understands the issues facing working families here. Both are excellent candidates, with widely differing priorities. Because Lancaster County doesn’t seem to be one of Toomey’s, we narrowly endorse Katie McGinty."[57]
    • Citizens’ Voice, Times-Tribune, and Standard-Speaker - "Toomey’s record does not warrant re-election whereas McGinty has the policy credentials to be an effective senator."[58]
    • The Inquirer - "Because she has a genuine grasp on the human consequences of government policies and seeks to improve the quality of life for all, The Inquirer endorses KATIE MCGINTY for U.S. Senate." [59]
    • Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, Business Manager John Dougherty - "Katie McGinty has a track record of uniting labor and lawmakers to build a vibrant, more resilient future for Pennsylvania. Katie is committed to reinvesting in American workers, creating opportunity and strengthening our economy here in Philadelphia and across the nation."[61]
    • AFSCME Council 13 - "Katie McGinty has always been an advocate for labor and working families. She has devoted her life to public service and also brings private sector experience to the table. McGinty will not only fight for a healthier environment, but a healthier economy for working people, who have too often gotten the short end of the stick."[62]
    • Services Employees International Union - "No candidate in this race is as committed to standing with working families as Katie McGinty."[63]
    • Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) - "I’m endorsing Katie McGinty to be our next U.S. Senator because I know she’ll be an incredible advocate for Pennsylvanians all across our commonwealth."[66]
    • The United Steelworkers - "The USW is proud to endorse Katie McGinty for U.S. Senate. She has been a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and protections. Pennsylvania needs an honest, hard-working senator with high ethics and principled positions to represent us in Washington, and Katie is the right person at the right time."[67]
    • EMILY's List - "The Senate could use a woman like Katie, who has proven her commitment to creating middle-class jobs and preserving the environment. The EMILY's List community of over three million members is excited to support Katie."[68]
    • Amalgamated Transit Union - "We are proud to support Katie McGinty for United States Senate because she has been a true champion of public transit and a true friend of working families. McGinty understands that Pennsylvanians depend on public transportation every day to get to work, school, the doctor and other daily tasks. She has a proven record of problem solving and delivering for middle class families and will protect the right of workers to join a union. McGinty is the right choice for Pennsylvania."[71]

    Defeated candidate

    Democratic Party Joe Sestak

    • Rep. Matt Cartwright - "Joe Sestak will be a great senator. He's an independent thinker who will not go along to get along."[72]

    Polls

    Pennsylvania Senate - Pat Toomey vs. Katie McGinty (October 2016-Present)
    Poll Democratic Party Katie McGinty Republican Party Pat ToomeyMargin of ErrorSample Size
    Emerson College
    October 17-19, 2016    		 43%46%+/-3.4800
    Quinnipiac University
    October 10-16, 2016    		 45%49%+/-3.8660
    Bloomberg
    October 7-11, 2016    		 47%45%+/-3.5806
    Susquehanna
    October 4-9, 2016    		 38%42%+/-3.5764
    CBS News/YouGov
    October 5-7, 2016    		 42%42%+/-4.2997
    NBC/WSJ/Marist
    October 3-6, 2016    		 48%44%+/-3.7709
    Monmouth University
    September 30-October 3, 2016    		 46%46%+/-4.9402
    Franklin & Marshall
    September 28-October 2, 2016    		 41%35%+/-6.1496
    Quinnipiac University
    September 27-October 2, 2016    		 42%50%+/-4.2535
    Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


    Media

    Republican Party Pat Toomey

    Support

    "Personal Protection" - One Nation ad supporting Toomey, released February 2016
    "Too Far" - Toomey ad attacking McGinty on sanctuary cities, released May 2016
    "Officer Down" - One Nation ad supporting Toomey, released August 2016
    "Prosecutors" - Independence USA PAC ad supporting Toomey, released September 2016
    "Big Issues" - Toomey campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Better Chance" - Toomey campaign ad, released October 2016
    "Choice" - Toomey campaign ad opposing McGinty, released October 2016
    "New Toomey ad" - Toomey campaign ad, released October 2016

    Opposition

    "Around the World" AFSCME ad opposing Toomey, released April 2016
    "Meow" - Senate Majority PAC ad attacking Toomey
    "Alive" - Women Vote ad opposing Toomey for voting to defund Planned Parenthood
    "Friend" League of Conservation Voters and EDF Action ad opposing Toomey
    "In His Own Words" - Planned Parenthood ad attacking Toomey on abortion
    "Choices" - End Citizens United ad attacking Toomey, released August 2016
    "Let's Not" Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Toomey, released September 2016
    "Pat Toomey. He's really not for you." SEIU ad opposing Toomey, released October 2016
    "Record" DSCC ad opposing Toomey, released October 2016
    "Like Donald Trump, he's wrong." - J Street ad opposing Toomey and Trump, released October 2016
    "Own" - Senate Majority PAC ad opposing Toomey, released October 2016
    Ocean Champions ad opposing Toomey, released October 2016
    "Came From" - AFSCME ad opposing Toomey, released October 2016

