ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Muhlenberg College political science professor Chris Borick said incumbents normally have an enormous advantage in American politics.
He said they struggled this election in a way they normally do not.
“To see a number of high-profile incumbents lose and Democrats in this case was striking in terms of this election cycle,” said Borick.
Among those who lost are Democratic House members Susan Wild and Matt Cartwright.
Republicans swept in a number of seats– Pennsylvania, he said, is no exception.
“Some of it is based on districts. Districts like the 7th, the 8th are very competitive in terms of the partisan mix and so if you do get a cycle that tends to have a little bit of a wave, a little bit of a coattail for one party, it can carry some individuals,” said Borick.
“I think primarily the Republicans who win on this round in Pennsylvania are really winning because of Trump’s coattails,” said John Kincaid, a professor of government and public service at Lafayette College.
Eyes have been on a tight race between incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate.
That one may not be officially decided before the end of the week, as Casey looks to hold onto a seat he has held since 2007.
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