POTTSVILLE -- Tuesday’s Election Day is just around the corner. Voters in the keystone state will decided whether to keep the current governor, Republican Tom Corbett, or to go with the Democratic candidate, Tom Wolf.
According to election records, one county in northeastern Pennsylvania has a pretty good track record of picking the person who ultimately heads to Harrisburg.
In Schuylkill County, workers at the both the Democratic and Republican campaign headquarters were making that last minute push to get people to the polls.
With voters deciding who will be Pennsylvania`s next governor, the hope is to see a good voter turnout on Election Day.
“I`m hearing the prognosticators call for a low turnout and our people are out shaking the bushes, making sure that doesn`t happen,” said Hugh Reilley, the chairman of the Schuylkill County Democratic Party.
“We`re doing doors, making calls every single day, and we`re getting very good feedback,” said Ron Downey, the chairman of the Pottsville Republican Party.
Voters will choose whether the incumbent, Republican Tom Corbett, gets four more years as governor or if that job should go to the Democratic challenger Tom Wolf.
In Schuylkill County, voters appear to have a bit of a magic touch at the polls, by seeming to predict the outcomes of gubernatorial races.
State records show that Schuylkill County has voted for the winner in every gubernatorial election since 1986.
Why that is, is anyone`s guess.
“I think the Democrats here in Schuylkill County tend to be a little more conservative than the national trends and the Republicans tend to be more liberal. We`re more moderate, I believe and I think that`s why we`re a good bellwether,” said Reilley.
“Must be something in the water or the Yuengling beer,” said Joe Leashefski of Minersville.
Still folks here say it shows their county has an impact.
“It`s a big deal. You pick that right governor, make things happen,” said Peter McNeil of Pottsville.
“It`s nice to know that every vote counts and Schuylkill County`s getting recognized for something,” said Leashefski.
Whether Schuylkill County keeps this gubernatorial winning streak will be decided on Election Day.
