The PA 16th Congressional District is in play. The reason: a proposed huge natural gas pipeline passing through dark-red Lancaster County has caused many life-long die-hard Republicans to be very afraid for the potential damage to their property and livelihoods. As a result, some of them are now willing to vote for a Democrat for the first time.
Conventional wisdom has the PA 16th as a historic GOP stronghold. Its incumbent, 9 term right-wing Republican congressman, Joe Pitts has won recent elections with a 20% margin of victory. However three things have changed: a) The recent redistricting increased the percentage of Democratic voters; b) The pipeline has severely weakened Republican support for the incumbent in Lancaster County; and c) the Democratic challenger, Tom Houghton (pronounced How-ton) is an excellent candidate.
Joe Pitts has refused to take a position on the pipeline. Also he has not shown up at any of the many meetings held on the pipeline. Many interpret this behavior as being for the pipeline. Furthermore, he has taken a $15,000 campaign contribution from the Williams Company, the company proposing the pipeline.
Tom Houghton has made the pipeline the single issue of his campaign. He is working to make this election a referendum on the pipeline. He has found that the pipeline is a game changer. Polling results confirm his observation.
In a poll conducted by PPP, when voters heard a neutral bio of Pitts and Houghton, Pitts led by only five points, 42-37. But after they heard of Pitts’ support of this proposed gas pipeline project, 19% of the Lancaster County Republicans swung toward Houghton, and the race ends up tied 41-41.
About two weeks ago, a poll was taken on Pitts’ behalf. The results of this poll were not released. If the polling results had been favorable to Pitts, they would have been released. The conclusion is that it showed that Houghton was competitive.
Tom Houghton needs help funding his campaign in the next 4 weeks. The funds will be used to widely publicize his position on the pipeline. The national Sierra Club has endorsed his candidacy. Click HERE to donate, in any amount from $5 up to the Federal limit of $2,600. With your help, he can win this critical election against this extreme right-wing Republican.