November 10, 2024
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has declined to invite Pennsylvania Senator-elect Dave McCormick to the upcoming Senate orientation, citing over 100,000 outstanding ballots in the Pennsylvania Senate race. This decision comes despite the Associated Press (AP) projecting McCormick as the winner over incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., with McCormick currently holding a lead of more than 30,000 votes.
A Schumer spokesperson explained the decision, stating, “With over 100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided. As is custom, we will invite the winner once the votes are counted.”
Several Republican senators criticized Schumer’s decision on social media. National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., called the move “outrageous and a disservice to Pennsylvania,” while Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., said, “The idea that Schumer would not allow [McCormick] to participate in Senate orientation is beyond unacceptable.”
The race, which was considered a toss-up, saw significant voter turnout and drew national attention. However, Casey’s campaign maintains that outstanding provisional ballots and votes from military and overseas voters, particularly from areas that have previously favored Casey, could potentially impact the final result. A spokesperson for Casey stated, “Pennsylvanians deserve to have their voices heard, and as state officials have made clear, counties across Pennsylvania need more time to tabulate remaining votes.”
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt has also emphasized the importance of counting every ballot, estimating there are over 100,000 ballots remaining to be processed. “We urge patience as election workers continue to do this important work, especially in contests where the margins are very close,” Schmidt said.
Some critics argue that Casey’s path to overcoming McCormick’s lead is unlikely given the type of ballots that remain uncounted. Pennsylvania Republican strategist Mark Harris suggested that “the votes for Casey to win are just not there.”
In response to Schumer’s decision, outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., referred to McCormick as “Senator-Elect David McCormick” in a social media post, breaking with his caucus by acknowledging McCormick’s likely win.
Schumer’s spokesperson noted that Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who is in a still-uncalled race in Arizona, was also not invited to orientation, citing the unresolved nature of his race as well. They also referenced Sen. Al Franken’s close 2008 election, where Franken did not attend orientation until a recount was completed, although McCormick’s lead is far larger than Franken’s narrow margin.
With tension growing over McCormick’s orientation status, the decision has sparked debate over transparency and protocol, as Republicans accuse Schumer and the Democrats of delaying recognition of McCormick’s victory.
Sources:
- Fox News Digital. (2024). “Senate Majority Leader Schumer blocks McCormick from orientation, citing ballot count.”
- Associated Press. (2024). “AP projects Dave McCormick winner in Pennsylvania Senate race.”
- Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt’s Office
