US Elections / The importance of Erie County in Pennsylvania in the presidential race

2024-11-04 16:29:51, Kosova & Bota CNA

US Elections / The importance of Erie County in Pennsylvania in the presidential

In the US presidential elections, special attention is paid to Erie County, in Pennsylvania. The reason for this is that in the last four presidential races, the candidate who won this district was also the winner of the election race in the United States, gaining the status as a predictor of the race for the White House. However, as VOA correspondent Steve Herman reports over the past decade, the gap between the winner and the loser has narrowed.

“Erie County, you are special. Your vote often predicts the winner of the presidential election," says Kamala Harris, Democratic presidential candidate.

She addressed her supporters weeks after Republican rival Donald Trump held his rally in the city.

"If she wins, it wouldn't be a nice situation for me, but I'm not too worried about it. We have work to do. We can't let him win," Trump said.

Democrats traditionally dominate the city of Erie. This time, though, they're taking nothing for granted, pushing for maximum turnout in both the city and county, says local Democratic chapter chairman Sam Talarico.

"There is no more time to convince people who to vote for. We are now working to encourage our regular supporters to get out and vote. For this, nothing else works better than going door to door and contacting people directly", Mr. Talarico.

Meanwhile, the Republicans prevail in the peripheral areas.

Linda Pezzino heads the office of former President Trump's campaign team in Corry, County. She says she has spent sleepless nights worrying about the fate of the Republican candidate in this election.

“However, I suddenly began to think; 'He's winning. He's going to win Pennsylvania,'' Ms. Pezzino says.

Erie County has long struggled economically, regardless of which party is in power. Many factories were closed, jobs were lost and people left.

However, a recent economic revival is attracting tourists for a variety of activities, from boat trips to vineyard tours to sample different types of wine.

Mario Mazza manages the vineyard, which has been owned by his family for two generations. He says the harsh language the candidates are using doesn't help his industry, which relies on foreign migrant workers.

"Without workers, agriculture in this country will stagnate. I think everyone involved in the food industry knows and understands this," he says.

Some of the population that Erie County lost has been replaced by large influxes of Puerto Ricans and Hispanic immigrants. Leida Rodriguez, owner of the restaurant 'La Cocina Coqui' says that her customers want a president who will put an end to inflation.

"The cost of food and rents have increased. Voters are looking for a solution and who helps them," says Ms. Rodriguez.

Democratic candidate Harris appears to benefit from the increase in residents who are registered to vote and the organization of Democrats in the area. However, the Gannon University history professor says that assessment no longer holds.

"Before Trump's entry into politics, the assessment was that 'the Democrats will win because they are organized. They have over ten employees in an area that has only 200 thousand inhabitants. This commitment will undoubtedly pay off'. But, this assessment falls down when it is taken into account that the rival is Donald Trump, who has changed the rules of American politics", says Professor Bloodworth.

Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing, they are worried about the fate of these elections that both parties say they must win./ VOA