Democrats have been hoping, and Republicans fearing, that a hard-right, Tea Party-based GOP would squander its many advantages heading into this fall’s elections in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. This week’s primary results suggest that fear—if it remains real—may be somewhat exaggerated.
Victories by Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina in California, much like Tom Corbett’s relatively smooth ride to the GOP nomination in Pennsylvania, suggest a moderate, down-to-business attitude that may sell well in a country tired of posturing and anxious for substantive results. Even Scott Brown, elected with Tea Party support in Massachusetts, has proved himself surprisingly moderate.
There are counter-trends as well (Rand Paul stand out in particular), but the overall pattern is not especially threatening.
The rise of Republican women, including Whitman, Fiorina, and Nikki Haley in South Carolina, is another interesting trend. Anyone who attends local Republican events knows that much of the emotional and organizational energy comes from women, especially those who are active in nonprofit organizations (churches, schools, etc) and the business community. Pennsylvania has historically been slow to recognize female candidates, the state GOP even more so.
Maybe it’s time to catch up.