Nov. 23—WILKES-BARRE — The 2024 election is over and in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it marks the end of the road for the three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Scranton.
Casey, 64, was defeated by Republican Dave McCormick, 59, who rode a huge red wave that rolled across Pennsylvania and the US
This week, Casey conceded the election and made a statement:
“I just called Dave McCormick to congratulate him on his election to represent Pennsylvania in the United States Senate. Now that the initial counting of ballots has been completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward knowing their voice was heard, whether or not their vote was the first cast. are counted or the last.
“This race was one of the closest in the history of our Commonwealth, with the decider of less than a quarter of a point. I am grateful to the thousands of people who worked to ensure every eligible vote could be counted, including election officials in all 67 counties.
“When a Pennsylvanian takes the time to cast a legal vote, often waiting in long lines and taking time away from work and family, they deserve to know their vote will count. That is democracy.
“I am proud of the work we have done since Election Day to empower voters across the state – regardless of who they voted for – and ensure that the democratic process could unfold. In just a few days, we built an organization of 350 employees across the state, along with more than a thousand volunteers, who helped more than 6,000 Pennsylvania voters create a plan to resolve minor issues with their ballot so their vote would are counted.
“From the 100-year-old woman in Butler County who voted in every election since she became eligible, to the 19-year-old in Montgomery County who cast her ballot for the very first time, we made sure those voices were heard. .
“And we have resisted efforts to silence and disenfranchise voters in every corner of the Commonwealth. Thanks to our work in the courts, the votes of nearly a thousand eligible voters in Philadelphia will be counted despite efforts to throw them out.
‘This work was important. And I am grateful to the many people who helped make this happen. As you know, no public official serves alone, and I have been blessed by the love and support of my wife Terese and our daughters Elyse. , Caroline, Julia and Marena, all these years.
“Every day I have served in public office, I have fought for workers, children, seniors, people with disabilities and our veterans in Pennsylvania. During that time, I was guided by an inscription on the Finance Building in Harrisburg: “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor.”
“Thank you for the trust you have placed in me all these years. It has been the honor of my life.”
After Casey’s concession, his campaign petitioned the State Department to halt ongoing recount efforts.
After completing two audits to ensure reported results are accurate, counties must certify election results by Nov. 25.
Local reactions
State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, was re-elected to a two-year term. He said it was a tremendous honor to serve as State Representative of the 121st Legislative District, and because of this position he had the “distinct pleasure and honor to serve and work with distinguished leaders like Senator Bob Casey.”
Pashinski also praised the US representative. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, who was defeated in his quest for a seventh term in Congress. Republican Rob Bresnahan of Dallas Township will take over the seat.
“My staff and I, as well as the Senator/Congressman’s staff, have worked together on numerous issues affecting the people we each represented,” Pashinski said. “Our relationship was very positive and we all eagerly looked forward to reaching out to each other to address any issues or situations in our attempt to reconcile a range of challenges in a positive way.”
Pashinski said that in addition to discussing issues and projects for the region and trying to get projects funded, he, Casey and Cartwright also discussed issues that directly affected different segments of the population.
“The only major issue we discussed and tried to improve was the tragic and sad circumstance of grandparents raising grandchildren,” Pashinski said. “I became aware of so many sad stories impacting thousands of grandfamilies across our state by meeting several grandparents who shared their stories and challenges, which then led to the creation of the Advocacy Fund for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (AF4GRG), here in Luzerne County .”
Pashinski said “these wonderful grandparents” began organizing and bringing other grandparents in the same situation, along with various government agencies, community organizations and nonprofits to meet to hear and understand the challenges of raising their grandchildren. He said they then came up with methods and solutions to address their concerns and needs.
“Because of the AF4GRG and the countless meetings, discussions and hearings we have held, several pieces of legislation have been developed, presented to and passed by both the PA House of Representatives and our PA Senate, and signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf .” said Pashinski. “Senator Casey, his staff, the members of the AF4GRG, my staff were involved in a series of discussions that led to Senator Casey introducing his bipartisan Grandfamily Housing Act, which would fund the maintenance and retrofit of intergenerational housing and provide supportive services to extended families and kinship families.”
Pashinski said Casey also improved the financial security of many of the extended families by expanding access to benefits and giving staff the expertise to use the resource guide to guide these families in the right direction.
Pashinski said Casey has also helped finance projects in several NEPA counties – one of those critically important projects was the new LCTA Transportation Center on Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilkes-Barre.
“This center provides excellent service at a lower cost to all our citizens who rely on this essential service,” Pashinski said. “Senator Casey and Representative Cartwright have also worked hard to secure money from the Biden Infrastructure Bill to begin funding the very important Scranton to New York rail transit project and ultimately, after years of meetings, negotiations and acquiring the finances to fund this important connection to our great city neighbor, this project is on track for completion.”
In addition to both Casey and Cartwright being committed to helping NEPA and all of Pennsylvania, Pashinski said the two lawmakers have always been concerned about all the people they represent.
“Their open-door policy with my office and so many local leaders created a positive and productive atmosphere that yielded a host of positive results,” Pashinski said. “They are both wonderful, highly capable and caring leaders and will certainly be missed. There are no words to adequately express my sincere respect and admiration for both of these great leaders in government.”
Romilda Crocamo, district manager of Luzerne
“From advocating for access to health care to championing services for our seniors, Senator Casey has consistently worked to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians.
“His efforts to support education, protect survivors of domestic violence and advance social justice have had a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his tireless efforts.
“Thank you, Senator Casey, for your dedication to our great state. Your services are deeply appreciated by many, and your legacy will inspire generations to come.”
Mayor Mike Lombardo, Pittston
“Senator Casey has had a significant impact in many areas when it comes to the region.
“Recently, the Senator played a critical role in securing $18 million in federal transportation dollars to help replace two bridges that serve as vital connections here in Greater Pittston.”
US Senator John Fetterman
“This affects me.
“It has been a great honor to have Bob Casey as a colleague, friend and mentor.
“His legacy is a better Pennsylvania.
“While serving the PA for nearly two decades, he fought for working Pennsylvanians and unions, rural communities, seniors and people with disabilities – for all of us.
“Bob Casey was, is and always will be Pennsylvania’s best senator.”
Newly elected Senator McCormick thanks Casey
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick this week thanked Senator Bob Casey for his years of service to the Commonwealth after Casey McCormick called and conceded the race for U.S. Senate:
“Senator Bob Casey has dedicated his career to improving our Commonwealth. Dina and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Senator Casey, Terese and their family for their decades of service, hard work and personal sacrifice.
“I am deeply honored to represent every Pennsylvania citizen in the United States Senate and will fight for you every day. Thank you!”
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