    Democratic Party Katie McGinty

    Support

    "Champion" - March 2016 ad touting McGinty's endorsement from President Obama
    DSCC ad supporting McGinty, released April 2016
    " Endorsed" - April 2016 ad touting McGinty's endorsement from President Obama
    "Stand Up" - April 2016 ad touting McGinty's endorsement from President Obama
    "Ninth" - Senate Majority PAC ad supporting McGinty, released June 2016
    "Siblings" - McGinty's first general election ad, released July 2016
    "Across" - League of Conservation Voters ad supporting McGinty, released July 2016
    "Compare" - Senate Majority PAC ad supporting McGinty, released August 2016
    " Working" - DSCC ad supporting McGinty, released September 2016
    "Crate" - McGinty campaign ad, released September 2016
    " Tax Breaks" - McGinty campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Diner" - McGinty campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Pay Equity" - McGinty campaign ad, released October 2016
    "30 Million" - McGinty campaign ad, released October 2016
    "Dangerous" - McGinty campaign ad opposing Toomey and Trump, released October 2016
    "Biden" - McGinty campaign ad, released October 2016

    Opposition

    "Revolving Door" - Club for Growth ad attacking McGinty, released April 2016
    "Door" - Toomey ad attacking McGinty, released April 2016
    "So McGinty" - U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad attacking McGinty, released May 2016
    "Whose Job" - Freedom Partners Action Fund ad attacking McGinty, released May 2016
    "Ethics" - Toomey ad attacking McGinty, released May 2016
    "Cheesesteak" - U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad attacking McGinty, released June 2016
    "Hamster" - U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad attacking McGinty, released June 2016
    "We Get Left Behind" - Freedom Partners Action Fund ad attacking McGinty
    "Messenger" - NRSC ad attacking McGinty, released September 2016
    "Too Risky" - U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad attacking McGinty, released September 2016
    "Machine Politician" - Club for Growth ad attacking McGinty, released September 2016
    "But Wait, There's More" - NRSC ad attacking McGinty, released September 2016
    "Last Time" - Freedom Partners Action Fund ad opposing McGinty, released September 2016
    "More Taxes For Everyone" - Prosperity for Pennsylvania ad opposing McGinty
    "Millionaire" - Toomey ad opposing McGinty, released September 2016
    "Did Something Wrong" - Senate Leadership Fund ad opposing McGinty, released September 2016
    "What are the Odds" - NRSC ad opposing McGinty, released September 2016
    "Tales" - Senate Leadership Fund ad opposing McGinty, released October 2016
    "Work Here Is Done" - NRSC ad opposing McGinty, released September 2016
    "Closing" - Senate Leadership Fund ad opposing McGinty, released October 2016

    Defeated candidates

    Democratic Party Joe Sestak

    Support

    "The Philadelphia Inquirer Endorses Joe Sestak" - Sestak ad released April 2016
    "Listen" - Sestak ad released April 2016
    "Choice" - $650,000 Accountable Leadership ad buy, released April 2016

    Opposition

    "Spin" - Pennsylvania WOMEN VOTE! ad attacking Sestak released April 2016

    Democratic Party John Fetterman

    October 2015 "Road Map" ad supporting Fetterman
    February 2016 "Equal" ad by Fetterman for Senate, supporting gay marriage

    Campaign contributions

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.
    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Pat Toomey

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Katie McGinty

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.


    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

    Presidential impact

    Presidential elections have a significant impact on congressional elections, the most obvious of which is increased voter interest and participation. In the last two decades, presidential elections have led to roughly 15 to 20 percent higher turnout rates than in the corresponding midterm elections.[73] The following chart shows the disparity between voter turnout in presidential elections and midterms.

    Voter turnout comparison.JPG

    In the past decade, presidential elections have benefited the Democratic Party, while midterms have helped Republicans. The Democratic Party gained an average of 5 Senate seats in the last two presidential elections, and the Republican Party picked up an average of 7.5 seats in the last two midterms.[74] The fact that 2016 was a presidential election cycle was a cause of increased Republican vulnerability in the Senate.

    Election history

    2012

    See also: United States Senate elections in Pennsylvania, 2012

    Bob Casey Jr. won re-election to the United States Senate in 2012.

