County Democrats unfazed by losses
In the face of local-level losses, area Democrats emerged from Tuesday's election feeling newly optimistic about their party's standing and future in Butler County.
About 50 Democrats gathered for dinner at Compadres Mexican Restaurant in Center Township Wednesday night to discuss election results and decompress after the end of campaign season.
Catherine Lalonde, the county's Democratic chairwoman, spoke to the crowd. Even in the rather Republican-leaning Butler County, she used words of hope, not defeat, after Tuesday's election.
“I think we have made some good inroads,” Lalonde said. “A lot of people in this room tonight are new to this. We're meeting more people, and I think there is more energy now among Democrats in Butler County.”
The evening's conversations all started the same. Organizers were disappointed Tuesday by a close race lost by Ron DiNicola to incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly for the new 16th Congressional District seat. They were bothered by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe's victory over Daniel Smith in the 12th Legislative District.
But, as Chris Reiger told the crowd, for the first time in years the Democrat candidates were competitive. Reiger ran against DiNicola in the primary then joined the candidate's efforts in the general election.
“Metcalfe and Kelly,” Reiger said, “had their tightest margins ever.”
The politico seemed satisfied with his party's efforts. He pointed to Erie, which voted Republican in 2016, as a potential Democratic stronghold that could help Democrats unseat Kelly in a future race.
“I have never been more optimistic,” he said. “You can't take back your democracy in one night.”
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