The 2024 election may be over, but Pennsylvania is keeping the chaos alive. Just when you thought the dust had settled, we’re right back in the thick of election drama—this time starring Bob Casey, Dave McCormick, and a cast of Democratic officials who treat court rulings like suggestions instead of, you know, the law.
Donald Trump cruised to a second term, trouncing Kamala Harris, but Pennsylvania’s Senate race remains the Democrats’ last-ditch melodrama. Republican Dave McCormick won the race—or so says the Associated Press and those pesky things called vote counts. McCormick is ahead by a whopping 26,000 votes, yet incumbent Democrat Bob Casey refuses to concede. His demand? Count every vote. Where have we heard this before?
Here’s where things get comically infuriating. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled before the election that mail-in ballots missing required signatures or dates don’t count. Pretty simple, right? Not in Democrat-run counties like Philadelphia, Bucks, and Montgomery. Officials there have decided the court’s ruling doesn’t apply to them because, apparently, following the law is optional when it doesn’t suit their agenda.
It gets better—or worse, depending on your tolerance for absurdity. Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a Democrat, actually admitted during a public meeting that court rulings don’t matter anymore.
“I think we all know that precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country,” she said, with the kind of straight face that should win an award. “People violate laws anytime they want. So, for me, if I violate this law, it’s because I want a court to pay attention. There’s nothing more important than counting votes.”
Really, Diane? Nothing is more important than counting votes? How about counting legal votes? Or respecting voters who played by the rules? This isn’t about democracy—it’s about bending the system to keep Casey in his seat and Democrats in power.
What’s Actually at Stake?
The McCormick-Casey race is more than just another Senate seat; it’s a symbolic endnote to Trump’s decisive victory and the Republican Party’s momentum. With the GOP already holding a Senate majority, this race won’t tip the balance of power, but it’s a prime example of Democrats’ desperation to cling to their dwindling influence.
The recount triggered by Pennsylvania law will cost taxpayers an estimated $1 million. That’s $1 million down the drain because Democrats refuse to accept a loss. And let’s be clear: this isn’t about “every vote matters.” It’s about counting ballots that the courts deemed illegal.
Meanwhile, mainstream media outlets are conveniently silent. Imagine if Republican counties were pulling this stunt—CNN and The New York Times would be running wall-to-wall coverage about “the death of democracy.” But since it’s Democrats? Crickets.
The Bigger Picture
Election integrity isn’t just a talking point; it’s the backbone of our system. When courts make rulings, those rulings must be respected. When officials openly defy the law, they undermine trust in elections and sow chaos for future contests.
And let’s not ignore the precedent this sets. If Democrats can flaunt the rules in 2024, what’s stopping anyone else from doing the same in 2028? The idea that laws apply only when they’re convenient is a slippery slope—and one that erodes the very foundation of our democracy.
What Happens Now?
The recount is underway, but the question looms: Will Pennsylvania officials honor the court’s ruling, or will they continue their rogue act? Their decision will be a litmus test for the state’s commitment to election integrity—or lack thereof.
One thing’s certain: Americans are fed up. Trump’s victory and the GOP’s gains in Congress send a clear message that voters are done with the games and corruption. If Democrats want to keep doubling down on their law-ignoring antics, they do so at their own peril. After all, voters have long memories—and Pennsylvania may just be writing the playbook for how to lose even harder next time.