    U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania General Election, 2012
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngBob Casey Jr. Incumbent 53.7% 3,021,364
         Republican Tom Smith 44.6% 2,509,132
         Libertarian Rayburn Douglas Smith 1.7% 96,926
    Total Votes 5,627,422
    Source: Pennsylvania Department of State

    2010

    On November 2, 2010, Pat Toomey won election to the United States Senate. He defeated Joe Sestak in the general election.[75]

    U.S. Senate, Pennsylvania General Election, 2010
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPat Toomey 51% 2,028,945
         Democratic Joe Sestak 49% 1,948,716
    Total Votes 3,977,661

    Important dates and deadlines

    See also: Pennsylvania elections, 2016

    The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in Pennsylvania in 2016.

    Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016
    Deadline Event type Event description
    February 16, 2016 Ballot access Last day to file nomination petitions for the primary election
    March 15, 2016 Campaign finance Sixth Tuesday pre-primary report due
    April 15, 2016 Campaign finance Second Friday pre-primary report due
    April 26, 2016 Election date Primary election
    May 26, 2016 Campaign finance 30-day post-primary report due
    August 1, 2016 Ballot access Last day to file nomination petitions for the general election
    September 27, 2016 Campaign finance Sixth Tuesday pre-general report due
    October 28, 2016 Campaign finance Second Friday pre-general report due
    November 8, 2016 Election date General election
    December 8, 2016 Campaign finance 30-day post-general report due
    January 31, 2017 Campaign finance 2016 annual report due
    Source: Pennsylvania Department of State, "2016 Election Calendar," accessed January 11, 2016

