Concerns arise among Democrats over potential impact of Pennsylvania state party’s recent setbacks on 2024 races.

Democrats Concerned About ​Pennsylvania ​Democratic Party’s Setbacks

Liberal⁤ leaders in Pennsylvania are growing increasingly worried about the state Democratic ​Party’s lack of organization ⁣and⁤ financial ⁢support. These setbacks could have a ⁢significant impact‌ on the party’s chances of​ success in the upcoming 2024 ⁣elections.

Key Battleground State at Stake

Pennsylvania, being a⁤ key battleground state, ⁤holds immense importance ​in ⁤the presidential race, Senate race, and state ​Supreme Court contest. The state Democratic Party’s unpreparedness for the⁤ road ahead is raising⁢ concerns‌ among Democratic‌ strategists and candidates.

“It’s concerning that the state party is laying people off‍ as⁢ we’re heading into a really​ important Supreme⁢ Court race, which then leads into⁣ the presidential year,”⁢ said Mike Mikus, a Pittsburgh-based⁤ Democratic consultant. “They’re going to ‌have to figure out a path forward to build their⁤ own‍ fundraising operation, and​ it sounds like there’s⁤ a lot of ‌building​ to be done right now.”

According to Politico, the party has been displaying signs of “amateur hour,” with ‍reports of⁢ layoffs and a ⁢lack of funds. The state Democratic Party laid off many employees in July, ⁢and one of ⁣its political‌ action committees had a meager $7,500​ in ​the bank as of early June.

The party ⁣has also faced‌ difficulties with national Democratic committees, causing frustration among national officials. Contracts needed to ​coordinate fundraising took longer than anticipated to complete, ⁣causing ‌delays ⁤and hindrances.

In September, the party plans ‌to hold the Independence Dinner, a ‍major fundraising event.​ However, the ⁣initial invitation’s QR code to purchase tickets was broken, causing ​further ⁤concerns about⁣ the party’s organizational capabilities.

Recent incidents, such as the printing of thousands of cards with the incorrect election⁢ date, have raised questions ⁢about the competency of state​ leaders. Such disorganization could impact the party’s ability to appeal to voters, especially in an election cycle where Republicans ‍are targeting vulnerable Democrats.

Despite these concerns, State party ⁤Chairman Sharif⁤ Street remains confident in the ‍party’s stability. He highlighted a $700,000 grant from democracyFIRST, ⁢which allowed the hiring of 20 organizers, and the Pennsylvania Democrats’ federal PAC, which has ⁢almost $200,000 cash on‍ hand.

However, some Democrats remain skeptical​ of Street’s leadership. Layoffs, including the co-director for the campaign for the judicial election‌ and a political​ aide, have raised doubts about‍ the party’s ability to sway voters in Pennsylvania’s high ‍court race.

Joe Corrigan,⁢ a Pennsylvania Democratic strategist, expressed doubts about the party’s ‌ability to handle the upcoming elections, particularly in terms ⁤of⁣ staff and fundraising.

“I don’t see anyone that can ⁢handle the level of ⁤speed and complexity ⁤and attention ⁢to detail needed to ensure that paid communications ‌are put in front of voters in a timely⁣ way,” Corrigan said.

With a lack of staff, fundraising opportunities have also been affected. Some ⁣officials have ⁣noticed a decrease ⁤in fundraising emails since the party split ​from ⁤SB Digital,⁢ a digital‌ fundraising firm.

Despite the concerns, Street ‍remains confident in his strategy and points to the‍ party’s successes in the⁤ 2022 midterms.⁤ However, some within the party are not convinced and believe that changes need to be made to ensure future success.

Politics, like⁤ sports,⁣ is a game of wins⁣ and losses. While Street⁣ believes ​in his​ record,⁢ the concerns raised by Democrats cannot be ignored. ⁢The Pennsylvania Democratic Party‌ must address ​these setbacks to secure‍ a strong position in the upcoming elections.

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The ⁢Washington Examiner reached out to Pennsylvania Democrats’ Communications Director Jack Doyle ‍for comment.