Our choices for Delaware County Council

I continue to be intrigued at what is happening in Delco politics.

There are now more registered Democrats than Republicans in Delco. I know, the McClure clan must be rolling over in their graves.

Back when they ran the county through the old GOP War Board, they enjoyed a voter registration edge that approached 3-1.

Times have changed.

So have voting patterns. Delaware County now routinely goes Democratic in presidential elections. In fact, they haven't backed the GOP standard-bearer since lining up behind George Bush the elder in his landslide win over Michael Dukakis in 1988.

But while Democrats have had some success in some municipalities - and even wrested the 7th District seat in Congress from Curt Weldon - only to see it go right back when Joe Sestak decided to challenge Arlen Specter - there is one almight fortress they have not been able to penetrate.

That, of course, would be the Delaware County Courthouse.

No Democrat has sat on the Delaware County Council since the Home Rule Charter was changed in the mid-'70s. I don't expect that to change.

Sure, Democrats now enjoy a 664-vote margin. That doesn't necessarily equate to victory.

These off-year elections depend on turnout. Since voters usually stay away from the polls in droves in these municipal elections, the races largely come down to who can motivate their base and get their voters to the polls.

That's where the Delco GOP has the clear edge.

I'll be stunned if a Democrat is able to win any of the county-wide seats up for grabs on Nov. 5. Of course, they could always prove me wrong. I'm not going to hold my breath.

Just in case you're interested, we have made our endorsements in the County Council race. You can see who we like here.

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