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2016 Senate Race Ratings," accessed November 6, 2016
    2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2016 Senate," accessed November 6, 2016
    3. ↑ Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "Senate Ratings," accessed November 6, 2016
    4. ↑ Real Clear Politics, "Pennsylvania: Trump vs. Clinton vs. Johnson vs. Stein," accessed October 24, 2016
    5. ↑ Real Clear Politics, "Pennsylvania Senate - Toomey vs. McGinty," accessed October 24, 2016
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 The Los Angeles Times, "A Republican Senator's strategy to save his seat in one of the country's tightest races: Avoid Trump," accessed October 24, 2016
    7. ↑ The New York Times, "Patrick Toomey Wins Re-election in Pennsylvania Senate Race," accessed November 11, 2016
    8. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures Website, "State Primary Election Types," accessed January 6, 2014
    9. ↑ Fair Vote, "Congressional and Presidential Primaries: Open, Closed, Semi-Closed, and 'Top Two,'" accessed January 6, 2014
    10. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted December 26, 2013, through January 3, 2014, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
    11. ↑ Candidates are listed by party and alphabetically within each party.
    12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Pennsylvania Department of State, "Unofficial Candidate Listing – Pre Ballot Lottery," accessed February 17, 2016
    13. ↑ The Morning Call, "Qpoll: Pawlowski, Sestak top potential Dem challengers against Corbett," March 13, 2013
    14. ↑ ABC News, "Democrat Katie McGinty Running for US Senate in Pennsylvania," August 4, 2015
    15. ↑ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Braddock mayor to announce U.S. Senate bid," September 11, 2015
    16. ↑ Everett Stern for Senate, "Home," accessed August 16, 2016
    17. ↑ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Joe Sestak on the march toward the Senate," March 29, 2015
    18. ↑ ABC News, "McGinty, Toomey Quarrel Through Final Debate in Senate Race," accessed November 2, 2016
    19. ↑ 19.00 19.01 19.02 19.03 19.04 19.05 19.06 19.07 19.08 19.09 19.10 19.11 19.12 19.13 19.14 C-Span, "Pennsylvania Senate Debate," accessed October 23, 2016
    20. ↑ The Morning Call, "Qpoll: Pawlowski, Sestak top potential Dem challengers against Corbett," March 13, 2013
    21. ↑ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Joe Sestak on the march toward the Senate," March 29, 2015
    22. ↑ ABC News, "Democrat Katie McGinty Running for US Senate in Pennsylvania," August 4, 2015
    23. ↑ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Braddock mayor to announce U.S. Senate bid," September 11, 2015
    24. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed February 11, 2016
    25. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Unofficial Candidate Listing – Pre Ballot Lottery," accessed February 17, 2016
    26. ↑ The New York Times, "Pennsylvania Primary Results," April 26, 2016
    27. ↑ Roll Call, "DSCC Funding TV Ads to Help McGinty in Penn. Senate Primary," April 1, 2016
    28. ↑ The Washington Post, "Senate Democrats pour $1.1 million into boosting McGinty in Pa. primary against Sestak," April 6, 2016
    29. ↑ Pennlive.com, "Here's why I'm opposing Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination: Pat Toomey," April 15, 2016
    30. ↑ Toomey. Senate.gov, "Toomey will tell Judge Garland American people should weigh in," March 24, 2016
    31. ↑ Toomey.Senate.gov, "Toomey releases statement on nomination of Merrick Garland to Supreme Court," March 16, 2016
    32. ↑ PennLive.com, "Obamacare premiums take big jump in Pa." accessed October 23, 2016
    33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Sen. Pat Toomey: The TPP falls short," accessed October 23, 2016
    34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 PolitiFact, "Pat Toomey’s shifting stance on the Trans-Pacific Partnership," accessed October 23, 2016
    35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 Reuters, "In Pennsylvania Senate race, unfamiliar battle lines on gun rights," accessed October 24, 2016
    36. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4750 to HR 2578," accessed October 16, 2016
    37. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4720 to S Amdt 4685," accessed October 16, 2016
    38. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4749 to S Amdt 4720 (which amends S Amdt 4685)," accessed October 16, 2016
    39. ↑ Congress.gov, "S Amdt 4751 to S Amdt 4750," accessed October 16, 2016
    40. ↑ Congress.gov, S.Amdt.715 to S.649," accessed October 16, 2016
    41. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Amendment (Manchin Amdt. No. 715 )," accessed October 24, 2016
    42. ↑ Katie McGinty, "Gun Safety," accessed October 24, 2016
    43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 Daily Local News, "Libertarian candidate Edward Clifford offers another perspective in U.S. Senate race," accessed October 24, 2016
    44. ↑ Everett Stern, "The Second Amendment," accessed October 25, 2016
    45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    46. ↑ The Philadelphia Inquirer, "Pat Toomey denounces Trump, Clinton, but won't say who he will support," accessed October 10, 2016
    47. ↑ The Hill, "GOP senator facing reelection won't commit to Trump," accessed May 9, 2016
    48. ↑ Twitter, "Katie McGinty," accessed October 23, 2016
    49. ↑ Altoona Mirror, "Toomey better fit for state," accessed November 2, 2016
    50. ↑ The Tribune-Democrat, "Editorial Toomey deserves second term in U.S. Senate," accessed November 2, 2016
    51. ↑ PennLive.com, "For U.S. Senate, Republican Pat Toomey deserves re-election: Editorial," accessed November 2, 2016
    52. ↑ The Courier Times, "OUR ENDORSEMENT: Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate," accessed November 2, 2016
    53. ↑ The Intelligencer, "OUR ENDORSEMENT: Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate," accessed November 2, 2016
    54. ↑ 'York Daily Record, "YDR endorses Pat Toomey for US Senate (editorial)," accessed November 2, 2016
    55. ↑ CNN, "America finds its voice on gun safety," accessed September 27, 2016
    56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 Independence USA PAC, "Independence USA PAC Endorses Bipartisan Slate of Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania," accessed September 27, 2016
    57. ↑ Lancaster Online, "Our choice for the U.S. Senate," accessed November 2, 2016
    58. ↑ KatieMcGinty.com, "Three largest Northeast Pennsylvania newspapers endorse McGinty," accessed November 2, 2016
    59. ↑ The Inquirer, "Inquirer Editorial: Katie McGinty for the U.S. Senate," accessed November 2, 2016
    60. ↑ Early Returns, "Obama, Biden endorse McGinty in Pa. Senate primary," March 30, 2016
    61. ↑ Politics PA, "PA-Sen: Johnny Doc Backs McGinty," February 11, 2016
    62. ↑ Politics PA, "PA-Sen: AFSCME Endorses McGinty," February 5, 2016
    63. ↑ Politics PA, "PA-Sen: McGinty Wins Endorsement From SEIU," February 1, 2016
    64. ↑ The Morning Call, "In Senate race, Pa. Dems mull choices, Toomey raises cash for fall," January 28, 2016
    65. ↑ Politics PA, "PA-Sen: IBEW Endorses McGinty," November 23, 2015
    66. ↑ Roll Call, "Pennsylvania Governor Endorses in Crowded Democratic Senate Primary," September 28, 2015
    67. ↑ Politics PA, "PA-Sen: McGinty Wins USW Endorsement," August 5, 2015
    68. ↑ Philly.com, "Women's political group endorses McGinty," August 6, 2015
    69. ↑ Roll Call, "Katie McGinty Brings On Ed Rendell as Campaign Chairman (Updated)," August 10, 2015
    70. ↑ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Local Democratic officials to back McGinty for U.S. Senate," September 4, 2015
    71. ↑ PoliticsPA, "PA-Sen: ATU Endorses McGinty," accessed December 7, 2015
    72. ↑ The Morning Call, "U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright to host fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak next month," August 17, 2015
    73. ↑ United States Election Project, "Voter Turnout," accessed September 6, 2015
    74. ↑ United States Senate, "Party Division in the Senate, 1789-Present," accessed September 6, 2015
    75. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
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    Pennsylvania's current delegation to the United States Congress
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